In this episode, I sit down with John Ryland, author of ten books in the Southern Gothic and dark psychological suspense genres. John grew up surrounded by the folklore and ghost stories of the South, which shaped his passion for storytelling from an early age.

We talk about his journey from writing at 14 to self-publishing, and eventually moving into traditional publishing. John opens up about the hustle it takes to share your work with the world, the influence of Southern culture on his stories, and how he now mentors young writers to help them find their own voices.

If you’ve ever thought about writing a book, wondered what it takes to get published, or simply love a good story—you’ll enjoy this conversation.

📌 Show Notes

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• John’s early love of storytelling and the folklore that shaped his imagination
• How he wrote his first book at just 14 years old
• The realities of self-publishing versus traditional publishing
• The persistence and resilience required to build a career as an author
• Why community and mentorship are so important for creative growth
• John’s advice for aspiring writers who want to share their own stories

About John Ryland:

John is the author of ten books spanning Southern Gothic and dark psychological suspense. His work draws deeply from the rich storytelling traditions of the South, blending atmosphere, folklore, and unforgettable characters. Beyond writing, John mentors young writers and helps them discover their creative voices.

Resources & Links:

Connect with John via his website where you will find information about the author and how to find his books:

gspressbooks.com

Author of "Leading Magnanimously" and "You Decide"

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Andrew Brummer, an author who transformed a career setback into a publishing success story. After facing an unexpected job transition in March 2024, Andrew discovered his calling as a writer and has since published two books focused on leadership and networking. He shares his journey from having no writing experience to becoming a published author in less than a year, offering practical insights for both aspiring authors and professionals navigating career pivots.

"We've reached an age today where this AI thing is so pervasive... the people that you have around you are going to be pivotal to our individual survival and commercial contribution."

"Don't walk in there and say I'm a CEO. As soon as you do that, you've pigeonholed yourself and the discussion basically is over."

"Network, network, network. Don't take anyone you meet for granted. Maintain relationships as deep and as wide as you can."

Books mentioned by Andrew Brummer:

• Start With Why by Simon Sinek
• Multipliers by Liz Wiseman
• Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
• Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
• Atomic Habits by James Clear
• 10X is Easier Than 2X by Dan Sullivan
• Who Not How by Dan Sullivan
• Good Leaders Ask Great Questions by John C. Maxwell
• Mindset by Carol Dweck

1. Start Networking Early: Begin building professional relationships in your 20s, not when you need them
2. Lead with Authenticity: Focus on how you impact people's lives, not just your job title
3. Embrace the Pivot: Career changes at any age can lead to unexpected opportunities
4. Write from Experience: Your unique experiences and perspectives have value
5. Consistency Matters: Develop a personal brand that's recognizable across all platforms

Andrew Brummer is a leadership multiplier and operational strategist who extends CEO capacity and builds high-performance teams. As a Vistage Chair and maximizes his strengths and passion in bringing business leaders together in solving problems. With experience across business, technical, and operational domains, Andrew brings a multidimensional perspective to complex challenges.

Andrew actively mentors startups and emerging leaders globally, volunteering with organizations like TiE Atlanta. Known for his transparency, people-first approach, and exceptional problem-solving, he creates shared consciousness throughout organizations. His Strategic, Maximizer, Input, Arranger, Adaptability strengths reflect his ability to envision possibilities, develop people, and navigate complex environments with agility.

• Website: andrewbrummer.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewbrummer/
• Books: Available on Amazon and through his website
• You Decide: https://a.co/d/aqftTpf
• Leading Magnanimously: Available in August

Thank you for listening. Be sure to subscribe and leave a 5-star review.

This episode was sponsored by Execuwright. We help business leaders and professionals to raise...

In this captivating episode of The Author's Way Podcast, join us as we delve into the dynamic world of writing and book marketing with the incredibly talented Amy Lyle. As a successful author with two published books under her belt, Amy shares her invaluable insights, experiences, and expertise on navigating the intricate path of the literary landscape.

Amy Lyle doesn't just stop at writing; she's also a marketing maven, and she unveils her strategies for effectively promoting and selling her books. Whether you're an aspiring author or a book enthusiast, this episode offers a treasure trove of tips and inspiration to fuel your own literary endeavors.

To purchase Amy's books:

The Amy Binegar-Kimmes-Lyle Book of Failures: A Funny Memoir of Misteps, Inadequacies, and Faux Pas

https://a.co/d/hBC6AXW

We're All A Mess, It's Ok: A Collection of Funny Essays and One-liners about the Struggles of Everyday Life.

WE'RE ALL A MESS, IT'S OK: A COLLECTION OF FUNNY ESSAYS AND ONE-LINERS ABOUT THE STRUGGLES OF EVERYDAY LIFE

https://a.co/d/hMPDAL1

This episode was sponsored by Execuwright. We help business leaders and professionals to raise their visibility and get their words into the world by helping them to write and publish there book. If you have a book in your head, your heart or your soul, reach out to Jennifer and learn more about her mission with authors. You can reach her using the following links.

Website: https://www.execuwright.com

To join our free writer's group visit:

https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14164059/