In this episode of the Florida Writer Podcast, host Alison Nissen chats with prolific writer and cartoonist Ryan Estrada about the art of comic book writing, including the importance of pacing, concise storytelling, and creative challenges. Ryan shares insights from his experience co-creating Banned Book Club with his wife, Kim Hyun Sook, and illustrator Ko Hyung-Ju, a graphic novel based on Kim's real-life experiences in 1980s Korea. They also dive into the timely issue of book banning, with Banned Book Club itself being banned in several U.S. states, yet still celebrated globally in schools and libraries. Ryan discusses his research process, life in South Korea, and his diverse interests and accomplishments as a storyteller.

Ryan Estrada is an artist, author, and adventurer. His books include Banned Book Club, No Rules Tonight, Occulted, and the Student Ambassador series. He has made comics for Star Trek, Popeye, Flash Gordon, and Garfield.

He was a gator wrangler in America, an ambassador to Australia, an undocumented animator in Canada, a ghostbuster in South Korea, a Bollywood voiceover actor in India, wandered Kim Jong Il's secret tunnels to North Korea, slept on a bench in a typhoon in Japan, dug toilets in Thailand, did an accidental illegal border crossing into Burma, made road comics in Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Laos, Vietnam and The Philippines, documentaries in Colombia and Ecuador, and podcasts in Malaysia, ran with the bulls in Mexico, barely escaped being eaten by lions in Kenya, fainted atop Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, got caught in a Peruvian coca war, lived in a Costa Rican rainforest and a Panamanian volcano.

Alison Nissen is a story strategist and ghostwriter who has taught collegiate composition and literature classes for over two decades. Alison was the winner of the 2016 Royal Palm Literary Awards Unpublished Autobiography/Memoir for Resolve, Courage, Hope. Alison is passionate about helping writers find and tell their stories to change the world with authority and authenticity on the stage, in small groups, or one-on-one.

​Florida Writers Association (FWA) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit; it embraces the diversity of its membership from across the state of Florida, the nation, and the globe. We celebrate our differences and are united in our shared love for the written and spoken word.

Our motto, “Writers Helping Writers,” is demonstrated daily by our volunteers.

On this Florida Writer Podcast, host Alison Nissen welcomes Kevin M. Hall. Wondering if his kids would remember their family stories, Kevin wrote a short story for them as a Christmas gift. His grandsons’ reaction inspired him to write multiple books, blending history with memoir to capture the moments of his life in context with the world.

Kevin M. Hall joyfully adopts the titles of dad, grandpa, and papa. Residing with his wife in Rush, NY—a suburb of Rochester—he is a family man with two married children, six grandchildren, and a beloved dog named Pal.

His career spanned over 40 years in the private sector, during which he secured a US Patent, was featured in Forbes magazine, authored several white papers, and received numerous accolades for his contributions.

Now retired and contemplating his next chapter, he turned to writing. In 2022, he published his first two memoir/history books. When queried about his motivation to write, he replies, "It was the persistent curiosity of my grandchildren, always asking, 'What was it like when you were young, grandpa?'"

For his third book, he interviewed a range of fascinating individuals, sharing their extraordinary and inspiring tales—some bordering on the miraculous. One Certified Buyer comments: Have you ever been in a situation where you get a tingling sensation telling you something extraordinary is happening? This book took me through an interesting journey of some astounding stories and other smaller tales of wonder in day-to-day life.

Alison Nissen is an author, podcaster, ghostwriter, professor, and co-founder who battles dog hair and laundry. Learn more about her at RevelCoachStory.com.

Founded in 2001, the Florida Writers Association (FWA) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization that embraces the diversity of its membership from across the state of Florida, the nation, and the globe. We celebrate our differences and are united in our shared love for the written and spoken word.

Our volunteers demonstrate our motto, "Writers Helping Writers," daily.

