Stories and Strategies for Women

The holidays are stressful. Duh! I am starting to feel shaky already.

I needed to chat with an expert so I enlisted my friend, Maureen Humpl, a CPA and owner of her own business.  The business of keeping things in perspective and stress at bay, especially during the holidays, is welcome advice and perfect for a chuckle.

Gals, you are not wonder women and most importantly, you are not alone.

Maureen expounds on her tips for keeping holiday stress to a minimum so that you have time to enjoy your holiday and make some memories.

***  Delegate to gain a sense of control
*** Forget about what people think
*** Prioritize what is truly important to YOU
*** Ignore expectations of others
*** Pick and Choose what will make YOU happy

Join us as we share stress, motherhood, and what to say if your partner thinks the laundry is "your job."

"You'll remember the laughs with family and the food, not the plates it was served on." Maureen Humpl

This is part one of a series of "stress relief during the holidays."

I mention Comedian/Actress/Writer Meredith Masony in the podcast.  You can find her on Insatgram @thats_inappropriate

Claudine Wolk Substack: Get Your Book Seen and Sold
Claudine Wolk Website: ClaudineWolk.com
Claudine's Instagram - @ClaudineWolk

This episode of Stories and Strategies for Women is brought to you by:

Eyebobs:  Enter code 'StoriesandStrat10" for a 10% discount at eyebobs.com

ThriftBooks.com: the fun site to buy and collect used books.

Voice Coaches: Use the promo code "WOLK" to get half off  their introductory workshop to determine if voice acting is the career for you.  Voicecoaches.com.

Claudine Wolk Substack: Get Your Book Seen and Sold
Claudine Wolk Website: ClaudineWolk.com
Claudine's Instagram - @ClaudineWolk

The holidays are stressful. Duh! I am starting to feel shaky already.

I needed to chat with an expert so I enlisted my friend, Maureen Humpl, a CPA and owner of her own business.  The business of keeping things in perspective and stress at bay, especially during the holidays, is welcome advice and perfect for a chuckle.

Gals, you are not wonder women and most importantly, you are not alone.

Maureen expounds on her tips for keeping holiday stress to a minimum so that you have time to enjoy your holiday and make some memories.

***  Delegate to gain a sense of control
*** Forget about what people think
*** Prioritize what is truly important to YOU
*** Ignore expectations of others
*** Pick and Choose what will make YOU happy

Join us as we share stress, motherhood, and what to say if your partner thinks the laundry is "your job."

"You'll remember the laughs with family and the food, not the plates it was served on." Maureen Humpl

This is part one of a series of "stress relief during the holidays."

I mention Comedian/Actress/Writer Meredith Masony in the podcast.  You can find her on Insatgram @thats_inappropriate

Claudine Wolk Substack: Get Your Book Seen and Sold
Claudine Wolk Website: ClaudineWolk.com
Claudine's Instagram - @ClaudineWolk

This episode of Stories and Strategies for Women is brought to you by:

Eyebobs:  Enter code 'StoriesandStrat10" for a 10% discount at eyebobs.com

ThriftBooks.com: the fun site to buy and collect used books.

Voice Coaches: Use the promo code "WOLK" to get half off  their introductory workshop to determine if voice acting is the career for you.  Voicecoaches.com.

Claudine Wolk Substack: Get Your Book Seen and Sold
Claudine Wolk Website: ClaudineWolk.com
Claudine's Instagram - @ClaudineWolk

Kelly Simmons is a local author and has published seven novels so far.  She just released material through a new platform - the serial fiction podcast.  Listeners can hear a new "book" released in podcast episodes.  Kelly also chats with us about her publishing journey and offers advice to wannabe authors on how to find an agent.  Tried and true tips still win the day to secure representation.  Join us for this fun and informative interview.

You can find Kelly and read about her books and the new serial podcast, titled Open The Window at KellySimmonsBooks.com. You can also reach out at her K E L L Y 🖌 S I M M O N S (@kellyasimmons) • Instagram photos and videos.

Claudine Wolk Substack: Get Your Book Seen and Sold
Claudine Wolk Website: ClaudineWolk.com
Claudine's Instagram - @ClaudineWolk

This episode of Stories and Strategies for Women is brought to you by:

Eyebobs:  Enter code 'StoriesandStrat10" for a 10% discount at eyebobs.com

ThriftBooks.com: the fun site to buy and collect used books.

Voice Coaches: Use the promo code "WOLK" to get half off  their introductory workshop to determine if voice acting is the career for you.  Voicecoaches.com.

