What if the secret to publishing success isn't TikTok or Instagram but good old-fashioned hustle and real-world connections?
In this episode, I chat with Jean Alfieri, author of the beloved Zuggy the Rescue Pug series and an advocate for shelter pets everywhere.Â
Jean’s journey into authorship began with one determined rescue pug and has blossomed into an impressive 11-book series (and counting!).
Jean's practical approach is a breath of fresh air, flipping conventional Wisdom on its head. While many authors chase algorithms and digital ads, Jean packs auditoriums at school visits, often selling hundreds of books at once.
 “Beer-drinking dog lovers are my people,” she jokes, proving that knowing your audience—and meeting them face-to-face—can beat digital marketing every time.
Beyond book sales, Jean shares how her side hustle as a positivity coach helps fuel her creative career, offering listeners a realistic path toward sustainable, full-time creative work.Â
Her secret weapon?
 A clear intention pinned to her fridge: “100,000 books sold, 100,000 pet parents inspired.”Â
She reminds us all of the power of intentionality and the magic that happens when you leave space for your dreams.
Come hang out with us for this uplifting chat, where Jean Alfieri shares her down-to-earth tips for making the leap into full-time creative work, the surprising magic of connecting with readers in person, and why good old-fashioned hustle still beats algorithms every time.
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➡️ P.S.: If you enjoy the insights shared in this podcast, you'll love my newsletter, The Storyteller's Quest, where I openly share the highs, lows, and behind-the-scenes realities of the writing journey.
