Be Your Own Hero Podcast is about discovering your inner hero and being brave in the face of fear, and becoming your best self. As an author, I have been on my own journey of self-discovery while creating my fantasy series, Riley Jordan & The Fire Prophecies. As Riley went on his hero's journey, I found myself going through my very own hero's journey. During the process of bringing this series to the world, I made a promise to myself that I would be brave, no matter how scary or vulnerable it felt. Now I'm on a mission to inspire others to be brave and be the heroes in their own stories.
Winey Writers | The Writer's Journey on the Be Your Own Hero Podcast
This episode of the Be Your Own Hero Podcast features a local writers group /wine enthusiasts, including host Brittany Ranew, as they explore the art of writing relatable characters, the importance of vulnerability, and how fiction serves as a bridge between cultures and human experiences. Affectionately calling themselves the Winey Writers, this episode featuring diverse authors sharing insights on storytelling, empathy, and personal growth.
Key topics:
Relatable character development
Vulnerability and authenticity in writing
Fiction as a tool for empathy and cultural understanding
Quotes:
"Storytelling is a good agent for empathy."
"Books can make you feel less alone."
"Trust your own creative fingerprint."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Winey Writer Series
01:41 The Importance of Relatable Characters
04:02 Vulnerability in Writing
06:43 Processing Emotions Through Writing
08:57 Complexity in Character Development
12:03 The Balance of Vulnerability and Audience Expectations
14:57 Writing as a Reflection of Personal Experience
17:51 The Role of Emotion in Fiction
19:12 Exploring the Unknown in Writing
21:53 Fiction as a Bridge Between Cultures
23:05 Creating Empathy Through Storytelling
24:48 The Role of Indie Bookstores and Libraries
28:50 Practicing Empathy Through Fiction
32:10 The Importance of Diverse Voices in Literature
32:29 Becoming the Hero of Your Own Story
resources
Book & Bottle - https://bookandbottle.com
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness - https://www.amazon.com/Monster-Calls-Patrick-Ness/dp/1406339344
Support Your Local Bookstore - https://www.indiebound.org
Public Libraries - https://www.ala.org
Brittany Ranew's Website - https://authorbrittanyranew.com
Keywords:
writing, relatable characters, vulnerability, empathy, storytelling, culture, personal growth, authors, fiction, diversity
14 Nov 2025
From the Air Force to Authorship | Hear Fantasy Author's DL Jenning's Inspiring Journey on the Be Your Own Hero Podcast
In this episode of the Be Your Own Hero podcast, I interview Fantasy author and Air Force veteran, D.L. Jennings. Jennings is the author of the epic fantasy series, the Highglade Series. It features three award winning books: The Gift of the Shaper, Awaken the Three, Days of the Dark.
In this conversation, we discuss Jennings' unique journey of writing during his deployment in Africa, the challenges and joys of being a published author, and the importance of character development in storytelling. Jennings shares insights on the writing process, the balance between writing series versus standalones, and the impact of storytelling on readers.
Key Takeaways:
D.L. Jennings is a veteran and fantasy author.
He wrote his first book while deployed in Africa.
His writing process involves a mix of planning and spontaneity.
He emphasizes the importance of character depth in storytelling.
Writing can be a cathartic experience for authors.
The journey of writing is filled with ups and downs.
Finding your 'why' is crucial for pursuing creative endeavors.
Readers often connect more with characters than plot twists.
D.L. Jennings aims to inspire others through his writing.
He believes in the power of storytelling to impact lives.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to DL Jennings
01:57 The Journey of Writing During Deployment
04:57 Exploring New Projects and Inspirations
06:43 The Dynamics of Series vs. Standalone Books
10:53 Writing Process: Plotting vs. Pantsing
18:44 Character Development and Real-Life Inspirations
20:34 The Creative Process: From Inspiration to Writing
20:55 Balancing Writing with a Day Job
22:43 The Challenge of Full-Time Writing
24:45 Discipline and Consistency in Writing
27:01 Finding Your Why: The Drive to Create
29:56 The Impact of Storytelling on Mental Health
31:54 Becoming the Hero of Your Own Story
38:56 Embracing the Journey: No Regrets
41:03 Connecting with Readers and Building Community
For more, visit DL Jennings website here. (https://www.dl-jennings.com/)
Keywords:
D.L. Jennings, writing journey, deployment, storytelling, fantasy author, character development, full-time writing, creative process, indie author, Be Your Own Hero
3 Sept 2025
Using Your Art to Heal Yourself and Others | Be Your Own Hero Podcast with Author Anastasia Lindsey
In this episode of Be Your Own Hero, I sit down with the talented Anastasia Lindsey to explore her journey of embracing her voice and creativity. From poetry to music, Anastasia shares how she transformed insecurities into confidence and became a published author.
We talk about how she uses her art to inspire and heal, the role meditation and journaling have played in overcoming self-doubt, and why authenticity is at the heart of her work. Poetry has become both a creative outlet and a source of healing, helping her connect deeply with her emotions and experiences. Her musical path, including an audition for The Voice, showcases her commitment to facing fears and pursuing her passions with courage.
Connect with Anastasia:
Website: www.summersolacehealing.com (http://www.summersolacehealing.com/)
Instagram: @anamariepoetry (https://instagram.com/anamariepoetry)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 42 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
60
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
60
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