In this excerpt, Jodi Cowles shares her experience of living in Turkey with her family and the journey of creating her bilingual children's book, "Joy's World: The Cousins Are Coming". After spending many years in Turkey, Cowles returned to Boise, Idaho with her daughter, who had lived her entire life in Turkey until then. Due to the lack of Turkish cultural presence in Boise, Cowles felt compelled to help her daughter retain her Turkish memories and language, something Cowles herself wished she had from her childhood in Germany. This desire led to the creation of "Joy’s World", a book that introduces children to Turkish culture and language.

Cowles emphasizes the importance of representing the expat child experience, which she personally relates to as a "third culture kid." To authentically depict the Turkish setting, Cowles hired a Turkish illustrator from Istanbul, ensuring that her book reflected the true essence of the country. The illustrator used local details from Cowles’ former neighborhood, adding personal touches recognizable to those familiar with Istanbul.

The book features about 50 Turkish words, woven into the story naturally, resembling how bilingual children mix languages in conversation. Through this creative approach, Cowles aimed to appeal to both Turkish families living abroad and readers interested in learning about other cultures. The book includes a glossary for readers who want to dive deeper into the Turkish vocabulary, adding multiple layers to the reading experience.

Cowles discusses her publishing journey, highlighting the choices she made, such as selecting the right illustrator and striking a balance between the two languages, which allows the book to serve as a cultural bridge for children and families.

Learn more about Jodi and purchase her books at https://jodicowles.com or follow her on social media on Instagram

Guest information (Book link to Amazon, main social media)

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Erin Galloway, Author of “Spilled Confetti: 101 Lessons to Simplify Self-Publishing”

“Spilled Confetti” is available now on Amazon!

In each Press Publish episode, host Erin Galloway will be your catalyst to explore habits that will help you finally press publish with consistency & connect with an audience waiting to read what you have to say. As the founder of Habitize Publishing & a self-published author, Erin learned to lead with empathy from her M.S. in Human Development & Family Science at The Ohio State University, built up her grit as an innovator at Johns Hopkins University, but it’s parenthood that revealed how habits are a daily practice in bravery & boundaries.

In this heartfelt episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of author Megan Rogers who turned her grief into a beautiful legacy. After losing her mother in 2020, she found the courage to fulfill a long-held dream of writing a children's book inspired by her dance-filled memories with her mom. We explore how this story, centered around Rosie the reindeer, evolved from a simple idea into a meaningful project, rich with family connections and personal growth. The episode also sheds light on the creative process of bringing a book to life, from selecting an illustrator to navigating the challenges of self-publishing, all while emphasizing the importance of following one’s passion and purpose. Join us for a touching conversation about love, loss, and the power of storytelling.

Learn more about Megan and see all the ways Rosie can brighten your holiday traditions at https://lifeisrosie.co and on Instagram at life.is.rosie.co

About Press Publish Podcast:

Subscribe on Substack for more episodes, posts and author spotlights!

Instagram: @presspublishpodcast

Pinterest: @presspublishpodcast

Erin Galloway, Author of “Spilled Confetti: 101 Lessons to Simplify Self-Publishing”

“Spilled Confetti” is available now on Amazon!

In each Press Publish episode, host Erin Galloway will be your catalyst to explore habits that will help you finally press publish with consistency & connect with an audience waiting to read what you have to say. As the founder of Habitize Publishing & a self-published author, Erin learned to lead with empathy from her M.S. in Human Development & Family Science at The Ohio State University, built up her grit as an innovator at Johns Hopkins University, but it’s parenthood that revealed how habits are a daily practice in bravery & boundaries.

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of book marketing with a special focus on overcoming the challenges many authors face after publishing. Our guest Cameron Clarkson, founder of the company Book Blaster, shares his journey from running a marketing agency to developing innovative strategies that help indie authors break free from the "friends and family bubble" and reach their true audience. We explore the importance of targeted ads on platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and X, and discuss the pitfalls of relying solely on organic reach.

Discover how to effectively use reader magnets, optimize landing pages, and leverage AI tools to build a loyal readership. Whether you're a new author struggling to gain traction or a seasoned writer looking to scale your marketing efforts, this episode offers practical tips and insights to help you sell more books and connect with your ideal readers. Tune in to learn how to turn your passion project into a thriving author business!

Learn more about Book Blaster at https://bookblaster.io

About Press Publish Podcast:

Subscribe on Substack for more episodes, posts and author spotlights!

