Best Astrid Block Podcasts (2025)

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Sunscreen, Suitcases & Schedules: Culture Clashes Over the Summer Holidays 44:12

Play Pause

3M ago44:12

44:12

In this episode, we dive into the summer rhythms of American and European families. From France’s government-supported vacation programs to the U.S.’s work-focused approach, we explore how different cultures approach time off. We also share personal stories about international travel with kids, navigating airports, and what it means to juggle dual …

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Same Place, Different Kind of Trip 47:46

4M ago47:46

47:46

In this episode, we unpack what it feels like to visit “home” (aka your country of origin) solo vs. bringing your kids along for the ride. From family dynamics and sleep schedules to generational routines and emotional whiplash, we reflect on how going back to your roots as a parent reveals new layers of cultural clash. Whether it's decompressing a…

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Lost in Intonation: It's Not Always What You Say.... 31:35

4M ago31:35

31:35

In this episode, we dive into the musicality of language and explore how intonation—the rise and fall of our voices—can completely shape how we're understood (or misunderstood!) across cultures. From Gary Oldman’s method acting insights to awkward restaurant moments, we share how intonation influences identity, communication, and connection, especi…

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Passover, Easter & Tacos: Navigating the Spring Holidays with Kids 31:25

5M ago31:25

31:25

In this episode, we dive into the delightful chaos of spring holidays in multicultural families. From Passover Seders to Easter egg hunts (and everything in between), we share how our families celebrate, adapt, and blend traditions. Join us as we reflect on food, faith, and flexibility — all while parenting across cultures. Topics Discussed: How Pa…

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Blending Cultures, Blurring Borders: A Third Culture Kid Raising Third Culture Kids 1:18:56

5M ago1:18:56

1:18:56

In this episode, we welcome special guest Colette Ballew — a Third Culture Kid who went on to raise Third Culture Kids of her own. From navigating interfaith family dynamics to blending French, American, Jewish, and Tunisian traditions, we explore how identity, language, and culture show up across generations. Join us as we dive into the power of s…

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Daylight Savings Drama: Parenting Edition 27:46

6M ago27:46

27:46

Daylight Savings Time is messing with us again—and this episode is proof! In Episode 13, Marisa and Astrid show up late and lean all the way into the chaos of time zones, cultural differences, and parenting schedules gone wrong. From accidentally mismatched calendars to nursing babies who run on their own clocks, we explore the ways personality, cu…

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Glitter, Costumes & Chaos – Carnaval Traditions Around the World 35:12

6M ago35:12

35:12

Carnaval, Mardi Gras, and Purim—three celebrations, countless traditions! In this episode, we explore how different cultures mark this festive season with costumes, parades, and plenty of chaos. Astrid shares what it was like celebrating Carnaval in Germany, where the party lasts from Thursday to Tuesday (yes, almost a whole week!). Marisa explains…

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Group Projects: Teamwork or Torture? What We’re Learning by Parenting in Different Countries 35:40

7M ago35:40

35:40

In this episode, we dive into the cultural differences between group work and individual work in schools and workplaces. Inspired by a personal experience with my son’s school project, we discuss how different education systems approach collaboration, independence, and grading. Are group projects really teaching teamwork, or are they just a source …

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Lost (And Found) in Translation - Idioms & Expressions In English, German, and French 46:12

7M ago46:12

46:12

If you want to check out the video version, be sure to check out our youtube channel: @cultureclashparenting In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of idiomatic expressions across English, French, and German. Have you ever translated a phrase word-for-word and ended up with total nonsense? We’ve all been there! Language is more than ju…

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School Lunches - Crêpes or Crap 44:53

8M ago44:53

44:53

If you want to check out the video version, be sure to check out our youtube channel: @cultureclashparenting What’s on your child’s school lunch tray? In this episode, we dig into the fascinating (and sometimes frustrating) differences in school lunches across cultures. From French multi-course meals to American cafeteria nacho bars, we explore wha…

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Our Teens, Their Schools: Back to Class After the Holidays 1:05:21

8M ago1:05:21

1:05:21

In this episode, we reflect on some of the unique dynamics of secondary education systems across cultures. From conseil de classe in France to the German Abitur, we kick of 2025 by sharing how we're navigating reentry after the holidays. Join us as we share personal anecdotes, insights, and the unexpected surprises of parenting our multicultural te…

