Let’s Get Writing

Brushstrokes & Bedtime: Dawn Baker’s Newfoundland Stories

In this episode of Let's Get Writing, host Kathryn Taylor interviews visual artist and children's author Dawn Baker about her 25-year relationship with Flanker Press and the enduring success of her book The Newfoundland Alphabet. Dawn discusses her creative process, the move from painting to publishing, and the special collaboration with her daughter, Samantha.

The conversation also covers Dawn's illustration techniques, the longevity of children's books, original artwork, upcoming projects and book tour dates, and her connection to the Newfoundland and Labrador community.

Women Rising: Susie Rourke’s Fat-Fueled Revolution

Welcome to "Women Rising," a captivating mini-series hosted by Kathryn Taylor, celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit of women in Newfoundland and Labrador. This episode takes you to the NLOWE Conference 2024, where inspiring female entrepreneurs gather to share stories and insights. This episode of Women Rising, host Kathryn Taylor sits down with Susie Rourke, founder of Love Good Fats and 4X Better Chocolates, at the NLOWE 2024 conference in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Susie explains how reading The Big Fat Surprise by Nina Teicholz at age 50 inspired her to launch a food brand, the setbacks she overcame in production and partnerships, and the rapid growth and impact of her products.

She shares clear advice for entrepreneurs—take the first step, embrace failure, trust your gut, and keep innovating—while celebrating the resilience and community of women founders.

Join us in celebrating the remarkable women entrepreneurs of Newfoundland and Labrador, as they rise above challenges and pave the way for future generations. Tune in for more inspiring stories on "Women Rising."

A Journey of Self-Discovery with Nancy Reagan

Welcome to “Let’s Get Writing” with Kathryn Taylor, featuring the author of "From Showing Off to Showing Up", Nancy Reagan. Renowned for her transformative journey from posing for the camera to embracing her authentic self, Nancy has spent years under the spotlight, first as a TV host and then as a podcast host, which led to her profound self-discovery.

This episode unpacks Nancy's journey from battling her inner fraudulence to embracing her genuine self, providing a captivating narrative filled with lessons of transformation, self-acceptance, and authenticity. Listen in as we delve into the author’s life, exploring how she confronted imposter syndrome and reshaped her perspectives on self-acceptance and authenticity.

Using her book as an introspective tool, Nancy shares experiences and realizations from her life, each chapter offering a deeper insight into her fears, obstacles, and the courage it took to accept and embrace her true self, flaws and all.

This episode is not just an exploration of Nancy's inspiring journey, but a guide for listeners on their path from fear to acceptance to authenticity. If you're seeking to find your own version of "From Showing Off to Showing Up," this is a must-listen episode.

We delve into enlightening paradigms of self-understanding, embracing flaws, and self-compassion. We discuss the effects of our dualistic world on self-perception and how comparison, judgment, and the rise of social media can impact our mental health and self-value. This dynamic conversation also explores the human experience of interconnectedness and the importance of showing up authentically to lead a purpose-driven life.

Finally, the conversation emphasizes the importance of sharing love by being our authentic selves, extending compassion not just to a select few, but by celebrating every individual making a positive impact. Ending with lessons from an Oprah interview, this episode is a reminder that those with much are expected to give back, underscoring the power of showing up not only for ourselves but also for the world.

Mystery Thrillers and Island Inspirations with Natalie Carter-Giles

Join Kathryn Taylor as she welcomes mystery thriller author Natalie Carter-Giles to the show. Joining from Deer Lake, Newfoundland and Labrador, Natalie shares insights into her creative process, inspired by the scenic landscapes of her home.

Discover how a fascination with Nancy Drew and a background in criminology influenced Natalie's writing career. Her latest thriller, "Next to Die," introduces characters Sonny and Roscoe and marks the beginning of an intriguing series.

Learn about the challenges and joys of writing, editing, and the journey to getting published, as Natalie offers valuable advice to aspiring writers. Dive into a conversation about inspiration, characters, and the fascinating world of thriller writing, all against the backdrop of Newfoundland's majestic scenery.

Jam, Toast, and Orgasms: The Surprising Story Behind the Play

Join Kathryn Taylor on Let's Get Writing as she welcomes the talented actor, director, and playwright Shirley Morrow to delve into the fascinating journey of her play, "Jam, Toast, and Orgasms. " Then, she discusses the play with co-director Dave Anthony, President of Northcliffe Drama Club in Grand Falls-Windsor, NL.

This episode explores the creation process, the intriguing title origins, and the play's friendship, betrayal, and redemption themes. Shirley shares insights from her decades-long involvement in theatre, the importance of reviving old works, and her exciting experiences leading up to the Provincial Drama Festival, which will be held in Corner Brook, NL, from April 19-26, 2025.

Also, get an inside look at how this unique play was workshopped and brought to life by a seasoned cast alongside co-director Dave Anthony. Discover the dynamics of taking productions on the road and the collaborative efforts that unite a community through a shared passion for live theatre. Dave discusses the resurgence of community theatre and its unique role of bringing family members of all ages together in a collaborative and supportive environment. 

