Angela Kay Austin's Blog, page 3

Business of #Books: How to Sell Book Merchandise

Independent authors don’t have the powerhouse of a large #publishing house behind their work. As a result #self-publishing is about more than #books. About more than #writing. A #self-published #author must think about all elements of the business of books. #selfpublishingsuccess #selfpublishingmarketingstrategies.

Don’t forget to check me out on your favorite social media: https://linktr.ee/angelakayaustin.

I met author Xyla Turner a few years back while attending a conference. She struck me as a well-educated savvy woman. So, when our mutual friend, Siera London, suggested I interview Xyla about her success with #merchandising, I thought this would be a great opportunity to speak with her and to share her knowledge with other self-published authors.

The world of #books is multi-layered, if any self-published #author wants to have longevity and wants sustainability, we should think about the business of books, and #merchandising is a part of that business. #businessofbooks #selfpublishing #independentpublishing

Download my #podcast, Live Free, from your favorite #podcast outlet TODAY! #iTunes #Stitcher #GooglePodcast #Spotify

#KenyaWright Traveling the World with Children and a Laptop

First, let me tell you this interview is longer than my others. Why? Because this was my first opportunity to sit with Kenya and have a conversation about so so many things. Things that I found so interesting that I couldn’t stop asking her questions. Don’t forget to check me out on your favorite social media: https://linktr.ee/angelakayaustin Kenya Wright is a bestselling author. She’s been self-published for ten years, and her mafia book series are well loved. All of her books are well loved, you only need to take a look at the reviews on #Amazon to know this. #selfpublishingsuccess #selfpublishingmarketing #Self-publishing isn’t an easy road to take. But when you consider that Kenya has been #traveling this path as a divorced Black woman solo traveling with kids! Wow. With her children by her side, she’s traveled the states, but has also begun to explore outside of the states to places like Puerto Rico. Come on – what amazing stories do you think her children have to share. As a Black woman solo traveling, Kenya has visited places like Mexico and Thailand, and before the pandemic hit, she and her children were planning to visit China, Japan and others. #Blackwomantravelingsolo #Blackwomantraveling I hope that you will enjoy this conversation with Kenya, I know that I did! Her story is encouraging and inspirational. Join us and tell us what you think?

The Summer of Black Love #Beverly Jenkins

1994, the summer of Black Love. I’d never heard this phrase until the day I interviewed Beverly Jenkins. For those who may not be familiar and, truthfully, I’m curious as to who that might be! But there may be a few unicorns out there. Ms. Beverly Jenkins has been published for nearly thirty years. She is one of the Black Romance originals. #BlackRomanceWriters #SelfpublishingSuccess

Don’t forget to find me on your favorite social media: https://linktr.ee/angelakayaustin

Beverly Jenkins #Romance novels were some of the #books that I read as a young adult which showed me that African-American women could be the heroine of love stories, not just a sassy sidekick. #BeverlyJenkinsBooks #BeverlyJenkinsMovie

The importance of inclusion and diversity throughout all forms of media may be lost on some, but in today’s world, the need to tell stories from different perspectives is becoming more and more of a priority. Before people even truly understood the value of Beverly Jenkins’ novels, she challenged the world around her by combining a turbulent history with #romance to create #books that were filled will hope and joy that found a way to exist around (or even with) pain. To view this interview visit my YouTube channel: www.YouTube.com/AngelaKayAustin

Don’t forget to download my #podcast – Live Free, from your favorite store! #iTunes #Stitcher #GooglePodcast #Spotify #BeverlyJenkinsInterview

Former Police Officer Now Author – #PhoenixDaniels

The question about why does any author #write is big and complex. Some write simply because they can. They’re good at it, so they do it. Some write because they want fame and fortune. But others write because it’s a calling. There’s a purpose behind each word.

Don’t forget to follow me on your favorite social media: https://linktr.ee/angelakayaustin

When I met my friend Phoenix Daniels, she shared with me why she #writes. It’s a story that touched my heart and I know it will touch yours, too. Over the years that have passed, she and I have written together and she’s pushed me to create stories I never thought I could tell. And as a result, I’m taking chances on other stories and stretching my #writing muscles.

Join us as we discuss why we write the stories that we’ve penned, as well as learn some of the behind the stories details that you may have never heard before.

Don’t forget to follow my #podcast! #iTunes#Spotify#GooglePodcast#Stitcher

Author and Veteran: Let’s Talk Romance with #SieraLondon

Let’s discuss #Romance #writing with author Siera London. Siera spent more than twenty years as a part of the U.S. Military. I wanted to learn more from her about how that factors into her writing. #selfpublishingmarketingstrategies #selfpublishingsuccess

You can find me on your favorite social media https://linktr.ee/angelakayaustin.

Although Siera has only been in the world of #self-publishing for about five years, she is one of the strongest voices out there. If you haven’t heard of her, check her out on social media and check out her podcast, Women on Words https://www.blogtalkradio.com/womenon...

One of the things that fascinates me about Siera is that she is a military veteran. Why does this intrigue me? I guess because I love reading books that have strong female characters, and I love to read stories that are written by women who embody that themselves.

During this interview, Siera and I discuss how her military service impacts her work, along with other topics which include: marketing, authors supporting authors and more.

Join us! Don’t forget to check out my podcast, Live Free – you can download it from your favorite outlet today! #iTunes #Spotify #GooglePodcast

Copyediting vs Line Editing vs Proofreading with Savannah J. Frierson

We’ve discussed editing before. Let’s dig in a little deeper. What is the difference between the various steps of editing? Do you know? Do you need someone different to do each step? Can you skip any of the steps?

