“I’m Just Done” — How Letting Go and Embracing Authenticity Can Unlock Your Voice with Fawn Germer

19/11/2025 45 min Episodio 30
“I’m Just Done” — How Letting Go and Embracing Authenticity Can Unlock Your Voice with Fawn Germer

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Episode Synopsis

I had the pleasure of speaking with prolific writer Fawn Germer, who has written 10 books (plus one workbook) over her impressive 25-year career. We began by discussing Fawn’s early days as an investigative journalist and how she transitioned into becoming a bestselling author who has also been a keynote speaker for nearly 100 Fortune 500 companies. Her first book, which was initially rejected by every major publisher, eventually became a number-one nonfiction bestseller, thanks to Oprah's endorsement. This victory set the stage for a career full of books that empower readers to embrace risk and change while maximizing their personal power. During our discussion, we explored the complexities of the publishing industry, focusing on Fawn's insights regarding self-publishing versus traditional publishing. Fawn candidly shared her experiences with different publishers and agents, and the strategic decisions she made to get each of her books published. We also explored the evolution of Fawn’s writing topics, from leadership and women’s issues to more recent themes of personal happiness and intentional living. Fawn stressed the importance of authenticity in writing and how her voice has naturally changed with time and experience. She also shared personal anecdotes about the challenges and rewards of her writing process, emphasizing the need for multiple revisions to truly refine one's voice. Fawn offered valuable advice to listeners: be courageous, authentic, and willing to shake things up to find your true creative voice. Key Topics:“You’ll never be more than just a reporter” — words from Fawn’s boss in her first careerDo you need to keep loyalty to the same publisher for every work you publish?Discovering the power of self-publishingAwakening to aging and living life to the fullestWhy you should never do a hybrid arrangement with a publisherCritical questions to ask a publisher before hiring themHow your voice can change over time and still be authenticWriting about women’s leadership as a survival mechanism in a male-dominated workforceWhat are you “done” with?Sensibility vs. voiceTalking about taboo topics will give younger generations the courage to take risks earlier in lifeDo it now, don’t wait, be who you are, and Fawn’s other tips for finding your voiceConnect with Fawn online:Website: https://www.fawngermer.com/Books: https://www.fawngermer.com/books-2/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fawngermer/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FawnGermerAuthorPodcast: Find more from Jill: Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/ Writing Coaching Programs: https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/coaching Sign up for my free 3x weekly writing session: write to [email protected] for ZOOM info Special thanks to LVDY for allowing us to use their song, Saltwater, in the intro and outro of the podcast!

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