Let me tell you something, every once in a while, a guest comes on the show and just drops wisdom bombs that make you stop, rewind, and take notes. That's exactly what happened when Shaina Hargens joined us on The Author's Mic™ this week.

Shaina is an author, motivational coach, speaker, and self-described "woman of resilience and giver of permission." And honestly? That description barely scratches the surface of who she is and what she brings to the table for indie authors navigating this wild publishing journey.

If you missed the episode, don't worry, I've got you covered. But seriously, go watch it. This one's a keeper.

👉 Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/gBdj5gdke44

Who Is Shaina Hargens?

Before we dive into the gold nuggets from our conversation, let me give you a little background on this powerhouse.

Shaina Hargens isn't just someone who talks about resilience, she's lived it. Her story includes navigating profound loss, rebuilding herself from the ground up, and emerging with a mission to help others experience success and fulfillment on their own terms.

She's a connector. A coach. A writer. And most importantly, she's someone who understands that the author journey isn't just about selling books, it's about building something that lasts.

Her journal, "Anchoring Amidst," is designed to help people find their grounding when life gets chaotic. It's a practical tool for anyone who wants to cultivate intentional focus and build their own pillars of resilience. You can grab it at anchoringamidst.com and learn more about her coaching and speaking at shainahargens.com.

The Power of Intentional Focus

Here's the thing about being an indie author: there are a million things demanding your attention at any given moment. Social media algorithms. Email lists. Book covers. Launch strategies. Reviews. Marketing. Ads. Collaborations. The list literally never ends.

Shaina's message cuts through all that noise with one simple concept: intentional focus.

What does that mean? It means being deliberate about where you spend your energy. It means saying "no" to the things that drain you so you can say "yes" to the things that matter. It means understanding that you can't pour from an empty cup, and that taking care of yourself isn't selfish, it's strategic.

For indie authors, this translates into some powerful action steps:

1. Identify your pillars. What are the non-negotiables in your life and business? For Shaina, these are her anchors, the things that keep her grounded when everything else feels like chaos.
2. Protect your creative energy. Not every opportunity is your opportunity. Learn to recognize when something is aligned with your goals versus when it's just noise.
3. Build routines that support you. Consistency isn't about perfection. It's about showing up, even imperfectly, in the areas that matter most.

If you've been feeling scattered, overwhelmed, or burnt out, this episode is your permission slip to slow down and get intentional. 💡

Resilience: Built Through the Broken

One of the most powerful parts of our conversation was Shaina's openness about her own journey through loss and rebuilding.

She didn't just wake up one day with all the answers. She built her resilience through the hard stuff, not around it. And that's a message every author needs to hear.

Because let's be real: this industry can be brutal. Rejections. Bad reviews. Sales slumps. Feeling invisible in an oversaturated market. It's easy to internalize that and think something is wrong with you.

But Shaina reminds us that resilience isn't about avoiding failure, it's about bouncing back from it. It's about taking what breaks you and using it as the foundation for something stronger.

Her book and journal work hand-in-hand to help readers process their experiences and build those pillars of resilience in real, practical ways. It's not fluffy self-help, it's actionable, grounded, and deeply personal.

Why Relationship Marketing Beats Chasing Algorithms

Okay, here's where things get really good for those of you diving into indie author marketing.

Shaina and I got into a conversation about something I'm incredibly passionate about: relationship marketing versus algorithm chasing.

Here's the truth bomb: The algorithm doesn't care about you. It doesn't care about your book, your message, or your mission. It's designed to keep people scrolling: not to build your author career.

But relationships? Those are everything.

Shaina's approach to marketing her work isn't about gaming the system or posting at the "perfect" time. It's about genuine connection. It's about showing up authentically, building trust, and creating real relationships with readers, fellow authors, and industry partners.

This is exactly what we teach at Bright Headed Publishing through our author marketing services. Whether you're learning how to pitch podcasts or figuring out your overall strategy, the foundation is always the same: people first, algorithms second.

Some key takeaways from our conversation:

• Your network is your net worth. The connections you build today will support you for years to come.
• Authenticity wins. People can spot fake a mile away. Show up as yourself.
• Play the long game. Quick wins are nice, but sustainable success comes from consistent relationship-building.

If you want to dive deeper into marketing strategies that actually work for indie authors, check out our 5 Essential Self-Publishing Tips for New Authors.

What You Can Learn From Shaina's Journey

Whether you're just starting out or you've been in the game for years, there's something in Shaina's story for everyone.

For the new authors: You don't have to have it all figured out. Build your pillars. Find your anchors. Take it one step at a time.

For the seasoned authors: Remember why you started. Reconnect with your purpose. Don't let the hustle drown out the heart of your work.

For everyone: Resilience is a skill, not a trait. You can build it. And you don't have to do it alone.

Shaina's message is a reminder that success as an author isn't just about book sales or follower counts. It's about building a life and career that aligns with who you are and what you value.

Watch the Full Episode

Ready to soak up all the wisdom? Here's everything you need:

📺 Watch the episode: https://youtu.be/gBdj5gdke44

🌐 Learn more about Shaina:

• anchoringamidst.com
• shainahargens.com

The Laundry List 🧺

You know I always leave you with the goods! Here's your one-stop shop for all things Bright Headed:

🎙️ Want to be a guest on The Author's Mic™? Apply here!

📚 Grab our free Media Kit Guide: How to Create a Media Kit for Your Book

💼 Check out our services: Author Marketing Services

🤝 Partner with us: Become a Partner

📩 Questions? Let's chat: Contact Us

🚀 TrustBridge™ is launching soon! Stay tuned for our soft launch this Saturday: you don't want to miss this.

Until next time, fam: stay focused, stay resilient, and keep showing up for your dreams. ✨