About angela thomas smith:
The Voice that Inspires Through Pages and Podcasts**
I’m Angela Thomas Smith, and you might know me as the author behind a diverse collection encompassing over 123 books, planners, and journals, as well as a voice that echoes through poems and discussions on my podcast. When I’m not immersed in creating literary landscapes, I curate compelling storylines as a magazine editor, always aiming to bring new perspectives and deep insights to our everyday narratives.
My journey in the literary and creative worlds is driven by a deep-seated passion for storytelling that began in my early childhood. From penning down whimsical stories as a young girl to developing intricate plots that resonate with adults, the process of transforming blank pages into vivid realities has always fascinated me.
Each story I write, every poem I compose, and each discussion I host is an invitation for you to join me on a journey of exploration and empowerment. My writing spans various genres, aiming to cater not only to the entertainer inside you but also to the thinker, the dreamer, and the doer. Whether it is a planner to organize your thoughts or a journal that serves as a sanctuary for your deepest reflections, my goal is to be a part of your life’s journey, offering you tools and stories that encourage and inspire.
Beyond the written word, my role as a podcast host lets me reach out directly to you, bringing together thought leaders, creatives, and visionaries to discuss issues that matter. In each episode, we dive into discussions that challenge our perceptions and push the boundaries of ordinary thinking.
As a magazine editor, I have the privilege of shaping stories that are not only informative and enlightening but also immensely relatable. My editorial work reflects my commitment to quality and my desire to bring forward stories that need to be told, in a format that respects both the subject and the reader.
Join me in this endless quest for knowledge and personal growth through books that heal, entertain, and enlighten. Let’s discover together, laugh and perhaps shed a tear or two, as we turn each page of life’s book.
Thank you for choosing to embark on this literary and creative journey with me. Your curiosity, enthusiasm, and relentless pursuit of knowledge make this all the more rewarding. Let's continue to inspire and be inspired, one page, and one episode at a time.
What inspires you to write?
Life experiences.
What authors do you read when you aren’t writing?
THERE ARE MANY BUT MY TOP 5 ARE
1. Toni Morrison
2. Maya Angelou
3. Zora Neale Hurston
4. Alice Walker
5. Octavia Butler
Tell us about your writing process.
Unveiling My Writing Process: The Freedom of Spontaneity
Hello to all aspiring writers and curious readers out there! I’m Angela Thomas Smith, and if there's one thing you should know about my approach to writing, it's delightfully straightforward: I just write.
For me, writing is less about rigid structures or elaborate rituals and more about the genuine act of expression. The beauty of creativity is in its spontaneity and the natural flow of ideas, and that’s exactly how I approach my craft. When inspiration strikes—whether it's in the quiet early hours of the morning, amidst the hustle and bustle of a coffee shop, or as the world settles into the silence of night—I seize my tools and pour my thoughts onto paper.
Here’s a little insight into what makes my writing tick:
**1. Embracing Inspiration:** I enthusiastically embrace moments of inspiration, believing that the best ideas come when least expected. I rely on the spontaneity of thoughts that arrive unbidden, often triggered by a conversation, a walk in the park, or even the simple act of people-watching.
**2. No Pressure, Just Pleasure:** My approach is all about enjoying the process without the pressure. I don’t set word counts or strict deadlines for my personal projects. This freedom allows creativity to blossom without boundaries, producing organic and heartfelt content that resonates with my readers.
**3. Tools that Travel with Me:** Always prepared for when inspiration strikes, I keep my tools simple and portable—a notebook and a pen, or a digital notepad. This helps me jot down ideas as they come, wherever I am.
**4. Reflect and Revise:** While my initial drafts are spontaneous, I dedicate ample time to reflection and revision. Revisiting my work with fresh eyes allows me to refine and enhance the narrative, ensuring that the final product maintains the integrity of the raw emotions but with polished clarity.
**5. Feedback Loop:** Engaging with a community of trusted readers and fellow writers provides me with invaluable feedback. This not only helps hone my work but also keeps me grounded and connected to my audience.
