The Empowered Press

15/07/2024

Although I DO NOT recommend fragmenting oneself the way I have done the last seven years—graduating with a BA, writing a memoir, earning a double masters, running three publishing imprints, moving across the country, starting a bookstore pop up, opening a brick and mortar bookstore, coffee shop, wine bar all while enrolled in another Masters program (MFA)—I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. This is the beginning of the end of my MFA—the first of three thesis courses where I will refine my 90k word manuscript and present it to my thesis advisor and dean of my college in March of 2025. I will then officially earn my Master of Fine Arts in Creative Fiction, with a concentration in Contemporary Women’s Fiction. I started this journey in 2022 and of course have taken several detours.

But I never gave up.

Ive ugly cried more than once, screamed when no one was listening nearly every day—but I continue to persevere.

I know, I must look like a ridiculous fool to most of you, and perhaps I am but my foolishness and overzealous behavior, I belive, will pay off one day. Above all, I have learned so much and love that I’ve been able to implement said lessons into my daily adventures.

Here’s to never giving up—but also never fragmenting myself like this again!

Xoxo-Jill

07/07/2024

When a new customer comes into your small indie bookstore, has no idea you’re a publisher, and purchases two of your authors’ titles…I love my authors (and my bookstore and my customers!). Barbara Legere and Lainey Oslin.

06/05/2024

And then I found this circulating IG...

(sorry not sorry...you're gonna see lots of stuff--please don't be mean. If someones excitement bothers you, keep scrolling)

06/05/2024

Sometimes Googling your business can be nerve wracking (cuz people can be mean!)...but today was a good GOOGLE day! After a STELLAR soft opening weekend, Margin Notes Booksellers is buzzing around EL PASO! LOVED happening upon this shoutout this morning in TO DO EL PASO!

This bookstore/ coffee&wine shop is opening in The Canyons! It’s such a cute space, and will have an area with children’s books, where kiddos can also sit and read while mamas enjoy a cup of coffee or wine! Soft opening is this weekend! Wine won’t start being poured till the 14th, but yall be ...

12/03/2024

For Women’s History Month, we’re revisiting a piece honoring Gloria Steinem - the glue that has held the Women’s movement together for 50 years. Learn how she’s continuing to speak up and speak out, breaking the silence for women everywhere.

Follow the link in our bio to read the full essay.📝❤️

Written by Adrienne Monestere
Originally published Sep 24, 2022

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08/03/2024

Happy International Women’s Day!🥰

Our very own Jill Carlyle wrote an essay to honor this special holiday that combines a little bit of history, a few of her own anecdotes, and a call to action for everyone reading. Link in bio!❤️💃🏼

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01/03/2024

The Empowered Press is built on our promise to give voice to the stories that matter. To kick off Women’s History Month, we’re giving a voice to these books written by women, about women, and for women.❤️🎉📚

This month empowers women to share their stories and encourages us to remember the history of women who fought for the right to do so. Not only do these stories shine a light on incredibly important stories about women experiencing and learning from the world, but their authors have each dedicated themselves to breaking the silence so often forced on women.

Which titles would you add to this list?🧐

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29/02/2024

Calling all ☎️ We’ve got a new writing prompt comp for you in honor of Leap Year!

Comment with your flash fiction piece and the winner will get a story feature on the page!🎉 The winner will be selected by the EP editorial team and announced on Monday (March 4th) at 12pm PST.

We can’t wait to see what you all come up with - have fun!❤️

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21/02/2024

Today’s inspiration.📝✨

How does your life inspire your writing?

