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254: Chris Donaldson: Adventures and Memoirs from a Life on the Road
08/15/24 • 39 min
Guest: Chris Donaldson
Episode Name: Chris Donaldson: Adventures and Memoirs from a Life on the Road
Episode Number: 254
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About the guest
After returning from South America, Chris Donaldson expanded his family’s furniture business in Belfast to London and Dublin. He became the UK Master Franchisor for a fitness company, developed a health and fitness franchise, and started a mobile app company in Dubai, where he lived on a 47ft yacht. An avid sailor and pilot, Chris built his airplane and continues to ride his Moto Guzzi Le Mans. His epic journey, which began in 1979, concluded in 2023 when he reached Australia on the same bike. Now residing in Belfast, Chris works with Jeff Arditti selling furniture and is the father of two daughters. His journey still influences his life, and rumors of him writing a book have even reached the afterlife.
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In this episode, Massiel chats with Chris Donaldson, an adventurer and author of the memoir "Going the Wrong Way." Chris shares his incredible journey of traveling around the world on a motorbike, a dream sparked by a magazine article he read as a teenager. From the tumultuous streets of 1970s Belfast to the vast expanses of Australia, Chris recounts his experiences and the challenges of self-publishing his book after numerous rejections from traditional publishers. The conversation delves into the emotional highs and lows of his travels, the writing process, and the personal growth he experienced over the 40 years it took to complete his memoir.
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Additional Resources
Website - www.blackheartedstudios.com
Freebie link - https://bit.ly/h2bebook
Massiel's Email - [email protected]
Massiel's Coach.Me site - https://www.coach.me/massielwrites
Instagram - www.instagram.com/massielwrites
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/massiel-valenzuela-castaneda/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/howtowriteabookpodcast
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Are you feeling overwhelmed by your never-ending to-do list?
Check out Paula, the Ultimate VA! www.instagram.com/pearlz_va_services
Discover the ultimate solution for regaining control with Paula, your dedicated virtual assistant. She'll help you manage your calendar, handle email, conduct research, social media management, and even mix and stitch together your podcast episodes. Don't let your to-do list overwhelm you any longer. Get started today!
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Follow Chris
Chris Donaldson's website - http://chrisdonaldson.world/
Chris Donaldson's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/goingthewrongway_book
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Like, share, or leave a review on Apple Podcasts and subscribe to our YouTube channel (Blackhearted Studios)
Guest: Chris Donaldson
Episode Name: Chris Donaldson: Adventures and Memoirs from a Life on the Road
Episode Number: 254
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
About the guest
After returning from South America, Chris Donaldson expanded his family’s furniture business in Belfast to London and Dublin. He became the UK Master Franchisor for a fitness company, developed a health and fitness franchise, and started a mobile app company in Dubai, where he lived on a 47ft yacht. An avid sailor and pilot, Chris built his airplane and continues to ride his Moto Guzzi Le Mans. His epic journey, which began in 1979, concluded in 2023 when he reached Australia on the same bike. Now residing in Belfast, Chris works with Jeff Arditti selling furniture and is the father of two daughters. His journey still influences his life, and rumors of him writing a book have even reached the afterlife.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
In this episode, Massiel chats with Chris Donaldson, an adventurer and author of the memoir "Going the Wrong Way." Chris shares his incredible journey of traveling around the world on a motorbike, a dream sparked by a magazine article he read as a teenager. From the tumultuous streets of 1970s Belfast to the vast expanses of Australia, Chris recounts his experiences and the challenges of self-publishing his book after numerous rejections from traditional publishers. The conversation delves into the emotional highs and lows of his travels, the writing process, and the personal growth he experienced over the 40 years it took to complete his memoir.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Additional Resources
Website - www.blackheartedstudios.com
Freebie link - https://bit.ly/h2bebook
Massiel's Email - [email protected]
Massiel's Coach.Me site - https://www.coach.me/massielwrites
Instagram - www.instagram.com/massielwrites
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/massiel-valenzuela-castaneda/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/howtowriteabookpodcast
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Are you feeling overwhelmed by your never-ending to-do list?
Check out Paula, the Ultimate VA! www.instagram.com/pearlz_va_services
Discover the ultimate solution for regaining control with Paula, your dedicated virtual assistant. She'll help you manage your calendar, handle email, conduct research, social media management, and even mix and stitch together your podcast episodes. Don't let your to-do list overwhelm you any longer. Get started today!
