Ann Schreiber shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Ann, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I’ve been an avid reader all my life and a “writer” since I was quite young. As a kid, I would fill notebooks with stories—short “books” that would probably be considered novellas today. I always dreamed of being an author, but like many people, life got in the way. Between building a career, raising a family, and everything else that comes with adulthood, my creative writing took a back seat.
Now, my circumstances have shifted in a way that lets me return to that early passion. I’m finally giving space to the part of me that has always wanted to tell stories. After publishing two nonfiction books in late 2024 and early 2025, I took a leap and released my first fiction novel, Emily’s Next Chapter, in May 2025. It’s the first book in my Starting Over Trilogy—a series about women finding love and rebuilding their lives after major turning points. Book two, Jessica’s New Beginning, will be out March 3, 2026, and book three is already in progress with a tentative release planned for September 2026.
Writing fiction again has been both exhilarating and a little intimidating, but it feels like coming home.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Ann Schreiber, an author, editor, and copywriter based in Minnesota. Through my business, Copywriting For You, I help businesses and organizations communicate clearly and connect with their audiences through engaging, thoughtful content. My background in marketing and storytelling has allowed me to work across many industries—from dentistry and real estate to publishing and local lifestyle magazines—each project giving me new ways to bring words to life.
In addition to my client work, I’ve recently leaned into my lifelong passion for fiction writing. In May 2025, I released Emily’s Next Chapter, the first book in my Starting Over Trilogy, which follows three women as they rebuild their lives and open their hearts to second chances. Book two, Jessica’s New Beginning, is coming on March 3, 2026, and book three is already underway.
This summer, I also completed my first suspense/thriller novel, which marks an exciting new chapter in my writing journey. I’m currently pursuing the traditional publishing route and have queries out to more than 110 literary agents—fingers crossed that one of them sees the same potential in the story that I do. Once I wrap up the Starting Over Trilogy, I already have early ideas brewing for another romance novel as well as a new crime thriller.
Whether I’m writing for a business or crafting a novel, my goal is the same: to tell stories that connect—stories that make people feel seen, understood, and inspired to turn the page.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
In my experience, bonds between people often break when communication fades or when assumptions take the place of honest conversation. Sometimes life simply shifts—careers change, families evolve, priorities move in new directions—and we forget to bring one another along in that process. Distance, whether emotional or physical, can quietly build until connection feels like a memory instead of a present reality.
What restores those bonds is vulnerability. It’s the willingness to reach out, to listen, and to be honest about what went wrong or what’s missing. Forgiveness plays a big role too—both of others and of ourselves. I think that’s why I’m drawn to writing stories about second chances. The women in my Starting Over Trilogy each learn, in their own ways, that relationships can heal through empathy, communication, and courage. Whether it’s family, friendship, or love, the heart almost always finds its way back when we let it.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I don’t think I ever truly hid my pain. I’ve always believed that our experiences—especially the hard ones—shape who we are and how we show up in the world. I try to be open about mine, because I’ve seen how honesty creates connection. When we speak openly about what we’ve been through, it often encourages others to do the same.
For me, using pain as power isn’t about pretending everything is fine—it’s about acknowledging what happened, learning from it, and letting it guide how I move forward. Life is messy and unpredictable, but that’s where the depth comes from. I’ve learned that being transparent, compassionate, and real in everyday life helps transform past hurt into something meaningful—something that connects rather than isolates.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely. I’m open and honest—almost to a fault, really. What you see is what you get. I don’t put on a different version of myself for social media or professional settings because I think authenticity matters. Life feels a lot lighter when you don’t have to maintain separate versions of who you are.
That doesn’t mean I share every detail of my life, but the parts I do share are real. The ups, the downs, the humor, the heart—I try to bring all of that forward because it’s what makes us human. I’ve found that being genuine invites others to be the same, and that kind of connection is what I value most.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I truly cared about others. That I was kind, thoughtful, and generous—with my time, my words, and my heart. I want to be remembered as someone who showed up for people, whether that meant offering encouragement, listening without judgment, or simply making someone feel seen.
To me, generosity isn’t just about giving things—it’s about giving attention, compassion, and genuine care. Life can be heavy at times, and I’ve always believed that a small act of kindness or understanding can make a real difference. If people remember me for being someone who tried to make their day a little lighter, that would mean everything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://copywritingforyou.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/write_read_write_repeat/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annschreiber/
- Twitter: https://x.com/AnnMSchreiber
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annschreiber23
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CopywritingForYou
Image Credits
Suzy Simonson
