On Being an Artist, Taking a Risk + Losing Your Audience with Shawna Poliziani

As a bestselling author who has sold over 300,000 books translated into 10 languages, I know a thing or two about publishing. But let me tell you, it wasn’t always this way. My journey started over 12 years ago with a manuscript that was rejected by 19 publishers. Nineteen! Instead of giving up, I made a bold decision: no one was going to decide my story but me. I took control, self-published my book, and turned that first "no" into a thriving literary empire of 10 books (and counting) that have inspired women all over the world.   Looking back, I often wish I had a mentor —a fierce, self-made author who had been there, done that, and could walk me through the self-publishing process. Someone who could have poured me a glass of wine and said, "Girl, here’s how it’s done!"   That dream mentor didn’t exist for me then, but it inspired me to become that person for others now.   Enter Amanda Frances, my fellow self-publishing queen and dear friend. Amanda is a powerhouse who made the bold move to self-publish her book Rich AF after realizing she wanted full ownership of her work (and the royalties that come with it). When she came to me for guidance, I knew her intuition was spot on. Amanda didn’t just publish her book; she crushed it, selling over 100,000 copies and counting, all while keeping every ounce of her creative and financial power.   Together, Amanda and I have proven that self-published books can (and do!) outperform traditionally published titles —even the ones with big budgets and flashy marketing campaigns. In 2021, we joined forces to create Self-Published, a course designed to help women like you take charge, tell their stories, and get their books into the world on their terms.   Today, we’re bringing you a very special episode packed with our best self-publishing secrets, lessons we’ve learned since launching the course, insights on how the publishing landscape continues to evolve, and strategies to stay ahead as a fierce and fabulous female writer.   If you’ve ever dreamed of holding your own book in your hands, this is your sign to make it happen. Enrollment is now open for Self-Published! Join us here and make 2025 the year you claim your spot as a published author. Let’s do this —together.   JOIN SELF-PUBLISHED HERE.

In this brand new inspiring episode of Cara Says It All (formerly Style Your Mind), we’re diving headfirst into your Writer Girlie Era! You already know you’re the main character in your life—but now it’s time to step up, own your story, and share it with the world.   I’ll walk you through how to turn your personal experiences into powerful, relatable writing that connects deeply with your audience. You’ll hear my own journey of serializing my latest book, writing about my post-divorce life, and building a thriving Substack community with 220 paid subscribers—most of whom didn’t even know me before!   This episode is perfect for entrepreneurial women who’ve built a business and now feel the pull to share their story—not just as a side hustle, but as a meaningful extension of their brand. If you’ve been dreaming about starting a blog, writing essays, or eventually publishing a book, this is your sign to start NOW.   Ready to take your writing to the next level? Join my signature program, Literary Queens. It’s designed for bold women like you who are ready to own their voice, craft their story, and build a writing empire on their terms. Spots are limited—don’t wait! Grab your spot here: https://www.carasaysitall.com/literary-queens   Subscribe to My Substack: Read my serialized book, essays, and more at https://caraalwill.substack.com/  

I've been into astrology for as long as I can remember. My mom started reading my horoscope to me in high school, and to this day she still sends it to me regularly. So you can imagine how thrilled I was when I learned that The Astrotwins wanted to come on the show to talk all things cosmic with us! In case you aren't familiar, Ophira and Tali Edut (The AstroTwins) are among the most sought-after astrologers and intuitive advisors of our times. As the longtime resident astrologers for ELLE Magazine and the authors of over 20 books, they are the advisors to a roster of CEOs, celebrities, global leaders and successful entrepreneurs, including Beyonce, Dua Lipa and Emma Roberts. In today's episode, we're discussing their revolutionary IAM system (which makes breaking down your birth chart so easy), how the zodiac plays a role in relationship dynamics, why astrology is your secret weapon when it comes to personal development, and so much more. Connect with the Astrotwins: Follow them on Instagram Buy their new book Check out their website + read your daily horoscope

