Show Notes, Episode 29, Kristin Smedley Interview

Co-hosts: Cheryl McNeil Fisher and Kathy King

An extraordinary interview with an author who’s mission is to change perceptions of blindness around the world. An effervescent advocate, author and innovator, Kristin Smedley, author of the popular book on NLS/BARD “Thriving Blind,” joins Cheryl and Kathy for a unique author interview on Writing Works Wonders. Kristin is the mother of two young men who are blind. The success of her book has led to a worldwide community of those affected by blindness including parents, children and more. In this interview, you will also discover more about the newest initiatives regarding navigating college, and entrepreneurship, and the upcoming release of her newest book.

About Kristin Smedley
With a fun-loving spirit and energetic personality, Kristin Smedley has guided her life in the direction of a career in teaching. However, when her two sons were born blind, Kristin walked away from the classroom to teach her sons how to navigate a world they could not see. This is part of the reason Kristin’s mantra is “Life is funny… sort of.”

With the right foundation and a multitude of resources, her children have achieved
more than most sighted children their age. Kristin has seen first hand that the grim statistics in the blind community, 70% unemployment rate, 14% college graduation rate, and 60% living in poverty, are a direct result of lack of access to the right tools and resources. She has dedicated her life to changing those statistics and making sure no other Mom has to sit isolated in devastation over a rare eye disease diagnosis.

In 2011, Kristin launched a nonprofit to fund research and resources for children living with the rare eye disease her sons have, CRB1 LCA/RP. Her efforts have sparked international research, OSA legislation, and support communities, Kristin has done a TEDx Talk in New York City to change perceptions of blindness.

In 2019, Kristin published her first book called Thriving Blind: Stories of Real People Succeeding Without Sight. It achieved #1 New Release and Best Seller on Amazon for paperback and Kindle and morphed into vi rant online support communities,

Resources for this Episode

• KristinSmedley.com
• Thriving Blind book on Kindle, Amazon, NLS Talking Books, & BARD,
• Kristin’s TEDx Talk

Writing Opportunities

• Writing prompts, contests, Open Mic events, and more from Writing Works Wonders! Oh My!
• All details available at our Contact Us Portal

Contact Information:

• Website www.WritingWorksWonders.com
• Podcast email WritingworksPodcast@gmail.com
• Phone or text 347-467-0221 (Not a toll-free number)
• Writing prompts, Zoom links, contest and special events! Sign-up for our Email List
• Support this podcast through our Tip Jar or Patreon.

Please Follow Us – We want to be social 😉

• Facebook @WritingWorksWonders
• Twitter @WritingWksPod

Cheryl McNeil Fisher – Author, Keynote Speaker, Educator and Coach. Seminars and Workshops Adults and Children. https://www.cherylmcneilfisher.com/ Submit your work for publication on our site. Guest blogging, poetry, short stories at: https://www.livinginspiredfullyeveryday.com/

Dr. Kathleen P. King– Author, Author Coach, Speaker & Professor (Ret.). http://www.transformationed.com/ Interested in technology and adult learning? Check out Dr. King’s newest book from Wiley: http://bit.ly/King2017

We are proud to be hosted by ACB Community and streamed live on ACB MEDIA Community Channel

Find more resources and episodes for this podcast at https://writingworkswonders.com/

Support Writing Works Wonders: Advancing Beyond Barriers by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/writing-works-wonders

Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code writing for 40% off for 4 months, and support Writing Works Wonders: Advancing Beyond Barriers.

Show Notes, Episode 28, Robert Kingett Interview

**
Co-hosts: Cheryl McNeill Fisher and Kathy King**

Be prepared for revelations in this episode! Robert Kingett, accessibility advocate, author and editor, joins Cheryl and Kathy for an exciting discussion brimming with encouragement and hope for authors, coping with marginalized identities. Robert offers new insights on a host of tooics, and resources from advice on submissions, to how to cope with rejection letters, discover paying markets, transform punlishing, LGBT rights, and conquer audio description. Discoveries, laughter, and free resources, who could ask for more?

About Robert Kingett
Robert Kingett is a totally blind author and accessibility advocate. He writes fiction and nonfiction, but often wears other hats. He is a sensitivity reader and occasionally blogs. He also writes and edits audio description. Robert publishes many short stories alongside editing anthologies he always makes time to read a book or check out a podcast.

He describes himself as a very weird person. Robert loves stealing unicorn shaped cookies from rainbow tinged cookie jars and tap dancing kittens. Robert enjoys networking with other minority authors, especially authors with disabilities and writers who identify as a member of the LGBT+ community.

