Rick Werry is a motivational speaker, author, and podcaster who inspires audiences nationwide with his story of resilience following a life-altering spinal cord injury. He is the author of Red Letter Days, a memoir that has earned glowing five-star reviews for its honesty and impact. Rick has competed at the national level in wheelchair rugby, ranking sixth in the country, and is also an accomplished hand cyclist. Beyond these achievements, his story stands out for his vulnerability in sharing struggles with mental health and his deep commitment to encouraging young people to overcome hardship and recognize their own strengths. Grounded in perseverance, community, and celebrating small victories, his message resonates with anyone navigating adversity or a major life change.

Imagine your entire world shifting in a single, unexpected moment. What does it take to rebuild your life after losing the very abilities you once took for granted? When faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, where does the strength to keep moving forward come from?

According to Rick Werry, a resilience-driven storyteller and adaptive athlete, that strength is built by focusing on what's still possible, one small win at a time. He highlights the power of "red letter days," a mindset rooted in celebrating progress others might overlook. This approach turns overwhelming loss into manageable forward motion. By reframing identity beyond physical limitations and leaning into community, setbacks become opportunities for growth. Over time, those small victories compound into renewed confidence and purpose.

In this episode of Sticky: Stories That Stick, Amelia Forczak sits down with Rick Werry, an athlete, author, and motivational speaker, to discuss resilience after a life-altering injury. They explore the "red letter day" philosophy, the role of wheelchair rugby in rebuilding strength and belonging, and redefining identity after trauma. Rick also talks about inspiring young people to believe they can do hard things.

Madison Fitzpatrick is a freelance ghostwriter and former engineer who specializes in helping experts, leaders, and innovators craft clear, impactful nonfiction books that distill complex ideas, working independently with clients across industries. She has ghostwritten more than 20 books in genres like business, communication, and personal growth, and her clients' projects have reached thousands of readers. Madison's unique background in engineering and management consulting gives her a talent for translating abstract or technical concepts into accessible narratives. She is passionate about making expert knowledge accessible for broader audiences and loves collaborating with clients to turn their pivotal moments and insights into stories that truly resonate.

Some ideas feel too big, too technical, or too tangled to ever fit neatly into a book. Yet the people who hold those ideas often have the insights readers need most. So how do you take something complex and turn it into a narrative that's actually enjoyable to read?

For Madison Fitzpatrick, the key lies in breaking complexity down with intention and clarity. Drawing from her background in engineering and management consulting, she explains that most experts don't struggle because their ideas are weak — they struggle because they haven't figured out how to translate those ideas for someone who isn't inside their world. Madison shares how she guides authors through mapping their message, choosing the right structure, and uncovering the throughline that makes a book feel cohesive. She talks about the messy but necessary early-stage thinking, the power of a strong kickoff process, and why clarity must come before beautiful writing. Ultimately, she believes that when ideas are shaped with care, even the most complex concepts can become compelling, accessible books.

In this episode of Sticky: Stories That Stick, Amelia Forczak sits down with Madison Fitzpatrick, a seasoned freelance ghostwriter, to discuss transforming complex ideas into clear, compelling books. They explore how to build a strong manuscript map, avoid common writing pitfalls, and navigate the full ghostwriting process. Madison also gives advice on choosing the right publishing path for your goals.

Roger Scholl is the Senior Executive Editor at Kevin Anderson & Associates, a full-service ghostwriting and editing firm that helps authors bring their books to market. He is also a Freelance Ghostwriter and Editor with Catherine Street Books, LLC. Over his nearly 40-year career — including decades as Vice President and Executive Editor at Penguin Random House — Roger has worked on more than 55 New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestsellers, collaborating with renowned authors such as Chip and Dan Heath, Arianna Huffington, Marshall Goldsmith, and Michio Kaku. In addition to his editorial leadership and impressive track record, Roger is known for his mentorship of aspiring authors and his deep expertise in shaping compelling nonfiction narratives. His insights into the intersection of storytelling, publishing, and ghostwriting offer valuable guidance for anyone hoping to craft stories that truly stick with readers.

Great stories don't become bestselling books by accident — they're shaped, refined, and elevated with intention. But what truly separates a good idea from a publishable, unforgettable story? And how do authors ensure their narratives resonate long after the final page?

Roger Scholl, a highly respected veteran editor and publishing expert, explains that bestselling books begin with a clear, compelling idea strengthened by strong storytelling fundamentals. He highlights how originality, narrative structure, and the right emotional depth help a book rise above the competition. This thoughtful craftsmanship allows authors to connect powerfully with their audience and stand out in a crowded market. Roger also discusses why the most successful books combine fresh insights with memorable stories and how refining an idea can often reshape an entire manuscript for the better.

In this episode of Sticky: Stories That Stick, Amelia Forczak sits down with Roger Scholl, Senior Executive Editor at Kevin Anderson & Associates, and Freelance Ghostwriter and Editor at Catherine Street Books, LLC, to discuss how great stories turn into bestselling books. She and Roger unpack what editors look for when evaluating a manuscript, how authors can differentiate their ideas, and why personal narratives often make nonfiction more compelling. Roger also shares advice on shaping stories that truly stick with readers.