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20/02/2024

Join us weekdays for our one hour Morning Meetings on Zoom to elevate your writing and grow your community!📝

The Writers Roundtable is your one-stop-shop for everything you need in a writing group. At our morning meetings you’ll find creative space to write and a community that will hold you accountable.❤️

Sign up with the link in our bio and take the first step toward unlocking the full potential of your stories.✨

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09/02/2024

Today we’re featuring , author of 49 Days: The Psychedelic Discoveries of Jenni P. Perkins Psychonaut Scientist (launching February 13th - in just 4 days)!🍄🔬✨

Shuna has previously published three non-fiction books on The BodyMind Bridge System of Self-Healing ( ), but 49 Days is her first novel! Right now, there is an upwelling of research that points to the incredible benefits of psychedelic medicines, and this is what inspired her to write the story of Jenni P. Perkins—a brilliant young neuroanatomist who discovers the out-of-the-box information she can access when these medicines usher her into her deeper consciousness. 49 Days is a story for these times, filled with magical moments and also with real science regarding this mushrooming topic! Her hope is that people will be entertained while learning about the benefits and the correct and safe use of these amazing plant medicine molecules.🍄👩‍🔬

📚Her favorite books:
-Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
-How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan
-DMT The Spirit Molecule by Rick Strassman, MD
-Braided Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
-Untethered Soul by Michael Singer

📖What she’s currently reading:
-How Psychedelics Can Help Change the World by Stephen Gray
-Swimming in the Sacred: Wisdom from the Psychedelic Underground by Rachel Harris, PhD

When she’s not absorbed in writing her second “Jenni” book, she’s frolicking in forests or mountains near her home in Washington state— or on a road trip in her little white hybrid car with her adventurous wife and lots of “road food.”📝🌲

We’re happy to have you as a part of the EP family of authors, Shuna!❤️

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07/02/2024

Calling all ☎️ We’ve got a new writing prompt comp for you!

Comment with your flash fiction piece and the winner will get a story feature on both the page and !🎉 The winner will be selected by the EP editorial team and announced on Friday (February 9th) at 12pm PST.

We can’t wait to see what you all come up with - have fun!❤️

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05/02/2024

✨ Manuscript Monday? ✨

Ready to elevate your writing? One of the benefits of the Writers Roundtable is Manuscript Monday! On the first Monday of each month, members have the opportunity to have their writing workshopped and volunteer to offer constructive feedback to fellow writers. Manuscript Monday is your gateway to a supportive writing community where sharing, growth, and collaboration are at the heart of what we do. Whether you’re in search of solid feedback or ready to take your writing to the next level, we’ve got you covered.

What is the Writers Roundtable all about? The Writers Roundtable writing community facilitates empowered writing, builds community, and helps each member evolve and grow through a mutual connection. We meet every morning for writing time and every Monday and Wednesday evening for workshopping and invaluable lessons in Craft.

🔗 Find the sign-up link in our bio to join the next session and dive into a safe space dedicated to writers like you, navigating the journey together.

Don’t miss out on this chance to connect, share, and grow. Save this post, follow us for more updates on writing and publishing, and take the first step toward unlocking the full potential of your stories.

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31/01/2024

Within the quiet solitude of our thoughts, we weave words into stories.

Alone, we explore the depths of our imagination, crafting narratives in solitary confinement. Yet, the true magic of writing unfolds in its sharing, where our solitary creations transform into communal connections. Embrace this duality: Alone in creation, together in transformation. 📝✨

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29/01/2024

Calling all ☎️ We’ve got a new writing prompt comp for you with details below! Comment your flash fiction piece and the winner will get a story feature on both the page and !🎉 The winner will be selected by the EP editorial team and announced on Wednesday (January 31st) at 12pm PST. Here’s the inspiration for today’s challenge:

Rumor has it (keyword RUMOR) Ernest Hemingway won a bet writing this 6-word story:

“For sale: baby shoes. Never worn.”

What makes this a story? In just six words, “For Sale: Baby Shoes, Never Worn” presents a powerful narrative. It sets a scene and introduces an emotionally charged object – baby shoes. This brief statement juxtaposes the innocence and joy often associated with baby items with the implication of loss, suggested by “Never Worn.” This engages the reader’s imagination, inviting them to fill in the untold story behind these unworn shoes.