This world premiere of Jam, Toast, and Orgasms promises laughter, introspection, and a touch of mystery. It will captivate audiences on April 16th at the Gordon Pinsent Centre for the Arts in Grand Falls-Windsor and on April 26th, 2025, at the Corner Brook Arts and Culture Centre.

Let's Get Writing is thrilled to bring you this sneak preview of a notable cultural event in our province called Community Theatre and the NL Provincial Drama Festival!

The Business of Social Media: Explore the Journey of Olivia Pinho, Owner of Amplified Social, and team member Gaby Olmedo.

Join Kathryn Taylor on this episode of Women Rising as she delves into the business of social media and women's entrepreneurship in Newfoundland and Labrador. This episode highlights the journey of Olivia Pinho, owner of Amplified Social, a digital marketing agency based in St. John's that offers social media management, training, and coaching. Olivia shares her insights on social media, marketing, and the evolution of her business through COVID-19, where she overcame challenges as a young entrepreneur. She continued to adapt and grow to the successful enterprise she leads today.

We also met Gabby Olmedo, originally from El Salvador, a recruited future Memorial University graduate who is now a thriving new resident of the province. She joined Olivia's team, bringing her digital marketing skills to enhance their combined efforts to assist small businesses with strategic social media approaches.

This episode, recorded at the annual Newfoundland and Labrador Organization for Women Entrepreneurs (NLOWE) Conference 2024, is an exciting example of the strong entrepreneurial spirit NLOWE fosters.

We also visited the vibrant trade show floor. We engaged with Heather Sadowy from the Women's Organization Enterprises of Canada and Ian MacDonald from the College of the North Atlantic as they discussed support systems for women entrepreneurs. Discover the transformative impact of community and organizational ingenuity in fostering innovation and growth among women-led enterprises.

Unveiling the Mystery: The Art of Editing with Carolyn R. Parsons

Join host Kathryn Taylor on this insightful episode of 'Let's Get Writing' as she delves into the intricacies of the editing process with seasoned writer and editor, Carolyn R. Parsons. Broadcasting from the serene Change Islands in Newfoundland and Labrador, Carolyn shares her journey from writer to editor and offers invaluable advice for both aspiring and established authors alike.

Discover what defines a good editor, the importance of developmental editing, and how to navigate the often-intimidating world of manuscript revisions. Carolyn provides practical tips on when to seek editorial guidance and the benefits of collaborating with a professional to enhance your manuscript's potential. Whether you're drafting your first book or refining your tenth, this episode is packed with expert insights to help you along your publishing journey.

Tune in to learn how to find the right editorial partnership, manage the editing process, and ultimately, produce a polished and compelling work ready to captivate readers. Don't miss this chance to enhance your understanding of the crucial relationship between writer and editor with Carolyn R. Parsons' expert guidance.

Delving into the World of Sergeant Winston Windflower

Join host Kathryn Taylor as she welcomes author Mike Martin to explore his fascinating journey in writing the Sergeant Winston Windflower Mystery Series. Discover how the picturesque and historically rich setting of Grand Bank, Newfoundland, inspired his captivating tales.

In this episode, Mike shares insights into his writing process, the challenges of crafting a mystery series set in a small community, and how his character, Sergeant Winston Windflower, brings a unique blend of spirituality and relatability to the stories.

Learn how Mike balances writing with promotion, and stay tuned for information about his upcoming book releases.

Harness Astrology with Tara Kinden and Master the Perfect Pitch with Johanna Brown

In this inspiring episode of Women Rising, hosted by Kathryn Taylor at the 2024 NLOWE Conference, we explore the fascinating intersection of astrology and branding with Tara Kinden.

Discover how Tara helps multi-passionate female entrepreneurs streamline their passions and elevate their businesses using the power of astrology. We also dive into the journeys of remarkable female business leaders in Tara's book project, The Soul Flow. These stories of women overcoming challenges and taking bold steps will ignite a fire in anyone looking to achieve their dreams.

Later, Joanna Brown from Rivet shares her insights on mastering the perfect pitch and adapting to today’s ever-evolving sales landscape. Learn how to identify your value proposition and effectively communicate it to potential clients in this must-watch segment.

Jess Chapman, Jessica Brown and April Penney: Transforming Business in Newfoundland and Labrador

In this episode of Women Rising, Kathryn celebrates the creativity, determination, and collaborative strength of the entrepreneurial women of this vibrant province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

We dive into the inspiring world of Jess Chapman, owner of Ethree, as she shares her journey in HR consultancy and her impactful role on NLOWE's board. Discover the challenges and triumphs of scaling a business and the significance of having a supportive community and network.

We also explore the innovative spirit of Indigenous artist and entrepreneur Jessica Brown. Learn about her ventures, including Ujarak Media and the Northern Film Initiative, and the exciting prospects of the first St. John's Fashion Week.

Lastly, we meet April Penney, the visionary behind Refined Barbershop in Clarenville. Hear about her bold step into entrepreneurship, bridging gaps in the barbering industry, and her experiences at the London School of Barbering.