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Follow Chris
Chris Donaldson's website - http://chrisdonaldson.world/
Chris Donaldson's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/goingthewrongway_book
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Like, share, or leave a review on Apple Podcasts and subscribe to our YouTube channel (Blackhearted Studios)
Previous Episode

253: From Homeless Runaway to Acclaimed Author: Guy Morris on Blending History, Technology, and Thrills in Writing
Guest: Guy Morris
Episode Name: From Homeless Runaway to Acclaimed Author: Guy Morris on Blending History, Technology, and Thrills in Writing
Episode Number: 253
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About the guest
Guy Morris, a retired executive with a 38-year career in Fortune 100 companies in software, high-tech, and global energy, has also been a published songwriter for Disney Records, a patented inventor, a Coast Guard charter captain, and an adventurer. Now a self-published author of thrillers, Guy draws from his diverse experiences—from cartel death threats in Latin America to shark diving in Moorea, and from homelessness to corporate jets—to write books that thrill, educate, and inspire. Since his 2021 debut, he has released three acclaimed thrillers inspired by true stories, earning accolades like BookTrib’s Best 25 Books of 2021 and Reader’s Favorite Gold and Silver Awards. His articles have been featured in SD Voyager and Mystery & Suspense magazines. In early 2022, he founded the Author Event Network, a non-profit association where local authors collaborate to engage readers and sell books at community events and festivals.
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In this episode, Massiel interviews Guy Morris, an accomplished author known for his intelligent action thrillers. Guy shares his remarkable journey from being a homeless runaway to a successful Fortune 500 executive and acclaimed writer. They discuss the depth and intrigue of his books, such as "The Curse of Cortez" and "SWARM," which blend real history, technology, and thrilling narratives. Guy emphasizes the importance of research in his writing process, creating compelling stories that captivate and educate readers, making them both entertaining and thought-provoking.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Additional Resources
Website - www.blackheartedstudios.com
Freebie link - https://bit.ly/h2bebook
Massiel's Email - [email protected]
Massiel's Coach.Me site - https://www.coach.me/massielwrites
Instagram - www.instagram.com/massielwrites
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/massiel-valenzuela-castaneda/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/howtowriteabookpodcast
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Are you feeling overwhelmed by your never-ending to-do list?
Check out Paula, the Ultimate VA! https://pearlzconsulting11.wixsite.com/pearlz-va-services
Discover the ultimate solution for regaining control with Paula, your dedicated virtual assistant. She'll help you manage your calendar, handle email, conduct research, social media management, and even mix and stitch together your podcast episodes. Don't let your to-do list overwhelm you any longer. Get started today!
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Follow Guy
Guy Morris' website - https://www.guymorrisbooks.com/
Guy Morris' Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/authorguymorris/
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Like, share, or leave a review on Apple Podcasts and subscribe to our YouTube channel (Blackhearted Studios)
Next Episode

255: Rewriting History: Jeanne Blasberg's Modern Biblical Tales
255: Rewriting History: Jeanne Blasberg's Modern Biblical Tales
In this episode, Massiel interviews Jean Blasberg, a novelist known for her modern retellings of biblical stories. Jean discusses the insights and challenges involved in adapting ancient stories to contemporary settings, particularly focusing on her latest novel, 'Daughter of a Promise,' a modern retelling of the biblical love story of David and Bathsheba. She explains her creative process, including how she draws from her own experiences and visual storytelling techniques. Jean also elaborates on her journey from writing personal essays to fiction, emphasizing the importance of writing groups and feedback in developing her work.
Jean Blasberg, the author guest, talks about her writing journey, starting with her first novel published at the age of 50. She shares how her background, including her time as a case writer at Harvard Business School, influenced her writing style. Jean also delves into her experience with hybrid publishing through She Writes Press, highlighting the control and satisfaction it offers her. She reveals her fascination with small domestic dramas, her iterative writing process, and the inspiration she draws from her personal life and biblical stories.
Topics mentioned in this episode:
Jean Blasberg's modern retellings of biblical stories
The importance of feedback and writing groups
Hybrid publishing and its benefits
02:57 Introduction and Greetings
03:11 Jeanne's Current Life and Farming
03:51 Discussing Jeanne's Books
09:01 Retelling the Story of David and Bathsheba
13:31 Jeanne's Writing Journey
20:36 Writing Process and Techniques
33:47 Publishing Journey with She Writes Press
41:24 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
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Author Links:
https://www.instagram.com/jeanneblasbergauthor/
https://www.facebook.com/jeanneblasbergauthor/
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Resources
Podcast site: www.howtowriteabookpodcast.com
Studios Website - www.blackheartedstudios.com
Free ebook link - https://bit.ly/h2bebook
Massiel's Email - [email protected]
Massiel's Coach.Me site - https://www.coach.me/massielwrites
Instagram - www.instagram.com/massielwrites
____________________________________________________________________________
Are you feeling overwhelmed by your never-ending to-do list?
Check out Paula, the Ultimate VA! www.instagram.com/pearlz_va_services
Discover the ultimate solution for regaining control with Paula, your dedicated virtual assistant. She'll help you manage your calendar, handle email, conduct research, social media management, and even mix and stitch together your podcast episodes. Don't let your to-do list overwhelm you any longer. Get started today!
____________________________________________________________________________
Like, share, or leave a review on Apple Podcasts and subscribe to our YouTube channel (Blackhearted Studios)
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