The beauty of this story lies in its brevity and the vast emotions it covers without explicit detail. It evokes a strong emotional response and accomplishes what many longer stories strive for - a complete, engaging narrative that resonates deeply with its audience. In its simplicity, it demonstrates the profound power of words and the human capacity to find stories in the smallest of details.

Last week the prompt was to create a joyful scene in 10 words or less. This week we took inspiration from Hemingway to add a bit more of a challenge:

This time, write a complete story in 6 words.
Remember that your story should set a scene, evoke an emotion (your choice this time), and engage the reader.

We can’t wait to see what you all come up with - have fun!❤️

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26/01/2024

Today we’re featuring Jill Carlyle, author of Finding Fifty (out now!) and Her Story So Far (coming 4/30/24)!📚

Jill writes stories that examine women’s identity, sexuality, community, overcoming obstacles, dysfunctional families, the mother/daughter dynamic, midlife, and second-chance romance. She writes stories that women can see themselves in. A space to escape yet feel seen, heard, and validated. Her characters are human; they could be your mother, daughter, best friend, or next-door neighbor.

When you turn the last page and set the story down, you will carry these characters with you forever.

Jill’s favorite quote is one that she coined a few years ago:
“The act of writing is solitary; the art of writing is communal.”

Her all-time favorite book is The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip WIlliams.

We’re happy to have you on the EP team Jill!🎉

24/01/2024

Calling all ☎️ Time for a new competition series! Comment your story below and the winner will get a story feature on both the page and !🎉 The winner will be selected by the EP editorial team, including publisher Jill Carlyle, and announced on Friday at 3pm PT - have fun!❤️

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22/01/2024

Your next read is right around the corner - it’s pre-order time!🎉

Meet Kelsi Jo, a woman with a story I think we can all relate to in some way or another: a world flipped upside down and emerging on the other side an entirely new person - the woman she was always meant to be.✨

Written by Jill Carlyle.❤️

You can read an exclusive unedited excerpt on our Substack to find out how the story originally started and pre-order today to find out how the story evolved on 4/30/24!🎉

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17/01/2024

Today we’re featuring Lainey Oslin, author of her lyrical memoir, I’m Not the Same Again Today (launching 6/18/24 and available for pre-order now)!🌲✨

Lainey has always had a passion for writing, but it truly took off a few years ago when her daughter, “Peach,” set up an Instagram page dedicated to her work ( ). Now even her cat, Gus, posts on her Threads account.😂

📚Her favorite books are:
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Outlander (the series) by Diana Gabaldon

📖And she’s currently reading:
The Lost Queen trilogy by Signe Pike

When she’s not working her 9-5 or writing in her 4-9, you can find her spending time with her newly blended family OR with a pint of ice cream watching a show (right now it’s old seasons of Survivor).

We’re happy to have you on the team, Lainey!❤️

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12/01/2024

🌟✨ Pre-order alert! 📚✨

The countdown is on for the release of Shuna Morelli’s highly anticipated magical realism novel, “49 Days: The Psychedelic Discoveries of Jenni P. Perkins Psychonaut Scientist.”🍄

Embark on a mind-bending journey where science intertwines with psychedelia. Join Jenni P. Perkins on her quest for knowledge, leading to unexpected twists in a realm where love, discovery, and identity collide!✨

Secure your copy now and dive into the magic!

