Story Effect

Welcome back to Story Effect and an extra big thank to all my listeners for tuning in for this and every episode. I’m Abagail K. Perry, host of Story Effect and developmental editor with literary agency, teaching, and film experience. Today, I want to take this time to let listeners know that I will be taking a short break from podcasting in order to welcome my first baby into this world. I’m a few days past my due date and excited to meet him and her, but also anticipate that I will be quite busy in the upcoming weeks, so podcasting will have to go on hold. However when I return, I do have exciting plans for evolving Story Effect into an especially resourceful and insightful podcast for writers. If you’ve listened to Story Effect episodes with associate literary agent Stephanie Winter and literary agent Maria Vicente, you probably know that I had the good fortune to work at P.S. Literary Agency for two years. During this time, I spent one year as an editorial intern working directly with Carly Watters, VP and Senior Literary Agent of P.S. Literary, and another year as P.S. Literacy’s Agency Relations Assistant. Although after these two years I decided to pursue my own creative and editorial endeavors instead of a career as a literary agent, I cannot express how grateful I am for the lessons and invaluable mentorship I received at PSLA, all of which taught me a tremendous amount about the literary agent role, query process, editing, the publishing world, and more. As I evaluated Story Effect and podcasting, and how I could service writers with our shared passion for storytelling and my unique experiences, I decided...Why not adapt the Story Effect podcast into a niched podcast that can help writers tackle the query process? One of the important steps a writer needs to master during the query process is finding the right agent for them. This research can be intimidating and sometimes difficult to accomplish, so, when I return from maternity leave, I’m dedicating my podcasting skills and literary agency knowledge to helping writers do exactly this: find the agent that is best for them—the dream agent he or she would love to query. Not only will this new podcast provide tips on how to champion the query process, but it will also share conversations with specific literary agents on their favorite stories and manuscript wish lists, so that writers stop wasting their time querying the wrong agent, and start listening to personalized conversations that can identify if certain aspects of a writer’s manuscript is right for a specific agent. If you are a writer and have literary agents or query questions you’d like to learn more about, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me during my brief time away from the microphone. Email me at abigailkperry [AT] gmail [DOT] com with any questions or comments. Until then, visit my website at www.abigailkperry.com for more on me, my editing services, podcast, writing workshops, writing blog, and other strategies and advice on writing, editing, querying, and reading like a writer. I can’t wait to return to podcasting this fall with this evolved idea. To be informed about the release of this new podcast, sign up for my Story Effect email list, or stop by my website for new posts.I wish you all the best of health, happiness, and creativity, and look forward to sharing my podcast’s new conversations with literary agents and their story favorites soon. Thank you, and be well.

This week on Story Effect, Abigail Perry talks to Literary Agent Maria Vicente about two stories with timeless themes and characters that have stuck with Maria since she was 12 years old. Featuring Jerry Spinelli’s New York Times bestseller Stargirl (the film adaption recently produced by and featured on Disney+) and the film Josie and the Pussycats, Maria explores how these stories unravel some universal experiences in life, like teenagers learning how to stay true to themselves in a society urging them to conform, and how female friendships are just as valuable and complicated as romantic relationships. Maria also shares information about one of her favorite mediums to represent: graphic novels–and other books she loves to represent. Email Abigail at abigailkperry [AT] gmail [DOT] com to continue the conversation, and don’t forget to check out Maria’s website for more information on her and her client’s creative works.*****Want to read Stargirl? Purchase it on Amazon or your local bookstore, and then check out the film adaption on Disney+.Buy It On: *Amazon *IndieBound *Barnes and Noble*****Interested in some other topics discussed in this episode? Explore these resources for your own creative journey. Maria Vicente: Learn more about Maria’s work and the clients (and their books) she represents on her website. Buy Bug Boys by Laura Knetzger for a fun and educational graphic novel.Want to learn more about P.S. Literary Agency? Visit their website here. Intro Music: “Open Those Bright Eyes” by Kevin MacLeod, edited for this podcast’s intro and closing. License: Creative Commons

