If English isn’t your first language, it’s easy to wonder whether people will trust your writing or take your ideas seriously. In this solo episode of The Author’s Edge, Allison Lane tackles that fear head-on and separates what’s real from what’s holding you back.

You’ll hear why perfect English isn’t the standard for credibility, how clarity builds trust faster than polish, and why non-native English speakers often have an advantage when it comes to writing. Allison also shares a simple, repeatable process for getting your ideas out of your head and onto the page without overthinking grammar or sounding like a textbook.

This episode is for experts, founders, and professionals who know they have something valuable to say but have been hesitating because English isn’t their first language.

In this episode, Allison covers:

• Why authority doesn’t come from perfect English, it comes from clarity
• How to use speaking instead of typing to capture your ideas
• A simple speak–shape–smooth workflow that keeps your voice intact

Action step:

Pick one question people ask you all the time. Record yourself answering it on your phone. Transcribe it, read it once for clarity, and share it. You don’t need perfection. You need a path from your voice to the page.

Get Allison's 7 Shifts to Build Your Authority free guide: https://lanelit.com/authority

Timestamps

• 00:00–00:40 — The fear behind writing in a second language
• 00:40–01:30 — Separating real concerns from fear
• 01:30–02:10 — Why authority isn’t an accent
• 02:10–02:55 — The speak–shape–smooth method
• 02:55–03:40 — Turning recordings into sections
• 03:40–04:20 — Editing for clarity instead of perfection
• 04:20–05:10 — How to test if your writing works
• 05:10–05:45 — Your next step and how to start today

If you know someone who’s been sitting on an important idea because English isn’t their first language, share this episode with them.

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“So incredibly helpful!” >>> If that sounds like you, I’d be so grateful if you’d rate and review the show! Your support helps more authors build their brands, reach their audiences, and launch their books successfully.

Here’s how:

• Click here, scroll to the bottom, and tap to rate with five stars.
• Select “Write a Review” and tell me what you loved most about the episode!

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You don't have to start at the bottom when you pivot to your dream career.

In this episode, Allison Lane talks with business coach, author, and Second Act Success podcast host Shannon Russell about designing a “second act” (or third, or encore career) that honors who you’ve been and who you’re becoming ... and designing a next chapter that builds on your success. Learn how to pivot with confidence, use a 90‑day roadmap, and find time to grow your new business without burnout. Shannon shares practical strategies for finding time to build your business - even in 15-minute pockets of time - and emphasizes the importance of a 90-day roadmap.

If you are considering a career pivot, a corporate exit, or an encore career, this conversation breaks down how to gain visibility and authority in a new space without losing the credibility you have already earned.

KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED

• How to map out your career pivot using a 90-day roadmap.
• Why you should "learn before you leap" to avoid burnout and financial risk.
• How to confidently answer the question, "So, what have you been up to?"

CHAPTERS 0:00 - Intro: The fear of changing careers 2:15 - Why you don't start at the bottom when you pivot 5:45 - Identifying transferable skills for your new business 9:30 - When to leave a corporate career (The "Why") 14:50 - How to build visibility in 90-day chunks 19:40 - Finding time to work on your business 24:00 - Researching your market before investing 26:30 - How to sign up for Shannon's masterclass

Get Allison's free guide 7 Shifts to Build Your Authority: https://lanelit.com/authority

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Shannon Russell's Website: https://secondactsuccess.co Podcast: Second Act Success
• Shannon’s free live masterclass: How to Turn Your Ideas Into Income → Sign up at secondactsuccess.co
• Connect with Allison: lanelit.com and LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/allisonlanelit

Get Allison's free Author Content Calendar at https://lanelit.com/content Instant Access: Get immediate access to a year's worth of content and start boosting your online presence today.

Rate, Review, & Follow The Author’s Edge

“So incredibly helpful!” >>> If that sounds like you, I’d be so grateful if you’d rate and review the show! Your support helps more authors build their brands, reach their audiences, and launch their books successfully.

Here’s how:

• Click here, scroll to the bottom, and tap to rate with five stars.
• Select “Write a Review” and tell me what you loved most about the episode!

And don’t forget to follow the podcast if you haven’t already. I’m sharing bonus episodes packed with insider tips, and I’d hate for you to miss out. Hit that follow button now.

LinkedIn @allisonlanelit
YouTube @allisonlanelit
Facebook @allisonlanelit

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Too many book ideas and no clue which one to start with? This episode walks you through a simple, repeatable process to choose a topic that’s both meaningful to you and valuable to your readers.​

In this quick coaching-style episode of The Author’s Edge, Publishing and Visibility Advisor Allison Lane shows you how to stop overthinking and start validating your ideas in the real world - without asking random people in a Facebook group to “vote” on your book.​

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why there is no single “right” book topic - and how chasing certainty keeps you stuck instead of shipping.​
• How to mine real reader questions (and Google’s “People Also Ask”) to find the problems your audience is already asking you to solve.​
• A simple 5-step “Questions My People Ask” exercise to validate your topic with a 5-minute voice note before you commit.​

Connect with Allison

• 🌐 lanelit.com
• 💼 LinkedIn: Allison Lane
• 📺 Watch on YouTube for bonus video episodes
• 💌 If this episode helped you, share it with a friend and leave a 5-star review to help others find the show!

Rate, Review, & Follow The Author’s Edge

“So incredibly helpful!” >>> If that sounds like you, I’d be so grateful if you’d rate and review the show! Your support helps more authors build their brands, reach their audiences, and launch their books successfully.

Here’s how:

• Click here, scroll to the bottom, and tap to rate with five stars.
• Select “Write a Review” and tell me what you loved most about the episode!

And don’t forget to follow the podcast if you haven’t already. I’m sharing bonus episodes packed with insider tips, and I’d hate for you to miss out. Hit that follow button now.

LinkedIn @allisonlanelit
YouTube @allisonlanelit
Facebook @allisonlanelit

🔔 Subscribe or Follow for more tips and insights on publishing and marketing
👍 Like, comment, and share this video if you found it helpful!