This straightforward, pressure-free approach has not only sustained my prolific output—over 123 books and countless other projects—but has also kept my passion for writing alive and burning brightly. I write as I live—embracing each moment, welcoming the unexpected, and always, always moving forward with a pen in my hand.
For all of you embarking on your creative journeys, remember that sometimes, "just writing" is more than enough. Trust in your ideas, and let them flow freely. You might be surprised at just how much you have to say.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
As a fiction writer, my characters often feel as real to me as people I might encounter on the street. For "Concrete Souls: Nurturing The Resilience Within," set in the vibrant yet challenging environment of Myrtle Beach, this sense of reality is immensely crucial for crafting a believable and engaging narrative.
**Listening to and Talking with Characters:**
### Listening to Characters
In the process of writing "Concrete Souls," I find myself not just creating characters but truly listening to them. Each character, especially Shae Monroe, carries a unique voice that demands to be heard. When I’m deep in the writing process, it feels as though I'm not dictating their actions or words, but rather taking dictation from them. This approach helps in fleshing out nuanced personalities and reactions that are authentic to their individual experiences. Shae, with her sharp tongue and tough exterior, often surprises me with her depth of emotion and complexity.
### Talking to Characters
Talking to my characters is an integral part of my writing process. This might involve me posing questions to Shae or Warniesha, trying to understand their motivations or how they might react in certain situations. This dialogue, though internal, assists in exploring different facets of their character and in refining the storyline to make their actions and reactions as credible as possible.
### Drawing from Real Life
Much like how real conversations with people can be unpredictable and revelatory, my interactions with my characters can lead the story in directions I hadn’t originally planned. Much of Shae’s character, for example, is influenced by real-life individuals who I've met while living in urban settings like Myrtle Beach. These real experiences lend authenticity to the characters’ voices, making them resonate more profoundly with the reader.
In "Concrete Souls," Shae and Warniesha's stories are not just products of imagination but are deeply inspired by genuine human struggles and resilience. Their journey through pain, trauma, and eventual healing mirrors countless real stories, and by listening to and talking with these characters, I strive to honor those true experiences.
This method of engaging deeply with my characters enriches the narrative, making it a more vivid, empathetic, and dynamic exploration of life's complexities. It challenges me as a writer to delve deeper, push boundaries, and explore the intricacies of human emotions and relationships more fully. As these characters continue to speak and respond, the story of "Concrete Souls" weaves a rich tapestry of resilience and redemption that I hope resonates with readers just as profoundly as it does with me.
What advice would you give other writers?
1. **Read Widely and Often**: Great writers are often voracious readers. Expand your horizons by reading across genres, styles, and cultures. This not only exposes you to different writing styles and narrative structures but also deepens your understanding of various subjects, enhancing your own writing.
2. **Write Regularly**: Regular writing sharpens your skills and helps maintain a creative rhythm. Whether it’s setting a daily word count goal or dedicating certain hours of the day to write, consistency is key. Remember, practice doesn’t make perfect, but it does make progress.
3. **Embrace Revision**: Writing is rewriting. Don’t be dismayed if your first draft isn’t perfect—no one’s ever is. The art of writing is largely in the revising, where you refine your thoughts, sharpen your language, and deepen your narratives.
4. **Seek Feedback and Be Open to Critique**: Engage with a community of writers and readers who can offer constructive criticism of your work. Honest feedback is invaluable, allowing you to see your writing from different perspectives and improve accordingly.
5. **Study the Craft**: Keep learning about writing. Whether through formal education, workshops, or reading books on writing, understanding the tools and techniques of the craft can profoundly impact your work. Knowledge of elements like pacing, character development, dialogue, and scene setting is crucial.
6. **Deal with Rejection Constructively**: Rejection is an inevitable part of a writer’s life. Use it as a learning experience rather than a setback. Analyze the feedback, if provided, and use it to better your writing. Remember, every successful writer has faced numerous rejections.
7. **Find Your Voice**: While it’s helpful to draw inspiration from other writers, it’s important to find and nurture your unique writing voice. This distinguishes your work and speaks truest to who you are as a writer.