This week on Story Effect, Abigail Perry talks to Production Assistant Amanda Boisselle and her cousin and fellow The Good Place fan, Michael Lambert, about her favorite TV sitcom, The Good Place. Packed with brilliant insight on how this show epitomizes how to infuse humor with moral messages and why its brilliant cast of flawed characters illustrates perfect character transformation, this conversation is sure to touch the hearts and minds of listeners. WARNING! There are *SPOILERS* in this episode, so if you haven't seen The Good Place, make sure to either skip over parts of the conversation prefacing spoiler alerts, or download it for a future listen after you've completed the series. Email Abigail at abigailkperry [AT] gmail [DOT] com to continue the conversation. Seriously, this is a story favorite of hers and she'd love to talk to you about it!*****Interested in some other topics discussed in this podcast? Explore these resources for your own creative journey. Check out the first three seasons on Netflix while they're still available, and/or the whole series on NBC's streaming service, Peacock. Better yet! Invest in the complete series for your DVD/Blu-Ray collection! I promise, they're 10,000% worth it! Amanda Boisselle: Learn more about Amanda's work and her IMDB profile. Intro Music: “Open Those Bright Eyes” by Kevin MacLeod, edited for this podcast’s intro and closing. License: Creative Commons

This week on Story Effect, Abigail Perry talks to Associate Agent Stephanie Winter about her latest Upmarket obsession, The Heard (by Andrea Bartz), and other story favorites, including Jane Austen’s classic, Pride and Prejudice, and poet Andrea Gibson's work. With these, she explores how writers can connect readers to a story with strong characters, plot, and emotions. She also spends time discussing what literary agents can do for an author’s career, and the importance of encouraging an entrepreneurial spirit and diverse representation in books. Email Abigail at abigailkperry [AT] gmail [DOT] com to continue the conversation. Buy THE HERD by Andrea Bartz on:*Amazon *IndieBound *Barnes and NobleInterested in some other topics discussed in this podcast? Explore these resources for your own creative journey. Stephanie Winter: Learn more about Stephanie and her manuscript wish list on P.S. Literary’s website. Check out Andrea Bartz’s other works and website. Learn more about poet Andrea Gibson here. Intro Music: “Open Those Bright Eyes” by Kevin MacLeod, edited for this podcast’s intro and closing. License: Creative Commons

This week on Story Effect, Abigail promotes five Middle Grade and Young Adult books about black protagonists and by black authors. Featuring some of the most acclaimed bestselling black authors writing for teens today, these stories shed light on the teen black experience in America, and provide a variety of interesting tales for girls and boys alike. Add these to your summer reading list, and purchase at your local bookstore or borrow them from the library to support black authors, while simultaneously encouraging your growth and learning. Books covered in this podcast induce:You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson Black Enough: Stories of Being Young and Black in America by Justina Ireland, Varian Johnson, Rita Williams-Garcia, Dhonielle Clayton, Kekla Magoon, Leah Henderson, Tochi Onyebuchi, Jason Reynolds, Nic Stone, Liara Tamani, Renée Watson, Tracey Baptiste, Coe Booth, Brandy Colbert, Jay Coles, Ibi Zoboi, Lamar Giles Ghost by Jason Reynolds Only Black Girls in Town by Brandy Colbert New Kid by Jerry Craft

This week’s episode of Story Effect promotes children’s books and coloring books with black protagonists and/or that encourage discussions about race. As parents add books to their children’s bookshelves, it’s important to include stories with diverse casts. From board books to coloring books, these six choices promote positive messages and push conversations about a need for equality, giving parents an opportunity to teach children how to continually work at being antiracist.*****Feminist Baby: He's a Feminist Too! by Loryn BrantzBUY IT! *Amazon *IndieBound *Barnes and Noble*****The Big Bed by Bunmi Laditan BUY IT! *Amazon *IndieBound *Barnes and Noble*****Anti-racism Starts with Me! A Coloring Book for Kids by Kadeesha Bryant BUY IT! *Amazon *IndieBound *Barnes and Noble*****Antiracist Baby by Ibram X. Kendi BUY IT! *Amazon *IndieBound *Barnes and Noble*****Radiant Child by Jakava Steptoe BUY IT! *Amazon *IndieBound *Barnes and Noble*****Don't You Know You're Beautiful Just the Way You Are? by G.A. Sealy BUY IT! *Amazon *Barnes and Noble

