In this special episode, host April Sheris sits down with entrepreneur and author Kazmere Duffey to explore the making of her book Unfiltered Success. Kazmere shares the candid truths, strategies, and defining moments behind her journey—and what it really takes to succeed without compromise.

But the interlude doesn’t stop there. As part of this capsule release, Kazmere also reveals to subscribers:

📚 The books currently on her nightstand

⚡ A rapid-fire Q&A round you’ll replay more than once

This interlude is not a pause—it’s a promise. A promise of the brilliance and storytelling power Season 4 will deliver.

This episode was produced by Upland Studios.
Where authors aren’t just published—they’re positioned.

If you’re listening and thinking, “My story deserves more than this…”
You’re right.

Bespoke Publishing is for authors ready to be developed, packaged, and launched like a cultural asset. Limited placements. Select voices only.

Still stuck in the idea phase?
Our Out of Office: Writer’s Block services are designed to get you out of your head and into momentum—fast.

This isn’t for everyone.
But if you’re ready, apply.

Ashley Vaughn, author of Unbreakable, shares her journey and insights into writing and publishing. She discusses her poetic style, the inspiration behind her book, and the core message she wants readers to take away. Ashley also delves into her writing process and the challenges she faced in reaching her audience. Emphasizing the importance of building a strong author platform and engaging with readers, she also shares her exciting plans for future projects and events, including a potential book tour. Ashley encourages aspiring authors to stay persistent and confident in their work.

Takeaways

• Ashley Vaughn's book, Unbreakable, is a collection of poetry that explores resilience and triumph over tragedy.
• Ashley's writing style incorporates elements of spoken word, alliteration, satire, and metaphors.
• She draws inspiration from her own life experiences and the world around her.
• Ashley emphasizes the importance of building a strong author platform and engaging with readers through social media and direct sales.
• Word of mouth and in-person sales have been effective for Ashley in reaching her target audience.
• She plans to write a testimonial book in the future and is considering a book tour.
• Ashley encourages aspiring authors to be persistent, confident, and authentic in their work.

Titles

• Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Authors
• Future Projects and Events: A Look Ahead

Sound Bites

• "Unbreakable seemed to take on a new meaning and it became something more of like a testimony and something that's almost prophetic"
• "I want to reach a genuine audience. I want to put out a product that could be useful for some people who may need to have a word of encouragement to fight."
• "I would probably also add maybe some media component to the book as well, like photographs or something of that nature of art or something."

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Book Recommendation

02:10Inspiration for Unbreakable and Its Message

04:04Writing Process and Timeframe

06:08Building an Author Platform and Marketing

08:56The Power of Word of Mouth and Direct Sales

12:47Involving Children in the Business

15:27Unexpected Challenges in Publishing

17:50Book Sales: In-Store vs. Direct

21:36Future Projects and Events

23:42Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Authors

This episode was produced by Upland Studios.
Where authors aren’t just published—they’re positioned.

If you’re listening and thinking, “My story deserves more than this…”
You’re right.

Bespoke Publishing is for authors ready to be developed, packaged, and launched like a cultural asset. Limited placements. Select voices only.

Still stuck in the idea phase?
Our Out of Office: Writer’s Block services are designed to get you out of your head and into momentum—fast.

This isn’t for everyone.
But if you’re ready, apply.

Join us as we sit down with our special guest, Terry D. Wiseman, an expert in the art of commanding the stage during public speaking. Discover invaluable insights and practical tips to elevate your communication skills and captivate any audience.

Learn how to harness the power of your voice, body language, and storytelling to leave a lasting impression and make every presentation unforgettable. Whether you're a seasoned speaker or just starting out, this episode is packed with wisdom to help you shine on stage.

Tune in now and unlock the secrets to becoming a confident and compelling speaker! Don't miss it! 🎤✨

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Terry brings a wealth of experience as a manager in Third Party Logistics while balancing the demands of fatherhood to three children. With over two decades of experience and now in my early 40s, I have honed my skills in logistics, focusing on enhancing operational efficiencies and fostering growth within organizations. Recently, I ventured into the literary world, publishing my debut book on Public Speaking, inspired by my career in empowering professionals to excel in communication. Furthermore, I leverage my entrepreneurial spirit to pursue innovative side projects, demonstrating my versatility and dedication to ongoing growth and improvement.
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Follow Terry at all links below:
http://m.me/profile.php?id=61557688091568
Link to download the ebook and review it after:
FREE BOOK!!

“Public Speaking: Command the Stage” is live! Download your copy of the E-book: http://amazon.com/dp/B0D2B4ZBJD
You can post your verified review here after your purchase!

This episode was produced by Upland Studios.
Where authors aren’t just published—they’re positioned.

If you’re listening and thinking, “My story deserves more than this…”
You’re right.

