About Colleen: A native of New England, Colleen Hubbard now lives in the U.K. with her family. She wrote her debut novel, Housebreaking, while on maternity leave from her job with the NHS. She graduated from the University of East Anglia’s MA program in creative writing, where she earned the Head of School Prize with a distinction. In this episode, Mike and Colleen discuss: Taking small steps Complicated family relationships The role of mentorship Key Takeaways: Make a one-page outline for the book you're working on. It doesn't matter if you can just write a few words per day; as long as you're taking little steps toward your goal, you'll stay on track and avoid becoming lost in the story. There are some complicated and complex family relationships worth investigating and repairing. Both sides would benefit from forgiveness, but do not force it on anyone. Boundaries can be beneficial at times. Mentorship may help you form a relationship that leads to increased self-confidence and career advancement, but your chances of success as a writer are still dependent on the authenticity of the story you're writing, which can only come through vulnerability and life experiences. "In order to feel like your story to tell is interesting or important, I don't think that we should have to be linked to success in order to be successful ourselves because I think it pushes people who already might see themselves as outsiders further outside the realm of power and possibility and success." — Colleen Hubbard Connect with Colleen Hubbard: Website: http://colleenhubbard.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/theformermrsstanleyzbornak?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= Get a copy of her book “Housebreaking” at: Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9780593337028 Amazon: https://amzn.to/39MLBoD Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/housebreaking-colleen-hubbard/1139874634?ean=9780593337028 Connect with Mike Carlon: Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/ Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/ Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelica Rayco. Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You’re the expert. Your podcast will prove it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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