Out of continued respect for current events, I’m dedicating this month’s Story Effect episodes to amplifying melanated voices and encouraging discussions about race. This week, I share two fiction and two nonfiction books, some of which I’ve read and others that I’m eager to read. Because I want to direct your attention to these authors, this episode’s show notes consist of a plethora of resources about these stories and interviews from the authors. I sincerely hope you take some time to check them out. Thank you for taking the time to listen to this episode and support these amazing authors and their stories If you’d like to continue the conversation on how to educate ourselves on race, I’d love to hear from you. Email me at abigailkperry [AT] gmail [DOT] COM.*****The Hate U Give by Angie ThomasBack Cover:Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.Soon afterward, his death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the streets in Khalil’s name. Some cops and the local drug lord try to intimidate Starr and her family. What everyone wants to know is: what really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr. But what Starr does—or does not—say could upend her community. It could also endanger her life.Purchase The Hate U Give on *Amazon *IndieBound *Barnes and Noble*Angie Thomas on the inspiration behind the novel*NBC News on the powerful messages of The Hate U GiveWHITE FRAGILITY by Robin DiangeloNOTE: Although not a black author, Robin Diangelo’s book White Fragility is a wonderful display of how she began to recognize her own unconscious bias–and how all white people can work towards becoming anti-racist by recognizing the same unconscious bias in themselves.Back Cover:In this “vital, necessary, and beautiful book” (Michael Eric Dyson), antiracist educator Robin DiAngelo deftly illuminates the phenomenon of white fragility and “allows us to understand racism as a practice not restricted to ‘bad people’ (Claudia Rankine). Referring to the defensive moves that white people make when challenged racially, white fragility is characterized by emotions such as anger, fear, and guilt, and by behaviors including argumentation and silence. These behaviors, in turn, function to reinstate white racial equilibrium and prevent any meaningful cross-racial dialogue. In this in-depth exploration, DiAngelo examines how white fragility develops, how it protects racial inequality, and what we can do to engage more constructively.Purchase White Fragility on *Amazon *IndieBound *Barnes and Noble*Robin Diangelo on White Fragility THE VANISHING HALF by Brit BennettBack Cover:The Vignes twin sist

This week, I’ve decided to delay the episode out of respect for current events. I thank you for your patience and hope you’ll stay tuned for next week’s episode, where I will plan to promote stories and resources from melanated voices in support of black people. I am also actively seeking more black guests for the show, and want to turn our attention towards books and movies with diverse protagonists and casts. If you’d be interested in coming on the show in the future, please reach out to me at abigailkperry [AT] gmail [DOT] COM. Although I do not have an extended episode this week, I do want to share two insightful resources from black creators from this week that everyone should listen to.The first is an interview hosted by Nic Stone, author of Dear Martin, Nic’s New York Times bestseller is about a high school senior in a predominantly white school who starts writing letters to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. after he experiences a dangerous encounter with police officers. This week, Nic hosted five amazing interviews on race with an editorial director and bestselling authors. This list included Pete Forester, Jodi Picoult, Brenda Kiely, Tiffany Jewell, and D. Watkins. Nic has posted all of the interviews on her IG account @nicstone, and I sincerely recommend you check these out for your own education and growth. Purchase DEAR MARTIN on *Amazon *IndieBound *Barnes and NobleThe other video I’d like to draw your attention to is from Ivirlei Brookes, a Business and Mindset Coach and founder of Mavenelle, a company where Ivirlei shares her experiences, tips, advice, and resources for creative women seeking to uplevel their experience. All of Ivirlei’s advice in this video is invaluable; some of her thoughts I wanted to reinforce in this episode are how white people can do more (and need to do more) than donate, post #blacklivesmatter, and be publicly with black people and against racism. We need to commit ourselves to doing the work. Some of the recommendations Ivirlei shared are included in this short episode, but I sincerely recommend you visit Ivirlei's IG page and watch her video for yourself. In an effort to do better, I will be dedicating this month to promoting stories by black authors and creators in the upcoming weeks. These episodes will not follow the traditional interview format with guests. Instead, I will be researching and promoting stories/books/movies/work from black authors and creatives. I hope that you will listen to these episodes and support these authors, creatives, and voices.Thank you for committing to doing the work with me, I look forward to sharing upcoming episodes that will amplify melanated voices.

