top of page
Dec 52 min read

Author Spotlight: A Conversation with Becky Ellis



Becky Ellis shares insights from writing her memoir as well as her extensive experience in the publishing industry. Becky is a Timberwolf Pup and her story confronts the silence surrounding the generational impact of war. The daughter of a highly decorated World War II combat sergeant, she is a veteran of a war fought at home. She earned a BA in English Literature at UC Berkeley and has over twenty years of experience in the publishing industry. She teaches writing in Portland, Oregon, where she lives, plays, and has raised three daughters. Little Avalanches is her debut memoir.


Jess and Becky delve into memoir as a form of activism and the immense value in talking about the things we're not talking about. They discuss trends in traditional publishing, particularly the shift from publishers to writers handling the heavy lifting when it comes to marketing a book. Becky emphasizes the importance of starting a newsletter and building loyalty with your audience, and the stamina required to write a memoir and keep showing up to share your story.





This podcast is hosted by Jessica Buchanan, a NYT Bestselling author, speaker, survivor and founder of Soul Speak Press. Soul Speak Press is a boutique non-traditional publishing company focused on publishing stories from women who have been through something, now they know something, and can teach us something.



Learn more about the Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies. If you're interested in hearing interviews with our Soul Speak Press authors, check out the Deserts to Mountaintops Podcast.


Nov 211 min read

Why Marketing Your Book Is Actually Really Hard



Tune in this week for a candid conversation with Loren Buchanan, Director of Marketing at Soul Speak Press. Jess and Loren discuss the complexities of marketing a book, beyond just sales numbers, and what true success can look like for authors. Loren emphasizes the importance of setting specific marketing goals that align with an author’s vision, rather than focusing solely on book sales.


They dive into how speaking engagements, podcast interviews, and building a strong social media presence can serve as powerful components of a holistic marketing strategy. For authors looking to navigate the often daunting world of book promotion, Loren’s insights offer valuable guidance on how to craft a marketing plan that works for them—one that considers both their goals and the broader, long-term impact of their work.


This podcast is hosted by Jessica Buchanan, a NYT Bestselling author, speaker, survivor and founder of Soul Speak Press. Soul Speak Press is a boutique non-traditional publishing company focused on publishing stories from women who have been through something, now they know something, and can teach us something.



Learn more about the Deserts to Mountaintops Anthologies. If you're interested in hearing interviews with our Soul Speak Press authors, check out the Deserts to Mountaintops Podcast.

bottom of page