In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Rebecca sits down with children’s author Tammy Gegel, the creative force behind KC Gegel Publications. A former teacher, baker, and mom of four, Tammy shares the moving story behind her debut children’s book—written in loving memory of her son, Austin, a passionate biology major with dreams of becoming the next Jack Hanna.

Tammy’s first book in the series introduces young readers to sloths, blending education, humor, and interactive QR codes to make learning come alive. From zoo visits to poop dances, you'll laugh, learn, and maybe even tear up as Tammy reveals how Austin's legacy continues to shape her storytelling journey.

🧠 Key Takeaways:

• How Tammy’s background as a first-grade teacher helps her write educational yet engaging stories
  

• Why she chose sloths for her debut—and the delightful surprises she uncovered during research
  

• • The touching story of Austin’s passion for animals and how his memory lives on through the series
    Creative ways she engages young readers, including QR codes for sloth sounds and a hidden fox “Easter egg”
    
  • Insight into her next book featuring red foxes—and why her characters choose her
    
• • Why grief and creativity are deeply connected in her writing journey
    
  • Bonus: What sloths and poop dances have to do with kids’ favorite fun facts

  
  

  🔗 Resources + Links:

  • Order Tammy’s book: https://amzn.to/3FYPQxB

  • Visit Tammy's author site:https://linktr.ee/tscgegel8

  • Follow Tammy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566772323486

  • Sign up for updates on the next book and get the FREE coloring pages HERE: https://mailchi.mp/c6486d790e2f/coloring-pages-kcgegel

  
  

  💬 Connect with Us:

  Share this episode with a teacher, parent,author or animal-loving friend 💗

  Authors’ Allies RoundTable and the blog can be found on our website.

  Ebook: Did you download your copy of 10 Steps to Your Ultimate Book Marketing Plan ebook yet? You can get that ⁠HERE.⁠

  Email us: info@authorsallies.com

  ⁠Follow us on the⁠ social media platform of your choice for more tips and tricks.

  Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE.

  I often recommend products and services that I use or that have been recommended to me by people we trust. I only suggest items that I have personally used and love. In many cases an affiliate link accompanies these recommendations, (including Amazon -except for my products which are mine and not affiliate links) which provides me with a referral commission should you click through and make a purchase. This is always at no additional cost to you.
  

In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the most powerful, underutilized marketing strategies for authors: promo stacking.

Recorded live at a writing retreat by Wandering Creative Life, Rebecca shares how authors can combine strategic promotions to boost visibility, increase sales, and—most importantly—own their audience instead of relying on rented platforms like Amazon or social media.

Whether you're launching a new book or reigniting interest in your backlist, this session is packed with actionable gems that will help you take control of your marketing and create sustainable momentum.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• What promo stacking really is—and why it works like marketing rocket fuel.
  
• How to choose a focus date and build a marketing timeline around it.
  
• Why freebies and lead magnets (especially in your back matter!) are essential to grow your email list.
  
• Smart ways to combine social media, email, ads, and partnerships for maximum impact.
  
• How to make Amazon’s algorithm work for you—even if you're not spending a ton.
  
• Ideas for bonus content and direct offers to keep readers coming back to you.
  
• The value of collaboration with other authors, podcasts, and reader networks.

✨ Want to go deeper? Check out the free worksheets, promo calendar, and planning templates mentioned in the episode

🎁 And don’t forget—you can join the Authors’ Allies RoundTable for a free month to get support and live feedback on your marketing! Authors’ Allies RoundTable and the blog we did on AI can be found on our website.

Ebook: Did you download your copy of 10 Steps to Your Ultimate Book Marketing Plan ebook yet? You can get that ⁠HERE.⁠

Email us: info@authorsallies.com

⁠Follow us on the⁠ social media platform of your choice for more tips and tricks.

Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE.

I often recommend products and services that I use or that have been recommended to me by people we trust. I only suggest items that I have personally used and love. In many cases an affiliate link accompanies these recommendations, (including Amazon -except for my products which are mine and not affiliate links) which provides me with a referral commission should you click through and make a purchase. This is always at no additional cost to you.

Feeling torn about using AI in your author business? You're not alone. In today’s spicy episode, Rebecca tackles the controversial topic of how authors can ethically and creatively use AI—without losing their voice, their art, or their integrity.

This isn’t about letting AI write your book. This is about saving time, brainstorming better, and finally tackling that marketing to-do list with help from your new assistant: AI.

Key Topics:

• • The 3 ethical ways authors can use AI without compromising their creativity
  • How to use AI to write captions, hashtags, and carousels for social media
  • Smart ways to brainstorm book titles, blog posts, or launch ideas using AI
  • Why AI is perfect for generating email subject lines and newsletter ideas
  • What NOT to use AI for (hint: it’s still your book)
  • Where to get free AI resources, prompts, and tools mentioned in the episode

  
  

• Other Links & Resources

  Get the prompt worksheet mentioned in the show HERE.

  Find Martha Brown’s “Time Savvy Mom’s Secret Stash” HERE

  Get Martha Brown’s AI Prompt App HERE.

  Authors’ Allies RoundTable and the blog we did on AI can be found on our website.

  Ebook: Did you download your copy of 10 Steps to Your Ultimate Book Marketing Plan ebook yet? You can get that ⁠HERE.⁠

  Email us: info@authorsallies.com

  ⁠Follow us on the⁠ social media platform of your choice for more tips and tricks.

  
  

  Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE.

  I often recommend products and services that I use or that have been recommended to me by people we trust. I only suggest items that I have personally used and love. In many cases an affiliate link accompanies these recommendations, (including Amazon -except for my products which are mine and not affiliate links) which provides me with a referral commission should you click through and make a purchase. This is always at no additional cost to you.