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Happy New Year 2025! 34:31

9M ago34:31

34:31

Introduction: Happy New Year! We’re excited to share our first episode of 2025 with you. In this episode, we reflect on how different cultures celebrate the start of the year. From pomegranates in Greece to chimney sweeps in Germany, we share our personal traditions and explore symbols of luck, family, and hope across the globe. Whether you celebra…

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Holiday Part 3 - Twinkling Lights and Latkes 1:04:06

9M ago1:04:06

1:04:06

In this episode, we explore the joys and challenges of blending holiday traditions as multicultural and interfaith families. From menorahs to Christmas stockings, gumball trees to Secret Santa exchanges, we share stories of how we navigate the holiday season while honoring our children’s diverse cultural and religious identities. We also dive into …

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Holidays Part 2 - What’s on Our Multicultural Holiday Tables? 46:03

10M ago46:03

46:03

In this episode, we dive into the delicious world of holiday foods across cultures! From Thanksgiving leftovers to Christmas goose, foie gras, and mulled wine, we share stories of the dishes that make our holidays special. We discuss how our favorite traditions have evolved as cross-cultural parents, blending the flavors of our childhoods with the …

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Holidays Part 1 - Keeping Holiday Traditions Alive Across Cultures 53:53

10M ago53:53

53:53

In this episode, we kick off our holiday series with a lively discussion about blending and preserving holiday traditions from our cultures. We specifically talk about three favorites (that all revolve around food!): Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Chandeleur. We share our experiences as parents navigating holiday celebrations across countries and tra…

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Parenting in Translation – Why One Word Means So Much Across Cultures 52:02

11M ago52:02

52:02

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating differences in how the concept of "parenting" varies across cultures, starting with a surprising fact: the word "parenting" doesn’t even exist in some languages, like French and German! We discuss how these linguistic differences reflect deeper cultural expectations around raising children and the role …

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Lost In Translation - The Faux Amis Chronicles 35:57

11M ago35:57

35:57

In this episode of Culture Clash Parenting, Marisa and Astrid dive into the humorous and sometimes embarrassing world of "faux amis," or "false friends"—words that sound the same across languages but mean completely different things. They share personal stories of language mishaps and explore how such experiences shape their lives as expat parents.…

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How We Met 49:15

11M ago49:15

49:15

In the debut episode of Culture Clash Parenting, co-hosts Marisa Raymond and Astrid share their powerful journey of friendship, beginning in an online miscarriage support group in 2006. Both women, hailing from different parts of the world—Marisa, an American living in France, and Astrid, a German who moved to the U.S.—discuss their shared experien…

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Writer's Block 7:03

4y ago7:03

7:03

Welcome to another Jamwriter nugget. Bite-sized chunks of wisdom for your writing and publishing journey. Experience, guidance and thoughts from our Jamwriter authors and professionals: Amanda Jaeger, Brian Martin, Colm Boyd, Deborah Wynne, Glenn Ward, Jakob Straub, Jan Foster, John Calia, Mariah Sinclair, Steven Tiano and Winnie Winkle. From Manus…

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An Author's game with Agents 2:44

4y ago2:44

2:44

If you've ever tried the traditional publishing route, submitting scripts to agents and the like, you may enjoy this. One author, testing the submission process. "I sent one off to an agent in London and got a reply within 48 hours, and it said, "Dear Glenn, so enjoyed reading your book etc." It was a really sort of flowery bit of introduction, and…

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Working with Pros 3:49

4y ago3:49

3:49

Welcome to another Jamwriter nugget. Bite-sized chunks of wisdom for your writing and publishing journey. Experience, guidance and thoughts from our Jamwriter authors and professionals: Amanda Jaeger, Brian Martin, Colm Boyd, Deborah Wynne, Glenn Ward, Jakob Straub, Jan Foster, John Calia, Mariah Sinclair, Steven Tiano and Winnie Winkle. From Manus…

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Why do you want to Write? 3:48

4y ago3:48

3:48

Welcome to another Jamwriter nugget. Bite-sized chunks of wisdom for your writing and publishing journey. Experience, guidance and thoughts from our Jamwriter authors and professionals: Amanda Jaeger, Brian Martin, Colm Boyd, Deborah Wynne, Glenn Ward, Jakob Straub, Jan Foster, John Calia, Mariah Sinclair, Steven Tiano and Winnie Winkle. From Manus…

