S2 Ep 53 - Exploring the Power of Storytelling with SM Stevens

Join host Rosabel Zohfeld as she sits down with acclaimed author SM Stevens to explore her extraordinary writing journey, delving into the transformative power of fiction and storytelling. In this episode, you’ll hear how SM Stevens overcame significant health challenges—“I shattered my pelvis”—and channeled that resilience into crafting compelling narratives. Her latest novel, Beautiful and Terrible Things, weaves themes of friendship, mental health, and social justice into a tapestry that underscores the importance of cultural representation and authenticity. Whether you’re an aspiring writer seeking author advice, curious about AI in writing, or simply love a heartfelt personal narrative, this conversation offers invaluable insights into both the craft and the publishing world.

SM Stevens shares:

• How her first book was inspired by her daughter’s love for animals.

• The role that publishing and reader feedback play in validating an author’s impact.

• Why cultural representation is crucial to making complex issues relatable.

• The challenges and opportunities posed by AI in writing.

• Tips on marketing, engaging with media, and finding your audience.

• A sneak peek at her upcoming projects and future directions.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• SM Stevens began writing fiction after overcoming health crises.

• Her first book was inspired by her daughter’s love for animals.

• Fiction has the power to resonate and evoke empathy.

• Beautiful and Terrible Things has won multiple awards.

• Feedback from readers can validate an author’s impact.

• Cultural representation is crucial in storytelling.

• AI poses challenges and opportunities for writers.

• Authors must engage in their own marketing efforts.

• Writing requires feedback from diverse readers.

• Every story has its audience, and that’s okay.

Episode Chapters:

• 00:00 – Introduction to S.M. Stevens

• 03:25 – The Journey to Fiction Writing

• 06:34 – The Impact of Awards and Recognition

• 09:22 – Themes in Beautiful and Terrible Things

• 12:30 – Cultural Representation and Authenticity

• 15:32 – Marketing and Media Engagement

• 18:13 – Navigating AI in Writing

• 21:13 – Crafting Narratives and Learning

• 24:18 – Advice for Aspiring Authors

• 27:11 – Upcoming Projects and Conclusion

• 34:40 – CTA-End.mp4 (Closing Remarks & Call to Action)

Sound Bites:

“I shattered my pelvis.”
“I reached that person.”
“I learned so much.”

Call to Action:
Listen through to 34:40 (CTA-End.mp4) for a special closing message from Rosabel. Don’t forget to follow Life Unscripted Podcast with Rosabel on Spotify for more episodes on storytelling, publishing, and author advice. Visit rosabelunscripted.com or rosabelzohfeld.com to stay connected, and join our community of writers and readers dedicated to sharing powerful, inclusive stories.