Posts by Shelly Brown

What makes a story linger in your heart long after you’ve read the last page?
In this episode of At This Table, host Shelly Brown sits down with author Sam Blumenthal, whose short story collections Once Upon a Time, Volume 1 and Volume 2 invite readers to see God’s truth through imagination, history, and everyday life.
Sam’s second volume has already gained national recognition, with two Selah Award–winning stories: Hello in There (1st place) and Long Black Veil (2nd place). These stories couldn’t be more different—one tender and intimate, the other layered with justice and sacrifice—but both speak straight to the heart.
Together, we talk about:
• Why Sam chose the short story format to share timeless truths.
• How it felt to win not one but two Selah Awards in a single year.
• The inspiration behind Long Black Veil and the truths it wrestles with.
• The tender call to compassion woven through Hello in There.
• What Sam most hopes readers will carry with them after reading.
Whether you love historical settings, reflective storytelling, or simply need a reminder that God is the Author of all our stories, this conversation will encourage and inspire you.

It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint (Part 2): Small Steps, Real Strategy
Ever feel like you’re doing “all the things” in your book marketing … but burning out before you see results?
In Part 2 of our Marathon, Not a Sprint series, Shelly Brown, Carol Tetzlaff, and Sara Cormany get practical about what small, sustainable strategies actually look like for authors. If you’ve been waiting for the “how-to” behind last week’s mindset shifts, this is your episode.
Here’s what you’ll take away from this conversation:
1. The Power of Small Steps — Why less really is more, and how one simple post, one email, or one conversation at a time can build lasting momentum.
2. Strategy That Won’t Burn You Out — Real-life examples of how to repurpose content, create a rhythm, and engage with readers without overwhelm.
3. The Holy Ground of Showing Up — How every faithful act of obedience—whether a post, a podcast pitch, or a quiet devotional, is ministry, not just marketing.
Think of this as your permission slip to slow down, simplify, and still make an eternal impact with your words.

Are you treating your author journey like a frantic sprint … and wondering why you’re exhausted before you’ve even hit the finish line?
In this first part of our Marathon, Not a Sprint series, Shelly Brown, Carol Tetzlaff, and Sara Cormany pull up chairs at the table for a refreshing, fun-filled conversation about how to shift your mindset so book marketing becomes sustainable—and even enjoyable.
We’ll unpack three powerful mindset shifts that could change the way you show up as an author:
1. Consistency Beats Intensity – Why slow, faithful steps will outlast the “all-in-one-weekend” posting frenzy.
2. Circle of Care: The Ripple Effect – How serving the readers you already have creates natural momentum and reach.
3. You’re a Resource, Not a Salesperson – How to ditch the icky “pushy” vibe and start showing up as the problem-solver your audience needs.