The Written Word Podcast

What does it take to go from Hollywood film sets to a #1 bestselling novel, without a major publisher? Actress, producer, and author Christy Scott Cashman has done exactly that, twice.

In this episode, Ferol sits down with Christy, known for her roles in American Hustle, Joy, and Ted 2, to talk about her journey from screenwriting to debut novelist, the hard truths about traditional publishing, and how she built her own independent team to bring The Truth About Horses and her new novel What Happened in Beulah into the world.

What you’ll learn:
  • How Christy transitioned from Hollywood actress and producer to award-winning debut novelist
  • Why three major literary agents passed on The Truth About Horses, and what she did next
  • The "publish and pray" trap, and why she chose to build her own a la carte marketing team instead
  • What she learned from independent filmmaking that every indie author needs to hear
  • How her novel was optioned by actress Jane Seymour, and the story behind that connection
  • The launch party detail that made everything come together 
  • Her nonprofit YouthINK and why creativity mentorship for young people drives everything she does
  • The one piece of advice she gives every writer who feels stuck
Whether you're a first-time writer or a published author looking to think differently about your next launch, Christy's story is equal parts inspiring and practical.

Learn more about Christy at christycashman.com and follow her on social @cashman.christy

Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more.

The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting.

© 2026 Written Word Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

Creators and Guests

Host
Ferol Vernon
Founder and COO of Written Word Media
Host
Ricci Wolman
Founder & CEO at Written Word Media

What is The Written Word Podcast?

A podcast for authors who want to build successful writing careers. Each episode explores the business and craft of being an author, with practical strategies for selling more books, growing your audience, and navigating the publishing world. Presented by Written Word Media.