#floridawriters #amwriting #writerslife #podcast #revelcoach #writeyourbooknow

In this episode of the Florida Writer Podcast, host Alison Nissen chats with author Andy N, who shares insights from his diverse writing journey. Andy has penned ten full-length novels, including Changing Carriages at Birmingham, New Street, a poignant love story, and a memoir detailing his struggles with diabetes. His debut novel, Birth, explores the life of a 16-year-old aspiring artist, set in a familiar backdrop that blends fictional characters with real-life elements.

Andy also discusses his musical background, highlighting the connection between music and poetry, particularly in their rhythmic qualities. Currently, he is working on a sequel titled Death, which continues the narrative from Birth, as well as a new project called Ghosts, which delves into ghost stories and our relationship with the landscapes we inhabit. The conversation wraps up with Alison expressing gratitude for Andy's insights, making for an engaging and thoughtful discussion on the intersection of writing, music, and personal experience.

Andy N is the author of ten full-length poetry collections, the last two being 'From the Diabetic Ward Volume 1' and 'Changing carriages at Birmingham New Street' and numerous split poetry books, including 'run away with Me in 7 Words' with his wife Amanda Steel (Also known as Amanda Nicholson) He is the co-host of Chorlton Cum Hardy's always-welcoming Spoken Word Open Mic Night which meets on the 1st Thursday of each month, and he does ambient music under the name of Ocean in a Bottle (and side ambient projects such as Polly Ocean and Mandy in a Bottle). He is also the host and the creator of 'Spoken Label', a poet, writer, and artist Podcast series also, the paranormal, supernatural, and plain spooky Podcast series with his wife Amanda Nicholson 'Cloaked in the Shadows'. His official website is onewriterandhispc.blogspot.co.uk/ and he is always interested in undertaking performing / new projects. His email address is aen1mpo@yahoo.co.uk

Alison Nissen is a story strategist and ghostwriter who has taught collegiate composition and literature classes for over two decades. Alison was the winner of the 2016 Royal Palm Literary Awards Unpublished Autobiography/Memoir for Resolve, Courage, Hope. Alison is passionate about helping writers find and tell their stories to change the world with authority and authenticity on the stage, in small groups, or one-on-one.

​Alison has interviewed over 1500 authors, leaders, entrepreneurs, and coaches on her Florida Writer Podcast and REVEL COACH+Conversations.

Our motto, “Writers Helping Writers,” is demonstrated daily by our volunteers.

On this Florida Writer Podcast, host Alison Nissen chats with Marc Crail, a debut author in his seventies who began writing during the pandemic. His first book, Tales Out of School, draws from his experiences working in Amish country. Mark has since published three more books in the series, and a novel inspired by his mother-in-law's life.

During the conversation, they explored the intersection of fiction and reality, agreeing that stories rooted in personal experiences can be just as powerful as fact. Together, these tie together and coordinate for one successful launch. Send your book into the world with gusto!

Marc Crail believes that it is far better to be lucky than good, and he claims to be the luckiest man in the world.

Professionally, Marc struggled with dyslexia but with help and persistence he became a successful teacher, principal and superintendent. That success came about with a great deal of help from family, friends, colleagues and students. He was able to earn a doctorate in Educational Administration because as he likes to say, he just kept showing up.

Personally, Marc and his wife Jayn have been married for over 45 years. They have two sons, two daughters-in-law and two grand daughters. Jayn and Marc live in Mount Dora, Florida. Marc credits his parents for reading to him and believing in him. He thanks his family for their unconditional love and patience.

"Tales Out of School" is Marc's first novel but he is currently writing a sequel titled "More Tales Out of School".Alison Nissen helps people bring words to life. As a story strategist, she works with leaders to perfect their business pitches and online presence through storytelling. Successful leaders use key storytelling points to engage their audience and gain market share because they know that good storytelling is the best form of marketing, recruiting, and fundraising.

She is an author, podcaster, ghostwriter, professor, and co-founder who battles dog hair and laundry. Learn more about her at RevelCoachStory.com.