Instagram: @presspublishpodcast

Pinterest: @presspublishpodcast

Erin Galloway, Author of “Spilled Confetti: 101 Lessons to Simplify Self-Publishing”

“Spilled Confetti” is available now on Amazon!

In each Press Publish episode, host Erin Galloway will be your catalyst to explore habits that will help you finally press publish with consistency & connect with an audience waiting to read what you have to say. As the founder of Habitize Publishing & a self-published author, Erin learned to lead with empathy from her M.S. in Human Development & Family Science at The Ohio State University, built up her grit as an innovator at Johns Hopkins University, but it’s parenthood that revealed how habits are a daily practice in bravery & boundaries.

In this episode, we walk through the inspiring author journey of Casey Craiger, author of the children's book "Be Like Socks." Facing the unexpected challenge of losing her job during the pandemic, Casey found solace and a new purpose in writing. She shares how the whimsical tale of her cat named Socks not only became a creative outlet but also a beacon of hope during difficult times.

Casey opens up about the personal milestones she achieved, from changing careers to building a supportive community through Little Free Libraries. We explore the impact of her book on mental health and the healing power of literature for both children and adults. Casey also provides valuable insights into the self-publishing world, offering tips for aspiring authors and sharing her experiences of bringing "Be Like Socks" to life.

Join us for a heartwarming conversation filled with resilience, creativity, and the joy of pursuing one's passions. Whether you're a writer, a parent, or someone seeking inspiration, Casey Craiger's story is a testament to the power of turning life's challenges into opportunities for growth and fulfillment.

Support Casey by ordering their book Be Like Socks on Amazon.

Follow her writing journey at www.caseycraiger.com and on Instagram at @java.socks

About Press Publish Podcast:

Subscribe on Substack for more episodes, posts and author spotlights!

Instagram: @presspublishpodcast

Pinterest: @presspublishpodcast

Erin Galloway, Author of “Spilled Confetti: 101 Lessons to Simplify Self-Publishing”

“Spilled Confetti” is available now on Amazon!

In each Press Publish episode, host Erin Galloway will be your catalyst to explore habits that will help you finally press publish with consistency & connect with an audience waiting to read what you have to say. As the founder of Habitize Publishing & a self-published author, Erin learned to lead with empathy from her M.S. in Human Development & Family Science at The Ohio State University, built up her grit as an innovator at Johns Hopkins University, but it’s parenthood that revealed how habits are a daily practice in bravery & boundaries.

In this episode, we sit down with accomplished author Kristen Simmons, who shares her remarkable journey to becoming a published writer. From early inspirations in childhood to the challenges of numerous rejections, Kristen's story is one of resilience, passion, and dedication.

Listeners will learn about the pivotal moments and key figures that influenced her path, the importance of persistence in the face of setbacks, and the profound impact of finding one's voice through continuous practice and learning. Whether you're an aspiring writer or a book enthusiast, Kristen's insights offer valuable lessons on the long and often winding road to literary success.

Learn more about Kristen Simmons on her website, Instagram or Facebook

You can also explore her editing services on Yellow Bird Editorial

About Press Publish Podcast:

Subscribe on Substack for more episodes, posts and author spotlights!

Instagram: @presspublishpodcast

Pinterest: @presspublishpodcast

Erin Galloway, Author of “Spilled Confetti: 101 Lessons to Simplify Self-Publishing”

“Spilled Confetti” is available now on Amazon!

In each Press Publish episode, host Erin Galloway will be your catalyst to explore habits that will help you finally press publish with consistency & connect with an audience waiting to read what you have to say. As the founder of Habitize Publishing & a self-published author, Erin learned to lead with empathy from her M.S. in Human Development & Family Science at The Ohio State University, built up her grit as an innovator at Johns Hopkins University, but it’s parenthood that revealed how habits are a daily practice in bravery & boundaries.

In this episode we dive deep into the emotional and inspiring journey of a mother and daughter who turned their personal challenges into a powerful narrative. Our guest, Maryam Myika Day, shared her intimate experiences of facing and overcoming adversity, and how these struggles led her and her young daughter to co-author their book, "This Is My Story" as a summer project.

Listen as Maryam reflects on the therapeutic aspects of writing together, the unique challenges they faced in the self-publishing process, and how their story has touched the lives of readers, fostering a sense of community and connection. This episode not only explores the transformative power of shared storytelling but also offers valuable insights into nurturing creativity and resilience through expression.

