Join The Author Queen as she sits down with debut novelist Noël Stark to discuss her spicy romcom "Love, Camera, Action." Drawing from two decades of entertainment industry experience, Noël reveals how her background as a director shaped her storytelling, shares insights on writing chemistry that jumps off the page, and discusses the challenges women still face in Hollywood. From crafting compelling romantic tension to managing feedback as a new author, this candid conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of filmmaking and fiction writing.

In this powerful episode, host The Author Queen welcomes author and speaker Nafeesah Leverett, whose journey from depression and suicidal thoughts to spiritual rebirth offers hope to women struggling with their faith. Nafeesah candidly shares how she survived relationships, battled depression and WON, and ultimately found healing through honest, purposeful prayer.

The conversation centers around Nafeesah's devotional prayer journal Pray on Purpose, which emerged from her own practice of journaling as a way to communicate authentically with God. She explains how journaling became the way through which God spoke to her when she couldn't hear Him elsewhere, and how this experience shaped her mission to help other women rebuild their relationships with God.

With remarkable vulnerability, Nafeesah discusses her past struggles, including abortion and her ongoing journey of self-forgiveness. She emphasizes that God isn't intimidated by our mess and reveals how her unexpected academic journey—going from a 2.0 GPA to earning a master's degree with a 3.5—demonstrated God's power to transform seemingly impossible situations.

This episode offers encouragement for anyone seeking to move beyond routine prayers to develop a more intentional, honest spiritual practice. Nafeesah's core message resonates throughout: you are loved, you are worthy, and you are forgiven.

Guest: Nafeesah Leverett (Author of Pray on Purpose)

Recorded: March 8, 2025

"How are you going to get a real job?" It's the question that haunts creative professionals everywhere—and romance author Monique Fisher has an answer that defies convention.

Join us for a candid conversation with the creator of the MRCU (Mo's Rom-Com Universe) as she dismantles the myth of the "real job" and reveals how her passion for crafting diverse romance novels exists alongside (and sometimes in beautiful tension with) her nine-to-five career. From theatre enthusiast to comic book geek to acclaimed author of six published works, Monique shares her unconventional path and why creative pursuits deserve recognition as legitimate career choices.

We'll explore how Monique balances her professional life with her writing schedule, the importance of diverse voices in the romance genre, and how her Los Angeles environment influences her storytelling. For anyone who's ever had their creative ambitions dismissed or questioned, this episode offers both validation and practical strategies for pursuing your passion—whether or not it fits society's definition of a "real job."

Plus, find out which superhero actor Monique would cast in one of her rom-coms!, coinciding with the release of Monique's sixth book as of December 2024.

Guest: Monique Fisher (Creator of Mo's Rom-Com Universe)

Previously recorded March 8th 2025

In this heartfelt conversation, host The Author Queen welcomes back Author Naomi White to discuss her powerful book I Won't Hide My Face and her journey toward authentic living. Naomi shares intimate reflections on how early journaling helped her process emotions she couldn't verbalize, the challenges of growing up without her mother's presence, and how these experiences shaped her approach to parenting her own daughters.

The discussion explores how Naomi's faith guided her through difficult seasons and influenced her writing process. She offers practical wisdom on embracing imperfections, finding humor in life's challenges, and the continuous nature of healing. Naomi also reveals how her publishing platform From Naomi's Notebook allows her to connect with readers by sharing vulnerable truths that resonate across different walks of life.

With candid insights about balancing vulnerability with boundaries, Naomi encourages listeners to forgive themselves, let go of perfectionism, and remain open to growth. This conversation offers both inspiration and practical guidance for anyone struggling to remove their own masks and live more authentically.

Guest: Naomi White (From Naomi's Notebook)

Recorded: March 1, 2025

In this illuminating episode, The Author Queen welcomes romance author Joy Jackson, who balances a thriving career in financial technology with writing tech-savvy romance novels featuring Black heroines. Joy shares her journey from the Denver children's library to becoming both a successful tech professional and creator of the popular "Catfish" romance series, which explores online dating deception.

Joy offers practical insights on how she incorporates her tech expertise into her storytelling, creates multiple income streams from her books, and leverages AI tools for marketing while maintaining creative authenticity. The conversation explores the importance of representation in both tech and romance genres, with Joy explaining how she writes to inspire the next generation of Black women in STEM.

Don't miss this powerful discussion about career pivoting, time management for creative pursuits, and how Joy's innovative "Expose" investigative agency book series is changing the narrative around Black women in technology and romance.

Guest: Joy Jackson (Author Joy J)

Co-host: Author VYC365

Recorded: February 22, 2025

Y'all, we're sitting down with fantasy author Jared Woodcox to break down how Shadow Casters came to life. He reveals how a random moment playing with shadows turned into a whole universe where people can bring their shadow puppets to life. Author Jared shares everything from struggling with self-doubt and rewrites to building a magic system that's got readers hooked.

Season 5 kicks off with real talk about balancing a 9-to-5 with writing fantasies, why Jared keeps his favorite snacks close while writing late at night, and what's coming in Book 2 "Defense of Huo Kiana." Plus, get hyped for the plot twists he's dropping in future books.

If you're ready to dive into a world where warriors control shadows and friendships are tested, this episode's for you. Drop into this chat with a fantasy writer who's doing it his way.

About the Author: Jared Woodcox is a fantasy author who brought his lifelong dream to life through the Shadow Casters series. Drawing inspiration from beloved works like Avatar: The Last Airbender, Fullmetal Alchemist, and Harry Potter, he crafted a unique magical world where warriors can bring shadows to life.

While balancing a corporate career and family life, Woodcox pours his creativity into expanding the Shadow Casters universe, weaving together complex characters, intricate magic systems, and themes of friendship and self-discovery. His enthusiasm for the series shines through not just as its author, but as its biggest fan, eager for readers to join him on this journey through the land of Malgar.Previously recorded: Febuary 01, 2025

Join the Author Queen Lattifa Bryant as she sits down with Alan Freedman, exploring the story behind his empowering book "I'm Every Woman."

In this thought-provoking episode, Freedman shares his journey from evangelical church leader to advocate for change, discussing his personal transformation through what he calls a "divine heart transplant."

The conversation weaves through societal double standards, authenticity, and the power of understanding. Discover why Freedman chose to write a celebration of women globally and hear his unique perspective on creating positive change. Features Freedman's works: "I'm Every Woman," "My Weekly Walk," "The Walk," and his latest release "Till Death Do Us Part."

Author Bio Alan has been writing in both Canada and the United States for over one half a century. His most notable works include authoring four books, The Walk, My Weekly Walk, I’m Every Woman, and ‘Til Death Do Us Part as well as being invited by Authority Magazine to write How To Learn To Believe In Yourself. His genre style is focused on challenging readers to become the best version of themselves, oftentimes calling them to muster the courage to question what they believe to be true as to a deeply contentious and hotly debated matter. As Alan asks, “If everything you now believe to be true were a lie-when would you want to know”? Time: 35 minutes

Released: November 16, 2024

This week we're sitting down with Cathey Law, author of Out from the Shadows: Invisible No More and licensed professional counselor. After decades in corporate America, Cathey made a bold switch to counseling at 46. We dive into honest conversations about faith, therapy, and how the shadows we live in – from self-doubt to impostor syndrome – can hold us back. Join us for real talk about mental health, workplace wellness, and what it actually takes to step into your purpose.

Cathey Law is a licensed professional counselor, author, and former HR/DEI executive. Find her on Instagram @counselorcathey or at catheywlaw.com