Named one of Time magazine’s most influential people in the world, bestselling author Jeff Kinney has touched millions with The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, and his generous contributions that continually create goodness and inspire reading across the globe. In this exciting episode of Story Effect, Abigail talks to Jeff about the inspiration behind The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, and how the generic drawings of the Heffley family have connected with people around the world. Since the first Wimpy Kid book published in 2007, the series has printed more than 200 million copies of the series worldwide. It also has been a fixture on the USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists, and has remained on the New York Times bestseller lists since the publication of the first book, for more than 500 weeks total. The books are currently available in 76 editions in 64 languages–and continue to empower relationships between parents and children with their stories shared in books and on the screen. Additionally! Jeff’s upcoming animation series featuring The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series will premiere on Disney+ soon — only some of the exciting new stories we can expect from Jeff. Listen to this episode to learn about the tremendous value generic comics and characters have in their ability to connect with a diverse people, and why it’s important to find humor in every day life. Email Abigail at abigailkperry [AT] gmail [DOT] com to continue the conversation. *****Interested in some other topics discussed in this podcast? Explore these resources for your own creative journey. Read The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series! Find all 15 books on Amazon, IndieBound, or Barnes and Noble. Watch Diary of a Wimpy Kid on Disney+Wimpy Kid: Learn more about Jeff Kinney and his Wimpy Kid creations and inspirations on the Wimpy Kid website. Intersted in learning more about comics? Check out Scott McCloud’s book Understanding Comics.If you’re ever in Plainville, MA, don’t forget to stop by Jeff Kinney’s bookstore, An Unlikely Story! It’s the best! Jeff Kinney – Time magazine’s top 100 most influential people.Intro Music: “Open Those Bright Eyes” by Kevin MacLeod, edited for this podcast’s intro and closing. License: Creative Commons

“The right way to be sexual is the way that feels best to you.” Lisa Wade, an educator and author who will formally join Tulane University as an Associate Professor of sociology and gender and sexuality studies in 2021, discusses her book American Hookup and the new culture of sex on campus. Rising above “misinformation and moralizing,” this episode focuses on Lisa’s rigorous research about the evolution of dating and the context of hookups on campus–and how this can both empower and harm students.Presented with scholarly, unbiased observations, Lisa reflects on her book’s ideas based on the journals of 101 students, all who willingly shared their experiences in hookup culture with Lisa for her research. With this information, Lisa has mapped out an “emotional landscape marked by unequal pleasures, competition for status, and sexual violence.” Factors such as privilege, racial and sexual minorities, a common pattern of unfriendliness following hookups, the pressure to “opt in” when you want to “opt out,” and the context of hookups are all considered. Listen to this episode to learn about a timely and important culture we need to discuss, as well as ways people can consider moving forward. Email Abigail at abigailkperry [AT] gmail [DOT] com to continue the conversation. *****Want to read American Hookup for yourself? Find it on Amazon, IndieBound, or Barnes and Noble.Interested in some other topics discussed in this podcast? Explore these resources for your own creative journey. Lisa Wade: Learn more about Lisa Wade’s work and research on her personal website. Learn more about American Hookup Intro Music: “Open Those Bright Eyes” by Kevin MacLeod, edited for this podcast’s intro and closing. License: Creative Commons

