We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Queen Angela Thomas Smith. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with QUEEN ANGELA below.

Hi QUEEN ANGELA , thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Hello everyone, I’m Queen Angela, and I’m thrilled to share the heart and soul behind the #100AuthorsToWatchIn2025 movement—a project that has become profoundly meaningful to me, DA Crew Podcast, and the entire team at the African American Author Literacy Awareness Campaign (AAALAC).

**The Backstory:**
In a time where the stories and histories of Black and Brown communities are increasingly marginalized, we’re taking a stand to spotlight and celebrate the extraordinary talent within these communities. Our mission is clear: to unite and elevate emerging authors, offering them a platform to amplify their voices and ensure their stories are heard globally.

**Why It’s Meaningful:**
This mission is deeply personal and essential because literature is a powerful tool for cultural preservation and transformation. By nurturing diverse voices, we not only enrich the literary world but also protect and promote the narratives that are vital to understanding our collective history and future. Through the #100AuthorsToWatchIn2025 initiative, we are creating a legacy of inclusion that echoes far beyond the page.

**Our Journey Together:**
Through DA Crew Podcast, we are building a multimedia experience where authors’ voices resonate across borders, allowing their stories to be shared through video and audio interviews. Aspiring Authors Magazine further enhances this exposure by providing spotlight features and brand highlights, ensuring these authors gain the recognition they deserve. Available worldwide on platforms like Amazon, Blurb, and MagCloud, our magazine serves as a beacon for literary diversity.

**Our Mission, Vision, and Goals:**
– *Mission:* To unite and elevate emerging authors by fostering a dynamic community that enhances creativity, collaboration, and visibility.
– *Vision:* A diverse literary landscape where new voices are celebrated and empowered to influence readers globally.
– *Goals:* We focus on community building, professional development, and increasing authors’ visibility. This includes creating supportive networks, providing educational workshops, and offering media engagements to broaden their literary reach.

We’re not just promoting authors; we’re creating a vibrant community founded on the 3 C’s of authorship: Connect, Collaborate, and Create. Together, we’re seizing every opportunity to build lasting legacies that inspire and transform.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hello everyone, I’m Angela Thomas Smith, also known as Queen Angela, the Queen of Collaborations. I’m honored to share a bit about myself and the journey that fuels my passion and various endeavors.

Throughout my life, I’ve always been driven by the desire to be the change I want to see in the world. This guiding principle has led me to wear many hats, each one symbolizing my commitment to making a difference and uplifting those around me.

**How I Got Started:**
My journey began with a deep-seated passion for social justice, particularly in advocating for those incarcerated in Texas, Colorado, and Georgia. This mission is not a profession; it’s a calling that I approach with unwavering dedication. Over the years, I have become a voice for those who often go unheard, fighting tirelessly to bring light to their stories and advocating for fairness and reform.

**Creative Works and Offerings:**
In addition to my advocacy work, my creative spirit found its wings through writing. I am the proud author of over 121 books, journals, planners, and calendars. Each publication is crafted with the intent to inspire, motivate, and provide the tools for personal growth and empowerment. My writing journey has been an incredible avenue for sharing stories and creating resources that empower others.

**Media and Community Engagement:**
I extend my outreach through the DA Crew Podcast and Managing Aspiring Authors Magazine, platforms designed to amplify voices and showcase diverse narratives. These platforms are pivotal in curating conversations that matter and offering a stage for emerging talents in the literary world. Notably, these are available globally, ensuring a wide-ranging impact.

**Faith and Service:**
Faith plays a central role in all I do. I am a co-host on the 5AM Servant Leader Prayer Line, which is approaching its fifth anniversary on February 1st, 2025. This initiative is a testament to my commitment to connect with and support others in their spiritual and personal journeys.

**What Sets Me Apart:**
I believe that my unique ability to bring people together—collaborating, innovating, and effecting change—is a defining aspect of my work. The nickname “Queen of Collaborations” is not just a title; it’s a philosophy. I thrive on creating communities that support and uplift, understanding that together, we can achieve far more than any of us can alone.

**Pride and Purpose:**
What I am most proud of is the tangible impact these efforts have had—seeing individuals rise, stories being told, and lives being enriched. It’s a privilege to be a conduit for change, to be able to witness and facilitate growth, healing, and empowerment.

In all my endeavors, I aim to leave a legacy of hope, resilience, and transformation. As I continue this journey, I invite you to join me. Together, let us be the change we seek and create a ripple effect that resonates across the world.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about my work and mission. It’s a journey I cherish, and I look forward to the continued impact we can achieve collectively.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Nurturing Creativity: How Society Can Support Artists and Foster a Thriving Creative Ecosystem

In an ever-evolving world, the importance of artists and creatives remains paramount. They challenge norms, inspire change, and bring vibrancy to our lives. However, building a thriving creative ecosystem requires intentional support from various sectors, including government bodies, educational institutions, communities, and private enterprises. Here’s how society can rise to the occasion and bolster our creative communities.

