Hello Indie Authors! I'm Valerie Ihsan, and this is

• Episode 33 of the podcast and it's April 17, 2020 as I record this.

  Main Topic: Healthy Grieving When Things Aren't Great

  But first the personal update segment: 

  • INSTEAD of the hard launch of Focus and Finish (valerieihsan.com/focus), I've opened up my schedule to individual coaching sessions to support authors through this weird and unsettling time. A lot of people are unfocused right now and may appreciate the chance to talk and get a few priorities identified, so they can get back to work-at-home. Especially helpful to those who haven't worked at home up until now. This service isn't offered on my website, but you can go to my scheduler tool valerieihsan.as.me to book a one-hour session. It's $150 and will go toward the cost of Focus and Finish, if you decide to go that route.

  • I'M READING: In fiction,  MY BOOK, The Scent of Apple Tea (because I want to write a second epilogue involving Kyle after he goes home after the story ends--exclusively for my mailing list). Non-fiction:  Better Than Before: mastering the habits of our everyday lives by Gretchen Rubin. 

  • Writing update: I finished going through the hardcopy of And Then There Was Me: a memoir , doing a macro pass. Next up is to implement the changes into my Scrivener file and start fleshing out scenes and working in the transitions.

  • PATREON:  This podcast is sponsored by my patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. I'd like to remind everybody that for as low as a $1/mo, you can get a shout out on the podcast and  a monthly connections video, and at other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, free editing, and free coaching. Become a patron of the arts, and of me! Find me at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. 

  • AND because of my still unresolved Audacity/Mac challenges, I have a PUSH GOAL of raising my Patreon support up another $29/mo. This will pay for the podcasting service, Alitu, that will help me to create the kind of professional podcast product that I want to continue providing for you. So, tell your friends about the podcast and check out my Patreon page and consider becoming a Patron of the Arts (and this podcast) TODAY, or consider upping your pledge if you are already a supporter. Again, Thanks so much. I really appreciate your support.

  Resources: Passion Planner discount code for 10% off new planners http://rwrd.io/ox4t69l

  And now: Healthy Grieving When Things Aren't Great

• Communicate

• Stay connected

• Keep a Routine

• Incorporate self-care and stress management strategies

• Move

• Sleep

• Eat wholesome foods