We had the good fortune of connecting with Robin Chappell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Robin, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Perseverance and determination HAS been an important part of who I am for as long as I can remember. My parents and military career constantly instilled these qualities in me. I was so excited to write my first book and actually hold it inside of my hands. I felt like I gained the official title of “author” and couldn’t wait to let the world know! I also recall how expensive it felt to chase my dreams and self-publish. Publishing packages normally cost thousands of dollars WITHOUT marketing services. I felt lost on how to affordably promote my book on my own, and went through an extensive learning journey with each one that I published. Now that I have published and written my third book, I know it is time for me to help other aspiring self-published authors, and I would love to assist them with achieving that same excited and hopeful feeling, plus more! Starting Write Away Publishing Company gave me the leverage to guide independent authors into a more confident and focused vision that caters to their success. I don’t want dollar amounts to be the reason great talent goes to waste or is constantly out on standby. I am passionate about writing and want to help authors create and maintain that same passion for the unlimited success of their work!

What should our readers know about your business?
What sets Write Away Publishing Company apart from others is that we aren’t just taking money from authors and sending them off with a box of printed books and nothing to show for it. We are professional, understanding, and caring when it comes to handling your project. We each endeavor like our own. We excel at providing social media content and gaining attention BEFORE your book is released, and we prepare authors for the self-publishing world through coaching, public speaking workshops, and marketing that is included within our publishing packages and not an extra “surprise fee”. I take the most pride in assisting those within the Black community and who have important stories to tell. They have come to me about not knowing where to begin, as well as the fear of doubt and telling their stories in front of others. We breakdown each issue and concern with our authors and help them see their full potential and become their best. I like to think of it as self-publishing assistance paired with coaching! Getting to where I am today didn’t come with instructions or coaching. I guided myself the entire way and researched the market, other self-publishing companies, the number of Black owned publishing companies, and had to learn the business aspect of publishing as an artist, which required many late nights of reading and headaches. I overcame by having fun with everything and putting myself into a more relaxed mode with finding the information I needed. I don’t like stressing or exhausting my spirit and always strive to pace myself the same way I would tell my authors. That really helped in the long run, as well as giving myself room to make mistakes, revise my mission several times, and find out what I was truly good at. The lessons I have learned about owning a business and about myself are priceless. I recognized and conquered the bad habits that were holding me back, like procrastinating, seeking perfection, and doubting my journey. I was hiding too much before and now it’s exactly what I teach my clients NOT TO DO when their story is worth telling! We too often stick to something only a month or so, and when the results can’t be seen, we’re ready to give it all up and move on to the next best thing. Learning about focus and commitment is what brought me this far and what will carry me through to the finish line! I want the world to know that anything is possible, no matter what or WHO tried to hold you back from it. I’ve gone through a sexual assault while serving in the military, domestic abuse, and toxic relationships with others, as well as with myself when I battled depression and nearly took my own life. I crawled from the darkness of that hole with my bare hands, years of therapy, and great family support with humbled heart; and through God and my faith, I vowed to live my life in the best way possible, never look back, and show others they too can succeed through tumultuous circumstances! All you need is YOU!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had a best friend visit Atlanta, I would definitely take them to the Atlanta Botanical Garden. It happens to be an all time favorite for my daughter and I, and we love the different floral displays and presentations that change with each season. The restaurants I would take them to visit would be Bar Taco, Raw Sushi, Cajun Bone’s, and This Is It. We’d also visit The Underground, ride the Ferris wheel at Piedmont Park, and walk around and shop the Ponce Market! I would then take them to Atlantic Station, and make sure we do a nice hike at Stone Mountain.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to shout out my team mate, best friend and husband, Corey Thompson. I’d also like to shout out those most responsible for catering to my passion since BIRTH, my wonderful parents Robert and Susan Chappell, and my little brother Robert Chappell. As well as my Godparents Synthia and Greg Jones! Last but not least, the reason I rise and strive everyday is because of my BEAUTIFUL children Harmony Grace and Corey Jr.! I love you all and thank you for the infinite inspiration and love! Always!

Website: www.writeawaypublishing.com

Instagram: @robinlchappell

Linkedin: Robin Chappell

Twitter: @PublishingAway

Facebook: www.facebook.com/robinlchappell

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCU9q9BGwnRQJ21evLujyHsg

Other: www.authorrobinchappell.com

Image Credits
Credits: Jeno Uche Photography

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