Although this week I'm taking a break between seasons, I wanted to take a few minutes to thank all my guests and listeners for supporting this podcast. You’re all amazing, and it’s been a great honor to bring you such thought-provoking and purposeful conversations each week. Additionally, I want to share what listeners can expect in season two of Story Effect. Get excited, because in season two you’re going to learn from a diverse group of creatives I believe will touch your hearts and minds by discussing the stories that influenced and changed them, along with any other instrumental messages and big takeaways they’ve applied to their lives because of their story beloveds. Welcome to season two of Story Effect, Story Favorites from Story Professionals! In this season, you’ll get a chance to hear from literary agents like P.S. Literary’s Stephanie Winter to production assistant of the hit television series, The Good Place, to bestselling authors like Diary of a Wimpy Kid’s, Jeff Kinney. Regardless of the storytelling medium—film, TV series, music, book, you name it—I’m so excited to share a side of these story professionals you probably haven’t heard about before—the stories that influenced and changed them. From the deepest place in my heart, I genuinely thank all my listeners of Story Effect. Thank you for being here, and thank you for learning from all my guests with me. I can’t wait to bring you a plethora of conversations from storytelling professionals in these upcoming weeks.Until next time on Story Effect, stay safe, and stay healthy. Let’s continue to inspire and influence the world with stories together.

“We need to establish a healthy relationship with fear.” Self-proclaimed Horror Editor, Griffin Gartner, is fascinated by how horror stories uniquely reflect today’s culture climate. In this episode, Abigail talks to Griffin about how horror stories are much more than the misunderstood slasher movies some belittle them to be–and how by accurately telling them, people can learn how to confront and combat fear instead of run from it. Listen to this episode to learn how horror stories shine a light on what's becoming an increasingly nihilistic society, and how horror stories offer priceless insights into better understanding our unique relationships with fear, thus helping orient ourselves better in our world. Email Abigail at abigailkperry [AT] gmail [DOT] com to continue the conversation. *****Interested in some other topics discussed in this podcast? Explore these resources for your own creative journey. Read and Watch IT: Amazon, IndieBound, Barnes and NobleRead and Watch BIRD BOX: Amazon, IndieBound, Barnes and NobleWatch JOKER: Griffin Gartner: Hire Griffin for your horror novel or learn more from him with this live Sunday editing questionnaire, Editing in Action! And keep an eye out for Griffin’s upcoming nonfiction book on the horror genre! Intro Music: “Open Those Bright Eyes” by Kevin MacLeod, edited for this podcast’s intro and closing. License: Creative Commons

DIY MFA Instigator Gabriela Pereira is an author, speaker, and self-proclaimed word nerd who has changed lives by challenging the status quo of higher education. In this insightful episode, Abigail and Gabriela discuss Gabriela’s experiences living with mental illness, and how Disney’s Frozen finally presented a perfect allegory for bipolar disorder. Additionally, Gabriela shares the becoming of her Do-It-Yourself-Master-Of-Fine-Arts writing company, DIY MFA, and how its invaluable resources and philosophy continue to inspire and educate writers eager to grow their craft. Listen to this episode to learn how stories can spark conversations about mental illness–while also teaching us how to better talk about this–why it’s important for people to read outside their comfort zones, and how writers can grow their craft by getting involved in the word nerd community that is DIY MFA. Email Abigail at abigailkperry [AT] gmail [DOT] com to continue the conversation. *****Interested in some other topics discussed in this podcast? Explore these resources for your own creative journey. Gabriela's writing company, DIY MFADisney's Frozen Gabriela Pereira: Gabriela’s insurmountable contributions to the writing community. Gabriela’s podcast, DIY MFA RadioBrandy Colbert’s books The Only Black Girls in Town and The Revolution of Birdie Randolph -- find them on Amazon, IndieBound, your local bookstore, or the library. (I know I will!)Intro Music: “Open Those Bright Eyes” by Kevin MacLeod, edited for this podcast’s intro and closing. License: Creative Commons

