Pithy Wordsmithery

02/16/2026

This episode means a lot to me. On this week’s Sticky: Stories That Stick, I’m joined by Rick Werry — competitive wheelchair rugby athlete, professional speaker, and the author of Red Letter Days, a book my team and I had the honor of helping him publish.

After a construction accident left Rick paralyzed from the chest down and without the use of his hands, his entire life changed in an instant. He’s candid about the fact that there was a period where the loss felt so overwhelming that he questioned whether he wanted to keep going.

What’s remarkable is not just that he survived — it’s how intentionally he rebuilt. Adaptive sports became part of his healing. Community became essential. Over time, he felt called to share what he’d learned about resilience with young people, and that’s when we began working together to get his story on paper.

At Pithy Wordsmithery, we focus on mission-driven books. Sometimes a story comes across our desk and we know it needs to exist in the world. Rick’s was one of those. The impact mattered more than anything else.

This conversation is thoughtful, honest, and deeply human. If you haven’t listened to Sticky yet, this is a powerful place to start. My team and I are truly honored to help share Rick’s story.

Introduction: Rick Werry is a motivational speaker, author, and podcaster who inspires audiences nationwide with his story of resilience following a life-altering spinal cord injury. He is the author of Red Letter Days, a memoir that has earned glowing five-star reviews for its honesty and impact. R...

02/10/2026

A book written in about a month shouldn’t be this good—but this one is!

I caught up with who just casually finished writing his third book… in about a month. Yes, a MONTH. Absolute madness.

(Especially because most people tell us they’ll finish “soon” and then time does what time does 😅)

Here’s the wild part: it’s a damn good book—period. The fact that it came together so quickly is just extra crazy. My editing team was in awe. Chris is a pro in every sense.

When we first worked together, Chris was hustling for unpaid speaking gigs just to get on stages. Fast forward to now: 80+ paid speaking engagements a year. 🔥

I can’t wait to see where this next chapter takes him.
Keep an eye out for Moments That Matter—coming soon. This one’s going places.

02/04/2026

Last week’s NAWBO National Leadership Conference started in the most unexpected—and grounding—way. A nature walk through El Yunque National Forest 🌿

Coming from Chicago, stepping out of the city and into the rainforest in Puerto Rico felt like a full-body reset. Rain falling softly through the canopy. Deep green everywhere you looked. The kind of quiet that invites you to slow down.

Our guide led us through mindfulness and meditation exercises along the trail, reminding us to breathe, listen, and actually be where we were. The rain became the soundtrack—steady, calming, and perfectly timed.

What made it even more special was sharing that experience with so many incredible women. Before a single keynote or breakout session, we connected in nature, in presence, and in purpose.

It was the most beautiful way to begin a week of leadership, learning, and community. And a reminder that the strongest conferences don’t just fill your notebook—they fill your soul.

Grateful for this moment, and for the women who made it unforgettable. 🌧️✨

01/15/2026

👻👻 Two ghosts. No secrets.

This week’s podcast episode is a little different — because my guest, Madison Fitzpatrick, is the only other ghostwriter I’ve had on the show.

And we didn’t hold back.

We talk candidly about:
• What the book-writing process actually looks like behind the scenes
• Where ghostwriter–author collaborations succeed (and where they fall apart)
• The responsibilities both sides need to own to create a great book
• How clarity, trust, and process make the difference between frustration and flow

If you’re an author considering a ghostwriter — or a ghostwriter who wants better clients, better outcomes, and better books — this episode is for you.
https://pithywordsmithery.com/2026/01/transforming-complex-ideas-into-compelling-books-with-madison-fitzpatrick/

Introduction: Madison Fitzpatrick is a freelance ghostwriter and former engineer who specializes in helping experts, leaders, and innovators craft clear, impactful nonfiction books that distill complex ideas, working independently with clients across industries. She has ghostwritten more than 20 boo...

01/14/2026

Leadership was never meant to feel like survival mode. Yet so many leaders are stuck there—pushing through silos, chasing shifting priorities, and carrying the weight alone.

That’s why today’s launch of BOLD Leadership: The Adventure of Building Excuse-Proof, Goal-Crushing Teams feels especially timely.

In this book, Kim Svoboda at Aspiration Catalyst reframes leadership as what it should be: an adventure.
Not reckless.
Not chaotic.
But bold by design.

Through the BOLD framework—
✨ Brilliant vision
✨ Oneness
✨ Lighthouse leadership
✨ Daring drive
Kim offers leaders something rare: a practical, actionable way to build teams that take ownership, move together, and actually enjoy the climb.

This is the kind of book that doesn’t just sit on your shelf. It gets dog-eared, highlighted, and actually used.

It’s a great reminder of why books matter so much for leaders: They turn hard-earned experience into a legacy others can follow.

Congratulations, Kim, on bringing this one into the world! May it spark a lot of bold leadership adventures ahead.

Leadership should be an adventure. Yet, too many leaders find themselves overwhelmed, struggling to motivate their teams, and wanting to improve but not knowing where to start. Silos slow progress. Priorities shift. Accountability fades. They lose the spark that made them want to lead in the firs...

12/22/2025

🎙️ Unlock the Secrets of Truly Unforgettable Storytelling in Publishing!