Honestly, we know these are the questions that all self-published authors have when they first begin. Because the thing is, you have a story that you want to tell and, of course, you think it’s the bestest story ever, right. 

You don’t need (or want) anyone messing up your work. But also, you don’t want anyone changing the story that you want to tell. 

The first time I had a rejection letter from a publisher, I remember my heart sinking. But now, when I go back and think about it, I think, wow, I sent that in to a publisher. What was I thinking?

I sent in an unedited manuscript that mimicked what I read from authors who came before me. My voice wasn’t even clearly developed in the work I sent out because I don’t think I really knew what that truly meant.

I’m of the opinion that having a team helps you develop a stronger clearer voice and, eventually, you tell better stories.

Let’s dig in with my friend Savannah J. Frierson to discuss the steps of editing, and then you tell us, if you think you need an editor anywhere along the way to help you tell your story.

Big, Beautiful Curvy Girl Exploring the World #TwylaTurner

Do you know what it means to be a big beautiful woman? A Black curvy girl? When I met Twyla Turner, my first thought was that she had this big bright personality. She laughed with her eyes and she stood out in a room. One of the cool girls. #Blackwomantravelsolo #Blackwomantravelalone

To listen to this conversation, download my #podcast, Live Free. #iTunes #Stitcher #GooglePodcast #Spotify

I mean, look, at one event we attended together, a male cover model saw her and thought she was so beautiful that he asked her to do a photo shoot with him, pool-side. I took the pictures! So, yeah, there’s that…is my jealousy showing?!

This is a short excerpt from Twyla’s most recent book, Rock the Curves, “Lyris almost chuckled to herself at how brain-washed everyone was in Lala Land. She loved her full body. She thought is was beautiful. Strong and capable. And anyone who didn’t see it was drinking the kool-aid.” I love this!

Find me at your favorite place: https://linktr.ee/angelakayaustin !

Virtual #Book Events and Self-Published Authors with L Loren

L Loren reached out to me to ask me to participate in her upcoming LIVE! Virtual Book Event, of course, I said yes. But then, I had to ask her onto my podcast because I love that she has created this new virtual event for authors and readers.

To learn more about L Loren’s event, click here.

I met L Loren at an event hosted by Kassanna – IRAE. The interracial reader author expo. Like that event, this one focused on self-published authors, and it’s goal is to connect independently published authors with readers who are interested in books that highlight African-American women as the point of interest for men of all races and cultures.

Some people might look at that last statement and gasp. But let me explain why this is necessary. Far too often, Black women are shown as side-kicks, loud, brassy or just as some sort of weird mother figure. But too often, the African-American woman is not shown as an alluring sexy desirable woman. And, even if she is, sometimes there’s something off.

As a woman of color, I wanted to write books that featured women of color who were able to live life and have love on their own terms. L Loren does the same with her books, and when she realized that one of her new favorite events, IRAE, would be cancelled for the year, she decided to create her own event.

The LIVE! Virtual Book Event will host many of my friends, as well as some authors who are new to me.

Join me as I talk with L Loren about her books, her writing and why she created this virtual event. Download from your favorite #podcast store. #iTunes #Stitcher #GooglePodcast

Characterization with #PepperPace on #LiveFree

“Beast” by Pepper Pace is one of the first independently published books I’ve read that featured a hero who wasn’t physical perfection. I read the book and wondered how had she crafted something so, in my opinion, rich and moving. 

Instantly, I loved her hero and, like others, I had some issues with her heroine, but then I fell in love with her, too. I wanted the two of them to get together. Every time something prohibited or derailed them, I was totally emotionally involved and wanted that obstacle immediately removed!

Often, when we read Romance, we look for a bit of a fantasy. A fantasy in the love, in the money and the people. More often than not, that means the heroes and heroines are people who are pretty physically perfect. Height. Weight. Whatever. 

“Beast” has people who many would consider imperfect. For me that is what makes them interesting.

Join me and Pepper as we discuss her writing and why she chooses to write about these perfectly imperfect people. Download from your favorite #podcast store. #iTunes #Stitcher #GooglePodcast Or, click here!

What is BDSM? A Conversation with Bridget Midway #LiveFree #podcast

Okay. Okay. I know. BDSM. Bondage, Discipline or Dominance and Sadomasochism (and other related terms) We’re all familiar with Mr. Grey who has now not only graced books, but movie theater screens. In a way, I guess, he’s set a bar for this genre of writing.

Of course, there are books and movies that came before Grey. Secretary and 9 1/2 Weeks are two American movies that come to mind and, honestly, there are too many books to list.

When I reached out to my guest, Bridget Midway, about this episode of Live Free, I wanted to talk about BDSM, not about the sex, but about the reason why the genre is needed. Why do we need to write about this lifestyle choice?

As she and I talked, she shared with me how she learned about this audience, genre and how she developed her ability to write within this world.

Whether you read within this genre or not, you must admit that offering a true voice to a lifestyle that has been sensationalized more often than not is needed. Bridget’s books have been loved by many for years. Through her work, she’s held events and exposed many to a “secret” world that they may never have been exposed to otherwise.

If you’ve never read any of her work, join us for this episode of Live Free to learn more about her and her work.

Click here to join us for this episode of #LiveFree or download from your favorite #podcast store!