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In Her Words
A podcast for women who are ready speak their truth, write their stories, and inspire the world with memoir writing. This podcast is hosted by Jessica Buchanan, NYT Bestselling author, inspirations speaker, kidnapping survivor, and founder of Soul Speak Press. We are here educate and inspire all women who feel compelled to tell their stories and who also need community and support along that journey into the publishing world.
Episodes
49 episodes
What Does It Mean to Bear Witness?
In this episode of In Her Words, Jess explores the deep, sometimes misunderstood concept of bearing witness—what it means, why it matters, and how it sits at the very heart of memoir. She explains that witnessing is more than ...
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Season 3
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Episode 11
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29:32
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Am I Ready to Share My Story?
This week Jess dives into one of the most personal questions for any writer: Am I ready to share my story? Tune in and explore how to know when you’re truly ready to share your experience and the lessons you've learned. Jess unpacks th...
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Season 3
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Episode 10
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29:32
Author Spotlight: A Conversation with Jackie Pflug
Jess sits down with Jackie Pflug, author of Wake Up! It's Time to Say Yes to a Life Worth Loving. Join us for an inspiring conversation about breaking free from autopilot and consciously choosing joy. Jackie shares how to recognize whe...
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Season 3
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Episode 9
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29:32
How to Survive Survival
Today is launch day! In this emotional episode, Jess shares lessons in surviving survival, turning pain into purpose, and using trauma as an invitation to think about how we want to live.
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Season 3
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Episode 8
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27:52
Author Spotlight: A Conversation with Gillian Lichota
This week Jess sits down with Gillian Lichota, author and founder of the iRise Above Foundation, to explore the power of writing as a healing process. Together, they discuss the practice of sa...
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Season 3
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Episode 7
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27:52
How to Find the Theme of Your Memoir
Memoir isn’t your whole life story — it’s the story about something. That “something” is your theme, and it’s what transforms a personal collection of memories into a powerful, cohesive narrative.In this episode, Jess walks list...
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Season 3
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Episode 6
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27:52
The Future of Memoir: Questions and Answers
This week Jess answers the following questions about the future of memoir:1. Why do you think readers are hungrier than ever for real, true stories?2. What makes memoir different from autobiography?3. Why do memoirs resonat...
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Season 3
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Episode 5
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27:52
When To Bring In Professional Help: Signs Your Manuscript Needs A Developmental Editor
In this episode, Jess unpacks some of the clearest signs that it may be time to bring a professional set of eyes to your manuscript. Writing a book can feel isolating, overwhelming, and sometimes frustrating—and knowing when to get help can mak...
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Season 3
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Episode 4
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30:13
5 Things to Consider if You're Committed to the Traditional Publishing Track
This week Jess shares some hard truths about traditional publishing. Only about 300 memoir deals are made each year in traditional publishing. Many go to celebrities with built-in audiences, or authors whose stories have a strong cultu...
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Season 3
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Episode 3
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30:13
Build it Before You Launch: 5 Ways to Grow Your Audience Before Publishing Your Book
In this episode, Jess shares five powerful strategies to grow your audience before your book even hits the shelves. Whether you’re a first-time author or seasoned writer, building momentum early will set you up for a stronger launch an...
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Season 3
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Episode 2
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33:27
I'm Back!
Jess returns to the podcast after a brief pause since April, and she’s excited to reconnect with her listeners. She explains the reason behind the silence: she’s been focused on writing her book, How to Survive Survival: A Guide to Turning ...
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Season 3
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Episode 1
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27:34
Farewell for Now
In this final episode, Jess shares a heartfelt farewell—for now. While we won’t be recording new episodes due to time constraints and exciting new projects on the horizon, you can always connect with us at
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Season 2
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Episode 26
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5:03
The Power of Writing Retreats
In this episode, we explore the transformative power of writing retreats for memoirists. From uninterrupted deep work sessions to expert feedback and a supportive community, we break down how retreats boost creativity, refine craft, and provide...
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Season 2
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Episode 24
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20:06
Author Spotlight: A Conversation with Delia Sullivan
This week’s guest is Delia Sullivan, a writer, yoga instructor, and leader of monthly women’s connection circles in Alexandria, Virginia. In these gatherings, women of all ages explore meaningful topics, share experiences, and engage in movemen...
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31:51
The Emotional Aspects of Sharing Your Story (Originally Aired 10/17/24)
Jess touches on the emotional aspects of sharing one's story, as well as the power and empowerment comes from taking our stories back. If you're contemplating sharing your story, consider the positive answers to "What if...?" What if writing yo...
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Season 2
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Episode 23
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9:15
Author Spotlight: A Conversation with Sarah DeBlock
Join us for a conversation with Sarah DeBlock, author and founder of Soma Yoga Healing Center in Alexandria, Virginia. Sarah's new memoir,
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26:15
Introducing the In Her Words Collection: A Memoir Writing Masterclass from Soul Speak Press
This week, Jess introduces the In Her Words Collection: a masterclass in memoir writing with a bestselling book as the final product.Become a bestselling author with our self-scheduled writing project! Guided by video ...
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17:48
Author Spotlight: A Conversation with Becky Ellis (Originally Aired 12/5/2024)
Becky Ellis shares insights from writing her memoir as well as her extensive experience in the publishing industry. Becky is a Timberwolf Pup and her story confronts the silence surrounding the generational impact of war. The daughter of a high...
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35:12
7 Reasons Why It's Hard to Get Your Book Into Bookstores
It is HARD to get your book into bookstores for a number of reasons, and this week Jess is here to walk you through some of them:1. Bookstores Prioritize Large Publishers2. Distribution Barriers3. Limited Shelf Space and Hi...
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21:42
Writing a Memoir Manifesto As a Form of Activism
This week Jess offers a reminder of what is possible, even when you feel powerless or paralyzed. Consider why writing your memoir manifesto is its own powerful form of activism. Your voice and your story matter, and our voices can break silence...
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Season 2
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Episode 18
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22:32
A Conversation with Krista Clive-Smith, Founder and CEO of Merack Publishing (Originally Aired 5/2/2024)
Krista Clive-Smith talks through her own career journey from a professional organizer to a personal branding expert to visionary founder of Merack Publishing. As Krista wrote her first book, she saw a gap in the publishing industry and started ...
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1:03:49
When Silence Is Louder Than Words: Advice for When People Don't Show Up for You During a Book Launch
Sometimes people don't show up for you, and it can be really disappointing, especially when you value the relationship. Jess offers some advice for when someone doesn't show up during your book launch.
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Season 2
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Episode 16
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21:23
5 Ways I'm Getting Ready for Our Book Launch
The countdown is ON for our upcoming book launch! Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood will be available for purchase on Saturday, January 25th. This week Jess shares a helpful list of things that she and the contribut...
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Season 2
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Episode 15
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20:12