Bespoke Publishing is for authors ready to be developed, packaged, and launched like a cultural asset. Limited placements. Select voices only.

Still stuck in the idea phase?
Our Out of Office: Writer’s Block services are designed to get you out of your head and into momentum—fast.

This isn’t for everyone.
But if you’re ready, apply.

In this episode of "Books Are The New Rich," join us as we dive into a conversation with Dr. Jeremy Blunt, the visionary behind Stitches 4 Life. With a background in counseling and coaching, Dr. Blunt delves into his upcoming book, "Craft Your Love," offering valuable insights into his writing journey and strategies for aspiring authors.

Discover the essence of being relatable and the importance of self-investment as Dr. Blunt shares his experiences. From the intricacies of book cover design to unconventional marketing tactics, he unveils the keys to standing out in the literary world.

As a passionate advocate for appreciating readers, Dr. Blunt extends an invitation for authors to connect and explore his range of services and products. Tune in to gain invaluable wisdom and inspiration for your own literary endeavors.

This episode was produced by Upland Studios.
Where authors aren’t just published—they’re positioned.

If you’re listening and thinking, “My story deserves more than this…”
You’re right.

Bespoke Publishing is for authors ready to be developed, packaged, and launched like a cultural asset. Limited placements. Select voices only.

Still stuck in the idea phase?
Our Out of Office: Writer’s Block services are designed to get you out of your head and into momentum—fast.

This isn’t for everyone.
But if you’re ready, apply.

In our latest episode, we sit down with a remarkable author who has not only embraced the power of grace in her writing journey but has also strategically navigated the marketing landscape to achieve remarkable success.
Join us as Leslie D. Ricks shares her inspiring story, uncovering how she harnessed grace to overcome challenges and elevate her writing to new heights. Tune in for invaluable insights into her writing process, the role of resilience, and the transformative impact of incorporating grace into every word.

Episode Highlights:
📚 From Struggle to Triumph: Discover how grace became the guiding force in Leslie's writing journey, enabling her to turn challenges into stepping stones for success.
🎯 Strategic Marketing Tips: Unveils the marketing strategies that propelled her work into the spotlight. Learn actionable tips to enhance your book's visibility and connect with your target audience effectively.
💡 Navigating the Writing Process: Gain firsthand insights into Leslie’s creative process, from ideation to publication. Explore the role of grace in fostering creativity and resilience during the writing journey.
🌐 Building a Brand: Understand the importance of building a personal brand as an author and how Leslie D. Ricks strategically utilized grace to establish her unique identity in the literary world.

Ready to Be Inspired?
Whether you're an aspiring author or a seasoned writer, this episode offers a fountain of inspiration and practical advice. Join us on this empowering journey of literary success, where grace becomes a transformative force.

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Leslie D. Ricks is a multifaceted individual—mother, sister, friend, coach, author, minister, and Disabled Veteran of the United States Air Force. Despite challenges early in life, born to a terminally ill mother battling Sickle Cell Disease, Leslie emerged with resilience. Currently residing in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Leslie draws strength from life's desert places. A first-generation college graduate, she holds a B.A. in Communication and Journalism and is pursuing a Masters in Spiritual Formation. Passionate about writing, Leslie sees her story as a tool for the brokenhearted and a beacon of hope. As the visionary behind OIG LLC, she is dedicated to serving, inspiring, and motivating. For more information, visit www.lesliericks.com.

This episode was produced by Upland Studios.
Where authors aren’t just published—they’re positioned.

If you’re listening and thinking, “My story deserves more than this…”
You’re right.

Bespoke Publishing is for authors ready to be developed, packaged, and launched like a cultural asset. Limited placements. Select voices only.

Still stuck in the idea phase?
Our Out of Office: Writer’s Block services are designed to get you out of your head and into momentum—fast.

This isn’t for everyone.
But if you’re ready, apply.

Kimberly H. Smith is an experienced lifestyle blogger, brand influencer, podcaster, copywriter, and published author. She has a B.A. in Theatre from Louisiana State University. This native Louisianian is a wife and mother who lives in the Kansas City area. She has over eight years of experience with freelance networks providing quality content for their clients’ websites. Her novel, Acting On Her Behalf, is available on Amazon and has reached monumental success. 

Here’s what we are discussing: 

1. Why a blog works for author marketing

2. What obstacles a new author could face 

3.  Detailing the Amazon publishing platform

4.  How to plan for the long game in publishing 

5. Actions for someone looking to branch out into theater

You can connect with Kimberly H. Smith on her website at beingawordsmith.com

**************************** 

Learn how to publish successfully and begin building wealth from the comfort of your home. Save 20% off the Masterclass.

This episode was produced by Upland Studios.
Where authors aren’t just published—they’re positioned.

If you’re listening and thinking, “My story deserves more than this…”
You’re right.

Bespoke Publishing is for authors ready to be developed, packaged, and launched like a cultural asset. Limited placements. Select voices only.