Claudine Wolk Substack: Get Your Book Seen and Sold
Claudine Wolk Website: ClaudineWolk.com
Claudine's Instagram - @ClaudineWolk

Kelly Simmons is a local author and has published seven novels so far.  She just released material through a new platform - the serial fiction podcast.  Listeners can hear a new "book" released in podcast episodes.  Kelly also chats with us about her publishing journey and offers advice to wannabe authors on how to find an agent.  Tried and true tips still win the day to secure representation.  Join us for this fun and informative interview.

You can find Kelly and read about her books and the new serial podcast, titled Open The Window at KellySimmonsBooks.com. You can also reach out at her K E L L Y 🖌 S I M M O N S (@kellyasimmons) • Instagram photos and videos.

Claudine Wolk Substack: Get Your Book Seen and Sold
Claudine Wolk Website: ClaudineWolk.com
Claudine's Instagram - @ClaudineWolk

This episode of Stories and Strategies for Women is brought to you by:

Eyebobs:  Enter code 'StoriesandStrat10" for a 10% discount at eyebobs.com

ThriftBooks.com: the fun site to buy and collect used books.

Voice Coaches: Use the promo code "WOLK" to get half off  their introductory workshop to determine if voice acting is the career for you.  Voicecoaches.com.

Claudine Wolk Substack: Get Your Book Seen and Sold
Claudine Wolk Website: ClaudineWolk.com
Claudine's Instagram - @ClaudineWolk

Its Time... For You to Sit & Write Your Book

In this episode of Stories and Strategies for Women we present an opportunity for authors and aspiring authors.  Kate Brenton, author and inspired teacher has created the Sit & Write Master Class that starts October 1 (intake interviews in Sept).  Claudine and Kate explain the Master Class: who it is designed for, how it works, and why combining their unique skills will make the difference between aspiring writer and published writer. 

If you have no interest in a class at this time, keep listening.  Kate and Claudine tell their publishing stories and how working together made a huge difference in successful publishing!

What is the Sit & Write Master Class?

It is a class "container" that runs from Oct to Jan.  With commitment to the program, the aspiring writer could come away with a first draft of a book plus the marketing knowledge to give it the best chance to be seen & sold.

How does it work?

Community calls, video lessons, and one-on-one calls combined with the unique insight of Kate (spiritual) and Claudine (analytical) will provide both pieces of what is needed for your book to get written and seen.   Kate provides the "tapping into the creative" side and Claudine provides the book marketing / publishing industry side to give aspiring authors what they need at the right time to achieve their publication goals.

How to get started?

Your process starts with an intake call with Kate Brenton to make sure of the right fit.  The call is free.  Once the connection is made, the Sit & Write Master Class begins Oct 1.  The information to start with the intake call and pricing can be found on Kate's Site.  You can also contact Kate directly with any questions at [email protected]. 

Why Kate & Claudine?

Both are published authors/teachers/mentors and they have been there and done it successfully.  They both passionately desire to help aspiring authors get their message/story out in the world and to give their book the best possible chance to be seen and sold.

Note from Claudine: I am so excited for this class, listeners!  By joining Kate, my long-time goal of helping authors get their message out and their books seen & sold is fulfilled.  For four years now I have interviewed experts who have wished to publish a book or they publish quickly (and not so successfully) simply because they didn't know the book marketing side of being a published author.  We change that state of affairs with this class!

Sign up to Sit and Write Master Class before 9/15/22 and use the promo code YES for an early bird discount!

Claudine Wolk Substack: Get Your Book Seen and Sold
Claudine Wolk Website: ClaudineWolk.com
Claudine's Instagram - @ClaudineWolk

This episode of Stories and Strategies for Women is brought to you by Eyebobs.  Enter code 'StoriesandStrat10" for a 10% discount at eyebobs.com
and by

Claudine Wolk Substack: Get Your Book Seen and Sold
Claudine Wolk Website: ClaudineWolk.com
Claudine's Instagram - @ClaudineWolk

Its Time... For You to Sit & Write Your Book

In this episode of Stories and Strategies for Women we present an opportunity for authors and aspiring authors.  Kate Brenton, author and inspired teacher has created the Sit & Write Master Class that starts October 1 (intake interviews in Sept).  Claudine and Kate explain the Master Class: who it is designed for, how it works, and why combining their unique skills will make the difference between aspiring writer and published writer. 

If you have no interest in a class at this time, keep listening.  Kate and Claudine tell their publishing stories and how working together made a huge difference in successful publishing!