In the latest episode of “Sticky Stories That Stick,” I sat down with industry legend Roger Scholl — former VP and Executive Editor at Penguin Random House, now with Kevin Anderson & Associates. With over 60 bestselling books under his editorial belt, Roger reveals:

✅ What makes a book proposal stand out to top publishers
✅ The critical role of author platform and narrative originality
✅ Why storytelling and personal anecdotes matter (even in business books!)
✅ How ghostwriters and editors help executives & thought leaders find and shape their “story that sticks”
✅ Market trends — from the rise of AI to the perennial power of memoir-business hybrids
✅ Practical tips for aspiring authors: open strong, dig deep, and read widely

Roger’s insights are a masterclass in narrative impact, book publishing strategy, and thought leadership development. Whether you’re an executive building your brand, a professional eyeing a business bestseller, or a first-time author refining your pitch, his advice on the publishing landscape is invaluable.

🎧 Listen and discover how to craft the stories that elevate your message — and your career.

Introduction: Roger Scholl is the Senior Executive Editor at Kevin Anderson & Associates, a full-service ghostwriting and editing firm that helps authors bring their books to market. He is also a Freelance Ghostwriter and Editor with Catherine Street Books, LLC. Over his nearly 40-year career — in...

12/09/2025

I can’t believe this little baby is eight years old today! 🤯 Everyone says time flies with kids growing up, but OMG it’s such a wild thing to actually experience.

We celebrated early with a trip to Disney World over Thanksgiving break, and riding the magic carpet through Agrabah together was pure magic. There’s something about these moments—just the two of us, floating above it all—that makes me realize how fast she’s growing into this incredible person.

Eight years of watching her become braver, funnier, and more herself with every passing day. I’m so grateful for every second, even as they seem to speed by faster and faster. Happy birthday to my favorite adventure buddy! ✨

11/17/2025

I met my agent (who preferred not to be named here so she doesn’t get inundated with messages) more than 10 years ago. My mom heard her on NPR and immediately sent me the link. “You should try to work with her,” she said.

I had just ghostwritten my first book—which happened to be a New York Times bestseller—so I thought I’d be a total shoo-in. I had no idea what I was up against. 😂

I sent over my tiny little resume, and she replied letting me know that she only worked with people who had written many bestselling books… and I had only written one. She wished me the best of luck and that was that.

Most people would have taken the no and moved on. Not me.

Maybe it was because I spent years working with agents as a model and was used to their no-nonsense energy. Maybe I was just young enough to be a little delusional—in the best way. Either way, I emailed back and said:

Yes, I’ve only written one NYT bestseller… …but I’m also probably a lot younger than most writers you represent—and if you give me a shot, I’ll prove myself. Get me in front of a client, and I’ll close it.

And she said yes.

She landed me an interview, I nailed it, the author hired me, and the agent even got the rate bumped higher than expected.

Last week at the Gathering of Ghostwriters conference, we finally met in person for the first time. After more than a decade, it felt like such a full-circle moment.

Advocating for yourself isn’t always easy. But if you don’t speak up for yourself… who will? 💫

11/14/2025

🚀 Unlock the Power of Storytelling and Data-Driven Success: Insights from Andy Weins on the “Sticky Stories That Stick” Podcast

This week, I sat down with Andy Weins 🎤 ♻️—a fourth-generation entrepreneur, military veteran, keynote speaker, and small business owner—to dig deep into storytelling, sustainable business growth, and how mastering your numbers transforms your entrepreneurial journey.

🔑 Key Takeaways:
- The Power of Language: Andy shares how intentional word choice can shift mindset, drive accountability, and turn limiting beliefs into actionable outcomes. Words matter—both in leadership and personal branding.
- Numbers Tell Your Business Story: Discover why many entrepreneurs avoid their financials and how “hillbilly math” (simple, no-nonsense data analysis) empowers confident decision-making, business growth, and prevents costly mistakes.
- Every Decision Has a Dollar Value: Andy and co-author Lynn teach that tracking data, understanding profit centers, and confronting financial realities give business owners true control—and the freedom to focus on what matters most.
- From Book Idea to Thought Leadership: Learn how Andy clarified his focus, built thought leadership, and scaled his impact by turning personal stories into professional value.

If you’re ready to elevate your narrative, own your numbers, and drive real business results, don’t miss this episode!

📈 Listen now and share your big takeaway or question below—how are you making your stories and data work for you?

Introduction: Andy Weins is the Founder of Camo Crew Responsible Junk Removal, a veteran-owned business based in Butler, Wisconsin, that specializes in eco-friendly junk removal, hauling, and demolition services. Under Andy’s leadership, Camo Crew has gained notable recognition, including features...

11/13/2025

New book alert! Congratulations to on her book launch! This is a must-read for new and aspiring nurses to help them find the nursing unit that feels like home. The Pithy Wordsmithery team loved working on this book because we know it will make a positive impact in the world. Thank you and the rest of the team

11/10/2025

What a great experience! crushed it at the conference this weekend! I’m feeling so inspired after being surrounded by such awesome humans. And I can’t wait to read all the new books I got!!! 📚📚📚

11/03/2025

When and I first met, she had an idea for a book. We outlined it together, she wrote it chapter by chapter, and my team at Pithy Wordsmithery helped edit. And now… this. 🥹📖 It makes me so happy to see authors cross the finish line!!!! I’m so proud!