What if the book that shaped your entire career was one you picked up at age 10 — from the wrong section of the bookstore?

That's exactly what happened to Steph Spector, writer, editor, and business writing coach, and it set her on a path that's anything but conventional.

Steph helps professionals and creatives find their voice on the page — not the corporate, buttoned-up version, but the real one. The one that actually sounds like them. In this conversation, she shares how lessons from a childhood writing book became life principles, what happened when a shy 23-year-old was asked to teach a six-hour grammar class to a room full of intimidating adults, and why 80% of the people who show up to her classes say the same heartbreaking thing.

We also get into farm life in Pennsylvania and Blanco, Texas, tiny house living, coaching writing for Apple's executive team, and the memoir that made her cry on a walk and rearrange her whole perspective on complaining.

Books mentioned in this episode: 📚 Robert's Rules of Writing by Robert Macello 📚 Writing Fiction by Gotham Writers Workshop (ed. Alex Steel) 📚 Cathedral by Raymond Carver (short story) 📚 Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain 📚 The Diving Bell and the Butterfly by Jean-Dominique Bauby

Connect with Steph: 🌐 stephspector.com 💼 LinkedIn: Steph Spector

Connect with Angie: 🌐 AngieSummitConsulting.com 💼 LinkedIn | Facebook

The Books That Shaped Me is proudly sponsored by Winstar Insurance Group in Cedar Park, Texas — owned and operated by Stephanie Dew. Specializing in first responders, wineries, breweries, childcare facilities, and more. A team that truly values their people. Learn more at [winstarinsurance.com].