Cool People, Big Ideas with Guest Ann Hood: Writing, Healing and the Choices that Define Us
- Lauren Walker & Blaine Wilkes
- Mar 24
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 25
Writing, Healing, and the Choices That Define Us
Podcast Shownotes:
In this episode of Cool People Big Ideas, Lauren talks with Ann Hood, author of The Stolen Child, Comfort, and Morningstar, to talk about storytelling, grief, and the choices that shape our lives. Ann shares her thoughts on creating characters that feel real, balancing truth and fiction, and using art as a way to heal. They talk about time travel in stories, the fun and challenge of writing in different genres, and how personal loss affects creative work. Ann talks about the power of decision-making, explaining how every choice can affect a lifetime in surprising ways. If you're a writer, a reader, or someone interested in the power of art, this episode offers a look at life's important moments and the stories we tell to understand them.
What to Listen For:
The Essence of Fiction: Why fiction matters and how it helps us understand the world.
The Role of Art: How creativity—from knitting to writing—helps and changes us.
Decisions and Regret: Talking about the “what-ifs” of life through stories.
Grief and Writing: How personal loss affects Ann’s work and her journey to creating the Gracie Belle imprint.
The Stolen Child: The story behind Ann’s novel, including the connection of time, memory, and art.
Knitting and Healing: The calming practice that helped Ann's recovery.
Takeaway:
Every decision is a part of life. Through her writing and personal stories, Ann Hood reminds us that it’s never too late to use creativity, find meaning in grief, and enjoy storytelling.
🔗 Tune in now to discover the stories behind Ann Hood’s most profound works and her reflections on life, loss, and literature.
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Really enjoyed reading “Writing, Healing, and the Choices That Define Us” — it’s such a powerful look at how creativity and adversity intersect. Ann Hood’s reflections on what it means to write through pain, loss, and hope really resonate, especially in today’s world where many are seeking meaning in their struggles. Her story reminds writers that publishing isn’t just about putting words on paper but about offering emotional connection and truth. Anyone thinking of taking their work seriously should budget carefully extreme clarity about book publishing cost can make or break the effort.
I really connect with how Ann Hood shows that healing is not a straight path but a journey with many ups and downs. When I work on my own Thesis Writing For Journals, I think about how her honest stories remind us that sharing our struggles can help us heal and grow. Her example inspires me to write with heart and courage, knowing that real healing comes from telling our true stories.
This blog beautifully highlights how writing and healing intertwine, showing the choices that shape who we become. As a book author, I once wrote about a character who struggled with grief yet found strength through words. In her journey to get your book published, she discovered healing hidden within storytelling itself.
Ann Hood’s reflections on storytelling and healing highlight just how deeply personal and transformative writing can be. For those seeking to bring their own narratives to life with clarity and emotional impact, professional manuscript writers can offer invaluable guidance. They help shape stories with precision while honoring the writer’s voice making every creative choice more meaningful and every word count.