➡️ Pre-order before January 30th and receive your copy two weeks before Jenni’s official launch day.🚀

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09/01/2024

I am thrilled to once again be In Conversation with Her Voice Publishing (an imprint of Empowered Press) author Shuna Morelli!✨

📆Wednesday, January 10th
⏰1pm PT

📖Dive deep into the mind behind the much-anticipated debut novel “49 Days: The Psychedelic Discoveries of Jenni P. Perkins Psychonaut Scientist.”🍄🧠

Shuna, with her rich background in Integrated Science Education and a passion for plant medicines, promises to take us on a journey exploring the synergy of science and psychedelics! 🌿💫
From her experiences studying with an Amazonian shaman to the creation of the BodyMind Bridge System, Shuna is set to share insights and stories that inspired her fascinating novel.👩‍🔬✨

🌈Get ready to explore themes of identity, the modern psychedelic renaissance, and the empowering story of a female scientist turned psychonaut!🚀
Don’t miss this opportunity to ask your questions and delve deeper into the world of Jenni P. Perkins!🔍

📚49 Days is hitting the shelves on February 13th, 2024 but you can pre-order this incredible story now!

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05/01/2024

We've heard horror stories too.
And the down-right lies about hybrid publishing.

Empowered Press and our two imprints have dismantled the myths surrounding hybrid publishing and crafted a new narrative for authors seeking the perfect blend of traditional perks and creative freedom.

Are you tired of the gatekeepers and challenges posed by traditional publishing or feeling overwhelmed by the self-publishing route? Welcome to Empowered Press – where we empower authors to share stories that truly matter.

Our commitment extends beyond publication; we are dedicated to supporting our writers on their journey to becoming successful, published authors. Within our collaborative community of writing and publishing professionals, authors retain their creative autonomy while receiving unparalleled support.
Key features of our groundbreaking hybrid publishing model include:

📚 Hybrid Publishing: Experience the best of both worlds – the advantages of traditional publishing combined with the creative freedom of self-publishing!
🤝 One-on-One Transparency: Cultivate a genuine, transparent relationship with your dedicated project manager and hands-on publisher. Maintain control of your masterpiece while entrusting us to bring it to the shelves!
🌎 Lifetime Project Management: From manuscript coaching and developmental editing to copyediting, proofreading, physical book creation, and exceptional cover design – we handle it all behind the scenes to ensure your story captivates the world and we've got the creative team to prove it!
💡 Traditional Distribution: Our authors enjoy traditional distribution, guaranteeing your books a spot on the shelves of bookstores!

👉 We offer more than just publishing – we offer empowerment! Don't let your story go untold. Visit the link in our bio or send us a DM for more information. Let's transform your literary dreams into reality.

Empowered Press and our two imprints are proud to represent and publish some of the most talented and diverse authors in today’s market.

04/01/2024

YOU'VE GOT A SEAT AT THE TABLE!

After months...well, actually, the last few years of bringing this incredible community of writers and industry professionals together, the Writers Roundtable is officially open for membership.

Welcome to our community of writers seeking accountability, support, and space to create. We’re here to help you write your story.

Whether you have a story to tell and no idea where to start, a manuscript with no publisher to polish, or the desire for a supportive writing community, The Writers Roundtable is the place for you!

Attend virtual gatherings every weekday morning and give yourself dedicated time to write. Join us on Monday and Wednesday evenings for workshops to help you focus on craft and grow your skills. Attendance for these will be optional to fit your schedule, but you’ll always have a seat at the table.

Start your writing resolutions off strong—join this month to receive 50% off your first month or 10% off your first year!✨

For more information, click on the Writers Roundtable page on below.❤️
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The Empowered Writer facilitates empowered writing in a supportive and safe space for all writers. We help each member grow and evolve through mutual connection and respect.

03/01/2024

You are invited to join the Writers Roundtable.✍️

Welcome to our community of writers seeking accountability, support, and space to create. We’re here to help you write your story.

Whether you have a story to tell and no idea where to start, a manuscript with no publisher to polish, or the desire for a supportive writing community, The Writers Roundtable is the place for you!

Attend virtual gatherings every weekday morning and give yourself dedicated time to write. Join us on Monday and Wednesday evenings for workshops to help you focus on craft and grow your skills. Attendance for these will be optional to fit your schedule, but you’ll always have a seat at the table.

