Hybrid Publishing, Eternal Friendships, and Overcoming the Fear of Self-Promotion

<p>On this episode of Make It. Share It. we sit down with author <a href="https://brookeledbetter.substack.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank"><strong>Brooke Ledbetter</strong></a> to discuss her new book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Closer-Than-Brother-Invitation-Friendships/dp/B0DVF4T9NM/ref=asc_df_B0DVF4T9NM?tag=bingshoppinga-20&amp;linkCode=df0&amp;hvadid=79989662335374&amp;hvnetw=o&amp;hvqmt=e&amp;hvbmt=be&amp;hvdev=c&amp;hvlocint=&amp;hvlocphy=89973&amp;hvtargid=pla-4583589133425941&amp;psc=1&amp;msclkid=59a67211a602172de94d1acf5d6033fd" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank"><em>Closer Than a Brother</em></a>—an invitation to move from isolation into authentic, life-giving community.</p><p>Brooke opens up about the unexpected journey that led her to write about friendship, from a last-minute pitch pivot to discovering that friendships aren’t just for this life – they’re eternal. She shares candidly about:</p><p>* <strong>The turning point</strong>: A 2019 moment when obedience to God brought healing from severe depression</p><p>* <strong>Finding your creative calling</strong>: How writing became her path after acting dreams faded</p><p>* <strong>The hybrid publishing experience</strong>: Why <a href="https://hopebooks.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Hope Books</a> offered the perfect middle ground between traditional and self-publishing</p><p>* <strong>Overcoming the insecurity of self-promotion</strong>: Reframing how we share what we create</p><p>* <strong>Jesus as an actual friend</strong>: Using sanctified imagination to develop real friendship with Christ</p><p>* <strong>Why friendship matters eternally</strong>: Investing in relationships that transcend this life</p><p>Plus: Cooper goes off on platform culture, we discuss Pearl Jam’s “Yellow Ledbetter,” and somehow Sinbad’s McDonald’s bit makes an appearance.</p><p>If you’re a creative struggling with the courage to share your work, or someone longing for deeper community – this conversation is for you.</p><p>Resources</p><p>* <strong>Book</strong>: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Closer-Than-Brother-Invitation-Friendships/dp/B0DVF4T9NM/ref=asc_df_B0DVF4T9NM?tag=bingshoppinga-20&amp;linkCode=df0&amp;hvadid=79989662335374&amp;hvnetw=o&amp;hvqmt=e&amp;hvbmt=be&amp;hvdev=c&amp;hvlocint=&amp;hvlocphy=89973&amp;hvtargid=pla-4583589133425941&amp;psc=1&amp;msclkid=59a67211a602172de94d1acf5d6033fd" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="