EPISODE 789 - Lynn M Grass - Porch Time with Lynnie - A Companion For Caregivers

Sometimes the most meaningful books begin not with a publishing plan, but with a desire to help others through life's most difficult moments.

In this episode, author Lynnie shares the deeply personal story behind her book *Porch Time*, a project that grew from a series of Facebook posts documenting her family's journey through illness, caregiving, faith, and perseverance. What started as updates for family and friends eventually became a book after readers encouraged her to turn her experiences into a resource that could help others facing similar challenges.

The conversation explores the realities of caring for a loved one living with kidney failure while navigating family life, work responsibilities, and the emotional toll of uncertainty. Lynnie reflects on the years spent supporting her husband through dialysis treatments, medical appointments, hospital stays, and the long road toward a kidney transplant. Along the way, she discovered that the quiet moments spent on her front porch became a place for reflection, hope, and sharing her experiences with others.

More than a memoir, *Porch Time* serves as a source of encouragement for caregivers, spouses, family members, and anyone facing overwhelming circumstances. Lynnie discusses the importance of community support, the role of faith during difficult seasons, and the unexpected ways people stepped forward to help her family through meal trains, fundraising efforts, prayers, and simple acts of kindness.

The discussion also highlights the writing and publishing journey itself. Lynnie never envisioned becoming an author, yet through persistence, encouragement from friends and family, and a commitment to helping others, she brought her story to life. The response from readers has reinforced her belief that sharing personal experiences can create powerful connections and remind people they are not alone.

Beyond her first book, Lynnie shares her creative pursuits, including plans for future books, a faith-based adult coloring book, and other projects designed to inspire reflection, creativity, and hope. Throughout the conversation, her passion for helping people remains at the center of everything she creates.

At its heart, this episode is a reminder that some of life's greatest challenges can also become opportunities to encourage others. Through vulnerability, faith, and perseverance, one family's story has become a source of comfort for readers facing struggles of their own.

No one should have to navigate life's hardest seasons alone. By sharing our experiences, accepting support from others, and holding onto hope during difficult times, we can find strength not only for ourselves but for those who may be walking a similar path.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lynn M Grass invites readers into a tender yet powerful journey shaped by love, hardship, and unwavering faith. As a single mother raising three children, she never imagined that one relationship would transform her entire world. What began as a beautiful new chapter soon took an unexpected turn when her husband received a life-altering diagnosis of kidney failure.

Through long nights, hospital visits, and moments of heartbreak, Lynn leaned on her faith for strength. While juggling work, school, and the responsibilities of raising a family, she discovered a deep resilience rooted in her Midwestern Christian values.

Her story is a moving reminder: even in life’s most difficult seasons, God’s grace can carry us through—and often shines brightest in our darkest moments.

https://www.porchtimewithlynnie.com/

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Episode 788 - Denise Derya Brandt - Istanbul Dreaming - Ayten, a dutiful daughter torn between tradition and her dream of becoming a modern Turkish woman

Writing a Family Story Through Historical Fiction

Denise Derya Brandt always dreamed of writing a book. After more than twenty years working in international development and public health, including projects in Afghanistan, Liberia, and Myanmar, she found herself reflecting on that dream when the world slowed down during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Boxes of family photographs reopened questions about her parents. A visit to Turkey in 2021 brought an unexpected discovery: a photograph of her Turkish mother in a wedding dress beside a man who was not Denise's American father. Her aunt's reaction revealed a hidden part of her mother's past. Her mother had experienced a forced arranged marriage before running away to Istanbul, where she eventually met Denise's father.

That discovery became the foundation for Denise's historical fiction novel.

Turning Family History Into Fiction

Denise used her parents' first names for her central characters, I-10 and Earl, while creating fictional circumstances, composite characters, and a different ending. She wanted to explore what a young woman in 1950s Turkey might have experienced as she sought independence and control over her own life.

Research became essential. Historical events, newspaper archives, advertisements, prices, and the social and political context helped Denise create a believable setting. At the same time, she learned to give herself room to discover the story while writing.

Her own experiences also shaped the work. Living overseas and navigating unfamiliar languages and cultures gave her insight into feelings she could bring to her characters.

A New Chapter

Writing the novel also gave Denise a way to process grief and understand her mother from a different perspective. She came to accept that her mother had been entitled to keep parts of her life private, while still seeing the novel as a tribute to her story.

The writing process changed Denise's career and opened a new chapter. Moving from international development into writing meant becoming a beginner again, something she describes as exciting and valuable.

Family stories can carry unanswered questions across generations. Writing can create a way to explore those gaps, preserve a legacy, and discover something new about yourself along the way.

https://www.denisederyabrandt.com/

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podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

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Episode 787 - Linda Paul - The Last Gypsy Queen - Set in The Buckeye Lake Amusement Park, Ohio

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podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

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Episode 786 - Chris Lodwig - The Systemic Series follows the rise, fall, and aftermath of a techno-utopia

Chris lives in Seattle with his wife, daughter, and dog. He's been writing as a hobby since he was fifteen.

The first image of Systemic popped into his head one day on the bus when his phone and laptop died, and all he had was a pen and paper.