Founded in 2001, Florida Writers Association (FWA) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit that Florida Writers Association embraces the diversity of its membership from across the state of Florida, the nation, and the globe. We celebrate our differences and are united in our shared love for the written and spoken word.

Our volunteers demonstrate our motto, "Writers Helping Writers," daily.

#floridawriters #amwriting #writerslife #podcast #revelcoach #writeyourbooknow

Do you treat your book as a business? On this Florida Writer Podcast, host Alison Nissen interviews Ella Ritchie, the founder of Stellar Communications, a company that specializes in non-fiction book publishing, marketing, and PR for self-publishing authors. There is so much that needs to happen to create a successful book launch. Ella offers 6 quick tips for marketing (and so much more) in this episode:

1. Build a buzzworthy book.

2. Reach out to your circle of influence.

3, Prep your online presence.

4. Navigate print and online media.

5. Launch your book.

6. Keep the momentum.

Together, these tie together and coordinate for one successful launch. Send your book into the world with gusto!

Ella Ritchie is the founder of Stellar Communications Houston. she delights in collaborating with consultants, editors, and ghostwriters to serve self-published nonfiction authors. Her published clients include memoirists, small and mid-sized business leaders, nonprofits, families, and international corporations.

She is known for her amicable attitude, meticulous attention to detail, and commitment to quality. When she’s not on Zoom calls with her spectacular team, you can find her scribbling strategy, sipping black coffee, and listening to jazz music.

Alison Nissen helps people bring words to life. As a story strategist, she works with leaders to perfect their business pitches and online presence through storytelling. Successful leaders use key storytelling points to engage their audience and gain market share because they know that good storytelling is the best form of marketing, recruiting, and fundraising.

She is an author, podcaster, ghostwriter, professor, and co-founder who battles dog hair and laundry. Learn more about her at RevelCoachStory.com.

Founded in 2001, Florida Writers Association (FWA) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit that Florida Writers Association embraces the diversity of its membership from across the state of Florida, the nation, and the globe. We celebrate our differences and are united in our shared love for the written and spoken word.

Our volunteers demonstrate our motto, "Writers Helping Writers," daily.

#floridawriters #amwriting #writerslife #podcast #revelcoach #writeyourbooknow

It’s not uncommon for people to use their emotional journey to springboard their careers into authorship. Emily Hill is no exception. In this episode of the Florida Writer Podcast, host Alison Nissen and Emily chat about Emily’s journey from social work and ministry to becoming a published author, discussing her self-publishing strategy and her personal writing process. Emily found the writing process challenging but rewarding.

Discover some of Emily’s time management tactics, her experiences growing her following on social media, and the challenges she faces in balancing writing and marketing.

Emily spends much of her time drinking too much coffee, dabbling in guitar and piano, singing loud, laughing louder, writing, talking, cross-stitching, and watching reality TV. She is also a licensed social worker and hospice chaplain, graduating from Wesley Seminary with a Master of Divinity. Her book Everyday Epiphany intertwines personal anecdotes with Scriptural truths to offer a place where God becomes approachable for believers and seekers of all levels.

Alison Nissen helps people bring words to life. As a story strategist, she works with leaders to perfect their business pitches and online presence through storytelling. Successful leaders use key storytelling points to engage their audience and gain market share because they know that good storytelling is the best form of marketing, recruiting, and fundraising.

She is an author, podcaster, ghostwriter, professor, and co-founder who battles dog hair and laundry. Learn more about her at RevelCoachStory.com.

Founded in 2001, Florida Writers Association (FWA) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit that Florida Writers Association embraces the diversity of its membership from across the state of Florida, the nation, and the globe. We celebrate our differences and are united in our shared love for the written and spoken word.

Our volunteers demonstrate our motto, "Writers Helping Writers," daily.

