Episode Details

What if writing a book didn't just preserve a story—but transformed a relationship?

In this episode of Powerful on Purpose: The Author Journey, Leslie Capps sits down with Yvonne Caputo, author of Flying with Dad and Dying with Dad, to explore memoir writing, family stories, World War II history, self-publishing, author mindset, and the unexpected gifts that come from telling someone else's story.

If you've ever wondered whether your family's stories are worth preserving, this conversation will inspire you to begin.

Yvonne shares how one unexpected phone call with her father led to years of conversations about his experiences as a World War II soldier. Those conversations became Flying with Dad, but they also became something much more meaningful—a relationship built on trust, vulnerability, and understanding after years of emotional distance.

Together, Leslie and Yvonne discuss the realities of self-publishing, learning to ask for help, trusting editors, and recognizing that writing a book is really a series of small decisions. They also explore how Yvonne's second book, Dying with Dad, encourages families to have difficult conversations about end-of-life wishes before it's too late.

In this episode you'll learn:
✅ How one conversation became two published books
✅ Why preserving family stories matters
✅ Lessons Yvonne learned through self-publishing
✅ The importance of asking for help as an author
✅ Why trusting yourself is part of the writing journey
✅ How books can heal relationships across generations

✨ Connect with Yvonne Caputo
https://yvonnecaputo.com

✨ Book Momentum Session
If you've been saying, "Someday I'll write a book," let's find out what's standing in your way.
In a complimentary Book Momentum Session, we'll explore your ideas, experiences, content, and goals to uncover the book that's already taking shape—and the next step to finally get it moving.
👉 https://tidycal.com/lescapps1/wheres-the-book

Be sure to subscribe for more Author Journey conversations with writers who are turning their stories into lasting impact.

Chapters
00:00 – Meet Yvonne Caputo
02:10 – One phone call changed everything
05:30 – Learning to self-publish
07:00 – More than a WWII story
10:00 – Rebuilding a relationship with Dad
14:00 – Why difficult conversations matter
18:45 – Learning to trust the process
22:00 – Every book is small decisions
25:30 – The gift of sharing your story
27:45 – Advice for aspiring authors

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