In this episode, Southern Belle and Maritza share exciting updates, including new book releases and a special charity mission. Maritza announces a new novella series and discusses the use of a pen name for book differentiation. The hosts explore language and cultural differences, share personal experiences, and discuss the significance of tattoos and piercings. Additionally, Maritza announces the pre-order availability of her new book, The Crystal Princess.

Follow us on Instagram:
Southern Belle: @southernbellebook
Maritza: @maritzabermudezalonso

Chapters

• 00:00 Exciting Updates and Book Releases
• 01:25 New Novella Series Announcement
• 02:24 Pen Name and Book Differentiation
• 03:49 Book Series Overview
• 07:23 Charity Work and Christmas Mission
• 14:37 Language and Cultural Differences
• 23:08 Tattoos and Piercings
• 25:32 Book Pre-Order Announcement

A stolen fantasy map, an AI scam, and a workplace that turned hostile over a book. This episode dives into what happens when your creative life collides with the real world.

Maritza shares how a map from The Crystal Lands was passed off as someone else’s handmade work, complete with a Gemini watermark still visible. Then Southern Belle tells the story of what happened after coworkers discovered she had published a book inspired by retail life, leading to gossip, intimidation, false complaints, and attempts to silence her.

Together, Southern Belle and Maritza talk about protecting your work, using disclaimers, documenting plagiarism, navigating toxic workplaces, and knowing when “good enough” just isn’t good enough.

If you’re an indie author, creator with a day job, or anyone worried about being judged for what you create, this episode is for you.

Follow us on Instagram:
Southern Belle: @southernbellebook
Maritza: @maritzabermudezalonso

Chapters

• 00:00 Challenges of Self-Publishing
• 02:02 Protecting Creative Work
• 14:07 Workplace Harassment and Bullying
• 23:49 Workplace Harassment
• 26:11 Legal Implications
• 28:08 Writing and Publishing
• 33:38 Lessons Learned

In this episode, Maritza and Southern Belle discuss their writing journeys, the impact of book reviews, the separation of personal and author personas, and the controversy surrounding authors' personal beliefs. They also share insights into the Harry Potter series and the challenges of engaging with ARC readers. The conversation covers the challenges and expectations faced by authors in the publishing industry, including the issue of giving away free copies for reviews, the risks of sharing drafts with readers, and the importance of community support. It also delves into the topic of book-to-movie adaptations and the impact on audience perception.

Follow us on Instagram:
Southern Belle: @southernbellebook
Maritza: @maritzabermudezalonso

Chapters

• 00:00 Writing Journeys and Book Reviews
• 06:33 The Controversy of Personal Beliefs and Author Personas
• 29:59 Engaging with ARC Readers
• 33:18 Challenges of Giving Away Free Copies
• 35:26 Risks of Sharing Drafts with Readers
• 38:32 Community Support and Industry Realities
• 50:17 Book-to-Movie Adaptations

Aqueen Jen on Purpose, AI as a Creative Tool, and Building Digital Products

In this episode of Books, Banter, and Borders, the hosts welcome Nigerian guest Aqueen Jen, a creative strategist, content creator, entrepreneur, and author of the digital book “Manifesto: Purpose Doesn’t Rush,” about purpose, growth, and building life at one’s own pace. Jen explains how she uses AI, especially ChatGPT, to execute her ideas by providing steps, suggestions, and guidance rather than replacing creativity, arguing that it helps people bridge gaps in money, skills, time, or equipment.

The group discusses myths and stigma around AI, including online “witch hunts,” and argues that AI use still requires effort and can aid people with disabilities and limited budgets. They also note that hired professionals may use AI too. Jen shares her experience as a Nigerian author, cultural pressures, using AI for support, and her views on women pursuing their dreams.

Follow us on Instagram:
Aqueen Jen: @aqueenjen_
Maritza: @maritzabermudezalonso
Southern Belle: @southernbellebook

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Welcome and Drinks
00:48 Meet Aqueen Jen
03:09 AI Unlocks Creativity
07:03 AI Myths and Stigma
10:22 Budgeting and DIY Tools
19:16 Nigeria and Writing Journey
22:53 Women and Dream Chasing
25:38 Supportive Partners and AI
29:51 What We’re Reading Now
31:11 Jen’s Digital Products
33:18 AI: Friend or Foe?
33:56 Final Thanks and Wrap

We introduce ourselves, spill the tea on our writing journeys, and share the story of how two writers from different sides of the world became the best kind of friends. Join us as we share motivation and inside tips on how to survive the author’s social media world.

Follow us on Instagram:
Maritza: @maritzabermudezalonso
Southern Belle: @southernbellebook