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Translation 4:46

4y ago4:46

4:46

Welcome to another Jamwriter nugget. Bite-sized chunks of wisdom for your writing and publishing journey. Experience, guidance and thoughts from our Jamwriter authors and professionals: Amanda Jaeger, Brian Martin, Colm Boyd, Deborah Wynne, Glenn Ward, Jakob Straub, Jan Foster, John Calia, Mariah Sinclair, Steven Tiano and Winnie Winkle. From Manus…

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Agents and Traditional Publishing 13:03

4y ago13:03

13:03

Welcome to another Jamwriter nugget. Bite-sized chunks of wisdom for your writing and publishing journey. Experience, guidance and thoughts from our Jamwriter authors and professionals: Amanda Jaeger, Brian Martin, Colm Boyd, Deborah Wynne, Glenn Ward, Jakob Straub, Jan Foster, John Calia, Mariah Sinclair, Steven Tiano and Winnie Winkle. From Manus…

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Talking with other Authors 9:50

4y ago9:50

9:50

Welcome to another Jamwriter nugget. Bite-sized chunks of wisdom for your writing and publishing journey. Experience, guidance and thoughts from our Jamwriter authors and professionals: Amanda Jaeger, Brian Martin, Colm Boyd, Deborah Wynne, Glenn Ward, Jakob Straub, Jan Foster, John Calia, Mariah Sinclair, Steven Tiano and Winnie Winkle. From Manus…

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Reviews 11:00

4y ago11:00

11:00

Welcome to another Jamwriter nugget. Bite-sized chunks of wisdom for your writing and publishing journey. Experience, guidance and thoughts from our Jamwriter authors and professionals: Amanda Jaeger, Brian Martin, Colm Boyd, Deborah Wynne, Glenn Ward, Jakob Straub, Jan Foster, John Calia, Mariah Sinclair, Steven Tiano and Winnie Winkle. From Manus…

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Balancing Creative and Admin Tasks 11:49

4y ago11:49

11:49

Welcome to another Jamwriter nugget. Bite-sized chunks of wisdom for your writing and publishing journey. Experience, guidance and thoughts from our Jamwriter authors and professionals: Amanda Jaeger, Brian Martin, Colm Boyd, Deborah Wynne, Glenn Ward, Jakob Straub, Jan Foster, John Calia, Mariah Sinclair, Steven Tiano and Winnie Winkle. From Manus…

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Promo Videos 6:57

4y ago6:57

6:57

Welcome to another Jamwriter nugget. Bite-sized chunks of wisdom for your writing and publishing journey. Experience, guidance and thoughts from our Jamwriter authors and professionals: Amanda Jaeger, Brian Martin, Colm Boyd, Deborah Wynne, Glenn Ward, Jakob Straub, Jan Foster, John Calia, Mariah Sinclair, Steven Tiano and Winnie Winkle. From Manus…

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Production 6:39

4y ago6:39

6:39

Welcome to another Jamwriter nugget. Bite-sized chunks of wisdom for your writing and publishing journey. Experience, guidance and thoughts from our Jamwriter authors and professionals: Amanda Jaeger, Brian Martin, Colm Boyd, Deborah Wynne, Glenn Ward, Jakob Straub, Jan Foster, John Calia, Mariah Sinclair, Steven Tiano and Winnie Winkle. From Manus…

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Online Communities 3:23

4y ago3:23

3:23

Welcome to another Jamwriter nugget. Bite-sized chunks of wisdom for your writing and publishing journey. Experience, guidance and thoughts from our Jamwriter authors and professionals: Amanda Jaeger, Brian Martin, Colm Boyd, Deborah Wynne, Glenn Ward, Jakob Straub, Jan Foster, John Calia, Mariah Sinclair, Steven Tiano and Winnie Winkle. From Manus…

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Movies 8:09

4y ago8:09

8:09

Welcome to another Jamwriter nugget. Bite-sized chunks of wisdom for your writing and publishing journey. Experience, guidance and thoughts from our Jamwriter authors and professionals: Amanda Jaeger, Brian Martin, Colm Boyd, Deborah Wynne, Glenn Ward, Jakob Straub, Jan Foster, John Calia, Mariah Sinclair, Steven Tiano and Winnie Winkle. From Manus…

