A Thanksgiving message of love and gratitude from Jess. This podcast is hosted by Jessica Buchanan, a NYT Bestselling author, speaker, survivor and founder of Soul Speak Press. Soul Speak Press is a boutique non-traditional publishing company focused on publishing stories from women who have been through something, now they know something, and can teach us something. Learn more about Jessica's first book: Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SE...

In this episode of In Her Words, Jess explores the deep, sometimes misunderstood concept of bearing witness—what it means, why it matters, and how it sits at the very heart of memoir. She explains that witnessing is more than simply remembering; it’s the act of honoring your own experience, holding space for your truth, and affirming that what you lived through matters and is worth telling. Jess breaks down five reasons bearing witness is essential for memoir writers: It reveals what your sto...

This week Jess dives into one of the most personal questions for any writer: Am I ready to share my story? Tune in and explore how to know when you’re truly ready to share your experience and the lessons you've learned. Jess unpacks the difference between speaking from an unhealed wound and sharing from a scar—and why the most powerful stories come when you’re writing to serve, not to seek. This episode includes writing prompts and exercises to help you determine if you're ready to share your...

Jess sits down with Jackie Pflug, author of Wake Up! It's Time to Say Yes to a Life Worth Loving. Join us for an inspiring conversation about breaking free from autopilot and consciously choosing joy. Jackie shares how to recognize when parts of your life aren’t working—and what it takes to release what’s holding you back so you can fully say yes to life. The episode also explores the benefits of working with Soul Speak Press, from maintaining creative control and ownership of your book right...

Today is launch day! In this emotional episode, Jess shares lessons in surviving survival, turning pain into purpose, and using trauma as an invitation to think about how we want to live. How to Survive Survival:A Guide to Turning Life's Hardest Moments into Meaningful Contribution for the World is available now. For one day only the ebook can be purchased for $0.99 and we only ask that you please leave a review. About How to Survive Survival In How to Survive Survival, kidnapping survivor...

This week Jess sits down with Gillian Lichota, author and founder of the iRise Above Foundation, to explore the power of writing as a healing process. Together, they discuss the practice of sacred truthtelling—how sharing one’s story can transform pain into purpose—and invite listeners to join a collective conversation about breast cancer, honoring the experiences of both patients and caregivers. Gillian's new book is available tomorrow, October 23rd. RISING ABOVE: Our Transformational ...

Memoir isn’t your whole life story — it’s the story about something. That “something” is your theme, and it’s what transforms a personal collection of memories into a powerful, cohesive narrative. In this episode, Jess walks listeners through the process of uncovering the deeper meaning behind their stories. Without a clear theme, memoirs can feel like rambling diaries. With one, they gain emotional focus, resonance, and purpose — both for the reader and the writer. Jess reminds us: It’s not ...

This week Jess answers the following questions about the future of memoir: 1. Why do you think readers are hungrier than ever for real, true stories? 2. What makes memoir different from autobiography? 3. Why do memoirs resonate with us right now? 4. Why do people want to read stories about vulnerability and trauma? 5. How is the memoir format changing? 6. What should aspiring memoirists know about publishing today? 7. How should a writer choose her publishing path? 8. What are the ethics of w...

In this episode, Jess unpacks some of the clearest signs that it may be time to bring a professional set of eyes to your manuscript. Writing a book can feel isolating, overwhelming, and sometimes frustrating—and knowing when to get help can make all the difference. Jess explores three telltale indicators: Your story feels stuck or directionless. A developmental editor can provide structure, identify missing threads, and suggest arcs to keep the narrative flowing.You’re receiving confusing or ...

This week Jess shares some hard truths about traditional publishing. Only about 300 memoir deals are made each year in traditional publishing. Many go to celebrities with built-in audiences, or authors whose stories have a strong cultural hook or tie to current events. Publishers want more than just your story—they need a clear angle that will sell. If you’re aiming to land a deal, here are five key things to keep in mind: Grow your audience. Publishers want to see that you already have a com...