Articles and Audios by Robert Kingett

• A Deserving Conference
• Submission Accessibility Guide
• “Off the Grid”– Free book
• Paying Market List by Robert
• “Artificial Divide”– newest book

Robert Kingett Contact Details

• His website – https://blindjournalist.wordpress.com
• Contact form
• Subscribe to Robert’s blog
• Newest book- anthology- “Artificial Divide”

Writing Opportunities

• Writing prompts, contests, Open Mic events, and more from Writing Works Wonders! Oh My!
• All details available at our Contact Us Portal

Contact Information:

• Website www.WritingWorksWonders.com
• Podcast email WritingworksPodcast@gmail.com
• Phone or text 347-467-0221 (Not a toll-free number)
• Writing prompts, Zoom links, contest and special events! Sign-up for our Email List
• Support this podcast through our Tip Jar or Patreon.

Please Follow Us- We want to be social 😉

• Facebook @WritingWorksWonders
• Twitter @WritingWksPod

Cheryl McNeil Fisher – Author, Keynote Speaker, Educator and Coach. Seminars and Workshops Adults and Children. https://www.cherylmcneilfisher.com/ Submit your work for publication on our site. Guest blogging, poetry, short stories at: https://www.livinginspiredfullyeveryday.com/

Dr. Kathleen P. King– Author, Author Coach, Speaker & Professor (Ret.). http://www.transformationed.com/ Interested in technology and adult learning? Check out Dr. King’s newest book from Wiley: http://bit.ly/King2017

We are proud to be hosted by ACB Community and streamed live on ACB MEDIA Community Channel

Find more resources and episodes for this podcast at https://writingworkswonders.com/

Support Writing Works Wonders: Advancing Beyond Barriers by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/writing-works-wonders

Show Notes, Episode 27, Open Mic Event 8/2021

Co-hosts: Cheryl McNeil Fisher and Kathy King

Welcome to an incredible celebration of talent in Episode 27. From poetry to science fiction, short stories to flash fiction, we have a wide range of original writing for you to enjoy. Pay close attention and you will hear popular published authors, new authors and emerging writers.

Open Mic Program

• Abbie Johnson Taylor “A Gouda Day for Jolene”
  Email: abbietaylor945@gmail.com
  Website: www.abbiejohnsontaylor.com

• Annie Chiappetta -Three nature poems: Summer Breeze, Aurora Borealis, & Sculpture
  Email: Anniecms64@gmail.com
  Website: http://www.annchiappetta.com/

• Carla Hayes – “Mastermind” A short story.
  Email: engual@verizon.net
  Website:

• Deanna Quietwater Noriega- short stories
  Email: Dqnoriega@gmail.com
  Website: https://www.dldbooks.com/dqnoriega/

• Valerie Ries-Lerman -Two poems
  Facebook: Valerie Ries-Lerman

• Marlene Mesot.— Excerpt from her book “The Purging Fire.” performed by Timothy G. Little.
  Email: marl.mesot@gmail.com
  Website: http://www.marlsmenagerie.com/

• Michael Gandy “The Repairman” – A short story.
  Email: thegandymysteries1@gmail.com

• Rebecca Valladares – “Jocelyn’s story”
  Email: rebeca721@icloud.com

• Norma A. Boge – Poem entitled “Longing” which has been published in an anthology.
  Email: naboge@mchsi.com

• Pam Washam – “The Rex Rabbit Story”
  Email: pamwasham53@gmail.com

• Alice Massa – “Almost Trust Story of an Angel’s Feather” – poem/story
  Email: alicejmassa@gmail.com
  Website/Blog: https://alice13wordwalk.wordpress.com/

• Carol Mackey – Writing Prompt Response

• Annie D Davis – The first-chapter of Annie D Davis’ in-progress novel, “Kindred Spirits.”
  Email: annedonnellon@gmail.com

• Kim Rioux – “Be Light Again”

• Debby Green – “Fourth Quarter”

• Lisa Gilmartin – “Unconditional Love”

• Marlene Mesot – Writing Prompt Response- “Conundrum”
  Email: marl.mesot@gmail.com
  Website: http://www.marlsmenagerie.com/

• Deanna Quietwater Noriega – “Apples” poem
  Email: Dqnoriega@gmail.com
  Website: https://www.dldbooks.com/dqnoriega/

What About Sharing Your Writing?

Would you like to be included in our next event? These are opportunities to share your writing with a large, virtual audience.

• Join our email list to stay apprised of all Writing Works Wonders events. Everyone is welcome. No fees are involved to participate.

and

• Submit a request to be our guest author on our podcast.

