“Welcome to this episode of Things That Matter BL,” Martie began. “Today’s conversation is truly special. You reached out after attending a workshop I facilitated for Alexa Bigwarfe’s Women In Publishing community — well, technically, after watching the replay — and I was struck by your open embrace of the show and tell method I taught to help authors truly connect with their audience.”

BL’s laughter was soft. “I felt the same, Martie. Your advice about storytelling, especially through the objects and memories that define us, really resonated. It’s what I do through my writing—but I’d never thought to show it with something as simple as a photograph.”

She held up a picture: herself at a recent conference, arms crossed, the words “I kept dreaming” written boldly on her skin. The image wasn’t just a portrait, BL explained—it was a memory, an artifact from an exercise meant to symbolize lessons learned and dreams held dear.

Martie listened, captivated, as BL recounted her young beginnings as a writer—a 13-year-old girl crafting fantasy worlds to escape life’s troubles. The first novel she ever completed, she’d handed to her father, seeking encouragement. His response, honest but perhaps not filtered for a young heart, was that it was good, but not great. The words stung, but they also lit a fire. Blair kept writing, kept dreaming, letting her imaginary worlds provide both escape and empowerment through adversity.

The conversation turned to BL’s latest accomplishment: “Heroes of Another Age,” the prequel to her now-sprawling fantasy series. Martie’s eyes sparkled as Blair described magic, brotherhood, and coming-of-age adventures.

Now that the show and tell section was complete, Martie turned our attention to legacy: “So, what do you want to happen to that photograph when you’re dead & gone?”

BL smiled. She spoke of her two daughters, now 12 and 9, her biggest cheerleaders. “I want them to keep that photo as my final message—never stop dreaming, never stop growing into who you’re meant to be.”

Their discussion circled back to connection—how life’s smallest moments and artifacts can spark the most powerful stories. Martie offered her support, inviting Blair to collaborate on future events to help other writers share their own stories through objects and memories.

As the interview wound down, BL shared how listeners could stay in touch and find her award-winning book, inviting everyone to step into a world where magic and family intertwine.

Martie closed the show with her signature warmth, reminding viewers that it’s not the things that matter most, but the stories attached to them—and that sharing those stories is the real legacy we leave behind.

To find out more about my guest, author BL Mostlyn visit: https://blmostyn.com/

To learn more about Alexa Bigwarfe & Women In Publishing: https://alexabigwarfe.com/
https://womeninpublishingsummit.com/

Check out the workshop I offered, via WIP, to authors looking for unique ways to build & connect more deeply with their audience: https://womeninpublishingsummit.com/event/things-that-matter-connections-community-legacy-with-martie-mcnabb/

Are you an author looking to build your audience of readers? Hire me to host unique story-sharing gatherings as an alternative to typical book launches. Email me at martie at showandtales dot com

Have a story of a special item you’d love to share? Reach out to Martie McNabb at info at showandtales dot com and be part of a future episode with the Subject line: Podcast Guest✨

If you were asked “What Things would tell your life story?” What Things would you choose? Look around your home, office & even on yourself …. what Things do you surround yourself with & what stories would they tell? Grab my My Life in 30 Things playsheet to list your Things that matter here: https://www.showandtales.com/30-things-story/