Gallery – Success Strategies

Top 15 Women Authors Who Achieved Success in Self-Publishing

“Writing is a process, a journey into memory and the soul.”
Isabel Allende

Award-Winning Storyteller and Journalist Sharon Gordon published her debut novel Sheribaby and started off with a bang! Introverts may not be as purposeful due to shyness. They are reserved and avoid putting themselves ‘out there’ for the world to see them and their author life.

That said, here are 15 women authors who found significant success through self-publishing:

Amanda Hocking – Became a millionaire by self-publishing her paranormal romance novels before signing with a traditional publisher
E.L. James – Initially self-published “Fifty Shades of Grey” as fan fiction before it became a global phenomenon
Colleen Hoover – Self-published her debut novel “Slammed” before becoming a #1 New York Times bestselling author
Rachel Abbott – One of the UK’s most successful self-published authors with her thriller novels
Lindsay Buroker – Found success with her Emperor’s Edge fantasy series and numerous other works
Bella Forrest – Self-published the phenomenally successful “A Shade of Vampire” series
H.M. Ward – Romance author who sold millions of copies of her self-published works
Jasinda Wilder – Self-published numerous bestselling romance novels before signing a traditional deal
Vi Keeland – Initially self-published her romance novels before becoming a #1 New York Times bestseller
Penny Reid – Built a successful career with her self-published romantic comedies
Rupi Kaur – Self-published her poetry collection “Milk and Honey” which became a worldwide bestseller
Sierra Simone – Found success with her provocative romance novels
Sarina Bowen – Award-winning romance author who began her career self-publishing
L.J. Shen – Romance author who built a massive following through self-publishing
Lauren Blakely – Multi-million selling self-published romance author

Many of these authors began self-publishing when traditional routes weren’t available to them. They remained independent even after achieving success. Several eventually signed traditional publishing deals after demonstrating their commercial appeal through self-publishing

Need help to get over your fear of leveling up to achieve your goal of being a published author? Let these women inspire you. Have you or someone you know stepped out and achieved success? Do share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!

Books. Music And Culture Comes Alive With Vibes…

Book signings. New York. Jamaica. Jerk festival. Cultural events and more. A strong-behind-the-scenes supporter of the legendary reggae music matriarch, Miss Pat invited me to all since I too am an author of 9 books on Success and have been with her from the birth of the idea for her own book titled My Reggae Music Journey. In the end I accepted attending her book signing in Jamaica not realizing that it would be held on my BIRTHDAY.

The evening was divine. Indeed it was an event to remember. Dr Carolyn Cooper shared snippets of her own vision and journey to the creation of the
institute of CAribbean studies Mona and Reggae. A story of Success and one to emulate.

Superbly led, the evenings host Professor Donna Hope was a class act and created moments that had the audience laughing out loud.

It was an honor to have met and spent time in the presence of Maria…. Art Designer and Exhibitor from Greece. She was always there as we selected the cover designed for Miss Pat’s book. Her talent and humility are beyond words. Not to mention the talents of deceased Michael Thompson whose wife Maria I also met for the first time. She was always in my prayers for the untimely passing of her husband michael. Solemn moment but satisfying as we reflected on Michael’s Legacy.

A delightful moment experienced was my in-person hugs from 2021’s ignite Caribbean’s 30 under 30 Washington DC’s honoree Joelle Powe. If you haven’t seen her newest documentary Beverly Manley Uncensored – you’re missing something. See it on YouTube

Lucky winners walked away with copies of my own book Success Strategies of CAribbean American Leaders.

Missed it? The exhibition continues for the next few weeks. Visit the UWI’s Art & Cultural and prepared to be mesmerized.

What You Need To Do To Achieve Success…

Success Strategies

Set your Goals High and Don’t Stop until you Get There

Richard Byerley was ‘officially’ the oldest person to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro. Byerley reached the summit in October 2010 at the ripe old age of 84 years and 71 days. However, his record was surpassed by Martin Kafer (85) and his wife Esther (84) in October 2012 (Kilimanjaro Guide).

