We dive into the magical world of Nicole's Christian Fantasy trilogy, geared towards readers aged 16 and up, and explore the fascinating characters who navigate a realm filled with magic, faith, and adventure. We also discuss her delightful children's book, The Flower Girl, and her plans for future children's books. Nicole shares her experiences in the publishing industry and how she's connecting with other creative moms, inspiring them to bring their own creations to life. Don't miss this encha...

What happens when a poet's daughter picks up the pen and starts writing her own stories? We invite you to join us this week on the Moms Who Create podcast, where we have the pleasure of chatting with the talented Nikki Bergstresser, an educator, author of children's books, and a sweet romance novel. Listen to Nikki's heartwarming journey of discovering her love for writing, inspired by her parents, and her experiences navigating the transition from being a hands-on parent to a facilitator and li...

This Scottish poet, cake maker, and coffee drinker joins us to share her journey, highlighting how her children have been both a source of inspiration and motivation for her creative pursuits. From writing her unique book, Coffee and Wildflowers, which combines poetry and cake recipes, to founding the Storyteller Creative Club, Abi's dedication to nurturing the artistic spirit in herself and others is truly inspiring. In our conversation, Abi emphasizes the importance of carving out time for yo...

Do you ever feel like your creative passions have fallen by the wayside as you tackle the challenges of motherhood? Join me as I chat with the incredible Kat Wilmore, owner and founder of Plant-Based Paintings, about her journey to rediscover her love for painting during her maternity leave. Kat's vibrant botanical art not only sparks joy, but also demonstrates her commitment to eco-friendliness, from partnering with One Tree Planted to using plastic-free packaging for her business. Her captivat...

We talk about self-publishing frequently on here, right? Today I’m talking with M.K. Williams, who has authored 13 books - and she will give you an even deeper dive into indie publishing. M.K. had one simple goal: she needed more time to write her own books. After self-publishing two novels, she found herself spending more and more time answering questions from aspiring authors than working on her next manuscript. Out of necessity, Author Your Ambition was born. Through a series of videos, books...

Madelyne is a self-taught artist with over 30 years of experience, a current Texan, and jack-of-all-trades. She specializes in digital art, children's book illustration, motherhood art, and poetry. Her journey as a new mom inspired a whole new season of artwork, creativity, and even her second children’s book (currently under illustration). Her art focuses on portraying the various aspects of motherhood, making the invisible visible to society and the world. Her primary mediums are acrylics and...

Happy Mother's Day! These women have shown us that it's possible to be a mom and a successful artist or author. Motherhood can provide a unique perspective that can influence our work and inspire us to create powerful pieces. Support the showFollow Moms Who Create: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/momswhocreatepodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/momswhocreatepodcast Monthly Meeting Book Club - https://www.facebook.com/groups/momswhocreatebookclub Website - https://www.momswhocrea...

Welcome to the Moms Who Create Podcast! I'm Kelli Heil, your host, and I'm excited to share a podcast that celebrates the incredible moms who are pursuing their creative passions. Are you a mom who feels like you can't balance your creative pursuits with the demands of motherhood? Then you're in the right place! Each week, I’m bringing you interviews with accomplished and talented moms who have made their creative dreams a reality. I talk to writers, artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs who h...

Mellissa Spratt is a first-time author and full-time working mother who is still evolving and discovering herself. Her poetry reflects this journey of self-discovery. She resides in a charming village on the CT shoreline and finds joy in spending time with family and friends, as well as engaging in self-care activities such as writing, reading, walking, practicing yoga, and gardening. Her book is a means of promoting mental health awareness and women's empowerment, and she looks forward to shari...

Katie Wood is a thought leader, entrepreneur, and author of "A Simple Seed" journal of growth, gratitude & giggles. In 2014, she transitioned from a 10-year career in teaching special education to fully embracing entrepreneurial life. Katie speaks frequently at training events, schools and is also developing several business ventures. 'A Simple Seed' has been ranked a best-seller on Amazon, #1 in All Children’s Books, #1 in Happiness Self-Help, and #5 in ALL BOOKS. The journal has been featured ...

I am so honored and thrilled to bring you an inspiring conversation with Carley Summers, an accomplished interior designer and photographer based in North Carolina. Carley has a fine arts degree in photography and painting, and she uses her expertise to help clients and brands tell their stories through interior photography and create sacred spaces through interior design. But Carley's journey to where she is today hasn't always been smooth sailing. In this episode, she opens up about the strugg...

Self-publishing requires dedication, hard work, my favorite word “sticktoitiveness” and a willingness to learn. By following these steps and seeking out resources and support, you can bring your children's book to life and share it with the world. Please know I’m 100% rooting you on. My second children’s book is releasing September 5th. So only two books, Kelli what do you know about it all? You guys, this podcast is my heart, soul and joy and I talk to other self-published authors almost daily....

