In this inspiring episode of Rooted Agritourism, host Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen shares the mic with publishing veterans and fellow authors during the Future Proof Author panel at Podfest 2026. Whether you're dreaming of writing your first book or looking to scale your author platform, this panel is packed with actionable advice on storytelling, publishing, platform-building, and book marketing for rural entrepreneurs and creative business owners.

Liz opens up about her personal journey—from flower farmer and podcast host to memoir author—and how grief, growth, and entrepreneurship collided to shape her book. Joined by experts from Morgan James Publishing and other successful authors, this conversation dives into the real stories and smart strategies that help authors not only publish but thrive.

Key Topics Covered:

• How to decide what book to write (and why it matters for your future)
• Marketing your book before it’s even finished
• Why your personal story is your strongest brand asset
• Self-publishing vs traditional publishing insights
• Building an engaged audience with pre-orders and waitlists
• Social media and email strategy tips for first-time authors
• Creating a sustainable content and promotion plan
• Leveraging podcast guesting and live events to grow your author platform
• The importance of aligning your book with your long-term business goals

Pre-Order Flowers Bloom Anyway: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flowers-bloom-anyway-a-memoir-liz-fiedler-mergen/1148638651?ean=9781636989273

Save $25 on your CoolBot: https://storeitcold.referralrock.com/lv1/6R543BWF/

Podcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourism

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/

Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/

Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.com

FarmerstoFlorists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/

Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/

Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen, owner of Sunny Mary Meadow, delves into the core principles of crop planning for flower farms. Emphasizing alignment rather than control, she discusses scheduling bloom times to match sales needs. Liz shares insights from her own experiences, explaining how she uses succession planting and planning tools to optimize planting schedules and fulfill her varied event commitments. While promoting her crop planning platform Farmers to Florist, she insists the principles can be applied manually with notebooks or spreadsheets. Liz underscores the importance of early planning to make informed decisions and maximize the use of crops during their harvest windows. The episode also highlights the upcoming Flower Farmer Forum conference and provides resources for further learning and support for rural entrepreneurs.

00:00 Introduction to Crop Planning

00:10 Welcome to Rooted Agritourism

00:40 Understanding Crop Planning for Flower Farms

01:50 The Importance of Crop Planning

02:32 Real-Life Examples from My Farm

04:02 Planning for Different Business Models

05:27 Succession Planting and Season Extension

09:11 Using Tools for Efficient Crop Planning

13:10 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events

Pre-Order Flowers Bloom Anyway: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flowers-bloom-anyway-a-memoir-liz-fiedler-mergen/1148638651?ean=9781636989273

Save $25 on your CoolBot: https://storeitcold.referralrock.com/lv1/6R543BWF/

Podcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourism

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/

Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/

Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.com

FarmerstoFlorists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/

Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/

Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852

In this episode of the Rooted Agritourism podcast, host Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen sits down with Dr. Mark Hicks of The Learning Love Foundation to discuss personal growth, healthy relationships, and the journey of becoming a published author. Dr. Hicks shares his experiences with love, divorce, and building a life that matters through his book, 'Learning Love Building the Life That Matters and Healthy Relationships That Last.' They dive into the importance of relationships in both personal and professional lives, especially for those in the agritourism industry. Dr. Hicks also talks about his background in mental health counseling, divinity, and ministry, emphasizing the universal importance of learning to love. Additionally, Dr. Fiedler Mergen provides updates on her own projects, including the new event venue and her upcoming book. Tune in to gain insights into cultivating love and success in both personal life and business.

00:00 Introduction to Rooted Agritourism

00:19 Welcome to the Rued Egg Tourism Podcast

00:34 Flowers Bloom Anyway: Personal Growth and Grief

00:54 Meet Dr. Mark Hicks

01:20 The Journey of Writing and Publishing

02:14 Building Healthy Relationships

05:24 The Importance of Love in All Aspects of Life

07:27 Credentials and Experience of Dr. Mark Hicks

09:28 Upcoming Changes and Exciting News

11:03 Conclusion and Resources

Pre-Order Flowers Bloom Anyway: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flowers-bloom-anyway-a-memoir-liz-fiedler-mergen/1148638651?ean=9781636989273

Save $25 on your CoolBot: https://storeitcold.referralrock.com/lv1/6R543BWF/

Podcast Website: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/rootedagritourism

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedagritourism/

Business Coaching: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/

Farm Website: www.sunnymarymeadow.com

FarmerstoFlorists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/

Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnymarymeadow/

Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852