It's 6 years since I first self-published my first novel The Pink Coffee Shop. Since then I've written another 5.5 (one novella) with another just finished now. Today I work with a publisher, Vinci and I've also had nearly 200 Next Chapter conversations.

So I thought it was high-time we took a pause and thought for a minute. I handed over the microphone for this episode to my very trusted ITV crime journalist colleague (and husband) Rob Murphy - who asked me his usual hard-hitting questions.

We discuss - what's gone well. What hasn't gone well. What would I tell myself back then. Will there ever be more murders in my books (no - but he is a crime journalist).

But most of all we discuss the magic of second chances, starting new when we are not new at all and the magic of having the most wonderful people in sometimes unexpected corners.

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(Our first official American guest! Yee-haw!)

Jenn Hanson de Paula grew up singing in a small town in Iowa, never imagining it would lead her to Nashville, where she worked in the music industry for Essential Records and EMI.

Today, she helps authors and creatives get their work into the world, working with everyone from film producer Devon Franklin to Dr Ingrid Clayton, author of Fawning.

Jenn has helped me enormously, and I regularly listen to her podcast. That's why I wanted to introduce her to you!

In this conversation, we explore book marketing, finding readers and building an author platform without needing thousands of followers. But this episode is about so much more than books. It's about taking that first scary step, finding your people and remembering that there is someone out there waiting for the gifts that only you can bring to the world.

As Jenn reminds us:

“You don't need thousands of followers to be a success. You are a unique individual and there are people out there who want your work.”

If you're an aspiring author, a creative with something to share, or someone wondering whether it's time to take your own next step, this conversation is for you.

To learn more about Jenn's work you can find her here: https://jenndepaula.com/

And if you would like a free yes FREE copy of my uplifting Women's Fiction novella Could We Just Do That Again? you can download it here: https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/

And if you'd like to sign up to our 3 Pieces of Next Chapter Inspiration notes. - you can also do that here: https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/ Cookie and I would love to stay in touch

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Sahar thought she wanted to be a lawyer after watching LA Law, but soon realised, in her words she was very mediocre and it wasn't the right world for her. But she had no idea a trip to New York and a love for skinny latte's would take her to creating the UK's first US - style coffee chain with her brother. Not only did they create Coffee Republic but she also created Buy Women Built - a whole movement shining a spotlight on the brands created by women.

"Sometimes you’re not mediocre. You’re simply in the wrong place."

To learn more about Sahar Hashemi OBE you can find more here: https://saharhashemi.com/

To download your FREE yes FREE novella Could We Just Do That Again? click here: https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/

And to receive my 3 Pieces of Next Chapter Inspiration notes you can also do that here: https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/

We would love to hear from you soon

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