Writer and Story Grid Editor Rebecca Monterusso believes in the balance and beauty of gray zones. In this episode of Story Effect, Abigail Perry and Rebecca discuss how various characters in Rebecca’s fantasy favorites–the Marvel Universe, Harry Potter, and Dr. Who–exemplify this belief, and why using stories to embrace empathy in humanity’s imperfections will change the world for the better. Listen to this episode to reflect on the balance of good and evil in all of us, and how we can use stories to better understand and accept all people and circumstances. Email Abigail at abigailkperry [AT] gmail [DOT] com to continue the conversation. *****Interested in some other topics discussed in this podcast? Explore these resources for your own creative journey. The Marvel Universe: Don't miss out on these amazing stories and films, especially Infinity War!The Harry Potter series (need I say more?!)The epic BBC series Dr. Who is available now on Amazon Prime! Rebecca Monterusso: Visit Rebecca’s website to learn about her writing, podcast, and editing services. Intro Music: “Open Those Bright Eyes” by Kevin MacLeod, edited for this podcast’s intro and closing. License: Creative Commons

Abigail Perry and Nico Oscoff, Executive/Creative Producer of Good Day Film, discuss the instrumental impact Swami Vivekananda had on the yoga mindset in the eastern and western cultures, and how–in our very beings–we are free. Listen to this episode to learn about the amazing hero’s journey of Swami Vivekananda, an Indian Hindu monk and chief discipline of the 19th-century mystic, and how this yogi’s influence impacted and changed not only Nico’s life–but the union of the eastern and western cultures, including how he influenced, if not initiated, the Indian Independence movement. Embrace Nico’s wisdom and the great homage he pays spiritual masters like Vivekananda by sharing these important stories. Email Abigail at abigailkperry [AT] gmail [DOT] com to continue the conversation. *****Interested in other high points discussed in this podcast? Explore these resources for your own creative journey. Good Day Film: Learn more about Nico and the team at Good Day Film–and all their fantastic productions!Do you want to learn more about Swami Vivekananda? Learn more about his famous speech delivered at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893 on Rajya Sabha TV.Indian Independence movement – Read more about the Indian Independence movement and how, over 90 years, major influencers like Swami Vivekananda led to India’s freedom from the British Empire. Swami Vivekananda: Learn more about Swami Vivekananda’s influence and life. Intro Music: “Open Those Bright Eyes” by Kevin MacLeod, edited for this podcast’s intro and closing. License: Creative Commons

Abigail Perry and screenwriter and editor, Courtney Harrell, explore an eclectic mix of influential stories, including the films Moana and Bohemian Rhapsody and Marie Forleo’s nonfiction bestseller, Everything Is Figureoutable. Learn how these invaluable messages enlightened and empowered Courtney’s life by encouraging her to listen to and understand her Inner Voice. This episode will teach you how Courtney transformed her thought process on what she can and can’t do, and how you can adapt such thinking into your own work and life in order to embrace your purest state of being. Email Abigail at abigailkperry [AT] gmail [DOT] com to continue the conversation, or if you’re interested in coming on Story Effect. *****Interested in some other high points discussed in this podcast? Explore these resources for your own creative journey. Check out the trailers to Disney's Moana (songs written by Lin-Manuel Miranda!) and Academy Award winning, Bohemian RhapsodyPurchase Marie Forleo's Everything Is Figureoutable on Amazon or IndieBoundThe Dark Rainbow: Check out Courtney’s website to explore her stories and editing services. Story Grid Publishing House – In addition to Courtney’s short story published in the Anthology and Contender series, see what else Story Grid Publishing House has to offer. Intro Music: “Open Those Bright Eyes” by Kevin MacLeod, edited for this podcast’s intro and closing. License: Creative Commons