Her debut novel, Dirty Laundry, will be released TOMORROW, April 4th, in the US with Ballantine, an imprint of Penguin Random House. TOMORROW, everyone! Disha Bose received a master’s in creative writing at University College Dublin, where she was mentored by Booker Prize winner Anne Enright. She has been shortlisted for the DNA Short Story Prize, and her poetry and short stories have appeared in The Incubator Journal, The Galway Review, Cultured Vultures, and Headstuff. Her travel pieces have ...

Lindsey Pope is passionate about sharing laughter and love through writing. Her first book, Found in Faith, debuted in 2018. Her next book, Wisdom from the Womb, came out in 2019. She debuted her first children's picture book, Sheldon's Time, in August 2022. Her second picture book, Stella's Dream, will be out in Spring 2023. Outside of writing, Lindsey is a proud mom to a daughter who keeps her on her toes and a lovable orange tabby named Ricky Bean. She also leads workshops related to mental h...

Lauren is an engineer by day, photographer by weekend, and author / illustrator by evening! She is a mom to two young children, ages 5 and 2 and she just published her very first children’s book, The Magical Forest. She loves spending time in nature, whether it’s hiking, camping, or swimming, and her kids love it too. http://www.instagram.com/laurenkimberlyauthor http://www.facebook.com/laurenkimberlyauthor Support the showFollow Moms Who Create: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/momswho...

Monique Maldonado is the CEO at Maldina Publishing, LLC and the author of The Looking List. She's also been the Marketing Director at Latin Rhythms Academy of Dance & Performance for seven years. Her passion for writing and journaling at a young age led her to pursue a bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism at Columbia College Chicago. She then decided to continue her studies in the Arts and attended DePaul University and earned her Master's in New Media Studies. The writing of a children's ...

Charissa Bates is my guest today, and you’re in for such a beautifully inspiring story. With a little Harry Potter thrown in. Charissa is a mother to three and is a survivor of a rare and aggressive cancer. She works as a Children's Mental Health Therapist and enjoys serving and volunteering. Charissa loves her Little Free Library that looks like Hogwarts. As a long time Harry Potter fan myself, this is one of the coolest little free libraries I’ve ever seen. Charissa enjoys creating and bringi...

The BFF Sticker Club is an online community of sticker lovers (ie “Stickies”) founded by childhood besties, Annie Simkin and Laura Wonsik. The club is free and open to everyone, though mostly just for adults. There are a variety of ways to get involved including attending a weekly Instagram Live led by Annie and Laura, signing up for a monthly sticker swap, completing one of the weekly sticker challenges, sending traveling sticker mail to other stickies, and so much more! https://thebffstickerc...

The first three people to screenshot + share this episode will get Alyssa's book for FREE! Tag us on Instagram or Facebook. :) Alyssa is a highly-respected entrepreneur, mother of two, wife, author, and goal- getter. Alyssa works with women and moms to empower them to become a better versions of themselves in life and business. Alyssa is also the host of The Making Mommy Moves Show and Co-Host of The Power Couple Show, owner of multiple successful businesses, author of “Welcome To The Room, Mam...

Join me for a quick talk of 'Adding More 'Ands' to Life' as we delve into the world of entrepreneurship and explore the challenges balancing it all. In this special episode of my presentation from Podfest Expo 2023 in Orlando, Florida, I share my personal journey of adding more 'ands' to their life as a mom and entrepreneur. Whether you're a mom looking to start your own podcast or write a book, or an established entrepreneur seeking to achieve better work-life balance, this quick episode is pac...

Artist/illustrator/author Haley McAndrews returns to the Moms Who Create Podcast to talk about her second children’s book, Counting Toasters 1 to 10 (released on January 10th), and how life has changed for her as a mom over the last year. McAndrews is an award-winning artist, an illustrator, and the author of the Red Stone Art Studio blog. She also self-published two children’s picture books (so far.) She has two teenage stepsons, two daughters ages 3 and 5, and a supportive husband she loves to...

Molly is also the author of The McAvoy Sister’s Book Of Secrets. As Molly O’Keefe she is the USA Today Bestselling author of over 50 contemporary romances. She lives in Toronto, Ontario with her husband, two kids and rescue dog. She was so kind to join me today and have a discussion about her writing life and how to balance it with mom life. Molly is just the best ever and I had a blast talking to her. Enjoy today’s episode. https://mollyfader.com/ https://amzn.to/2RGJB2D http://twitter.com/mo...

Kolina Cicero is a writer living in Minnesota with her husband, two kids, and two cats. She's the author of the indie-published children’s book ROSIE AND THE HOBBY FARM, a freelance writer, and a regular contributor to the lifestyle website Wit & Delight. She attended the Iowa Writers’ Workshop’s Summer Graduate Fiction class with director Sam Chang, where she workshopped the novel she's been working on for four years. Kolina is a serial class-taker, a lover of all things Italian, and a big rea...

Catherine Manfre is a business and strategy advisor and consultant with an MBA from the University of Virginia, Darden School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies from New York University. She has advised private and public sector organizations on a range of business and management challenges and is passionate about solving the hardest, most difficult problems. She lived in Cairo, Egypt for four years where she learned Arabic, and met her husband. She enjoys ...