How much of your story should you tell when the people who lived it with you might not agree with your version?

For Sarah Locke, writing her memoir, Living Out Loud, meant confronting that very question.

In this episode of Finish the Damn Book, Susie Schaefer talks with Sarah about writing a deeply personal memoir, deciding what to share, and discovering that publishing your truth can change relationships in ways you never expected.

Sarah began writing as a way to process major life experiences, including coming out in her thirties and navigating a multiple sclerosis diagnosis. What started as late-night writing became a published book that helped readers feel understood and less alone.

But it wasn't without challenges. Sarah shares how some friendships ended after publication, why she chose not to include every detail of her life, and how she worked with professional editors to make her story clearer and more meaningful.

She also discusses the value of asking for help, setting boundaries, and turning her personal experiences into a mission to serve others through Locke's Promise.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• Finding the courage to write your personal story
• How to decide what belongs in your memoir
• Navigating reactions from friends and family
• Why Sarah kept her manuscript private during the writing process
• What she learned from working with a hybrid publisher
• How professional editing helped her become a stronger storyteller
• The unexpected ways readers connected with her experiences
• Learning to ask for help and establish boundaries
• How Living Out Loud supports people living with multiple sclerosis
• Why authenticity matters both on and off the page

ABOUT SARAH LOCKE

Sarah Locke is the author of Living Out Loud and founder of Locke's Promise, a New Hampshire nonprofit supporting individuals and families affected by multiple sclerosis.

Her writing explores authenticity, resilience, and the power of telling your story. Through Locke's Promise, she helps connect people with resources, practical assistance, and community support.

CONNECT WITH SARAH

Website: https://www.lockespromise.com/

WATCH OR LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE

https://geni.us/fdb-sarah-locke

CONTENT NOTE: This episode includes discussion of multiple sclerosis, personal identity, family relationships, and spiritual interpretations. Medical experiences are personal accounts, not medical guidance.

Finish the Damn Book Podcast helps aspiring authors, entrepreneurs, creatives, and writers finally complete the book they know they’re meant to write.

Hosted by Susie Schaefer, the podcast cuts through perfectionism, writer’s block, overwhelm, and publishing confusion with honest conversations about writing, publishing, book marketing, creativity, and the author journey.

Featuring authors, editors, ghostwriters, publishers, writing coaches, and industry professionals, each episode offers practical strategies to help writers finish, publish, and share meaningful books.

Topics include:
• Writing and revision tips
• Publishing and self-publishing guidance
• Book marketing and platform-building
• Creativity, confidence, and procrastination
• Encouragement for writers stuck in the messy middle

Many episodes close with Susie’s signature “Reflection Moment”, an intuitive conversation exploring creativity, identity, purpose, and the emotional side of becoming an author.

Whether you’re writing memoir, nonfiction, business, or personal development, Finish the Damn Book is here to help you trust your voice and finally bring your story to life.

Ready to move your book forward?
https://www.finishthebookpublishing.com/

What if the content for your next book is already sitting in your podcast library?

Susie Schaefer welcomes Tina Dietz, founder and CEO of Twin Flames Studios, for a conversation about audiobook publishing, voice-powered storytelling, and turning podcast episodes into books.

Tina explains how her PodCraft Books process uses an existing body of podcast content as the foundation for professionally ghostwritten books—not simply cleaned-up transcripts.

They also explore what authors should know about audiobook narration, production, rights, royalties, distribution, and launch timing.

Beyond publishing, Tina shares how trusting her intuition led her to build Twin Flames Studios, why moving from solopreneur to business owner requires an identity shift, and how learning to navigate fear can open unexpected doors.

The conversation closes with Susie's intuitive card reading and Tina's powerful reminder that your voice matters more than you think.

Connect with Tina Dietz:
https://twinflamesstudios.com/

Listen, learn, and keep writing so you can finish the damn book!

Finish the Damn Book Podcast helps aspiring authors, entrepreneurs, creatives, and writers finally complete the book they know they’re meant to write.

