Episode 186: True Stories Can Bring Your Work of Fiction to Life

A Novel About Transformation and Resilience Includes Aspects of Truth

Suzanne Simonetti sees parts of herself in each of her characters, but she relates most closely with Krystal in her award-winning novel The Sounds of Wings.

Suzanne Simonetti podcast episode cover art with image and quote

Suzanne Simonetti podcast episode cover art with image and quote

Our conversation easily flowed from topic to topic, and it was clear to both of us that the themes from the book are highly relevant in many of our friends' lives, as well as our own.

Each of the protagonists is in a very different place in their lives, one in her early 30s, another in her mid 40s, and another in her late 60s. And yet, each is grappling with transition and transformation in their lives, which is what brings them together.

Highlights for me:

A major theme of the book is silencing our own ghosts from our past. We must be able to tell the stories of our paths without reliving them, to be able to see those stories as lessons to take forward.

Suzanne Simonetti podcast episode cover art book cover and quote

Suzanne Simonetti podcast episode cover art book cover and quote

A theme that resonated strongly with me is the way women grow into relationships with themselves and with (and among) other women. In the book, the three main protagonists forge unlikely friendships, despite their distinct differences. I loved seeing the personal growth each experienced as they learned to trust the other women who happened to show up in their lives.

We spoke of Suzanne's mentor, award-winning, NYT Best Selling Author Caroline Leavitt, as well as our mutual friend, Meg Nocero, also an award-winning author, both outstanding women you will be glad you discovered through this podcast.

Make sure you follow Suzanne on Instagram, and check out her website to learn more.


Elkins Consulting cover art image of Sarah Elkins and her dog on a wintery, snow covered mountain

Elkins Consulting cover art image of Sarah Elkins and her dog on a wintery, snow covered mountain

ABOUT SARAH:

"Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision."

In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with.

My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home.

The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available!

Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana.