Stop Editing Yourself: How to Tell Your Story with Holly Totten

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What if the story you keep calling ordinary is the story someone else has been waiting to hear? In Part One of this special Mosaic Sparks conversation, Lesley George steps onto the other side of the microphone as a guest on The Edit with nonfiction book editor and writing coach Holly Totten.

Lesley and Holly explore why your story already has value, how self-editing too early can weaken your authentic voice, and why your personal experiences belong in your writing, leadership, business, and legacy. They also discuss the relationship between an author and a publisher, the importance of protecting the author’s voice during editing, and the unforgettable red pen experience that shaped Lesley’s philosophy as a publisher.

This episode answers important questions, including: • How do you tell your story without losing your authentic voice? • What makes a personal story worth sharing? • How can writers stop editing themselves before their stories have a chance to develop? • Why do personal stories build trust, community, and legacy? • How can an editor or publisher strengthen a manuscript without erasing the author’s personality? If you have been questioning whether your experience is significant enough to write, speak about, or share publicly, this conversation will help you see your story differently.

Your perspective carries wisdom that nobody else can duplicate. One honest story can create a ripple that reaches people you may never meet.

This is Part One of Lesley George’s conversation with Holly Totten. Follow Mosaic Sparks so you do not miss Part Two.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY TOTTEN The Edit podcast website: Holly’s writing and editing services: Listen to The Edit on Apple Podcasts: Email Holly: writelynotable@ Instagram: LinkedIn: ABOUT THE EDIT The Edit with Holly Totten is a podcast for writers, memoirists, entrepreneurs, and business owners who want to write their books without losing the voices that make their stories personal. Holly shares practical guidance about nonfiction writing, manuscript editing, self-publishing, author confidence, and authentic storytelling.

Remember, Sparklers: Your story does not need permission. Use your voice, protect your perspective, and let your experiences create the ripple they were meant to create.

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