Abigail Perry and Writer-Mom-Pianist, Gail Hayes, talk about a timeless classic that touched Gail’s life, The Cricket in Times Square, and the immeasurable lessons people can learn from music, which she emphasizes through the lyrics of three of her favorite songs. Listen to this episode to learn how Gail finds joy in each day, how listening to others can be more important than talking, why small actions are just as valuable as big ones, and how music plays a powerful, universal role in humanity’s ability to communicate. Email Abigail at abigailkperry [AT] gmail [DOT] com to continue the conversation. Interested in some other high points discussed in this podcast? Explore these resources for your own creative journey. The Cricket in Times Square: Purchase on Amazon or IndieBoundSomething Beautiful by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Aherns Hallelujah by Jon McLaughlinWorld by Five for Fighting Volunteer Spotlight: Gail Hayes: Learn more about Gail’s philanthropic contributions, especially her efforts with Susan G. Komen Central Indiana to bring awareness to breast cancer and the importance of mammograms. Intro Music: “Open Those Bright Eyes” by Kevin MacLeod, edited for this podcast’s intro and closing. License: Creative Commons

Douglas Brode is retired professor from Syracuse University with a deep love for film--particularly westerns. Today, he's published over 35 books (including many on westerns), and has thrived as a screenwriter, playwright, novelist, film historian, film critic, and multi-award winning journalist. In this special episode, Abigail and Doug explore the 1948 classic, Red River (featuring John Wayne and Montgomery Clift), and how it changed westerns forever by unraveling the psychological impact trauma can have on a person, portrayed in a film noir style. Listen to this episode to learn how westerns and World War II changed movies forever, and how Red River's portrayal of the human psyche made a story like nothing Doug had ever seen before. Email Abigail at abigailkperry [AT] gmail [DOT] com to discuss such topics more. *****Interested in other topics discussed in this podcast? Explore these resources for your own creative journey. The Twenty-First Century Western: Read Douglas' latest book on western, released December 12, 2019.See more of Douglas' books on filmWatch Red RiverIntro Music: “Open Those Bright Eyes” by Kevin MacLeod, edited for this podcast’s intro and closing. License: Creative Commons

Like many in her age group (and outside of it), Savannah Gilbo looked to the Harry Potter series for adventure, life lessons, fun, and escape. In this meaningful conversation, Abigail talks to Savannah about how Harry Potter supported her during her growing up years, and how fantasy stories like Rowling’s masterpiece continue to reinforce the precious balance of innocence and sophistication in her personal and professional life. Listen to this episode to reflect on the invaluable gift beloved series like Harry Potter can have on a person, while also learning how you can salvage and support real magic in your everyday life. Email Abigail at abigailkperry [AT] gmail [DOT] com to continue the conversation. *****Interested in some other topics discussed in this podcast? Explore these resources for your own creative journey. Savannah Gilbo: Visit Savannah’s website to learn about her editing and book coaching services. And listen to her podcast! Harry Potter Story Grid Masterworks – Stay tuned! Savannah, Abigail, and their Story Grid companions Renee Decker and Ben Wilkinson are working hard on these resourceful manuscripts that break down the Harry Potter series using the Story Grid method. An insightful writing resource for your writing craft! Intro Music: “Open Those Bright Eyes” by Kevin MacLeod, edited for this podcast’s intro and closing. License: Creative Commons

Abigail Perry and Brenda Atchison, International President of P.E.O., dive deep into the philanthropic endeavors of this wonderful organization and the importance and value in saying YES.Listen to this episode to learn how Brenda's decision to say YES rippled her many leadership roles in P.E.O.--a Philanthropic Educational Organization determined to empower women and support continued education. Today, P.E.O. has made a difference in the lives of more than 109,000 women with six philanthropies (and their own college) designed to assist women with their educational goals (they've made donations that total hundreds of millions of dollars).Take Brenda's wisdom and start saying YES in your life. Email Abigail at abigailkperry [AT] gmail [DOT] com to continue the conversation. *****Do you want to learn more about P.E.O. and/or get involved? Check out the international website here!Interested in other high points discussed in this podcast? Explore these resources for your own creative journey.The Power of YES!: Borrow this book from your local library or purchase it on Amazon or IndieBound. Brenda Atchinson - Learn more about Brenda on the P.E.O. International WebsiteAre you a P.E.O. member? Join the P.E.O. Sisters Facebook Group!The Onion: "97-Year-Old Dies Unaware of Being Violin Prodigy"Intro Music: "Open Those Bright Eyes" by Kevin MacLeod, edited for this podcast's intro and closing. License: Creative Commons