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Marketing 9:57

4y ago9:57

9:57

Welcome to another Jamwriter nugget. Bite-sized chunks of wisdom for your writing and publishing journey. Experience, guidance and thoughts from our Jamwriter authors and professionals: Amanda Jaeger, Brian Martin, Colm Boyd, Deborah Wynne, Glenn Ward, Jakob Straub, Jan Foster, John Calia, Mariah Sinclair, Steven Tiano and Winnie Winkle. From Manus…

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Get Social 1:46

4y ago1:46

1:46

Welcome to another Jamwriter nugget. Bite-sized chunks of wisdom for your writing and publishing journey. Experience, guidance and thoughts from our Jamwriter authors and professionals: Amanda Jaeger, Brian Martin, Colm Boyd, Deborah Wynne, Glenn Ward, Jakob Straub, Jan Foster, John Calia, Mariah Sinclair, Steven Tiano and Winnie Winkle. From Manus…

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Get Reviews 1:40

4y ago1:40

1:40

Welcome to another Jamwriter nugget. Bite-sized chunks of wisdom for your writing and publishing journey. Experience, guidance and thoughts from our Jamwriter authors and professionals: Amanda Jaeger, Brian Martin, Colm Boyd, Deborah Wynne, Glenn Ward, Jakob Straub, Jan Foster, John Calia, Mariah Sinclair, Steven Tiano and Winnie Winkle. From Manus…

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Get Published 3:29

4y ago3:29

3:29

Welcome to another Jamwriter nugget. Bite-sized chunks of wisdom for your writing and publishing journey. Experience, guidance and thoughts from our Jamwriter authors and professionals: Amanda Jaeger, Brian Martin, Colm Boyd, Deborah Wynne, Glenn Ward, Jakob Straub, Jan Foster, John Calia, Mariah Sinclair, Steven Tiano and Winnie Winkle. From Manus…

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What is the Jamwriter Community all about? 2:12

4y ago2:12

2:12

Jamwriter is a community of writers and publishers and anyone who can help writers and publishers. Jamwriter is designed to guide you and put you in touch with people who can take care of the things you can't do (or haven't got time to do). See our Author Videos with all the things the industry and your creative mind can spring on you. - Need an ed…

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Get Publicity 1:44

4y ago1:44

1:44

Welcome to another Jamwriter nugget. Bite-sized chunks of wisdom for your writing and publishing journey. Experience, guidance and thoughts from our Jamwriter authors and professionals: Amanda Jaeger, Brian Martin, Colm Boyd, Deborah Wynne, Glenn Ward, Jakob Straub, Jan Foster, John Calia, Mariah Sinclair, Steven Tiano and Winnie Winkle. From Manus…

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Get Posted 1:49

4y ago1:49

1:49

Welcome to another Jamwriter nugget. Bite-sized chunks of wisdom for your writing and publishing journey. Experience, guidance and thoughts from our Jamwriter authors and professionals: Amanda Jaeger, Brian Martin, Colm Boyd, Deborah Wynne, Glenn Ward, Jakob Straub, Jan Foster, John Calia, Mariah Sinclair, Steven Tiano and Winnie Winkle. From Manus…

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Get Made 1:58

4y ago1:58

1:58

Welcome to another Jamwriter nugget. Bite-sized chunks of wisdom for your writing and publishing journey. Experience, guidance and thoughts from our Jamwriter authors and professionals: Amanda Jaeger, Brian Martin, Colm Boyd, Deborah Wynne, Glenn Ward, Jakob Straub, Jan Foster, John Calia, Mariah Sinclair, Steven Tiano and Winnie Winkle. From Manus…

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Get Funded 7:32

4y ago7:32

7:32

Welcome to another Jamwriter nugget. Bite-sized chunks of wisdom for your writing and publishing journey. Experience, guidance and thoughts from our Jamwriter authors and professionals: Amanda Jaeger, Brian Martin, Colm Boyd, Deborah Wynne, Glenn Ward, Jakob Straub, Jan Foster, John Calia, Mariah Sinclair, Steven Tiano and Winnie Winkle. From Manus…

