Standout Authors Unbound amplifies the voices of underrepresented writers and indie authors to disrupt an industry that rewards conformity over authenticity.
What if becoming an author means learning to trust your voice long enough to put the words down?
Vernon T. Foster II is a multi-hyphenate creator and writer who started young. He filled journals before he ever imagined publishing a book. Years later, that curiosity turned into The Seven Laws of Mindful Living, a project he almost didn’t release because of imposter syndrome. But he did anyways.
In this conversation, Vernon gets honest about the messy middle of writing: the fear, the discipline, the rhythm you have to build when life keeps pulling you in every direction.
He talks about balancing creativity with the realities of making a living, why marketing has to start long before a book is finished, and how building community isn’t just a strategy, it’s what keeps the whole journey meaningful.
Highlights
Start before you feel qualified
Vernon’s early journals became the foundation for everything he writes today.
“I wrote my first book in 2016… and then I eventually had the courage to put it out.”
Every author battles imposter syndrome
You’re not alone if you wonder who gave you “the right” to write.
“I was like, who gives me the right to have the authority to talk about these things?”
Find your rhythm, or writing won’t happen
Discipline beats inspiration every time.
“I wrote the entire book in 90 days… I woke up every morning and had a word count goal.”
Creativity and business are both part of the job
You can love the craft and still acknowledge you need to pay the bills.
“I’m always torn between these two worlds… this has got to actually make money because I got bills to pay.”
Marketing isn’t optional
And it definitely doesn’t start at launch week.
“Marketing should start early, even before the book is finished.”
Community is the real engine
People support authors they connect with.
“I think the most important thing is to have the people like you as a person first.”
Closing reflection
Vernon’s story is the reminder a lot of us need: writing isn’t about perfection, timing, or external permission. It’s about showing up, being honest, and letting your voice lead even when you’re scared.
If this conversation hits home, you’re exactly who Standout Authors Unbound is for. And if you’re ready to build momentum with your own book, reach out. Let’s make sure your work finds the readers it’s meant for.
