Introduction:

• Welcome to another episode of West Virginia Uncommonplace Interviews and Sessions. Today, JR Sparrow is joined by the multi-talented Randy Atkins.
• Randy shares his diverse background and how his experiences as a corporate consultant, ordained minister, community leader, and toastmaster have shaped his journey.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Randy's Diverse Background:
   • Randy talks about his journey and how his roles have influenced his perspective on life and purpose.
   • Emphasis on waking up with joy and living authentically.
2. Book Discussion - "Produced on Purpose: Experience Life Being the Real You":
   • Central message of the book: Living from the inside out and not being influenced by external circumstances.
   • Randy shares his inspiration for writing the book, focusing on helping people overcome feelings of despair and find joy every day.
   • The metaphor of life as a movie, encouraging readers to be the producers of their own lives rather than actors following someone else’s script.
3. Impact of the Book:
   • Randy shares a touching story about a reader who found strength and direction during a job transition through the book.
   • Feedback from readers highlights the transformative power of connecting with one's purpose and God.
4. Integrating Spiritual Growth into Everyday Life:
   • Importance of recognizing oneself as a tri-part being: body, soul, and spirit.
   • Practical tools for spiritual growth: prayer, meditation, and journaling.
5. Podcasting Journey - "Produced on Purpose" Podcast:
   • Randy discusses his motivation for starting the podcast to further share his message of joy and purposeful living.
   • Key episodes and messages, including "I Fired My Ego," emphasizing the importance of dismissing negative thoughts.
6. Inspiration and Leadership:
   • Randy explains how to inspire and lead by example, emphasizing the importance of communicating vision and delegating tasks based on team members' strengths.
   • The concept of servant leadership: serving up, serving in, and serving forward.
7. Living Authentically:
   • Challenges of living authentically and the concept of fallacy.
   • Steps to self-discovery and authenticity: removing masks, understanding one's gifts, and aligning with one's true purpose.
8. Creating Lasting Change:
   • Randy's passion for creating lasting change through writing, teaching, and speaking.
   • Reflection on how he feels at the end of the day, being true to himself and the importance of daily reflection and journaling.

Closing Thoughts:

• JR reflects on the powerful insights shared by Randy Atkins and expresses interest in future collaborations.
• Encouragement for listeners to reflect on their own lives and consider how they can start living authentically and with purpose.

Call to Action:

• Follow Randy Atkins for more inspiration and insights:
  • Website: Randy Atkins Official Website
  • Podcast: "Produced on Purpose" available on major podcast platforms.
  • Book: "Produced on Purpose: Experience Life Being the Real You" available on Amazon and other book retailers.

Outro:

• Thank you for tuning in to this episode of West Virginia Uncommonplace Interviews and Sessions. Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations with movers and shakers from around the world.

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode, J.R. Sparrow sits down with Michelle DeFilippo, the founder of 1106 Design, to discuss the intricacies of self-publishing and the book publishing industry. With over 50 years of experience, Michelle shares her journey, insights, and the evolution of self-publishing since the inception of her company in 2001. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring authors, self-publishers, and anyone interested in the world of book publishing.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Michelle’s Journey in the Book Publishing Industry:
   • How Michelle got started in the publishing industry over 50 years ago.
   • The evolution of self-publishing and the founding of 1106 Design in 2001.
2. The Inspiration Behind 1106 Design:
   • The original self-publishing model and how it benefits authors.
   • Challenges posed by modern hybrid publishers and self-publishing companies.
3. Common Misconceptions About Self-Publishing:
   • The perceived need for traditional publishers.
   • The pitfalls of do-it-yourself publishing and the benefits of professional help.
4. Typical Self-Publishing Process with 1106 Design:
   • Step-by-step walkthrough of the services provided by 1106 Design.
   • Ensuring high-quality and professionally designed books.
5. Financial Benefits of Self-Publishing:
   • Comparing net revenue from self-publishing with traditional publishing.
   • The importance of maintaining control and maximizing earnings.
6. Quality and Creative Control:
   • Ensuring high standards through experienced professionals.
   • Authors’ creative control and ownership of their work.
7. Overcoming Common Self-Publishing Challenges:
   • Addressing feelings of overwhelm and misinformation.
   • Affordable marketing solutions and ongoing support from 1106 Design.
8. Future of Book Publishing:
   • Predictions on the evolution of the publishing industry.
   • The importance of quality in self-published books.
9. Personal Insights and Upcoming Projects:
   • Michelle’s personal motivation and passion for books.
   • Exciting recent projects and the high standards upheld by 1106 Design.

Shameless Plug:

Visit 1106 Design to learn more about their services, view design samples, read educational blog posts, and download a free copy of "Publish Like The Pros". Reach out to Michelle and her team through the contact form for a respectful, no-pressure consultation.

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• Twitter: @wvcommonplace
• Facebook: West Virginia and Commonplace

Listen Now:

Tune in to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

Contact:

For inquiries or to be a guest on the show, email us at contact@wvcommonplace.com.

Disclaimer:

The opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest and host and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast platform or sponsors.

Host: JR

Guest: Beth Dudzik, Accomplished Author

Summary:
In this episode of West Virginia UnCommonplace, JR sits down with Beth Dudzik, an accomplished author hailing from Westchester County, New York. Beth shares her vibrant journey growing up in the dynamic music scene of the 1970s and 80s, her evolution from a passionate music enthusiast to a self-published author, and the inspiration behind her captivating book series, the Perfection Saga. Dive into Beth's fascinating world where rock and roll meets romance, and learn about her unique approach to storytelling that has been years in the making.

Key Points:

• Beth's Early Life:
  • Grew up in Westchester County, NY, near New York City.
  • Immersed in the rock'n'roll club scene during the 70s and 80s.
  • Formed lifelong connections with musicians and experienced a vibrant music culture.
• Journey to Writing:
  • Beth's story lived in her mind for 25 years, influenced by her music scene experiences.
  • One band from her era, Twisted Sister, made it big, inspiring part of her writing.
  • Self-publishing journey and finding a legitimate publishing consultant.
• The Perfection Saga:
  • Began as a single book, now expanded to a five-part series.
  • Explores the evolution of the music industry over two decades.
  • Integrates themes of hard rock, romance, and personal growth.
  • Touches on topics like self-publishing, owning creative rights, and the importance of marketing.
• Beth's Unique Writing Process:
  • Describes her inspiration as turning on a water faucet, with ideas flowing effortlessly.
  • Incorporates real-life experiences into her fiction.
  • Advocates for retaining rights and warns against fraudulent self-publishing schemes.
• Future Plans:
  • Second book release anticipated in August.
  • Plans to attend major book festivals in Brooklyn, Nashville, Decatur, Austin, and Portland.
  • Aims for her series to potentially be adapted into a limited series on platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime.

Quotes:

• "The universe was giving me signals for three years, telling me to write the book."
• "My characters' story came in color, and it flowed through me like a water faucet."

Where to Find Beth Dudzik:

• Website: Perfection Saga
• Amazon: Playing Hard: Perfection Saga
• Social Media:
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • TikTok
  • Threads
  • X (Twitter)

Closing Message:
Beth Dudzik's mission is to revolutionize readers' minds through her compelling characters and immersive storytelling. Her books, rich with music and romance, offer a unique journey that enhances readers' musical tastes and mental space. Join Beth as she shares her passion for rock and roll and her dedication to authentic storytelling.

Listener Call to Action:
Tune in to this inspiring episode, grab a copy of Beth Dudzik's first book on Amazon, and follow her journey across social media. Don't miss out on future episodes of West Virginia & Commonplace for more incredible interviews and stories.