Stories and Stanza

In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra, a poet and writer, introduces the podcast, which features real-life stories as beautiful as poetry. The guest, Sue Toth, shares her journey as a book coach and editor, describing how she supports writers at different stages of their creative process. Sue discusses common challenges writers face, the various editing stages, and offers valuable advice for writers experiencing a block. She details her experiences working with different genres, including fiction and nonfiction, and encourages aspiring writers to never give up on their dreams.
Sue has dedicated most of her professional life to honouring the English language through writing, editing, and teaching. For the past 25 years, Sue’s speciality is coaching authors who have stuck anywhere in the writing process. She also collaborates with authors on editing their manuscripts and getting them ready for readers to stay up all night reading!

In this episode of 'Stories and Stanza,' Abhra sits down with Jennifer, author of the debut novel 'Getting to Know You.' Jennifer shares an excerpt from her book, which revolves around love, healing, and personal growth in the LGBTQ+ community. She delves into her inspiration for writing, her professional background as a licensed mental health counsellor, and her publication journey. Topics discussed include the intricacies of healing from unhealthy relationships, debunking misconceptions about domestic violence, and the importance of representation in storytelling. Please tune in to learn more about Jennifer's insights and her mission to bring awareness and support to survivors of domestic violence within the LGBTQ+ community.
Jennifer earned her minor in creative writing from Alfred University in 2016. As a pansexual genderflux individual and a trauma-informed mental health counsellor, they’re passionate about representation in fiction. Each story she tells is an opportunity to explore the beauty in nonconformity, healing, and diversity. After a lifetime of putting imagination to paper, Jennifer’s debut novel, Getting to Know You, came into being as a promise kept to a friend. Jennifer lives in the Finger Lakes with her family, enjoying tabletop roleplaying games, sewing, and cuddling their cat.
Order the book from here if you are interested:
https://ninestarpress.com/product/getting-to-know-you/ 

Exploring the world of 'Whispers of the Unveiled' with Author Arietta Knežević In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhro welcomes guest author Arietta, who discusses her debut fiction book 'Whispers of the Unveiled.' Arietta shares her journey from childhood passion for writing to the challenges of self-publishing and marketing. They delve into the book's theme, which blends ancient mythology with contemporary issues such as climate change and LGBTQ+ representation. Arietta also reads an intriguing excerpt from her book, adds insights about the writing process, and offers tips for aspiring authors. Don't miss out on this inspiring conversation about creativity, perseverance, and storytelling.
Arietta Hecate Knežević was born in 1994 in Dundee, Scotland, and now lives in Zagreb, Croatia with her husband and child. She has been writing since early childhood, and has recently published her debut novel, Whispers of the Unveiled, which is heavily inspired by her spiritual beliefs, Pagan practice and love of the natural world.
Links:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DBGY61LZ
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DBGY61LZ
It is also available on Amazon in all other locations.

Join host Abhra on 'Stories and Stanza' as he delves into the captivating journey of Diane Clarke and her debut novel, 'The Photograph.' Listen as Diane shares the inspiration and extensive research behind her compelling historical fiction, which spans from World War II to the COVID-19 pandemic. Uncover the intricacies of her characters, family secrets, and the emotional search for a lost brother. This episode is rich with insights for aspiring writers and literary enthusiasts alike.

Join us for a deeply moving conversation with David, a man who has battled depression for over 50 years. In this episode. Davis is a 2-time TEDx speaker and credentialed international mental health presenter. 
He shares his raw and honest journey, including a harrowing attempt to end his life and the transformative power of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
He opens up about the misconceptions surrounding depression, the importance of finding support, and the incredible strength it takes to break the cycle of despair.This episode is a powerful testament to the human spirit and the importance of seeking help when facing mental health challenges.
How David redefined his understanding of depression, recognizing it as something distinct from sadness.
The crucial role of hope in suicide prevention and how David found hope amidst his darkest moments.
The transformative power of sharing stories and the importance of finding support systems.
David's personal experience with ECT and its impact on his recovery.
This episode is for anyone who has ever struggled with depression, felt alone in their pain, or wants to understand the journey of healing. It's a reminder that hope is possible and recovery is achievable.
This episode is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of seeking help when facing mental health challenges. David's insights offer a nuanced and personal perspective on depression, highlighting its complex nature and the importance of understanding and supporting those who struggle with it.
Listen now and be inspired by David's story!