#floridawriters #amwriting #writerslife #podcast #revelcoach

Alison Nissen and Cathy Fyock, the Biz Book Strategist, share a conversation about using books as a business strategy. Cathy explains that she works with professionals who want to write a book as a strategic move to establish themselves as thought leaders in their field. Covering the topics of crafting compelling book blurbs and author bios, benefits of self-publishing and hybrid publishing, and creative ways to find speaking opportunities.

Want a complimentary strategy session with Cathy? Visit CathyFyock.com

Cathy Fyock provides you with the intensive support you need to get your book DONE. She is the author of On Your Mark: From First Word to First Draft in Six Weeks, Blog2Book: Repurposing Content to Discover the Book You’ve Already Written, The Speaker Author: Sell More Books and Book More Speeches, and the WSJ, USA Today, and Amazon best-seller, Authority.

LA Weekly Feature Story, June 2023 - 15 Book Coaches to Watch in 2023. Founded by Cathy Fyock, the Business Book Strategist, Cathy Fyock, LLC offers one-on-one coaching, group coaching, writing retreats, and learning programs to through leaders and professionals who want to write a book as part of their business growth strategy.

She has mastered the art of getting a book on paper quickly, and then using her speaking and writing to generate revenue streams and create new business opportunities. She leads her own consulting/coaching/speaking practice and has been a member of the National Speakers Association for more than 20 years. Cathy has been a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) since 1993. Since starting her coaching business in 2014, she’s helped more nearly 200 professionals become published authors.

She has consistently used her writing skills to promote her business, build credibility, create powerful revenue streams, and establish herself as a thought-leader. While never picked for the high school newspaper or seen as a “writer” by any of her teachers, she consistently uses writing to build her business, and to help other speakers, consultants, and small business owners use writing to meet their business objectives.

Cathy helps aspiring consultants through her webinars and coaching programs, and supports small business owners, consultants and speakers in leveraging speaking and writing to build their businesses through a variety of services, including her books, webinar programs, one-on-one and group coaching programs, retreats, and consulting.

Alison Nissen helps people bring words to life. As a story strategist, she works with leaders to perfect their business pitches and online presence through storytelling. Successful leaders use key storytelling points to engage their audience and gain market share because they know that good storytelling is the best form of marketing, recruiting, and fundraising.

She is an author, podcaster, ghostwriter, professor, and co-founder who battles dog hair and laundry. Learn more about her at RevelCoachStory.com.

Founded in 2001, Florida Writers Association (FWA) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit that Florida Writers Association embraces the diversity of its membership from across the state of Florida, the nation, and the globe. We celebrate our differences and are united in our shared love for the written and spoken word.

Our volunteers demonstrate our motto, "Writers Helping Writers," daily.

#floridawriters #amwriting #writerslife #podcast #revelcoach

Lily Iona MacKenzie chats with Florida Writer Podcast Host Alison Nissen about her latest work, Dreaming Myself into Old Age. This hybrid memoir blends personal anecdotes with critical writing on topics such as poetry and art. Now, in her eighties, Lily is challenged by facing old age and all that comes with it. Determined to age gracefully and thoughtfully, she recognizes that working with one's inner life and dreams is key to understanding the changes that come with aging.

Lily has published reviews, interviews, short fiction, poetry, travel pieces, essays, and memoirs in over 170 American and Canadian venues. She also taught rhetoric at the University of San Francisco for over 30 years and is currently teaching creative writing at USF’s Fromm Institute for Lifelong Learning. Learn more about Lily at LilyIonaMacKenzie.com

Founded in 2001, Florida Writers Association (FWA) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit that Florida Writers Association embraces the diversity of its membership from across the state of Florida, the nation, and the globe. We celebrate our differences and are united in our shared love for the written and spoken word.

Our volunteers demonstrate our motto, "Writers Helping Writers," daily.

Alison Nissen is an author, podcaster, ghostwriter, professor, and co-founder. Write Your Book NOW! with Alison @ RevelCoachStory.com

#floridawriters #amwriting #writerslife #podcast #revelcoach