In this solo episode, Michelle Glogovac pulls back the curtain on her unexpected path as an author—from the twists in traditional publishing to the moments that forced her to bet on herself. She talks candidly about what it really takes to navigate this industry, why the relationship with your agent should feel like a partnership (not a guessing game), and how crucial it is to honor the work authors pour into their books. Through her own experience, Michelle reminds writers to trust their instincts, advocate for their careers, and never forget to show gratitude for the people who help bring stories into the world.What We're Talking About...You’re the one steering your writing career—no one else gets to hold the pen.You have full permission to write the stories you want to write.No publisher, no agent, no algorithm will market your book like you will.Feeling alone in the publishing process is normal, and it doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.You can build the writing life you want; nothing is off-limits.Know what you want in an agent—and don’t settle for less.There’s zero shame in changing agents when the relationship no longer fits.Publishing is a roller coaster; expect the highs and the gut punches.Showing gratitude to authors—and acknowledging their work—is essential.Your future is yours to shape, and you get to decide what happens next.ChaptersChapters00:00 The Journey of an Author03:34 Navigating Challenges in Publishing05:57 Embracing Change and New Opportunities06:16 Taking Charge of Your Writing Career09:12 The Importance of Persistence and Self-Promotion12:09 Gratitude for Authors and Creators