Episodes

"You don't have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step." — Martin Luther King Jr. You know you have a story to tell. You may have carried it with you for years. You've thought about writing it. You may have even told pieces of it to friends or family. But then you sit down in front of a blank page…and nothing comes. In this episode of The Edit, I'm answering a question from listener Jackson, who asked how to begin writing his story when, no matter how hard he tries, he simply ca...

"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." — Maya Angelou What if the most meaningful part of your vacation wasn't the destination... but the people you met? After returning from Cozumel, Mexico, Holly realized she wasn't thinking about the beaches, the restaurants, or the excursions. She was thinking about the people she met—and the stories they shared. A grandfather whose family grew out of unimaginable loss. A young man whose passion for his hometown reminded her...

"You are the actor or actress in your story... but it's not just for you." — Lesley George Last week, bestselling publisher and confidence coach Lesley George reminded us that every person has a story with power, a voice with purpose, and a message that can create movement. This week, we continue that conversation by exploring what happens after you decide to write. We talk about the publishing journey, the fears many writers carry into the editing process, and why the right publishing team sh...

"Every person has a story with power, a voice with purpose, and a message that can create movement when it is used with courage and clarity." — Lesley George What gives us permission to tell our stories? For many writers, it isn't a lack of ideas that keeps them stuck—it's a lack of confidence. We question whether our stories matter, whether anyone will care, or whether we're qualified to write the book that's been on our hearts. In this first half of my conversation with bestselling publisher...

"Easy reading is damn hard writing." — Nathaniel Hawthorne Finishing your first draft is a huge accomplishment—but it's not the finish line. It's the beginning of revision. In last week's episode, we celebrated typing The End. This week, we're opening that manuscript again and answering one of the biggest questions every writer eventually asks: "Where do I even start?" The answer may surprise you. Most writers immediately begin fixing grammar, rewriting sentences, and polishing paragraphs. Bu...

Finishing your first draft is one of the biggest accomplishments in a writer's journey. Yet for many writers, those two words—The End—don't bring relief. They bring uncertainty. Now what? Do you start editing immediately? Rewrite the first chapter? Send it to beta readers? Hire an editor? Or quietly close the document because you're afraid of what you'll find? In this episode of The Edit, Holly walks you through what should happen after your first draft is complete—and why the space between ...

What can two third-grade girls, a card table, and a stack of handwritten stories teach us about writing? More than you might think. In this episode of The Edit, Holly shares a childhood memory that helped shape her beliefs about storytelling, editing, and authentic voice long before she knew those words would become part of her career. Back in the 1970s, Holly and her best friend, Anne Marie, opened a "Story Stand" in their neighborhood. Instead of selling lemonade, they sold stories—fiction,...

In this special bonus episode of The Edit: Writing Your Book Without Losing Your Voice, Holly takes a step back from her conversation with author Hadley Kibbe to explore the writing, editing, and publishing lessons hidden within Hadley's story. While Hadley's books were inspired by ranch life, motherhood, faith, and her son, the lessons behind her writing journey apply to every writer—whether you're working on a children's book, memoir, devotional, business book, blog, or personal story. Holly...

What happens when a ranch-raised cowgirl, rodeo competitor, songwriter, photographer, wife, mother, and follower of Jesus decides to write books for her son? In this heartfelt conversation, Holly sits down with Hadley Ann Kibbe, a former student-turned-author whose life is deeply rooted in faith, family, and the Western way of life. Together, they explore the stories behind The Cow Kid Series, the lessons motherhood has taught her, and why perfection should never stand in the way of sharing you...

Have you ever sat down to write and spent more time deleting words than actually putting them on the page? You're not alone. In this episode of The Edit, Holly explores one of the most common habits that keeps writers stuck: editing while they write. While it may feel productive, constantly revising, rewriting, and second-guessing every sentence can quietly prevent a story from ever being told. Holly discusses the difference between writing and editing, why trying to do both at the same time ...

Have you ever sat down to write and found yourself wondering if you're actually a writer at all? In this episode of The Edit, Holly tackles a question that stops countless writers before they ever finish a manuscript: Am I having trouble writing—or am I dealing with impostor syndrome? While writing challenges and impostor syndrome can feel similar, they're actually very different obstacles. One is about the craft of writing. The other is about questioning whether you're qualified, experienced...

In this episode of The Edit: Writing Your Book Without Losing Your Voice, Holly explores one of the biggest mistakes nonfiction writers make: trying to write for everyone. What starts as a desire to reach more people often leads to writing that feels watered down, overly polished, and disconnected from the heart of the message. Holly shares a real conversation with a writer whose manuscript was technically strong—but lacked clarity about who it was truly for—and explains why identifying your id...

Bonus Episode: What Writing a Hard Story Really Teaches You What happens after you finally decide to tell your story? In this bonus episode, Holly takes a deeper look at the writing and editing side of storytelling, inspired by her recent conversation with an author and coach. But this episode isn't about the details of one person's story. It's about what so many writers experience emotionally when they sit down to write something real. Holly discusses: Why writing meaningful stories feels...

Finding My Voice Again with Deborah Griffiths "There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." — Maya Angelou What happens when writing your story becomes part of your healing? In this deeply honest and emotional episode of The Edit: Writing Your Book Without Losing Your Voice, Holly sits down with bestselling author, speaker, life transition coach, and podcast host Deborah Griffiths for a powerful conversation about trauma, healing, storytelling, and reclaiming your voice...

This episode explores the transition from Teaching Yourself to Learn to The Edit: Writing Your Book Without Losing Your Voice through the lens of storytelling, nonfiction writing, and finding your authentic voice. If you've ever struggled with writing your story, editing your work, or feeling like your words don't sound like you anymore, this podcast will resonate. In Teaching Yourself to Learn, I talked to so many amazing women who shared stories about approaching what I like to call the "thir...

Welcome to The Edit: Writing Your Book Without Losing Your Voice In this trailer episode, I'm sharing what this podcast is really about—helping writers, entrepreneurs, and business owners shape their stories without editing out the very thing that makes them powerful: their voice. If you've ever looked at your writing and thought, "This doesn't sound like me," you're in the right place. Because your story without your voice is only words.

When we think about the stages of a rose from seed, to bud formation, to swelling and anthesis, until it finally wilts. Through each stage of the lifecycle it can be a slow and steady journey that can test the patience of even the most advanced gardeners. Today I want to share with you a beautiful story inspired by my grandson Noah. Listen in as I reflect and think about: The third half of life is a new stage of opportunity and strength. Admiration and taking in all senses of an experience, th...

It does not matter what you have been through, where you have been or what has happened up to the third half of your life, you can make a change. And my guest today is Professor Theresa Agostinelli who shares her story of resilience, grit and fortitude. Join with me as I chat with Theresa about: Her journey from anxiety, shyness and depression and the healing journey she gifted herself to make significant changes in her life. How she has been given the spirit of power so we can empower others....

Beth Brown has had her fair share of 'life' and all its happenings. Depression, divorce, starting all over again with 3 kids and panic attacks, lead to a catalyst for change when she could hardly leave the house living alongside fear. Even through all the ups and downs she has experienced, she still feels 'rich' with joy, has devoted herself to healing and shines a light through the darkness. Currently, Beth is living a life she never dreamt possible through finding a passion for marketing (whic...

Sometimes we may think we know someone who we've witnessed in our life, yet find out it isn't all it appears to be to the outside world. Today I sat down with another retired English teacher, Gwen Parker. Gwen has been an inspiration to me over the years, specifically when it comes to her involvement in One-Act Plays, her students and consistently overcoming her own fears and chronic shyness. Listen in as we chat about: Going outside the comfort zone and following the curves in the road. Pushin...