Make a martini and join me for a juicy conversation with legendary author Catherine Texier, where she talks about her new book, After David, a novel about a divorced writer in her early sixties who begins having casual sex with younger men on dating apps and winds up falling for Jonah, a thirty-something jazz guitarist who gives her a new lease on life. In this episode we dive into the power dynamics of men and women, what it's like to write novels inspired by her own life, and how fantasy informs our relationships. Follow Catherine on Instagram here. Catherine is part of our iconic lineup for this month's nonfiction reading series, The Tortured Bloggers Department, happening Wednesday August 14th in Brooklyn. RSVP here to come see her read!

Enrollment is open for ICONIC. Grab your spot and save $1000 here: https://www.thechampagnediet.com/iconic The best thing - and worst - thing about the online world today? Anyone can create a personal brand. There is more opportunity than ever to build an empire right from your phone that impacts - and earns - millions of dollars. There is also more noise than ever, making it harder and harder to stand out and reach your potential clients. As a successful entrepreneur who has been building her own personal brand in the women's empowerment space for the past 16 years, I know a thing or two about personal branding. I've written and self-published 9 bestelling books that have been translated in 10 languages, coached thousands of women entrepeneurs, and have made a massive impact in on a global scale. In today's episode, I'm sharing my top 3 strategies so that you can take your brand from ordinary to EXTRAordinary and start creating the wealth and impact you deserve. Grab a notebook for this one babe, you're gonna want to take notes!

If you follow me online, then you know how obsessed I am with Substack. I launched my blog there a little over a year ago and it has lit a creative fire in me that has given my writing and my personal brand a whole new life. It's connected me to a whole new community and become a serious source of income for me as well. I decided to bring Linda from the Substack team on the show to share the ins and outs of the platform and answer all your burning questions. In this episode we talk about: What is Substack and how it's different from a regular blog How to earn income on Substack How to cultivate + grow your community The secrets to true Substack succcess Why everyone needs to be on the platform now and so much more. You don't want to miss this! If you want to work with me 1:1 to create and grow your Substack, click here to grab a spot for my mentorship + writing coaching program: https://caraalwill.thrivecart.com/substack-book-coaching/ Read my Substack here. Follow Linda on Substack here.

How fun would it be if your bestie was a relationship therapist? Well that's what today's episode feels like. Grab your favorite drink and get ready to have all your questions answered. I'm chatting with Lauren Walsh, Relationship Therapist + Coach about everything you've ever wanted to know about love. In this episode we cover:   Is everyone a narcissist now? Love bombing vs. genuine interest/passion The power of couples therapy Is it a red flag or is he just human? Can a man really change? How to embrace your life as a single girlie Dating tips for a lover girl in a modern world   Check out Lauren's blog Follow Lauren on Instagram

Today's episode is the shot of espresso you need if you are a creative who's been holding back. I'm talking to Shawna Poliziani, artist and overall baddie about her creative process, what it looks like to reinvent yourself, and how to let go of the need for approval from your audience.  Follow Shawna on Instagram here.

Have you ever been in a toxic relationship? Ever felt gaslit by an ex? Ever felt like you were losing your mind in a breakup? In today's episode, I'm talking to WOMEN author Chloe Caldwell about breakup behavior and how to get your life back after the love of your life becomes your living nightmare. Plus, we'll talk about the reissue of Chloe's cult classic book WOMEN and how ten years later, this story is more real than ever. Order Chloe's book WOMEN here Follow Chloe on Instagram here

You might want to pour a dirty martini before today's convo because we're going IN. I'm chatting with my longtime friend and creator of the Unruly Entrepreneur, Andrea Crowder about the power of Rapid Resolution Therapy, why she decided to start dating God, and what love after divorce looks like for the both of us (Enjoy this spicy and inspiring episode! XO Connect with Andrea