What is the Sit & Write Master Class?

It is a class "container" that runs from Oct to Jan.  With commitment to the program, the aspiring writer could come away with a first draft of a book plus the marketing knowledge to give it the best chance to be seen & sold.

How does it work?

Community calls, video lessons, and one-on-one calls combined with the unique insight of Kate (spiritual) and Claudine (analytical) will provide both pieces of what is needed for your book to get written and seen.   Kate provides the "tapping into the creative" side and Claudine provides the book marketing / publishing industry side to give aspiring authors what they need at the right time to achieve their publication goals.

How to get started?

Your process starts with an intake call with Kate Brenton to make sure of the right fit.  The call is free.  Once the connection is made, the Sit & Write Master Class begins Oct 1.  The information to start with the intake call and pricing can be found on Kate's Site.  You can also contact Kate directly with any questions at [email protected]. 

Why Kate & Claudine?

Both are published authors/teachers/mentors and they have been there and done it successfully.  They both passionately desire to help aspiring authors get their message/story out in the world and to give their book the best possible chance to be seen and sold.

Note from Claudine: I am so excited for this class, listeners!  By joining Kate, my long-time goal of helping authors get their message out and their books seen & sold is fulfilled.  For four years now I have interviewed experts who have wished to publish a book or they publish quickly (and not so successfully) simply because they didn't know the book marketing side of being a published author.  We change that state of affairs with this class!

Sign up to Sit and Write Master Class before 9/15/22 and use the promo code YES for an early bird discount!

Claudine Wolk Substack: Get Your Book Seen and Sold
Claudine Wolk Website: ClaudineWolk.com
Claudine's Instagram - @ClaudineWolk

This episode of Stories and Strategies for Women is brought to you by Eyebobs.  Enter code 'StoriesandStrat10" for a 10% discount at eyebobs.com
and by

Claudine Wolk Substack: Get Your Book Seen and Sold
Claudine Wolk Website: ClaudineWolk.com
Claudine's Instagram - @ClaudineWolk

“Lizzie Borden took an axe and gave her mother 40 whacks when she saw what she had done, she gave her father 41” 

It’s a rhyme that’s been around a long time.  Did Lizzie Borden commit the murder of her father and her step-mother? Author Cara Robertson is not the first writer to broach the subject.  Her take on the material is unique, though,  Cara methodically and clearly follows the trial of Lizzie Borden day by day and reports the events by also using the words of reporters at the time, a clever and effective spin.  Cara also studied law and her grasp of the law adds an extra perspective to the trial proceedings. 

True crime buffs will love this careful, methodical, expertly-written report with historical background and photos added to round out the story of this mystery.   

You can find Cara Robertson at her website: CaraRobertson.com

I asked Cara for her favorite book.  Clarissa by Samuel Richardson was her answer. 

Claudine Wolk Substack: Get Your Book Seen and Sold
Claudine Wolk Website: ClaudineWolk.com
Claudine's Instagram - @ClaudineWolk

This episode of Stories and Strategies for Women is brought to you by Eyebobs.  Enter code 'StoriesandStrat10" for a 10% discount at eyebobs.com
and by ThriftBooks.com, the fun site to buy and collect used books.

Claudine Wolk Substack: Get Your Book Seen and Sold
Claudine Wolk Website: ClaudineWolk.com
Claudine's Instagram - @ClaudineWolk

“Lizzie Borden took an axe and gave her mother 40 whacks when she saw what she had done, she gave her father 41” 

It’s a rhyme that’s been around a long time.  Did Lizzie Borden commit the murder of her father and her step-mother? Author Cara Robertson is not the first writer to broach the subject.  Her take on the material is unique, though,  Cara methodically and clearly follows the trial of Lizzie Borden day by day and reports the events by also using the words of reporters at the time, a clever and effective spin.  Cara also studied law and her grasp of the law adds an extra perspective to the trial proceedings. 

True crime buffs will love this careful, methodical, expertly-written report with historical background and photos added to round out the story of this mystery.   

You can find Cara Robertson at her website: CaraRobertson.com

I asked Cara for her favorite book.  Clarissa by Samuel Richardson was her answer. 

Claudine Wolk Substack: Get Your Book Seen and Sold
Claudine Wolk Website: ClaudineWolk.com
Claudine's Instagram - @ClaudineWolk

This episode of Stories and Strategies for Women is brought to you by Eyebobs.  Enter code 'StoriesandStrat10" for a 10% discount at eyebobs.com
and by ThriftBooks.com, the fun site to buy and collect used books.