Still stuck in the idea phase?
Our Out of Office: Writer’s Block services are designed to get you out of your head and into momentum—fast.

This isn’t for everyone.
But if you’re ready, apply.

Author Janice Lovato is a three-time published children's author who has seen massive success after getting her first book carried in retail stores. Today, she is joined by illustrator, Emily Jones, as they speak about their upcoming new book titled Jada's Surprise and: 

How to get your first book in stores

Where to look for opportunities when just starting

How the local community  rallied behind her books 

Grab a pen and notepad because these gems are worth implementing in your business

This episode was produced by Upland Studios.
Where authors aren’t just published—they’re positioned.

If you’re listening and thinking, “My story deserves more than this…”
You’re right.

Bespoke Publishing is for authors ready to be developed, packaged, and launched like a cultural asset. Limited placements. Select voices only.

Still stuck in the idea phase?
Our Out of Office: Writer’s Block services are designed to get you out of your head and into momentum—fast.

This isn’t for everyone.
But if you’re ready, apply.

The world comes together through cosplay. It is the grandest display of creativity, passion, and expression. Learn how one could find their unique place through their own characters and storyline from the Angelic Empyress, Amanda Reaves. Amanda is a multi-hyphenate creative that has created her own realm of good and evil through colors, has authored countless books and comics, choreographed live interpretations, and beyond. Today, she speaks on how you can use your own creative energies to expand your brand and grow into industries you've might have only dreamed of. In this episode we'll cover:

Marketing yourself on social media

Benefits of building a solid local community

Tapping into crafts fairs and festivals

Pushing beyond your fears to allow your talent to shine

This episode was produced by Upland Studios.
Where authors aren’t just published—they’re positioned.

If you’re listening and thinking, “My story deserves more than this…”
You’re right.

Bespoke Publishing is for authors ready to be developed, packaged, and launched like a cultural asset. Limited placements. Select voices only.

Still stuck in the idea phase?
Our Out of Office: Writer’s Block services are designed to get you out of your head and into momentum—fast.

This isn’t for everyone.
But if you’re ready, apply.

Genesis Amaris Kemp is a wife, sister,  aunt, cousin, friend, and child of God with a vast cultural background. Each area of Genesis’ life was a lesson that shaped her into the woman she is today. As a woman of color, she said  enough is enough and is now bolder than ever. Today, she is stepping outside of her comfort zone by speaking up, challenging the status quo, and refusing to let limitations be placed on her keep or to keep others down. 

So here's what she's covering:

1. How to stay focused as a writer

2. Views on publishing independently versus with a traditional publisher 

3. Marketing yourself and your book through an economic downturn

4. How to get featured as a writer?

Genesis Amaris Kemp can be reached on Facebook for her book and questions about your specific needs with diversity and inclusion.

Learn how to publish successfully and begin building wealth from the comfort of your home. Save 20% off the Masterclass.

This episode was produced by Upland Studios.
Where authors aren’t just published—they’re positioned.

If you’re listening and thinking, “My story deserves more than this…”
You’re right.

Bespoke Publishing is for authors ready to be developed, packaged, and launched like a cultural asset. Limited placements. Select voices only.

Still stuck in the idea phase?
Our Out of Office: Writer’s Block services are designed to get you out of your head and into momentum—fast.

This isn’t for everyone.
But if you’re ready, apply.

The walk ain't always pretty, but it's definitely worth it! Some crawl, others tiptoe, some sashays.... but Me? Oh, I CHOOSE to STRUT which is to walk in Confidence, Competence, and Conviction. 

Dr. Darcova Matrice has been the Founder and Editor in Chief of STRUT magazine for over eight years. STRUT! is a free, online publication designed to enlighten, encourage, and empower. Each issue features story after story about women (just like You) stepping towards mental, spiritual, physical, emotional, and financial well-being. Learn how to remain positive and inspired in your business throughout the pandemic and how to create a healthy business strategy on the other side of this. 

Here’s what is being covered: 

1. Why a magazine in a digital age 

2. What obstacles a new publication could face 

3. How to plan for the long game in publishing 

4. Action for someone just starting out 

You can connect with Dr. Darcova Matrice and STRUT! The Magazine on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/darcova.trip...

**************************** 

Learn how to publish successfully and begin building wealth from the comfort of your home. Save 20% off the Masterclass.

This episode was produced by Upland Studios.
Where authors aren’t just published—they’re positioned.

If you’re listening and thinking, “My story deserves more than this…”
You’re right.

Bespoke Publishing is for authors ready to be developed, packaged, and launched like a cultural asset. Limited placements. Select voices only.

Still stuck in the idea phase?
Our Out of Office: Writer’s Block services are designed to get you out of your head and into momentum—fast.

This isn’t for everyone.
But if you’re ready, apply.