Was It Chance? cover art

Was It Chance?

Was It Chance?

By: Alan Seales Heather Vickery & Broadway Podcast Network
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About this listen

 People talk about manifestation as a thing that you can just think into existence. Unfortunately, it’s not that easy. When it comes to making your creative dreams come true, what really matters is putting yourself in a position to thoughtfully and intelligently take advantage of the opportunities presented to you. And sometimes these opportunities show up in very unexpected ways. We’re Heather Vickery and Alan Seales, two perfect strangers who met by chance and embraced opportunity! Listen in as we chat with other successful people about the risks they took, and continue taking, to put themselves on a path to creative success. WAS IT CHANCE? The podcast about embracing opportunity and taking intentional risks for your creative life.Alan Seales, Heather Vickery & Broadway Podcast Network Art Entertainment & Performing Arts Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • #94 - Victoria Christopher Murray: An Overnight Sensation After 25 Years

    #94 - Victoria Christopher Murray: An Overnight Sensation After 25 Years
    Jul 22 2025
    Victoria Christopher Murray always knew she was born to be a writer—she was literally introduced as one at the age of seven when her second-grade class performed her first play. That moment sparked a lifelong passion, even if it took decades to pursue professionally. Now a New York Times bestselling author with more than 30 books under her belt, Victoria’s work blends powerful storytelling with faith, moral conflict, and deeply rooted historical truths. Her historical fiction—including the breathtaking Harlem Rhapsody—shines a light on extraordinary Black women who have been erased from the pages of history. In this candid, funny, and deeply moving conversation, Victoria shares the circuitous path that led her from corporate success to full-time author, the invaluable support of her late husband, and how she guerrilla-marketed her way into a major publishing deal. She talks about the creative joy (and challenge!) of co-authoring with Marie Benedict, immersing herself in research by living in Harlem, and her unwavering belief that it’s never too late to chase your purpose. Victoria’s art is her resistance, and this episode is full of wisdom, inspiration, and a little bit of magic. Connect with Victoria: 📚 Website: victoriachristophermurray.com 📘 Instagram & Facebook: @victoriachristophermurray 🎬 Watch her Lifetime movies based on The Seven Deadly Sins series 📖 Read Harlem Rhapsody, The Personal Librarian, and more wherever books are sold Connect with us: 📩 Email us at ⁠⁠wasitchancepodcast@gmail.com⁠ 🎧 Follow Was It Chance? on your favorite podcast platform 📱 Connect with us on ⁠TikTok⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ✨ More about Heather at her ⁠⁠website⁠⁠, ⁠subscribe to her Substack⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠, ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, and more EPISODE TAKEAWAYS You can’t write a book in your head—start with just one word a day History untold is history erased—write what deserves to be remembered Your dream isn't just for you; it's meant to serve and inspire others It’s never too late: Victoria hit the NYT bestseller list at 65 Mistakes ≠ failure—learning from them is how we grow Guerrilla marketing 101: postcards, bookstores, and creative hustle Collaboration can unlock new creative superpowers Your path may not be linear—but it's always right on time Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    56 mins
  • #93 - Laura Wood: Therapy, Romance, and Embracing the Chaos

    #93 - Laura Wood: Therapy, Romance, and Embracing the Chaos
    Jul 8 2025
    This week’s guest is the brilliantly charming and very British Laura Wood — author of 17 (yes, seventeen!) books including her newest adult rom-com, Let’s Make a Scene. Laura is a screenwriter, novelist, unapologetic romantic, and former PhD student whose creative journey started as the ultimate procrastination project. In this episode, we dig into how a last-minute writing contest entry changed her entire life, the difference between writing for adults and young readers, and why procrastination might just be a secret creative superpower. Laura opens up about her writing process (spoiler: she’s a speed demon), her love of dual timelines, and what it really takes to create effortless, seamless storytelling. We also get into why blank pages are terrifying, how she structures her novels like a mad genius, and how therapy — both real and fictional — shapes her characters. This conversation is part author confessional, part comedy, and part creative masterclass. Also, someone please get Laura to Costa Rica. Connect with Laura: 📚 Check out her latest book Let’s Make a Scene 🌐 More about Laura: https://laurawoodauthor.com 📸 Follow her on Instagram: @lauraclarewood Connect with the Hosts & Show: 📩 Email us at ⁠⁠wasitchancepodcast@gmail.com⁠🎧 Follow Was It Chance? on your favorite podcast platform 📱 Connect with us on ⁠TikTok⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠✨ More about Heather at her ⁠⁠website⁠⁠, subscribe to her ⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠, and follow her on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠YouTube EPISODE TAKEAWAYS: Sometimes procrastination leads to brilliance — and publishing deals.A blank page is the enemy, but structure can be salvation. Therapy isn’t just healing; it can also be hilarious and plot gold. Adulting doesn’t mean the end of coming-of-age. Celebrate your wins. Don’t let the goalposts keep moving without you. Creative success isn’t about one big break — it’s built slowly, consistently, and authentically. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 24 mins
  • #92 - Serena Burdick: When Your Grandmother’s Nude Sparks a Novel

    #92 - Serena Burdick: When Your Grandmother’s Nude Sparks a Novel
    Jun 17 2025
    USA Today bestselling author Serena Burdick is living proof that creative success doesn’t follow a straight line. In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, Serena shares how her journey from aspiring actor to celebrated novelist came with plenty of unexpected twists—including returning to waiting tables in her 40s while raising kids and chasing her dream. With honesty and humor, she opens up about the realities of artistic life, the power of resilience, and the value of believing in your own story—especially when others don’t see it yet. We dive into Serena’s new book, A Promise to Arlette, and the fascinating real-life inspiration behind it—her grandmother’s connection to avant-garde photographer Man Ray and a long-lost nude photograph that sparked a fictional journey through postwar France and conservative 1950s America. Serena talks about balancing fiction with history, channeling her theatrical background into richly drawn characters, and navigating the emotional tightrope of writing stories that sometimes go to very dark places. This is a must-listen for anyone who's ever wanted to rewrite their own story. Connect with Serena Burdick: 📘 Buy A Promise to Arlette anywhere books are sold 🖋️ Follow Serena on Instagram: @serenaburdick 📚 Learn more at Zibby Media to purchase signed copies and support indie authors Connect with the Hosts & Show: 🎧 Follow Was It Chance on your favorite podcast platform 📱 Connect with us on ⁠TikTok⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ✨ More about Heather at her ⁠⁠website⁠⁠, ⁠⁠subscribe to her Substack⁠⁠, and follow her on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Your first creative dream doesn’t have to be your last Failure is part of the process—and can sometimes lead to unexpected wins Historical fiction is a powerful tool for preserving and imagining untold stories Creative careers often require privilege and sacrifice—acknowledge both Be open to feedback, but stay grounded in your artistic voice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 8 mins

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