Telling Untold Stories

Joanne Lockwood is joined by book coach and editor Tracy Stewart, founder of Freshly Press, to explore why so many voices and storylines still struggle to be heard in publishing. Together they unpack how the industry’s commercial caution, limited marketing budgets, and traditional expectations can shut out authors whose work doesn’t fit familiar norms.

They discuss the practical obstacles that underrepresented writers face: imposter syndrome, the cost of editing and production, and the challenge of building an audience before agents and publishers will take a risk. Tracy also highlights accessibility barriers for disabled writers, including the physical and digital hurdles involved in writing and self-publishing, and the way disabled protagonists and authors are still too often sidelined.

The conversation also touches on technology and AI, including where it can be genuinely enabling (such as dictation) and where it raises ethical concerns around copyright and the loss of “soul” in storytelling. Throughout, Joanne and Tracy return to the value of authentic narratives—stories told with nuance by those who live them—and offer practical encouragement for listeners who want to write: start by getting words on the page, clarify what you want the reader to feel, and seek the right kind of professional support when you’re ready.