Live Free with Angela Kay Austin
86 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 3 ratingsLive Free with USA Today Bestselling Author Angela Kay Austin. Angela explores the world of books and travel, one person and one country at a time! Is that an odd mix? Hmm. As she travels, she’ll introduce you to the people, culture and books of the community around her.
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Episodes
Black Woman Traveling Solo: Hacker Paradise
August 20, 2020 08:00 - 35 minutes - 24.6 MBI love to travel! If I had "all the dollars" in my bank account, I would live the life of a digital nomad. It speaks to my spirit!! Seeing the world, exploring various cultures and meeting awesome new people is absolutely the way I plan to live my life. #BlackWomanTravelingSolo #BlackWomanTravelingAlone Don't forget to follow me on your favorite social media:https://linktr.ee/angelakayaustin Recently, I had the opportunity to break ties and explore the world of the digital nomad. However, ...
Diverse Romance Books: Why Do Readers Love Diverse Romance
August 13, 2020 18:00 - 31 minutes - 21.7 MBBlack Romance. Diverse Romance. What does it all really mean? Is it important? This is the question that I wanted to ask readers. Don't forget to follow me on your favorite social media: https://linktr.ee/angelakayaustin Diverse #books matters. Why? Because all of us need to see ourselves in all things. Children who want to be mathematicians, maybe they watch Hidden Figures and believe it's possible. Children who want to be dancers, maybe they see the men and women who are on the stage wit...
Rock Your Crown: What's Your Hustle
August 06, 2020 08:00 - 26 minutes - 18.3 MBSelf-published authors are some of the hardest working people I know. When it comes to "grinding", I swear! Self-published authors are always trying to figure out how to connect the pieces. Don't forget to follow me on your favorite social media: https://linktr.ee/angelakayaustin Reana Malori is a Queen. Yep, she has the tiara and everything to prove it. With about forty #books out there, she's been smashing the self-publishing game for years. #self-publishingsuccess #self-publishingmarket...
Do All Authors Think Alike
July 30, 2020 08:00 - 31 minutes - 21.4 MBDo all #authors think alike? Of course not. To be honest, the #indie #author mindset might be one of the most ever changing things out there. Self-published authors are forever considering new ventures: books, marketing, partnerships, programs or products. #selfpublishingmarketingsuccess #selfpublishing Don't forget to check me out on your favorite social media: https://linktr.ee/angelakayaustin But when it actually comes to writing, how do we #indie #published authors manage all the movin...
Cowboys: Cowboys and Western American Culture
July 23, 2020 08:00 - 30 minutes - 21.2 MBCowboys and Western American culture. I bet each of you immediately had an image pop into your head. What if that image was tweaked slightly, and now that rough and tough cowboy was gay. We all remember the wild success of Broke Back Mountain, but there are other voices telling this story. #gaylovestories #gaywriters #selfpublishingsuccess #selfpublishingmarketingstrategies Don't forget to find me on your favorite social media: https://linktr.ee/angelakayaustin . When an author decides to ...
Business of Books: How to Sell Merchandise
July 16, 2020 08:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MBIndependent 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...
Traveling the World with Author Kenya Wright
July 09, 2020 08:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MBFirst, 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 ...
Saritza Hernandez Literary Agent to Diverse Voices
July 02, 2020 08:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MBLiterary agents, to be honest, I haven't thought about submitting through the traditional route for years, as a result, I haven't considered a #literaryagent for my work. However, today's world makes me believe that this might be the time for me to stretch my wings and leave my comfort zone. And consider the world of a traditional publishing (along side self-publishing - that is!) What does that mean? #selfpublishing #traditionalpublishing Don't forget to find me on your favorite social med...
Black Romance: The Summer of Black Love
June 25, 2020 08:00 - 31 minutes - 21.3 MB1994, 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 #R...
Former Police Officer Now Author
June 18, 2020 08:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MBThe 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,...
Military Veteran and Romance Author
June 11, 2020 08:00 - 52 minutes - 36.3 MBLet'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...
I Need A Moment
June 04, 2020 08:00 - 4 minutes - 3.01 MBBlack history in America is complicated. The recent events in America are disturbing, at the least. The riots and protests that the recent deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Abery and Breonna Taylor have inspired are nothing new for African-Americans. What might be new is the international coverage. Not because these types of protests haven't been covered, but because the deaths of George and Ahmaud were recorded and as a result, the anger, pain and disbelief crossover racial, economic, religio...
Transitioning from Self-Publishing to Traditional Publishing
May 28, 2020 08:00 - 58 minutes - 40.4 MBDahlia Rose has been writing for years. She has several dozens of books available! I'm just trying to keep up! When you write in the world of self-publishing, there can be many reasons why. And sometimes, transitioning to a traditional publisher isn't on your mind. Don't forget to follow me on your favorite social media: https://linktr.ee/angelakayaustin. However, when the opportunity arises, you don't let it slip through your fingers. You hop on in there and see what they have to offer. ...