Financial Support and Accessibility

One of the most direct ways to support artists is through financial assistance. Establishing more funding opportunities, such as grants, scholarships, and fellowships, ensures that artists can focus on their craft without the constant stress of financial instability. Additionally, providing affordable spaces for creation and performance is crucial. Subsidized rent for studios, galleries, and theaters can significantly ease the burden on creatives, allowing them to flourish.

Education and Engagement

Investing in arts education is another fundamental step. By integrating robust arts programs from primary to higher education, society not only nurtures future artists but also cultivates an appreciation for the arts among young generations. Beyond the classroom, encouraging community engagement through local events, festivals, and public art projects fosters a culture that celebrates creativity and innovation.

Policy and Rights

A supportive legislative environment is essential for nurturing the arts. Developing public policies that protect artists’ rights, such as copyright laws, and advocating for artistic freedom and expression play pivotal roles in building a secure and encouraging creative ecosystem.

Visibility and Platforms

Providing platforms—both physical and digital—that enhance the visibility of artists is vital. Showcasing talent through exhibitions, media broadcasts, and online platforms helps artists connect with broader audiences and gain the recognition they deserve. Such visibility can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations.

Collaboration and Innovation

Facilitating networking and collaboration among artists, industries, and other sectors can lead to pioneering projects. Cross-disciplinary initiatives not only expand audiences but also bring fresh perspectives to traditional forms of art. Encouraging innovative business models, such as social enterprises and cooperatives, prioritizes creative growth and sustainability.

Resource Access and Mentorship

Empowering artists with access to resources—be it materials, technology, or training—enables them to pursue excellence. Furthermore, establishing mentorship programs where seasoned artists guide emerging talents can foster a sense of community and shared growth.

Cultural Equity

Promoting cultural equity by ensuring diverse voices are represented is imperative. This involves creating specific support mechanisms for underrepresented communities in the arts, ensuring inclusivity and representation across the creative spectrum.

A thriving creative ecosystem is within reach if society commits to these comprehensive strategies. By supporting artists in their professional endeavors and enriching the cultural landscape, we can stimulate economic growth and contribute immeasurably to the human experience. In nurturing creativity, we lay the groundwork for a brighter, more innovative future.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Absolutely. One aspect that non-creatives might find challenging to understand about the journey of a creative is the deeply personal nature of the creative process and the vulnerability it often entails. Creativity isn’t just about producing art, writing, or any other form of expression; it’s about putting a part of oneself out into the world for others to see, critique, and interpret. This can be incredibly rewarding, but also daunting and emotionally complex.

The Intensity of Inspiration and Process
Creativity often comes in waves of inspiration that can be unpredictable. Non-creatives might not fully grasp how a creative person can be completely engrossed in their work at one moment and then encounter a period of drought where inspiration seems elusive. The creative process involves intense emotional and mental engagement, where ideas are constantly evolving and being refined. This can lead to late nights and long hours of immersion that may seem unusual to those outside this world.

The Pressure of Originality
There is always an underlying pressure to be original and innovative. Creators often strive to produce something unique that stands apart, which can be a significant source of stress. The pursuit of originality requires a willingness to take risks and challenge conventions, which might not immediately result in success but is crucial for growth and innovation.

Rejection and Feedback
Receiving feedback and dealing with rejection are integral parts of a creative’s journey. While constructive criticism is valuable, it can be hard to separate feedback on one’s work from personal identity due to the close connection between the creator and their creation. Non-creatives might not realize how personal and impactful this feedback is, and how much resilience is required to keep pushing forward despite setbacks.

Value and Validation
The struggle for validation and the quest to have one’s work valued—both monetarily and intellectually—are challenges creatives face regularly. Society sometimes undervalues creative work, leading to difficulties in finding financial sustainability. Creatives must often justify the worth of their creations and fight for fair compensation, which can be discouraging.

The Joy of Creation
Despite these challenges, the joy and fulfillment that come from creating something meaningful outweigh the difficulties for many creatives. There is an intrinsic satisfaction in giving form to ideas and emotions, and in connecting with others through one’s work. This sense of fulfillment and purpose is something that fuels the passion to create, again and again.

By sharing these insights, I hope to offer non-creatives a glimpse into the world of a creative—highlighting both its challenges and its profound rewards. Understanding this journey can foster appreciation and support for creatives, enriching both individual lives and the broader culture.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://aspiringauthorsmagazine.godaddysites.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelaqueenofcollaboration/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QueenofCollabrations/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/founderofaspiringauthorsmagazine/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dacrewpodcastmedianetwork
• Other: www.linktr.ee/queenofcollaborations

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