Hello everyone, welcome to Stories and Stanza. Please join me in welcoming today's guest speaker, Michael Preston.
In this episode, Mike shares a deeply personal story about his experience with a heart attack and the journey to recovery.
Mike talks about his background in athletics, his health leading up to the heart attack, and the warning signs he experienced before the life-changing event.
Tune in to hear the captivating and inspiring journey of resilience and overcoming obstacles in the face of health challenges.
Thank you. 

Hello everyone, welcome to Stories and Stanza. Please join me in welcoming today's guest speaker, Melissa Entzminger.
She is an acclaimed public speaker and dedicated the last 15 years to guiding professionals in crafting and delivering powerful, unforgettable presentations. With a Master's in Communication and 5 years as a college professor, she infuses her workshops and coaching sessions with a mix of proven strategies and engaging, interactive learning. Many of her clients initially feel daunted by assembling their speeches, terrified of freezing up and being judged or rejected in those moments of silence. Her offers are designed to fast-track your success, equipping you with the confidence to conquer your fear of public speaking, mesmerize your audience, and significantly boost your influence as a communicator. She works with an incredible roster of clients, ranging from executives to Senators and State Representatives. Her celebrated e-book is “7 Easy Steps to Kick Your Public Speaking Nerves to the Curb”, sharing the actionable strategies she used to overcome her speaking anxiety and now helps thousands of others. After all, mastery in public speaking offers a competitive edge in any scenario.
Sharing her details if you wish to reach out to her. 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissaentzminger/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075493194228
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takingyourstage/
Link to E-book: https://beautiful-art-42260.myflodesk.com/uxmri1sq3d
Link to book a free 20-minute assessment on speech: https://tidycal.com/takingyourstagee

Please join me in welcoming Patti Miller for today's episode. She is joining us today to discuss her book "Writing True Stories".
She is the author of ten books, including the award-winning The Mind of a Thief, the critically acclaimed Ransacking Paris, The Joy of High Places, and True Friends. The Mind of a Thief was longlisted for the Stella Prize and the Nita Kibble Prize, shortlisted for the WA Premier's Prize for Non-Fiction, winner of the NSW Premier's Prize for History and on the syllabus for English for the VCE in Victoria. She is widely published in literary magazines and national newspapers. She is also a teacher of memoir and nonfiction and has offered workshops for over 30 years in Australia, Paris, Bali, Fiji, and London. Over 65 of Patti Miller's writing students have been commercially published. She currently teaches at the Faber Academy, Sydney and London.
Writing True Stories is essential for anyone wanting to write a memoir or explore the wider territory of creative nonfiction. It provides practical guidance and inspiration on a vast array of writing topics, including how to access memories, find a narrative voice, build a vivid world on the page, create structure, use research and face the difficulties and pitfalls of truth-telling. This book introduces and develops key writing skills and strategies and then challenges more experienced writers to extend their knowledge and practice of the genre into literary nonfiction, true crime, biography, personal essay, and travel and sojourn writing. Whether you want to write your own autobiography, investigate a wide-ranging political issue or bring to life an intriguing history, this book will be your guide.This second edition encompasses over five years of updated study in the field of life writing with entirely new material on journal and diary writing, the ethics of writing true stories and extended material on creative nonfiction, includingbiography and new journalism, plus brand new extracts from key writers such as Joan Didion, Janet Malcolm, Zadie Smith and many others.