Proofreading vs Copyediting vs Line Editing
May 21, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 47.1 MBWe'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. ...
Big Beautiful Curvy Girl Exploring the World
May 14, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 46.5 MBDo you know what it means to be a big beautiful woman? 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. 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'...
Virtual Book Events and Self-Published Authors and Readers
May 07, 2020 08:00 - 43 minutes - 29.7 MBL 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 ...
Physical Characteristics of Heroes and Heroines in Romance
April 29, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 46.5 MB"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...
Independent Authors and Editors
April 22, 2020 08:00 - 46 minutes - 31.6 MBTime after time, I'm asked, "Do I really need an editor?" I always respond the same way, "Yes." Honestly, why wouldn't you want someone to check behind your work to ensure that you're writing the tightest story possible. Now, of course I now the answer to my own question. MONEY! As an indie author, we're always looking for things that we can cut out. Especially when you think about the fact that most of us do this on a part-time basis, and it's not generating millions of dollars for us. H...
What is BDSM? A Conversation with Bridget Midway
April 15, 2020 08:00 - 46 minutes - 31.7 MBOkay. 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 th...
White Female Author Who Voices Black Characters
April 08, 2020 09:00 - 46 minutes - 32.2 MBStereotypes. They're everywhere. Researching in preparation for this interview, I read reviews of mainstream White authors who write Black voices. One author stuck out for me because she hadn't written, to my knowledge, a Black woman lead before. Quite a few of the reviews were similar to this one, "I question why make the heroine a black woman if you are not going to attempt to create a dimensional character. All this author did was reinforce the same tired stereotypes." As an author who ...
Speaking from a Woman's POV through the Eyes of a Man
April 01, 2020 08:00 - 54 minutes - 37.8 MBAs I continue to discover unique voices from around the globe, I bumped into Rafael Gallo. Rafael is a Brazilian author whose work includes Rebentar. The heartbreaking hopeless story of a mother who lost her son. My conversation discusses his ability to write not only this tale, but others from the perspective of a mother who has experienced this loss. We also discuss the impact of his culture on his stories, as well as whether or not there is an ability for authors to find a universal c...
Reading from Melodee: A Song for Nora
March 26, 2020 19:00 - 6 minutes - 4.38 MBThis is a short reading from Melodee: A Song for Nora Melodee King loved few people. One left her when she was a child, one died, and the other she left in Memphis. Her plan was simple, put Memphis in her rear view mirror and only stop through for an occasional plate of Memphis BBQ. Riley Walker loved one woman and one woman only. When she left he went after her. Six months, he waited. She never spent enough days in the city or with him to give him a chance. That's all he needed. All he wa...
Variation in Children's Books and Women Empowerment with Forlanda Anderson
March 18, 2020 08:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MBAs a child what does it mean to see people who look like you on the pages of colorful, thoughtful children's tales? As a parent of children of color, what does it mean to you to have a rich interesting fable about a child of color to read to your child of color? Once upon a time, there were not a lot of options, but the world of indie authors doesn't begin and end with Women's Fiction or Romance. There is also opportunity for children of color. This episode of Live Free will introduce you...
Indie Authors Love Book Clubs
March 04, 2020 14:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MBBook clubs are a great place for socializing with like-minded people. I love books, they love books and we get together and chat about it over food and wine. What's not to like?! But as an independent author, I've come to realize they are much more important to me than I originally understood. According to an old report from Forbes, there are about a million books published each year and, of those, approximately half are self-published. That means what! There's a lot of content out there t...
Discussing the Necessity for Unique Cultural Voices in Writing with Adriana Lisboa
February 26, 2020 09:00 - 52 minutes - 36 MBI think, regardless of how "woke" we believe ourselves to be, there is always something we've probably overlooked about our own blindspots. I didn't realize just how many I had when it comes to the necessity for cultural diversity in literature. In a few days, I will go to Brazil! Yes, Brazil. But before I hopped onto my plane, I wanted to speak with an author of that culture to learn more about what connects us. Adriana Lisboa is know for works such as Crow Blue and Symphony in White. Af...
Does Cover Art Make a Difference
February 19, 2020 09:00 - 39 minutes - 27.4 MBSelf-published authors around the world are trying to figure out the best way to tell their story. Part of telling that story is the cover art. Whether the reader discovers them online or in a book store, the first thing that reader sees is the cover. If they're like me, the cover catches their eye, and then they flip it over to read the back cover copy, and then maybe you open it and read the opening statement. If the book makes it that far, it's got a slim chance of being purchased by me...
Librarians and Indie Authors Part Two
February 12, 2020 06:00 - 23 minutes - 16.5 MBAfter publishing my first book, I imagined it would be smooth sailing from there. I was wrong. What I quickly learned is that because your book is available doesn't mean a thing. Readers still need to be aware that you exist. If you're with a small publisher or self-published, what does that mean? That means that you have to jump in and do a lot of the promotion and marketing. You have to have an understanding of distribution. For me that meant, after I learned about the network of libra...