8. **Take Care of Yourself**: Writing can be mentally taxing. It’s important to prioritize your physical and mental health. Regular breaks, physical exercise, and social interactions can rejuvenate your mind and body, giving you the stamina to keep creating.
9. **Set Realistic Goals**: Whether you aim to write a certain number of words a day or submit a manuscript by a certain date, setting goals can provide motivation and a sense of direction. However, make sure these goals are achievable and flexible.
10. **Believe in Your Work**: Confidence plays a critical role in a writer’s journey. Have faith in your capabilities and in the value of your stories. Your unique experiences and perspectives are what will resonate with readers.
Writing is as much about persistence and passion as it is about skill. Keep pushing forward, refining your technique, and telling the stories that matter most to you.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
When deciding how to publish, the journey often begins with personal experiences and the challenges encountered along the way. Here’s a concise narrative of my decision-making process and how I transitioned to self-publishing:
Initially, like many authors, I sought assistance from others in the publishing industry. Unfortunately, this path led to some frustrating experiences. I faced significant setbacks after being taken advantage of by someone I had trusted. The predicament highlighted the darker side of the traditional publishing industry, where vulnerabilities can sometimes be exploited.
Motivated by these adverse experiences and the considerable costs charged by intermediaries, I resolved that I could handle many of these publishing tasks on my own. This realization was pivotal. It wasn’t just about saving money but also about taking control and ensuring the quality and integrity of my work.
Learning the ropes of self-publishing was no small feat. However, it equipped me with invaluable skills and a comprehensive understanding of the publishing process—from formatting and cover design to marketing and distribution. This education was worth every moment of effort, proving that with the right knowledge, one can manage their publishing needs effectively.
Now, with over 123 books, journals, and planners to my name, my journey has come full circle. I am passionate about sharing the knowledge I've acquired. Starting in 2025, I will be offering courses to teach others how to self-publish their books. The courses, starting at $500, are designed to empower aspiring authors to take charge of their publishing journey and to pay forward the lessons learned by helping others navigate the complex landscape of book publishing.
This transition to teaching embodies the ethos of learning and empowerment, ensuring that authors not only retain full control over their creative outputs but also contribute positively to a growing community of independent writers.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
The future of book publishing appears to be both dynamic and constantly evolving, driven by technological advancements, shifts in reader preferences, and innovative economic models. The continued proliferation of digital platforms highlights a significant trend, with e-books and online reading materials becoming increasingly prevalent due to their convenience and accessibility. Despite this digital surge, physical books maintain a cherished place in the market for their tactile appeal and collectability, suggesting a future where print and digital coexist rather than compete.
Additionally, the rise of self-publishing, facilitated by more accessible and user-friendly tools, is democratizing the publishing industry, allowing more authors to bypass traditional routes and bring diverse voices and stories to the forefront. This trend is complemented by the emergence of hybrid publishing models, which blend traditional publisher services with the autonomy of self-publishing, offering tailored support to independent authors.
Direct engagement with readers through social media and other direct-to-consumer platforms is becoming a critical strategy for authors and publishers. This engagement not only enables personalized marketing but also helps in understanding and catering to reader preferences more effectively. Moreover, the popularity of audiobooks and multimedia content is on the rise, pointing towards a future where publishing includes a variety of formats beyond traditional reading.
The industry is also becoming increasingly global, with technology breaking down geographic and linguistic barriers, thus expanding the market potential for books across international lines. Subscription models are emerging as a popular choice among readers, reminiscent of digital streaming services like Netflix, providing unlimited access to a broad array of titles at a fixed price.
Sustainability is another crucial factor shaping the future of publishing, with the industry facing pressure to adopt eco-friendly practices in book production and distribution. As the landscape continues to shift, publishers, authors, and readers alike will need to navigate these changes, which promise to make the literary world more inclusive, diverse, and accessible than ever before.
What genres do you write?: FICTION, NONFICTION, INSIPRATIONALS, DEVOTIONALS, POETRY, URBAN LIT
What formats are your books in?: Both eBook and Print
Website(s)
angela thomas smith Home Page Link
Link To angela thomas smith Page On Amazon
Your Social Media Links
Goodreads
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All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit to allow you the reader to hear the author in their own voice.