Start your writing resolutions off strong—join this month to receive 50% off your first month or 10% off your first year!✨

For more information, visit The Writers Roundtable page on the Empowered Press site or the link in our bio.❤️

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19/12/2023

📚🎉 Exciting News! 🎉📚

🔥 Introducing Lainey Oslin’s debut lyrical memoir, “I’m Not the Same Again Today”! 🔥

Whether you’re a fan of reading cover to cover or prefer diving into any page, “I’m Not the Same Again Today” promises to be a transformative journey filled with wisdom and insight. 💫✨

🎁 And that’s not all! 🎁

When you pre-order your copy, you’ll receive amazing perks:

1️⃣ Get a FREE downloadable, autographed, frameable copy of Lainey’s exclusive, not-yet-published, original poem upon purchase! 🖋️📜

2️⃣ Place your order before the cover reveal, and you’ll receive your autographed copy TWO WEEKS in advance of the official launch day! 📖🎉

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in Lainey Oslin’s captivating memoir. Pre-order your copy now and let life change you! 🌟✨

15/12/2023

2023 was a whirlwind year for me! I expanded my singular publishing press from one to three, launched both an online and a pop-up book store , and published two bestsellers and added ten new titles to our 2024 catalog. For the double cherry on top, I moved across the country while in the midst of earning my MFA. 📚✨

Balancing all these wasn’t easy, and I learned a lot about what’s essential for my mental well-being. One thing I missed the most? Writing purely for the joy of it. Juggling so many tasks left little room for creativity, but writing stories is what keeps me going.

So, for 2024, I’m setting a goal to write daily and share more of my journey with you. Expect to see more of my work here on social, on my Substack, on my website, and in my two upcoming books launching in May and August. Can’t wait to connect more through my writing!

Though I’m no poet, I penned a few lines of free verse that capture my feelings about taking it all to the page. Here’s to a creatively fulfilling 2024! 🌟📖

The paper listens when no one else will.
home to my unspoken truths
sanctuary for the words I dare not speak out loud
In the clarity of black on white,
The knots untangle in my mind.

She anchors me
To the ink that flows,
My first responder
In the quiet of the page
I discover who I’m meant to be.

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06/12/2023

You are invited to join the Writers Roundtable.✍️

Welcome to our community of writers seeking accountability, support, and space to create. We’re here to help you write your story.

Whether you have a story to tell and no idea where to start, a manuscript with no publisher to polish, or the desire for a supportive writing community, The Writers Roundtable is the place for you!

Attend virtual gatherings every weekday morning and give yourself dedicated time to write, and starting January 2024 we’ll host workshops on Monday and Wednesday evenings to focus on craft and grow your skills. Attendance for these will be optional to fit your schedule, but you’ll always have a seat at the table.

Get a head start on your resolutions—join this month to receive 50% off your first month or 10% off your first year!✨

Still shopping for the holidays? Gift a membership!🎁

For more information, visit The Writers Roundtable page on The Empowered Press site or the link in our bio.

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01/12/2023

Between hybrid publishing, writing workshops, and preparing for the new year, there’s a lot going on at Empowered Press!
This season is a time for giving, gathering, and getting things done.
Happy December!

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01/12/2023

Whether through written words, faithful friendship, or simply holding space, women have uplifted us endlessly. We are using this day to amplify the voices of the women at Empowered Press and our imprints while also honoring some literary legends as well.
In an effort to express our support, we’ve created a reading list. Women’s Words: Wisdom for Winter offers the solace, knowledge, humor, and warmth only women can write. Is there anyone you would add to the list?
We hope you can take time with these wise women’s words and recognize the lovely ladies in your life today!

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26/10/2023

Be part of a movement that's about more than just surviving; it's about thriving in the face of adversity.

Preorder your copy or copies by supporting The Kitchen Sink Approach to Cancer (And Why You Shouldn't Always Listen to Your Doctor) today!

http://kck.st/3ZxbNsZ

Help Fund the New Book by Chris Joseph that Challenges the Western Medicine Paradigm on Cancer Treatment and Prevention