Librarians and Indie Authors Part One
February 05, 2020 09:00 - 18 minutes - 12.8 MBAs a self-published author, I'm often searching for partnerships that will help me reach a larger audience. Understanding the value of the business of books for an independent author is pinnacle to your success. As I began to grow in my knowledge of the business of books, I realized that libraries would be a great partner for many reasons: they have book clubs, they have budgets, they have meeting space for events and they LOVE books. Because of these reasons, I began to make libraries a c...
Black, Gay and Writing Romance
January 29, 2020 08:00 - 46 minutes - 32.1 MBAs we continue our conversation about diversity and inclusion, I want to introduce you to my friend Brien Michaels. I've always been amazed by this young man. As a teenager, he published his first book. Before it was cool to self-pub. Over the years since, he's found publishers who have helped him put his work in front of readers. He and I have always talked honestly about the honesty in his work. At times you feel the pain of his characters and it makes you wonder why does anything have to...
Overcoming Adversity. Inspiration in Life and Inspirational Fiction
January 22, 2020 06:00 - 12 minutes - 8.42 MBAlthough I don't write Christian Fiction, I do have some Inspirational Fiction Romances. Two books: Derailed and Scarlet's Tears. Sometimes the genres or sub-genres of writing can be confusing. At this point, are there any clear lines, really? I love writing stories of triumph. Adversity can be around any corner in one of my books. The questions is how do the characters in my stories survive. What does it take? Meet my friend Angela Griffin. She is the CEO/Founder of Project Heaven. We're...
Laura T. Johnson Domestic Violence Survivor and Indie Author
January 15, 2020 16:00 - 15 minutes - 11 MBLaura T. Johnson is an Amazon Bestselling author. She turned her survival from domestic violence into a platform which allowed her to turn her pain and survival into uplifting fiction. Fiction which permits others to briefly peek behind the veil of incredible loss and agony. Each of her stories tells the tale of a woman who struggles with the balance of attempting to find (or hold on to) love through pain. Her books are fictional accounts of women who must find their inner strength in orde...
Laura T. Johnson domestic violence survivor and indie author
January 15, 2020 16:00 - 15 minutes - 11 MBLaura T. Johnson is an Amazon Bestselling author. She turned her survival from domestic violence into a platform which allowed her to turn her pain and survival into uplifting fiction. Fiction which permits others to briefly peek behind the veil of incredible loss and agony. Each of her stories tells the tale of a woman who struggles with the balance of attempting to find (or hold on to) love through pain. Her books are fictional accounts of women who must find their inner strength in orde...
Business of books through the eyes of a publisher
January 08, 2020 06:00 - 41 minutes - 28.9 MBContinuing our conversation regarding diversity in books and writing, Latrivia Welch, owner of Riverhouse Publishing LLC, joins Live Free to discuss diversity, her publishing house and her books. As a small publisher, how does she navigate the world of publishing? Why did she start her own publishing house? How does she balance the world of mother, author and publisher? To learn more about Latrivia visit her here: www.twitter.com/LatriviaWelch www.instragram.com/Latrivia_Wech www.Facebo...
Business of Books Through the Eyes of a Publisher
January 08, 2020 06:00 - 41 minutes - 28.9 MBContinuing our conversation regarding diversity in books and writing, Latrivia Welch, owner of Riverhouse Publishing LLC, joins Live Free to discuss diversity, her publishing house and her books. As a small publisher, how does she navigate the world of publishing? Why did she start her own publishing house? How does she balance the world of mother, author and publisher? To learn more about Latrivia visit her here: www.twitter.com/LatriviaWelch www.instragram.com/Latrivia_Wech www.Facebo...
Why is Diversity and Inclusion Needed in the World of Books
January 05, 2020 22:00 - 38 minutes - 26.5 MBToday, I'm joined by Kassanna, producer of the Interracial Romance and Author Expo. We're going to discuss IRAE, writing and diversity. The anger surrounding recent events with Romance Writers of America speak to the need for diversity and inclusion in the world of books. Different voices for the writers, publishers and readers need to be seen and heard. Definitely acquisitions editors. Too often authors of color have been told that their work won't sell. If you add on the factor of Romanc...
Why is diversity and inclusion needed in the world of books
January 05, 2020 22:00 - 38 minutes - 26.5 MBToday, I'm joined by Kassanna, producer of the Interracial Romance and Author Expo. We're going to discuss IRAE, writing and diversity. The anger surrounding recent events with Romance Writers of America speak to the need for diversity and inclusion in the world of books. Different voices for the writers, publishers and readers need to be seen and heard. Definitely acquisitions editors. Too often authors of color have been told that their work won't sell. If you add on the factor of Romanc...