- Mari Amari
- Jun 5
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 11
EPISODE NO. 5
000: TEST PODCAST FOR WEBSITE: Maria Denise Talks Boss Babes and Bacon

In this conversation, I’m chatting with Cherise Mathison, a passionate author and the founder of The Authors Academy, a space that helps aspiring writers push past the fear, the perfectionism, and the overthinking that often keeps their stories locked inside. Cherise has been writing since she was a kid—and now she’s helping other women discover that they’ve had a book in them all along.
Cherise shares how she learned to trust her creative voice, why AI can be a helpful sidekick (but never the author), and how building confidence is just as important as outlining chapters. We cover the emotional highs and lows of the writing process, what it means to write while healing, and the exact moment she realized she could teach others to do the same.
She’s got that blend of calm, courage, and clarity that makes you want to open a fresh Google Doc and start typing. I left our conversation feeling like writing a book isn’t just possible—it’s personal, powerful, and maybe even a little bit spiritual.
In this episode she shares:
Fear and procrastination often hinder aspiring authors.
AI can be a valuable tool for writers.
Cherise's first book was written in sixth grade.
Confidence is an ongoing journey for many, including Cherise.
Community support plays a crucial role in personal growth.
Writing can be an emotional journey tied to mental health.
It's important to honor one's dreams and visions.
Many people have successfully written books, making it achievable.
We have the power to shape our futures through our choices.
Taking the first step in writing can be less daunting than it seems. Taking risks can lead to incredible experiences.
The journey from idea to reality is profound.
Community support is crucial for authors.
Writer's block is a common challenge to overcome.
Utilizing tools like Google Docs and Fiverr can ease the writing process.
Self-publishing offers independence and control.
Education and past writing experiences can aid in becoming an author.
Finding your unique voice is essential in writing.
Titles and marketing can attract the right audience.
Embrace your dreams and take action towards them.
Highlights include:
00:00 Introduction to Cherise Mathison
04:05 The Aspiration to Authorship
10:00 Cherise's Journey as an Author
19:49 The Role of Community and Confidence
24:05 Overcoming the Daunting Task of Writing
27:01 Embracing Fear and Taking the Leap
28:26 The Joy of Creation: From Idea to Reality
30:36 Navigating Challenges: Writer's Block and Setbacks
33:55 Tools for Aspiring Authors
35:41 Building Community in the Author Journey
38:59 The Importance of Education in Writing
41:06 Finding Your Unique Voice and Audience
42:11 Upcoming Opportunities and Events
Watch episode 464 on YouTube and listen on all podcast apps
Links mentioned in this episode
Monique’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moniquershields/
Monique’s Website: https://moniquershields.com/
Monique’s Podcast: https://moniquershields.com/podcast/
Side Hustle Pro: https://sidehustlepro.co/
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Guest Social Media Info
Monique’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moniquershields/
Monique’s Website: https://moniquershields.com/