Books Are The New Rich

April Sheris

This Isn’t a Podcast. It’s a Platform. Most podcasts talk about books. We build what happens after the book. Books Are The New Rich™ is where authors, artists, and cultural voices get positioned—not just heard. Every episode is a strategic breakdown of power, legacy, and visibility in a world where attention is currency and storytelling is leverage. This is where: Authors get introduced like talent on a roster Ideas get challenged, sharpened, and elevated Books become products, movements, and moments You’re not listening for inspiration. You’re listening to understand how influence is built.

  1. Sep 15

    The Art of Reinvention: Becoming New Without Losing Yourself

    After a year away, Books Are The New Rich is back. And we couldn't think of a better voice to begin again with than Diamond Ryan. A world-renowned philanthropist, singer-songwriter, artist, and former Hollywood actress, Diamond has spent decades navigating the creative life and learning that longevity isn't simply about staying relevant. It's about knowing when to evolve. In this deeply personal conversation, Diamond opens up about the art of reinvention: what happens when the version of you that captivated an audience yesterday is no longer the version you're becoming today. From her early years in Compton to her evolution as an artist and philanthropist, she shares what it takes to continually create, adapt, and remain compelling without surrendering the essence of who you are. Because the creative life doesn't come with a finish line. There are seasons to perform.Seasons to disappear.Seasons to rebuild.And seasons to introduce the world to someone you've become. This is the conversation about what happens in between. Books Are The New Rich returns with a reminder that perhaps the greatest creative asset isn't fame, a catalog, or even an audience. It's the ability to become new. This is Diamond Ryan. This is The Art of Reinvention. And this is Books Are The New Rich. This episode was produced by Upland Studios. One of the things we're increasingly talking about at Upland is authorship in the age of AI. When anyone can generate thousands of words in seconds, what establishes that something is actually yours? That's part of the deeper work we explore inside Upland. If you've already written a book or you're thinking about what your book could become, we created Author to Institution for the deeper work. It's where we go beyond the book itself and explore how your ideas can become intellectual property, wealth, and legacy. And if you want to see what happens behind the stories we're telling, watch for Behind the Book, our upcoming documentary series. Learn more at UplandStudios.com.

  2. 08/19/2024

    Unbreakable Marketing with Ashley Vaughn

    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 AuthorsFuture Projects and Events: A Look AheadSound 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. One of the things we're increasingly talking about at Upland is authorship in the age of AI. When anyone can generate thousands of words in seconds, what establishes that something is actually yours? That's part of the deeper work we explore inside Upland. If you've already written a book or you're thinking about what your book could become, we created Author to Institution for the deeper work. It's where we go beyond the book itself and explore how your ideas can become intellectual property, wealth, and legacy. And if you want to see what happens behind the stories we're telling, watch for Behind the Book, our upcoming documentary series. Learn more at UplandStudios.com.

  3. 05/28/2024

    Commanding the Stage with Terry D. Wiseman

    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! 🎤✨ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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. One of the things we're increasingly talking about at Upland is authorship in the age of AI. When anyone can generate thousands of words in seconds, what establishes that something is actually yours? That's part of the deeper work we explore inside Upland. If you've already written a book or you're thinking about what your book could become, we created Author to Institution for the deeper work. It's where we go beyond the book itself and explore how your ideas can become intellectual property, wealth, and legacy. And if you want to see what happens behind the stories we're telling, watch for Behind the Book, our upcoming documentary series. Learn more at UplandStudios.com.

  4. 04/29/2024

    Influencing Purpose with Dr. Jeremy L. Blunt

    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. One of the things we're increasingly talking about at Upland is authorship in the age of AI. When anyone can generate thousands of words in seconds, what establishes that something is actually yours? That's part of the deeper work we explore inside Upland. If you've already written a book or you're thinking about what your book could become, we created Author to Institution for the deeper work. It's where we go beyond the book itself and explore how your ideas can become intellectual property, wealth, and legacy. And if you want to see what happens behind the stories we're telling, watch for Behind the Book, our upcoming documentary series. Learn more at UplandStudios.com.

  5. 04/11/2024

    Overcoming Grace with Leslie D. Ricks

    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. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. One of the things we're increasingly talking about at Upland is authorship in the age of AI. When anyone can generate thousands of words in seconds, what establishes that something is actually yours? That's part of the deeper work we explore inside Upland. If you've already written a book or you're thinking about what your book could become, we created Author to Institution for the deeper work. It's where we go beyond the book itself and explore how your ideas can become intellectual property, wealth, and legacy. And if you want to see what happens behind the stories we're telling, watch for Behind the Book, our upcoming documentary series. Learn more at UplandStudios.com.

  6. 09/14/2021

    Growing Beyond Your Pen for Business Growth

    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. One of the things we're increasingly talking about at Upland is authorship in the age of AI. When anyone can generate thousands of words in seconds, what establishes that something is actually yours? That's part of the deeper work we explore inside Upland. If you've already written a book or you're thinking about what your book could become, we created Author to Institution for the deeper work. It's where we go beyond the book itself and explore how your ideas can become intellectual property, wealth, and legacy. And if you want to see what happens behind the stories we're telling, watch for Behind the Book, our upcoming documentary series. Learn more at UplandStudios.com.

About

This Isn’t a Podcast. It’s a Platform. Most podcasts talk about books. We build what happens after the book. Books Are The New Rich™ is where authors, artists, and cultural voices get positioned—not just heard. Every episode is a strategic breakdown of power, legacy, and visibility in a world where attention is currency and storytelling is leverage. This is where: Authors get introduced like talent on a roster Ideas get challenged, sharpened, and elevated Books become products, movements, and moments You’re not listening for inspiration. You’re listening to understand how influence is built.