J. Thorn spent years as a part-time professor at John Carroll University before taking the scary leap into career author. Today, he works full time as a writer and editor, and is a Top 100 Most Popular Author in Horror, Science Fiction, Action & Adventure and Fantasy (Amazon Author Rank). In this special episode, Abigail and J. dive deep into the inspirations of his creative life, and how he learned to fight resistance and embrace a growth mindset with two hands. Listen to this episode to explore the reality of battling procrastination, isolation, and the big philosophical questions that continue important conversations. Email Abigail at abigailkperry [AT] gmail [DOT] com to discuss such topics more.*****Have you read The War of Art, Catcher in the Rye, or Ishmael? If not, I greatly encourage you to venture out of your genre norms for these thought provoking nonfiction and fiction works. Borrow the text or audio version at your local library, or purchase from these vendors:THE WAR OF ARTAmazon * IndieTHE CATCHER IN THE RYEAmazon * Indie ISHMAELAmazon * Indie*****Interested in other topics discussed in this podcast? Explore these resources for your own creative journey. The Author Life: Visit J.'s website to learn about his books and editing services.Intro Music: “Open Those Bright Eyes” by Kevin MacLeod, edited for this podcast’s intro and closing. License: Creative Commons

Sue Campbell spends most of her writing time working on Middle Grade novels, which is why listeners might be shocked that the two major story influences in her life are Kurt Vonnegut’s Mother Night and John Irving’s A Prayer for Owen Meany. Together, Abigail and Sue explore the tremendous impact these stories had on Sue’s personal and professional life, from pushing her to question who she is perceived as, who she wants to be, and how to align the two–to the immeasureable power of a fueled and supported imagination. Listen to this episode to explore the dark, complex questions that challenge our identities, and be inspired by what can happen when we set out to become who we want to be with intention and purpose. Email Abigail at abigailkperry [AT] gmail [DOT] com to continue the conversation. *****Have you read Mother Night or A Prayer for Owen Meany?Borrow these classics from your local library or purchase on Amazon or IndieBound:MOTHER NIGHT: Amazon * IndieA PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY: Amazon * IndieInterested in some other topics discussed in this podcast? Explore these resources for your own creative journey. Pages & Platforms: Visit Sue’s website to learn about her book launch/marketing services and more. The Four Tendencies – Gretchen Rubin’s book and concepts on the four personality types she uses to help people understand more about behavior and actions. Intro Music: “Open Those Bright Eyes” by Kevin MacLeod, edited for this podcast’s intro and closing. License: Creative Commons

Abigail and Samantha Hayes sit down to talk about one of Samantha’s favorite movies, Pay It Forward, and the tremendous lessons it taught her about giving and accepting love from others. Pulling from a collection of Samantha’s life stories as an actress and teacher in Atlanta, Georgia, Samantha shares her journey of living the creative life she loves, and finding the balance of serving and accepting herself and others within it all. Listen to this episode to learn how Samantha discovered the simple, practical ideas we can act on to influence the world with positivity, beauty, and hope. Email Abigail at abigailkperry [AT] gmail [DOT] com to continue the conversation.******Interested in some other high points discussed in this podcast? Explore these resources for your own creative journey. Have you seen Pay If Forward? Watch the 2000 trailer for this moving story now, featuring Haley Joel Osment, Helen Hunt, and Kevin Spacey.Legacy Theater: Where Samantha teaches and acts, she also works as a voice over actress–hire her! Samantha Hayes – Professional webpage Intro Music: “Open Those Bright Eyes” by Kevin MacLeod, edited for this podcast’s intro and closing. License: Creative Commons