In this episode, Jess shares five powerful strategies to grow your audience before your book even hits the shelves. Whether you’re a first-time author or seasoned writer, building momentum early will set you up for a stronger launch and lasting connections with your readers. Jess walks you through practical steps and gives you prompts to take action right away, including: Build an email list – how to gather addresses and use tools and promotions to grow it.Share your journey publicly – let pe...

Jess returns to the podcast after a brief pause since April, and she’s excited to reconnect with her listeners. She explains the reason behind the silence: she’s been focused on writing her book, How to Survive Survival: A Guide to Turning Life’s Hardest Moments into Meaningful Contribution to the World. Writing the book required intense focus and space—and sometimes you have to step back in order to give your story the room it needs to grow. Her new book explores themes of survival, resilien...

In this final episode, Jess shares a heartfelt farewell—for now. While we won’t be recording new episodes due to time constraints and exciting new projects on the horizon, you can always connect with us at Soul Speak Press. We are grateful for your support and will continue to be a resource for your writing and publishing journey. Stay inspired, and we hope to hear from you soon! This podcast is hosted by Jessica Buchanan, a NYT Bestselling author, speaker, survivor and founder of Soul Speak ...

In this episode, we explore the transformative power of writing retreats for memoirists. From uninterrupted deep work sessions to expert feedback and a supportive community, we break down how retreats boost creativity, refine craft, and provide emotional clarity. Discover how stepping away from daily distractions can help you gain new perspectives, build confidence in your voice, and reignite momentum in your writing journey. Whether you're starting your memoir or polishing your final draft, ...

This week’s guest is Delia Sullivan, a writer, yoga instructor, and leader of monthly women’s connection circles in Alexandria, Virginia. In these gatherings, women of all ages explore meaningful topics, share experiences, and engage in movement practices that nourish both body and mind. In this episode, Jess and Delia dive into the art of marketing a book, discussing creative and authentic ways to connect with one's audience. Delia shares her journey of building relationships through intimat...

Jess touches on the emotional aspects of sharing one's story, as well as the power and empowerment comes from taking our stories back. If you're contemplating sharing your story, consider the positive answers to "What if...?" What if writing your story helps someone? What if telling your story is a vital step in your healing journey? What if it opens you up to new friends and a whole new line of work? What if your story is the lifeline that someone else needs? Soul Speak Press is here to supp...

In her memoir Invisible to Invincible: How to Create a Work Culture Where Everyone Feels Like a Superhero, Ruth Hetland shares her quest for a healthy work culture, drawing on the wisdom gained throughout her career. Ruth has cultivated her passion for organizational health and employee engagement through extensive experience as both an individual contributor and team leader in the technology sector. With a strong foundation in project and product leadership, bolstered by an MBA and active PM...

Join us for a conversation with Sarah DeBlock, author and founder of Soma Yoga Healing Center in Alexandria, Virginia. Sarah's new memoir, The Year of Sarah: From Heartbroken to Happy and the Long Distance in Between was released this month. The Year of Sarah is a memoir of transformation, where Sarah invites readers to join her for the year that redefined her understanding of love and self. In the midst of a long-distance relationship and the heartbreak that follows, Sarah embark...

This week, Jess introduces the In Her Words Collection: a masterclass in memoir writing with a bestselling book as the final product. Become a bestselling author with our self-scheduled writing project! Guided by video coaching from a New York Times bestselling author, Jessica Buchanan, you'll craft a powerful narrative chapter from your story for our collaborative book. You’ll also gain support from a community of writers and expert guidance on navigating the publishing industry fr...

Becky Ellis shares insights from writing her memoir as well as her extensive experience in the publishing industry. Becky is a Timberwolf Pup and her story confronts the silence surrounding the generational impact of war. The daughter of a highly decorated World War II combat sergeant, she is a veteran of a war fought at home. She earned a BA in English Literature at UC Berkeley and has over twenty years of experience in the publishing industry. She teaches writing in Portland, Oregon, where ...