Writing Opportunities

• Writing prompts, contests, Open Mic events, and more from Writing Works Wonders! Oh My!
• All details available at our Contact Us Portal

Contact Information:

• Website www.WritingWorksWonders.com
• Podcast email WritingworksPodcast@gmail.com
• Phone or text 347-467-0221 (Not a toll-free number)
• Writing prompts, Zoom links, contest and special events! Sign-up for our Email List
• Support this podcast through our Tip Jar or Patreon.

Please Follow Us- We want to be social 😉

• Facebook @WritingWorksWonders
• Twitter @WritingWksPod

Cheryl McNeil Fisher – Author, Keynote Speaker, Educator and Coach. Seminars and Workshops Adults and Children. https://www.cherylmcneilfisher.com/ Submit your work for publication on our site. Guest blogging, poetry, short stories at: https://www.livinginspiredfullyeveryday.com/

Dr. Kathleen P. King– Author, Author Coach, Speaker & Professor (Ret.). http://www.transformationed.com/ Interested in technology and adult learning? Check out Dr. King’s newest book from Wiley: http://bit.ly/King2017

We are proud to be hosted by ACB Community and streamed live on ACB MEDIA Community Channel

Find more resources and episodes for this podcast at https://writingworkswonders.com/

Support Writing Works Wonders: Advancing Beyond Barriers by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/writing-works-wonders

Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code writing for 40% off for 4 months, and support Writing Works Wonders: Advancing Beyond Barriers.

Show Notes, Episode 26, Marlene Mesot Interview

Co-hosts: Cheryl McNeil Fisher and Kathy King

Cheryl and Kathy interview author, poet and playwriter, Marlene Mesot about her experience writing mysteries, short stories, plays, and poetry! Moving back and forth across genres, she follows an unusual path as she crafts her work. We cover a wide span of topics with this talented writer. We know this episode will be packed with insights and tips of creativity, crossing genres, new ideas, and more. Your next GREAT idea could be waiting for you here!

Topics in this episode include

• Writing across genres, why and how?
• The reason writers need to read a lot!
• Book distribution in many markets
• Creating genre-defying books
• Writing a book series
• Finding ideas for books
• Exploring poetry versus prose
• Elements and types of poetry
• Much inspiratio

More about Marlene Mesot
Marlene writes across genres; she publishes a mystery series, suspense, short stories, romance, poetry, blog posts, and even a play. She also identifies as a contemporary Christian author.
“The Purging Fire” is the first volume in her mystery series. It deftly weaves together mystery, love interests, and danger in the life of a college student who is blind. Tune in to learn about this book and her other published works!

Marlene has loved writing since an early childhood. From Manchester, New Hampshire, she is legally blind and moderately deaf due to nerve damage when born prematurely.

Contact Details for Marlene Mesot

• Marlene’s website http://www.marlsmenagerie.com
• Books by Marlene include
• Cat Stalker’s Sonnets
• Edgey Poetry
• 4 Elements of Mystery – A four book series
  Purging Fire
  Snowball Effect
  Whirlwind of Fear
  Terra Terror

More Episode Resources

• Links to related publishing and narration resources

• Writers Digest – Robert Lee Brewer’s Guide to poetic forms.
  https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry/list-of-50-poetic-forms-for-poets

• Creative Writing Now – free writing articles and affordable self paced writing courses.
  https://www.creative-writing-now.com

• Behind Our Eyes Writers Group
  http://www.behindoureyes.or

Writing Opportunities

• Writing prompts, contests, Open Mic events, and more from Writing Works Wonders!
• All details available at our Contact Us Portal

Contact Information:

• Website www.WritingWorksWonders.com
• Podcast email WritingworksPodcast@gmail.com
• Phone or text 347-467-0221 (Not a toll-free number)
• Writing prompts, Zoom links, contest and special events! Sign-up for our Email List
• Support this podcast through our Tip Jar or Patreon.

Please Follow Us- We want to be social 😉

• Facebook @WritingWorksWonders
• Twitter @WritingWksPod

Cheryl McNeil Fisher – Author, Keynote Speaker, Educator and Coach. Seminars and Workshops Adults and Children. https://www.cherylmcneilfisher.com/ Submit your work for publication on our site. Guest blogging, poetry, short stories at: https://www.livinginspiredfullyeveryday.com/

Dr. Kathleen P. King– Author, Author Coach, Speaker & Professor (Ret.). http://www.transformationed.com/ Interested in technology and adult learning? Check out Dr. King’s newest book from Wiley: http://bit.ly/King2017

We are proud to be hosted by ACB Community and streamed live on ACB MEDIA Community Channel

Find more resources and episodes for this podcast at https://writingworkswonders.com/

Support Writing Works Wonders: Advancing Beyond Barriers by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/writing-works-wonders

Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code writing for 40% off for 4 months, and support Writing Works Wonders: Advancing Beyond Barriers.