In this episode of Way-Word Writers, literary agent Heather Cashman and authors Stephanie Bearce and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome author and indie bookstore owner Mandi Fugate Sheffel. Discussing her journey from discovering her passion for writing at the Appalachian Writer's Workshop to publishing her debut memoir 'The Nature of Pain' with the University Press of Kentucky, Mandi shares her unique experiences and challenges. She highlights the importance of community support, the struggles of writing about sensitive topics, and navigating the publishing world. The conversation also dives into the inception of her indie bookstore, Read Spotted Newt, and the profound inspiration she draws from her Appalachian upbringing.
00:00 Introduction to Wayward Writers
00:37 Meet Mandi Fugate Sheffel
02:00 The Story Behind Read Spotted Newt
04:53 Balancing Multiple Roles
09:26 The Journey to Becoming a Writer
12:58 The Influence of Gurney Norman
18:22 Deciding on University Presses
18:36 Virtual Writer's Workshop Journey
20:02 Unexpected Book Deal Offer
22:28 Challenges in Writing and Representation
23:43 Balancing Authenticity and Stereotypes
26:58 Editorial Process and Trust
30:33 Marketing with University Press
33:08 Advice for Aspiring Authors
34:10 Future Projects and Inspirations
36:18 Conclusion and Farewell
Find Mandi and pre-order her memoir, The Nature of Pain, at The Read Spotted Newt!
And for a deeper dive into the topic of publishing with a university press, see this post:
EPISODE 88 DEEP DIVE: Publishing with A University Press: Opportunity, Challenge, and Community
Thank you for listening to Way-Word Writers! If you’d like to receive new episodes in your inbox, subscribe to our free podcast here. And if you’d like deeper dives into topics and helpful workshops, check out our Trailblazer subscription, and for discounts on events and every-other month workshops, become a founding member in the Summit Club!
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit waywordwriters.substack.com/subscribe
Popular Podcasts
CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist
It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.