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Get Broadcast 1:40

4y ago1:40

1:40

Welcome to another Jamwriter nugget. Bite-sized chunks of wisdom for your writing and publishing journey. Experience, guidance and thoughts from our Jamwriter authors and professionals: Amanda Jaeger, Brian Martin, Colm Boyd, Deborah Wynne, Glenn Ward, Jakob Straub, Jan Foster, John Calia, Mariah Sinclair, Steven Tiano and Winnie Winkle. From Manus…

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Get Apps 2:39

4y ago2:39

2:39

Welcome to another Jamwriter nugget. Bite-sized chunks of wisdom for your writing and publishing journey. Experience, guidance and thoughts from our Jamwriter authors and professionals: Amanda Jaeger, Brian Martin, Colm Boyd, Deborah Wynne, Glenn Ward, Jakob Straub, Jan Foster, John Calia, Mariah Sinclair, Steven Tiano and Winnie Winkle. From Manus…

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Editing 8:42

4y ago8:42

8:42

Welcome to another Jamwriter nugget. Bite-sized chunks of wisdom for your writing and publishing journey. Experience, guidance and thoughts from our Jamwriter authors and professionals: Amanda Jaeger, Brian Martin, Colm Boyd, Deborah Wynne, Glenn Ward, Jakob Straub, Jan Foster, John Calia, Mariah Sinclair, Steven Tiano and Winnie Winkle. From Manus…

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Design 14:23

4y ago14:23

14:23

Welcome to another Jamwriter nugget. Bite-sized chunks of wisdom for your writing and publishing journey. Experience, guidance and thoughts from our Jamwriter authors and professionals: Amanda Jaeger, Brian Martin, Colm Boyd, Deborah Wynne, Glenn Ward, Jakob Straub, Jan Foster, John Calia, Mariah Sinclair, Steven Tiano and Winnie Winkle. From Manus…

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Copyright 2:58

4y ago2:58

2:58

Welcome to another Jamwriter nugget. Bite-sized chunks of wisdom for your writing and publishing journey. Experience, guidance and thoughts from our Jamwriter authors and professionals: Amanda Jaeger, Brian Martin, Colm Boyd, Deborah Wynne, Glenn Ward, Jakob Straub, Jan Foster, John Calia, Mariah Sinclair, Steven Tiano and Winnie Winkle. From Manus…

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Avoiding Distractions 8:31

4y ago8:31

8:31

Welcome to another Jamwriter nugget. Bite-sized chunks of wisdom for your writing and publishing journey. Experience, guidance and thoughts from our Jamwriter authors and professionals: Amanda Jaeger, Brian Martin, Colm Boyd, Deborah Wynne, Glenn Ward, Jakob Straub, Jan Foster, John Calia, Mariah Sinclair, Steven Tiano and Winnie Winkle. From Manus…

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Audiobooks 8:07

4y ago8:07

8:07

Welcome to another Jamwriter nugget. Bite-sized chunks of wisdom for your writing and publishing journey. Experience, guidance and thoughts from our Jamwriter authors and professionals: Amanda Jaeger, Brian Martin, Colm Boyd, Deborah Wynne, Glenn Ward, Jakob Straub, Jan Foster, John Calia, Mariah Sinclair, Steven Tiano and Winnie Winkle. From Manus…

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Funding 4:04

4y ago4:04

4:04

Welcome to another Jamwriter nugget. Bite-sized chunks of wisdom for your writing and publishing journey. Experience, guidance and thoughts from our Jamwriter authors and professionals: Amanda Jaeger, Brian Martin, Colm Boyd, Deborah Wynne, Glenn Ward, Jakob Straub, Jan Foster, John Calia, Mariah Sinclair, Steven Tiano and Winnie Winkle. From Manus…

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Quick Tips for Authors 2:54

4y ago2:54

2:54

Welcome to another Jamwriter nugget. Bite-sized chunks of wisdom for your writing and publishing journey. Experience, guidance and thoughts from our Jamwriter authors and professionals: Amanda Jaeger, Brian Martin, Colm Boyd, Deborah Wynne, Glenn Ward, Jakob Straub, Jan Foster, John Calia, Mariah Sinclair, Steven Tiano and Winnie Winkle. From Manus…