Not to be outdone, the oldest woman to climb Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m; 19,340 ft) Angela Vorobeva, reached the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, at age 86 years 267 days, on 29 October 2015 (Guinness book of records).

Naturally, these examples of goal achievement is no small feat. What of athletes, professionals, politicians, and more? We all have goals. But what really are they? Are goals just a wish or a figment of our imagination of some ideal place that we want to be in the future? Think carefully…

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South Florida Writers Of Color Literary Magazine, 2nd Edition…

You can. You should and if you are brave enough to start, you will. Writing is magic as much the water of life as any other creative art. The water is free so drink. Drink and be filled. ~Stephen King

The world is never the same once a good poem has been added to it. ~Dylan Thomas

The Ralph Hogges and Benjamin Cowins, South Florida Writers of Color Literary Magazine. An Online Literary Magazine. Read. Indulge your writing prowess in these editions:

South Florida Writers of Color Magazine 1st Edition

South Florida Writers of Color Magazine 2nd Edition

Hope you are inspired to write.

Cheers!

South Florida Book Festival Writers Event…

The 8th Annual South Florida Book Festival shined brightly as authors, writers and poets came together to share pieces of their work with readers and booklovers who came from all across the USA. Event was held at the African American Research Library.

Weekend In Paris…

Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened. ~Dr. Suess

I have always wanted to visit Paris. This was the promised gift to myself when I hung up my student cap after years and years of continuous studies. Then the workaholic that I am, saw 4 years go by in a flash embarking on community initiatives, writing, and more.

My oldest surprised me with a Birthday Weekend trip to Paris. But how can I visit Paris for just a weekend? I needed a Retreat. That’s when my youngest ‘scolded’ me. “Go”, she said. “You have always wanted to do it. Just go.” I agreed and made it into a long weekend. Wonder of wonders! I discovered I even had time to spare. Time to watch the rain, the people, and the waves of the Seine River go by at sunset.

Travel Across Continents

The flight was long but it was far from boring. I read. I wrote. I watched movies. I chatted with my oldest, slept, and I ate. Before we knew it, the descent was upon us.

Reading in Flight

Travel’s Cultural Differences

Cultural differences are everywhere. In Paris the hotel rooms are tiny spaces. Just enough to get by, yet absolutely comfortable. TV channels are in Le Francais. Plugs for chargers, electrical items and such differ. Disappointed, frustrated for sure I was at first, but then it’s not about me. I travel for new experiences and that’s what I got.

A polite society…bonjour, merci, pardon, were among the basics to know in that language and will serve as the basic entre to service. They are curt and offer no apologies. So do your research before you go and you’ll be just fine (smile).

Travel’s Cuisine

Food in Paris is divine. Delicious. Sumptuous. Absolutely satisfying. But don’t rush….it ain’t fast food. When you visit the unique restaurants among which my fav is the Cafe, you dine, taste the delectables, and chill. No rush for the check. You ask, you eventually receive.

Transportation

Getting around you have the choice of the cabs, buses, the metro. But may God help you if you do not understand the linguistic pronunciation of the place where you are going. When you arrive at your stop, you may not even know. So ask, ask, ask information before you board. Then read as you progress at each stop.

Speaking from experience…do I need to say more? Hint…frustration (smile)

Paris Sites To See

You haven’t been to Paris if you haven’t visited La Tour Eiffel, Notre-Dame, Le Louvre and smiled with Mona Lisa. Sites …beautiful. Historically meaningful. Mesmerizing. Long walks. Tired feet, but worth every minute.

So that’s a tiny glimpse into my Parisian journey for the first time. The trip was memorable. The photos provide the stillness of the moment. A dream come through. Would I go back? Yessss definitely!

I encourage you to take the time to step out and achieve your own dreams. Big or small, they will come through despite the odds.

Cheers!

The Plane. The Sky. The Dive.

Sometimes you have to do it afraid

I did it Afraid. Yes, I was afraid but I did it anyway. A skydive in Ocean City, Maryland. 14,000 ft. in the air! Here I share the jump, the skydive in pictures.