Podcast Summary: "Behind the Scenes of The Small and the Mighty, Episode 1"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Here's Where It Gets Interesting
- Host: Sharon McMahon
- Episode Title: Behind the Scenes of The Small and the Mighty, Episode 1
- Release Date: September 16, 2024
- Description: Hosted by Sharon McMahon, this podcast uncovers lesser-known American stories, featuring discussions with thought leaders on history, culture, and politics to inspire thoughtful citizenship.
1. Introduction to the Episode
Timestamp: [01:33]
Sharon McMahon welcomes listeners to the first episode of "Behind the Scenes of The Small and the Mighty." She expresses her excitement and nervousness about the upcoming release of her book, sharing a glimpse into the emotional journey of writing it.
Notable Quote:
"My book, The Small and the Mighty, is coming out so soon... I feel all of the emotions. I feel excited, terrified, plus everything in between."
— Sharon McMahon [01:33]
2. Sharon's Journey to Writing a Book
Timestamp: [02:21]
Sharon introduces her audio producer, Craig Thompson, who takes on the role of asking listener-submitted questions. She delves into her long-held ambition to write a book, tracing back to her childhood spent near a library. Sharon candidly discusses the overwhelming nature of writing a 320-page history book, highlighting the extensive research involved.
Notable Quote:
"Growing up, the idea of writing a book seemed really, really overwhelming... It just seemed very, very almost mystical."
— Sharon McMahon [03:10]
3. Finding and Working with an Agent
Timestamp: [05:19]
Sharon explains the critical role of a literary agent in the publishing process. She emphasizes the importance of having an agent to navigate negotiations, connect with the right editors, and manage contracts effectively. Sharon recounts her experience meeting various agents and ultimately finding a perfect match in Richard, who she credits for keeping her focused and steering her project successfully.
Notable Quote:
"Richard is like the rudder to my ship that sometimes wants to be like, ooh, look, shiny things... We're not steering the ship towards the rocks."
— Sharon McMahon [09:14]
4. The Publishing Process
Timestamp: [10:15]
Sharon likens her agent to a "wingman" who pitches her book to publishers, advocating on her behalf. She shares anecdotes about her initial book concept, "Government for Grownups," which she eventually set aside in favor of a more compelling idea. Her agent's guidance led her to an imprint of Penguin Random House, where Sharon felt confident about her publishing partnership.
Notable Quote:
"Having someone else do that pitching for you is nice... It's a little bit like having a wingman."
— Sharon McMahon [10:38]
5. Creative Process: Research and Writing
Timestamp: [21:18]
Sharon discusses the extensive research involved in uncovering the stories featured in her book. She highlights the challenges of finding compelling narratives and the importance of understanding each subject thoroughly before writing. Sharon emphasizes her method of researching first and then writing, allowing her to craft non-linear and engaging stories.
Notable Quote:
"Finding the stories is like a big chunk of the battle... Once you find a story, it's much easier to conceptualize how to tell it."
— Sharon McMahon [21:31]
6. Editing and Refining the Manuscript
Timestamp: [27:06]
The conversation shifts to the editing process, where Sharon describes working with multiple editors due to unforeseen circumstances like maternity leave. She values the constructive feedback from her editors, comparing the process to athletic training—challenging yet essential for improvement. Sharon shares how iterative feedback helped refine her manuscript, ensuring clarity and engagement.
Notable Quote:
"The editing process is meant to make you better... Ultimately, I'm glad I did it because I can see now how much better the manuscript is."
— Sharon McMahon [29:25]
7. Choosing the Book's Title
Timestamp: [31:54]
Sharon and her team deliberated extensively on the book’s title, considering various options that reflected the book's essence without being too literal or unappealing. After numerous iterations, they settled on "The Small and the Mighty," a title that encapsulates the book's focus on unsung Americans who made significant impacts despite humble beginnings. The subtitle, "12 Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History," complements the main title by providing clarity and intrigue.
Notable Quote:
"There's something about the word 'mighty' that has a quiet humbleness to it, but that conveys a sense of strength and power."
— Sharon McMahon [36:29]
8. Conclusion and Teasers for Future Episodes
Timestamp: [37:00]
Sharon wraps up the episode by teasing future discussions, including an exploration of the book covers that were considered during the design process. She invites listeners to pre-order her book and share the podcast, aiming to build anticipation for the upcoming release.
Notable Quote:
"Join me next week because we have to talk River Gate, the covers... You're going to die when you see the covers."
— Sharon McMahon [37:00]
Final Thoughts: In this inaugural episode, Sharon McMahon provides an insightful look into the multifaceted process of writing and publishing a history book. From the emotional challenges and meticulous research to the strategic selection of a literary agent and the intricate editing process, Sharon offers a transparent and engaging narrative. Her dedication to uncovering and sharing the untold stories of ordinary Americans highlights her passion for history and storytelling, setting the stage for a compelling series.
Recommendation: Listeners interested in the behind-the-scenes aspects of book publishing, historical research, and storytelling will find this episode both informative and inspiring. Sharon’s candid discussions and practical insights make it a valuable resource for aspiring authors and history enthusiasts alike.