Whether you're a budding author, someone who has faced personal trials, or simply a lover of inspiring stories, this episode promises to move and motivate you to embrace the power of your own narrative. Join us as we uncover the lessons learned and the profound impact of turning life’s challenges into a legacy of strength and hope.

Support this mother-daughter team by ordering their book This Is My Story on Amazon.

Follow their author journey at thisismystorybyayodele.com and on Instagram at @thisismystorybyayodele and @maryammyikaday

About Press Publish Podcast:

Subscribe on Substack for more episodes, posts and author spotlights!

Instagram: @presspublishpodcast

Pinterest: @presspublishpodcast

Erin Galloway, Author of “Spilled Confetti: 101 Lessons to Simplify Self-Publishing”

“Spilled Confetti” is available now on Amazon!

In each Press Publish episode, host Erin Galloway will be your catalyst to explore habits that will help you finally press publish with consistency & connect with an audience waiting to read what you have to say. As the founder of Habitize Publishing & a self-published author, Erin learned to lead with empathy from her M.S. in Human Development & Family Science at The Ohio State University, built up her grit as an innovator at Johns Hopkins University, but it’s parenthood that revealed how habits are a daily practice in bravery & boundaries.

A SPECIAL PART 2 EPISODE WITH JEN MOTT! Join us for the heartwarming story of how two educators, Jen and Sara, embarked on a unique collaboration to publish a picture book, leaving an indelible mark on the future of teaching. You'll hear how author Jen's passion for storytelling led her to envision a companion picture book from a child's perspective and how a serendipitous connection with Sara, a preschool teacher and gifted illustrator, brought their shared vision to life. Through their words, we witness the power of storytelling to unite communities, honor the past, and inspire future generations of teachers and learners alike.

Learn more about Dr. Jen Mott’s books Teacherverance and Why Teaching? at https://drjenmott.com/books/

Follow illustrator Sara Relojo on Instagram

About Press Publish Podcast:

Subscribe on Substack for more episodes, posts and author spotlights!

Instagram: @presspublishpodcast

Pinterest: @presspublishpodcast

Erin Galloway, Author of “Spilled Confetti: 101 Lessons to Simplify Self-Publishing”

“Spilled Confetti” is available now on Amazon!

In each Press Publish episode, host Erin Galloway will be your catalyst to explore habits that will help you finally press publish with consistency & connect with an audience waiting to read what you have to say. As the founder of Habitize Publishing & a self-published author, Erin learned to lead with empathy from her M.S. in Human Development & Family Science at The Ohio State University, built up her grit as an innovator at Johns Hopkins University, but it’s parenthood that revealed how habits are a daily practice in bravery & boundaries.

Join host Erin as she sits down with branding expert Leanne Knight to explore the intricacies of crafting compelling lead magnets for authors. Leanne shares valuable insights and strategies to help authors enhance their branding and marketing efforts, starting with the importance of strategic lead magnet creation. From assessments to checklists and worksheets, Leanne guides listeners through various types of lead magnets, emphasizing the need for valuable content that invites readers into the author's world.

Throughout the episode, Leanne offers practical advice on finding the balance between maximalism and simplicity in design, urging authors to focus on a few key concepts and use them consistently to create visually appealing yet streamlined content. By building relationships and fostering engagement with readers through lead magnets, authors can establish a connection that goes beyond the book itself, encouraging long-term loyalty and support.

Tune in to this insightful episode to learn how to craft compelling lead magnets that elevate your author branding and engage your audience effectively.

Learn more about Authentic Vision Media on her website or LinkedIn

About Press Publish Podcast:

Subscribe on Substack for more episodes, posts and author spotlights!

Instagram: @presspublishpodcast

Pinterest: @presspublishpodcast

Erin Galloway, Author of “Spilled Confetti: 101 Lessons to Simplify Self-Publishing”

“Spilled Confetti” is available now on Amazon!

In each Press Publish episode, host Erin Galloway will be your catalyst to explore habits that will help you finally press publish with consistency & connect with an audience waiting to read what you have to say. As the founder of Habitize Publishing & a self-published author, Erin learned to lead with empathy from her M.S. in Human Development & Family Science at The Ohio State University, built up her grit as an innovator at Johns Hopkins University, but it’s parenthood that revealed how habits are a daily practice in bravery & boundaries.