I never set out to become an editor, even though I’ve now been doing it for 15 years. Today, I sit back to enjoy a conversation with the writer who hired me to edit her book, and began my career as a freelance editor. Catherine Brakefield is the award-winning author of the Destiny Series and more.

Find Catherine at:

https://www.CatherineUlrichBrakefield.com

Sign up for her newsletter at: https://www.catherineulrichbrakefield.com/newsletter-sign-up-form.html

Love's Final Sunrise: https://www.crossrivermedia.com/product/loves-final-sunrise/

Social Media:

https://www.facebook.com/CatherineUlrichBrakefield/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-brakefield-4710b315/

For more information on From Dream to Debut coaching: https://www.themotivationaleditor.com/from-dream-to-debut-enrollment/

Trigger Warning: This podcast episode contains a discussion of sexual abuse and steps to healing.

Today, I’m visiting with retired nurse Nancy Manassero whose written a book to help sexual abuse victims heal from their abuse. Nancy is an abuse survivor, and today’s show is packed with encouragement and practical steps for healing. Her advice can be applied to healing from any trauma. Nancy’s book Heartmending includes an appendix on grooming tactics used by sexual predators and one on signs of abuse in youth.

Find Nancy at:

https://www.nancymanassero.com

To sign up for her newsletter, Hope for Healing: https://www.nancymanassero.com/signup

Social Media:

https://www.facebook.com/nancymanasseroauthor

https://www.instagram.com/nancyannmanassero/

Heartmending: https://tinyurl.com/heartmendingNM

For more information on From Dream to Debut coaching, visit: https://www.themotivationaleditor.com/from-dream-to-debut-enrollment/

In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of a tough week and the moment God met me right where I was—at the altar, overwhelmed and needing answers. As the holidays ramp up (and stress loves to commandeer the fun), I was reminded of an old friend: Psalm 37.

A simple birthday story shared in church cracked something open, sending me back to the first book I ever wrote and the truth I’d somehow forgotten: God tells us exactly how to lay down our fear and step into peace.

We’ll walk through the psalm’s life-giving steps: don’t fret, trust, delight, commit, and rest; and what it really means to believe you’ve received what you’ve prayed for, even before you see it.

If your mind’s been noisy lately, this one’s a deep exhale.

Carried by Grace available on Amazon, https://amzn.to/4ryfCMi (affiliate link)

If you’re feeling stuck, there’s a good chance you’re avoiding a decision. Maybe you’re afraid of making the wrong move, or you’re waiting for absolute certainty before you act. But here’s the truth: clarity comes after you decide, not before it.

In this episode, Debra unpacks why indecision keeps us trapped and how fear of mistakes holds us back. She explains the Law of Polarity—everything has an opposite and it is equal and opposite—and why learning to see both sides helps us grow. You’ll also discover four powerful questions (from Life Is Now coach David Neagle) to guide your next decision with confidence and faith.

Key takeaways:

• Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—they’re how we learn.
• You don’t need to know the how to take the first step.
• Every problem holds a lesson that will serve you later.
• Decision is the bridge between where you are and where you want to be.

Challenge: This week, make one decision you’ve been putting off and commit to spending regular time determining what you truly want in life.

Blog post link: https://www.themotivationaleditor.com/4-simple-questions-for-decision-making/

For years I thought seeking the Kingdom of God meant denying myself, denying my dreams, my desires, my joy. But that’s not what Jesus meant at all.

In this episode, I share how a deeper understanding of Matthew 6:33 brought greater light to my faith walk. You’ll learn what it really means to seek first the Kingdom of God and how to align your thoughts with the divine pattern of abundance and peace.

Discover how to stop striving and instead rest in God’s promises. 📖 Listen now and discover what it truly means to live in the Kingdom.

👇 Resources mentioned: 📘 Unshakable Faith: Living Strong in the Kingdom of God—a 7-week Bible study to deepen your walk and strengthen your faith.

🙏 Subscribe for weekly encouragement on faith, mindset, and spiritual growth.

https://debralbutterfield.com/ive-been-seeking-the-kingdom-all-wrong/

Are you skipping a professional edit on your manuscript because you’re afraid to hear criticism about your work?

Don’t be afraid! Feedback on your work is essential to make it better and to become a better writer. Debra encourages writers to develop a thick skin, but also gives you some suggestions on how to get feedback on your manuscript outside of professional editing.

Get editing help today. Buy Self-editing & Publishing Tips for Indie Authors.

Why is it so hard to ask—for help, for opportunities, for the sale? Jesus said, “Ask and it shall be given” (Matt. 7:7), yet many of us hesitate, held back by old programming that says asking is greedy or selfish. In this episode, I open up about my own struggles and how childhood messages still shape the way we live today.

We’ll look at the truth of Scripture—James 4:2 and Romans 12:2—and how renewing our minds with daily repetition of God’s Word can free us from the fear of asking (or anything else). You’ll learn practical steps to replace false beliefs with biblical truth, and finally embrace the courage to ask—not just for the bare minimum, but for God’s best.

Join me as I share lessons I’m still learning from my coach and from God Himself. Discover how you, too, can overcome the discomfort of asking and step into a fuller life of faith, confidence, and abundance.

https://debralbutterfield.com

https://themotivationaleditor.com

https://www.facebook.com/DebraLButterfieldAuthor

Join me for an interview with Danny Barnhill. Danny utilizes decades of singing, teaching and speaking the gospel message into his newly discovered passion of writing. He crafts true inspirational stories, imaginative fictional stories and dramatic biblical narratives he hopes will touch hearts, inspire Christians, and exalt the Savior.

Danny shares how he creates such heartfelt stories we all can relate to. Listen in and discover what you can apply to your own Bible study time and your writing.

You reach Danny here: Email: danny@DannyBarnhill.com or DannyB0822@yahoo.com Danny’s FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/danny.barnhill.5201/

Find me: Https://themotivationaleditor.com Https://debralbutterfield.com