Join me in an engaging conversation with Janica Smith, a seasoned publishing consultant who has helped over 150 authors bring their books to life. From her early days as a Traveling Vineyard wine consultant to becoming a self-made virtual assistant and later a publishing advisor, Janica shares her journey and the valuable lessons she's learned along the way. Discover practical tips on how to pitch yourself, focus on your strengths, and free yourself from tasks outside your expertise. We also delve into the importance of showing up, staying open to opportunities, and paying it forward. Plus, get a taste of the Texas Hill Country wine culture and learn about crafting the perfect porch sipper cocktail. Whether you're an aspiring author or a seasoned writer, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration to help you on your publishing journey.

To connect with Janica or learn more about her Publishing services: https://www.janicasmith.com/

Wineries & Opportunities discussed in this episode:

https://calaiswinery.com/
https://www.frenchconnectionhye.com/
https://www.daviswines.com/
https://www.ewomennetwork.com/

00:00 Introduction to Janica Smith

01:03 Reconnecting After Years

03:17 The Journey to Becoming a Virtual Assistant

08:28 The Leap to Full-Time Entrepreneurship

10:48 Navigating the Publishing World

16:23 Challenges and Successes in Publishing

23:07 The Importance of Professional Publishing

28:40 Supporting Authors and Entrepreneurs

30:09 How Publishing Works for Entrepreneurs

32:02 Building Relationships for Book Endorsements

34:03 The Importance of Book Design

37:07 Navigating Print on Demand

40:43 The Role of Marketing in Book Publishing

42:38 Overcoming Self-Doubt as an Author

43:37 The Value of Unique Perspectives

46:09 The Legacy of Helping Authors

47:42 Wine and Personal Stories

53:09 Exploring Texas Hill Country

Wine Camp! It's a THING! Prices go up July 1 - don't miss your opportunity to experience this Texas Hill Country retreat with your besties! To learn more and reserve your spot: https://pennyforyourshots.com/wine-camp
Stay up-to-date on details: wine-camp.pennyforyourshots.com

To connect with Penny or learn more, check out www.pennyforyourshots.com

Never miss an episode (and grab Penny's free Silky Harvest Soup recipe as a bonus): subscribepage.io/Silky-Harvest-Soup-Recipe

- Follow Penny on Instagram: @penny4yourshots
- Or Facebook: Penny (Kuhlers) Fitzgerald

Join me for an emotional and insightful episode with Julie Kershner, a luxury real estate specialist who divides her time between Wyoming and Cabo. Julie shares her career journey, personal stories, and the significant life events that have shaped her resilient spirit. From recounting her time in Mexico and the challenges of the real estate market to touching personal moments, Julie opens up about her relationship with her late fiancé and their unique connection beyond life. Don't miss this heartfelt conversation filled with wisdom, laughter, and life lessons.

00:00 Introduction to Julie Kershner
01:03 Julie's Real Estate Journey
01:58 Life in Cabo and Wyoming
04:56 Challenges and Rewards of Real Estate in Mexico
07:19 Navigating Legalities and Building Relationships
11:08 Personal Stories and Experiences
14:17 Weathering the Storms
22:35 Resilience and Adaptability
28:35 Reflecting on Life Lessons
29:18 A Heartbreaking Loss
30:34 Connecting Beyond the Grave
33:16 Birthday Surprises and Signs
38:50 Cherished Friendships and Traditions
48:16 Unfinished Business and Hard Lessons
54:30 Final Thoughts and Wisdom

To view Julie's Los Cabos properties, or connect with Julie Kershner:
https://cabosanlucashomesforsale.net/
Loscabosluxuryhomes.com

Wine Camp! It's a THING! Prices go up July 1 - don't miss your opportunity to experience this Texas Hill Country retreat with your besties! To learn more and reserve your spot: https://pennyforyourshots.com/wine-camp
Stay up-to-date on details: wine-camp.pennyforyourshots.com

To connect with Penny or learn more, check out www.pennyforyourshots.com

Never miss an episode (and grab Penny's free Silky Harvest Soup recipe as a bonus): subscribepage.io/Silky-Harvest-Soup-Recipe

- Follow Penny on Instagram: @penny4yourshots
- Or Facebook: Penny (Kuhlers) Fitzgerald

Tracy Shelton and her husband Marion transitioned from a conventional land-based lifestyle to living full-time on a boat, cruising along the eastern U.S. coast from Key West to Annapolis. Over 15 months, they encountered severe storms, mechanical challenges, and personal struggles while embracing the beauty of marine life, historic cities, and boating communities. Tracy shares her detailed experiences, including provisioning while at sea, overcoming medical challenges, and the profound impact of seeing ocean pollution, which led her to open an eco-friendly salon in Venice, Florida. Get an inside look at the highs and lows of life on the water, the unique friendships formed, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way.

Shrimp Perloo recipe (low country shrimp and rice) https://urls.grow.me/QbYEwPXMb

Tracy's organic salon, il Salone Verde: https://www.ilsaloneverde.com/

il Salone Verde Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558150959074

00:00 Leaving the Conventional Life Behind

00:53 Challenges and Joys of Boat Life

01:10 Adapting to Boat Life

01:31 A Generous Encounter and Eco-Friendly Inspiration

02:00 Introduction to Tracy Shelton

02:46 The Decision to Live on a Boat

03:26 Learning to Sail and First Adventures

13:27 Surviving a Storm in Dry Tortugas

20:03 Exploring the East Coast

29:11 Navigating the Dismal Swamp

39:33 Majestic Pelicans and Capturing Memories

40:26 Exploring Annapolis and Chesapeake Bay

41:32 Meeting Buck in Georgetown, South Carolina

48:22 Provisioning and Life on the Boat

53:18 Night Sailing Adventures

57:34 Engine Troubles and Safety Measures

01:00:40 Returning to Key West and Coconut Row

01:02:34 Reflections on Living Aboard and Environmental Impact

01:04:21 Transitioning to Life on Land and New Beginnings

01:06:15 Favorite Cocktails and Non-Alcoholic Alternatives

01:14:09 Community Connections and Networking

Wine Camp! It's a THING! Prices go up July 1 - don't miss your opportunity to experience this Texas Hill Country retreat with your besties! To learn more and reserve your spot: https://pennyforyourshots.com/wine-camp
Stay up-to-date on details: wine-camp.pennyforyourshots.com

To connect with Penny or learn more, check out www.pennyforyourshots.com

Never miss an episode (and grab Penny's free Silky Harvest Soup recipe as a bonus): subscribepage.io/Silky-Harvest-Soup-Recipe

- Follow Penny on Instagram: @penny4yourshots
- Or Facebook: Penny (Kuhlers) Fitzgerald