Claudine Wolk Substack: Get Your Book Seen and Sold
Claudine Wolk Website: ClaudineWolk.com
Claudine's Instagram - @ClaudineWolk

This interview with the podcast host of the award-winning The Creative Penn podcast, Joanna Penn, proves the old adage that “you never know until you ask.” I am a big fan of Joanna’s podcast, website, and books. On a whim, I pitched an interview to her and she graciously and generously agreed to it. I am still on a high from this interview and the fabulous information Joanna shared.

Joanna is a successful writer and entrepreneur.  She covers every aspect of self-publishing from writing, to publishing, to distributing, and to marketing a book in her over 30 books and her podcasts as host of The Creative Penn Podcast . She has grown a successful business as an author of both fiction and non-fiction books as an indy author. How did she do it and what tips can she share with the aspiring writer?

Have a listen… Always positive and a self-proclaimed “cheerleader” for authors she believes that an already published book can find more success than a newly launched book with the right marketing techniques and new publishing outlets. She offers insights into the indie publishing field and how she feels it is transformative for new authors in getting their work out into the world. She answers all of my questions - some pretty basic - ie. can you place your book with two different online retailers as the same time? - Sorry, Joanna. But, hey, this is how my mind works. Listen and learn.

Any business owner will discover tips from Joanna's expereince.  Her positivity and enthusiasm is contagous.  She shares the story of her pivotstory, we love pivots stories at Stories and Strategies for Women from a traditional career to scaling a true love business.  In addition to books on publishing and marketing and fiction fantasy books, Joanna's 1st book helps to make a career change titled Career Change: Stop hating your job, discover what you really want to do with your life, and start doing it! | The Creative Penn.

You can find Joanna Penn and all about her books and her podcasts at her website, TheCreativePenn.com


Claudine Wolk Substack: Get Your Book Seen and Sold
Claudine Wolk Website: ClaudineWolk.com
Claudine's Instagram - @ClaudineWolk

This episode of Stories and Strategies for Women is brought to you by Eyebobs.  Enter code 'StoriesandStrat10" for a 10% discount at eyebobs.com
and by ThriftBooks.com, the fun site to buy and collect used books.

Claudine Wolk Substack: Get Your Book Seen and Sold
Claudine Wolk Website: ClaudineWolk.com
Claudine's Instagram - @ClaudineWolk

This interview with the podcast host of the award-winning The Creative Penn podcast, Joanna Penn, proves the old adage that “you never know until you ask.” I am a big fan of Joanna’s podcast, website, and books. On a whim, I pitched an interview to her and she graciously and generously agreed to it. I am still on a high from this interview and the fabulous information Joanna shared.

Joanna is a successful writer and entrepreneur.  She covers every aspect of self-publishing from writing, to publishing, to distributing, and to marketing a book in her over 30 books and her podcasts as host of The Creative Penn Podcast . She has grown a successful business as an author of both fiction and non-fiction books as an indy author. How did she do it and what tips can she share with the aspiring writer?

Have a listen… Always positive and a self-proclaimed “cheerleader” for authors she believes that an already published book can find more success than a newly launched book with the right marketing techniques and new publishing outlets. She offers insights into the indie publishing field and how she feels it is transformative for new authors in getting their work out into the world. She answers all of my questions - some pretty basic - ie. can you place your book with two different online retailers as the same time? - Sorry, Joanna. But, hey, this is how my mind works. Listen and learn.

Any business owner will discover tips from Joanna's expereince.  Her positivity and enthusiasm is contagous.  She shares the story of her pivotstory, we love pivots stories at Stories and Strategies for Women from a traditional career to scaling a true love business.  In addition to books on publishing and marketing and fiction fantasy books, Joanna's 1st book helps to make a career change titled Career Change: Stop hating your job, discover what you really want to do with your life, and start doing it! | The Creative Penn.

You can find Joanna Penn and all about her books and her podcasts at her website, TheCreativePenn.com


Claudine Wolk Substack: Get Your Book Seen and Sold
Claudine Wolk Website: ClaudineWolk.com
Claudine's Instagram - @ClaudineWolk

This episode of Stories and Strategies for Women is brought to you by Eyebobs.  Enter code 'StoriesandStrat10" for a 10% discount at eyebobs.com
and by ThriftBooks.com, the fun site to buy and collect used books.

Claudine Wolk Substack: Get Your Book Seen and Sold
Claudine Wolk Website: ClaudineWolk.com
Claudine's Instagram - @ClaudineWolk