Host is the sequel to Systemic. It was inspired by watching his child struggle with a needle phobia (which she's since overcome), and observing some of her more difficult childhood friends.

He is putting the finishing touches on book 3 of the Systemic Series, working title: Interface.

The Podcast
Together with his editor Christina Scheuer, Chris hosts No "i" in Writing — a podcast about the creative collaboration behind turning a rough draft into a finished novel.

https://pod.link/1675756222

https://www.chrislodwigauthor.com/

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podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

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Episode 791 - Living The Next Chapter Updates, A Flood of Episodes in November, A New Podcast Studio and Interviews

Living the Next Chapter Returns With Daily November Episodes

Dave announces a major change for Living the Next Chapter Now: the podcast will release 30 episodes in 30 days throughout November. The daily schedule keeps the show active while Dave rebuilds his studio and prepares a new wave of author interviews. He also explains why listeners may notice a different sound, since he records this message outside on his phone.

Floods Changed the Studio Plans

Dave’s Ontario home experienced two floods within five days near the end of August and beginning of September. Raw sewage damaged the lower level of the house, including the podcast studio where he records Living the Next Chapter and his eight other shows.

The damage forced him to pause new interviews while renovations continued. He had completed episodes ready for release, so the show moved from three weekly episodes to a slower schedule while the team cleared the backlog. Now, daily November episodes and moved-up bonus episodes will keep the feed active until regular interviews resume.

Do What You Can Where You Are

Dave uses his current situation as a lesson for authors and creators. He records outside with his phone because that is what he has available right now. His guiding phrase is simple: do what you can, with what you have, where you are.

He applies that idea directly to writing and launching a book. You do not need perfect equipment, more credentials, or a fully transformed version of yourself before you begin. Start the next chapter with the tools, time, and abilities already in front of you.

New Authors and Guest Opportunities

Once the studio is restored, Dave plans to return to three episodes per week and bring on upcoming authors with new books, stories, and personal journeys. He invites authors to book a pre-call through the calendar link at livingnextchapter.com. After that conversation, he schedules the interview on a separate day.

Listeners do not need to be published authors to appear on the show. Dave welcomes fans who want to discuss the podcast, share what they enjoy, and join him for a conversation.

Supporting an Ad-Free Show

Dave explains that Living the Next Chapter remains ad-free by choice. He wants listeners to hear complete conversations without interruptions. The show still has costs, including website hosting and production expenses, so he invites optional support through the Buy Me a Coffee link on his website.

Supporters can give once, several times, or monthly. Dave says he uses contributions to maintain the show, purchase books from upcoming guests, and support others where possible. He also asks listeners to leave a rating, review, comment, or voice message, and to share where they listen and which episode they enjoyed most.

Progress does not require perfect conditions. Start with what you have, keep showing up, and let the next chapter begin before everything feels ready.

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podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

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EPISODE 782 - Camille Burgin - In the Grey - When Things Aren't Black and White and You Are Waiting on an Answer

Writing through uncertainty, learning how to wait well, and building self awareness shape the heart of this conversation with author Camille Burgin. Her work centers on the space she calls “the gray,” the stretch of time between asking for something and seeing the outcome. That space often feels uncomfortable. She reframes it as active time that can shape growth, clarity, and resilience.

Living in the Gray

Camille defines “the gray” as a constant state most people move through. Waiting shows up in everyday life and in deeper personal moments. She challenges the instinct to rush out of it. Growth happens when you stay present and ask what you can learn instead of how quickly you can escape.

She emphasizes that waiting requires action. Small steps matter. Build skills, seek support, and stay engaged with your own development. This mindset shifts waiting from frustration into purpose.

The Discipline of Writing

Her advice to writers stays simple and firm. Keep writing. Capture ideas as they come. Pen and paper create a stronger connection to thought and creativity. Inspiration can come from anywhere, and documenting it builds momentum.

She also highlights the importance of protecting early ideas. Sharing too soon can invite doubt and distraction. Let the work develop before opening it up to outside voices. At the same time, recognize when to stop revising so the original message stays intact.

Self Awareness and Growth

The book explores themes like forgiveness, identity, and personal responsibility. Camille focuses on what individuals can control, their responses, their mindset, and their actions. She speaks openly about parenting challenges, adoption, and navigating unexpected realities. These experiences shaped her understanding of patience and self reflection.

Forgiveness stands out as a key concept. It is less about the other person and more about releasing control and moving forward. Letting go allows growth without waiting for closure from others.

Protecting Your Input

External voices influence decisions more than people realize. Camille stresses the need to filter advice and stay grounded in what aligns with your situation. Not all guidance helps. Choosing what to accept protects progress and confidence.

From Prayer to Practice

Her writing process began with reflection and prayer, then turned into consistent action. She documented her experiences, refined them with feedback, and brought the work to publication. The result is a practical guide that blends faith, mindset, and real life application.

The inclusion of journaling invites readers to engage, not just read. Writing down thoughts, gratitude, and progress creates a record of growth over time.

Key Takeaway

Waitimg is not passive. It is a working season. When you focus on growth, protect your mindset, and stay consistent in small actions, you come out stronger, clearer, and more prepared for what comes next.

https://livingthenextchapter.com

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https://livingthenextchapter.com/
podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!
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