Hosted by Susie Schaefer, the podcast cuts through perfectionism, writer’s block, overwhelm, and publishing confusion with honest conversations about writing, publishing, book marketing, creativity, and the author journey.

Featuring authors, editors, ghostwriters, publishers, writing coaches, and industry professionals, each episode offers practical strategies to help writers finish, publish, and share meaningful books.

Topics include:
• Writing and revision tips
• Publishing and self-publishing guidance
• Book marketing and platform-building
• Creativity, confidence, and procrastination
• Encouragement for writers stuck in the messy middle

Many episodes close with Susie’s signature “Reflection Moment”, an intuitive conversation exploring creativity, identity, purpose, and the emotional side of becoming an author.

Whether you’re writing memoir, nonfiction, business, or personal development, Finish the Damn Book is here to help you trust your voice and finally bring your story to life.

Ready to move your book forward?
https://www.finishthebookpublishing.com/

Have you been talking about writing a book for months, or even years, but still haven't finished your manuscript? What if the problem isn't a lack of ideas, but too many ideas, perfectionism, or the fear of what happens once your book is finished?

In this episode of Finish the Damn Book, host Susie Schaefer welcomes Bridgett McGowen-Hawkins, founder of Press 49, an award-winning hybrid publishing company that has helped publish more than 190 authors and co-authors.

Bridgett shares why aspiring authors often stay stuck in the planning stages, how perfectionism disguises itself as high standards, and why clarity doesn't always come before writing. Sometimes, it comes through the writing itself.

Together, Susie and Bridgett explore how to identify your ideal reader, regain momentum when your manuscript stalls, establish meaningful accountability, and recognize when "I'm still working on it" has become an excuse to avoid finishing.

They also break down the differences between self-publishing, hybrid publishing, and traditional publishing, including what authors should understand about contracts, ownership, and the publishing process.

The conversation closes with a discussion about intuition, trusting your direction, and taking the next step toward becoming a published author.

Because your unfinished book can't reach the people who need to read it.

If you're ready to move beyond talking about your book and start making real progress, this conversation is for you.

Meet Our Guest: Bridgett McGowen-Hawkins

Bridgett McGowen-Hawkins is the founder of Press 49, an award-winning hybrid publishing company helping speakers, entrepreneurs, coaches, and experts turn their ideas into professionally published nonfiction books. A published author, entrepreneur, and longtime professional speaker, Bridgett brings firsthand experience to the writing and publishing journey.

Through Press 49, Bridgett and her team have published more than 190 authors and co-authors whose books have earned multiple industry awards.

Connect with Bridgett:

Website: https://www.press49.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bridgettmcgowen6347

In This Episode:

• Why too many ideas can keep your manuscript unfinished
• How perfectionism becomes procrastination
• The importance of knowing your reader and your book's purpose
• Rebuilding momentum when writing becomes difficult
• How accountability helps writers follow through
• Understanding your publishing options and contracts
• Trusting your intuition throughout the author journey

Finish the Damn Book Podcast helps aspiring authors, entrepreneurs, creatives, and writers finally complete the book they know they’re meant to write.

Hosted by Susie Schaefer, the podcast cuts through perfectionism, writer’s block, overwhelm, and publishing confusion with honest conversations about writing, publishing, book marketing, creativity, and the author journey.

Featuring authors, editors, ghostwriters, publishers, writing coaches, and industry professionals, each episode offers practical strategies to help writers finish, publish, and share meaningful books.

Topics include:
• Writing and revision tips
• Publishing and self-publishing guidance
• Book marketing and platform-building
• Creativity, confidence, and procrastination
• Encouragement for writers stuck in the messy middle

Many episodes close with Susie’s signature “Reflection Moment”, an intuitive conversation exploring creativity, identity, purpose, and the emotional side of becoming an author.

Whether you’re writing memoir, nonfiction, business, or personal development, Finish the Damn Book is here to help you trust your voice and finally bring your story to life.

Ready to move your book forward?
https://www.finishthebookpublishing.com/