#634 Inside Publishing: How Creativity Fuels Books, Brands & Business with Zena Shapter

What if creativity was the key not just to art—but to authorship, leadership, and business?

In this inspiring episode of Talking with the Experts, Rose Davidson chats with award-winning author, editor, and inclusive creativity advocate Zena Shapter about the powerful intersection between storytelling and strategy. Whether you’re an aspiring author, a creative entrepreneur, or a coach looking to publish your message—this episode is filled with actionable insights on how to get your work out into the world.

Zena shares her journey as a global writing mentor and the founder of a creative support business that serves clients in Australia, the UK, and the US. With years of experience helping writers prepare their manuscripts for publishers—or successfully self-publish—she breaks down the often-intimidating world of publishing into steps that feel accessible, empowering, and exciting.

You’ll learn:

• What authors need to know about today’s publishing industry
• How to build a creative business that is both heart-led and strategic
• Why inclusive creativity matters—and how to advocate for your own voice
• How to motivate yourself and others to start writing (and finish!)

Zena doesn’t just teach writing. She lives it—through mentoring, editing, designing books, judging literary awards, and speaking at libraries, councils, and festivals. Her passion for creativity is infectious, and her approach to publishing is practical, empowering, and deeply human.

Whether you're writing a novel, a business book, or blog posts that matter, this conversation will help you unlock the creativity within and gain the tools to turn your ideas into impact.

📚 Want to bring your story to life? Tune in and discover how creativity becomes a catalyst for change.

🔗 CONNECT WITH ZENA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zenashapter/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZenaShapter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ZenaShapter/

Website: http://www.zenashapter.com/

📌 PROMOTION: http://zenashapter.com/portfolio/when-dark-waters-burn/

▼ ▼

Did you enjoy the episode? I'd love to hear from you!

Support the show

🛠 RECOMMENDED BUSINESS & PODCAST TOOLS

○ PodMatch ○ TubeBuddy ○ 10-eBook Podcasting Series

👩‍💻 COURSES AND SOCIALS

○ Bio Link ○ Support Talking with the Experts ○ Leave a Google Review

👉 Rose Davidson is a podcast host, producer and coach who helps entrepreneurs, coaches, and business owners navigate the process of starting their own shows through her signature OPAL system—Organise, Produce, Arrange, and Launch.

DISCLOSURES: This description contains affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I trust and believe will add value. Thank you for your support!