Project Seed Money

July 13, 2026

More Than Just an Image: Ashton Smith on Mastering the Book Cover Process

<p>In this episode of the Project Seed Money Podcast, host Sharissa Bradley sits down with book cover designer Ashton Smith to demystify the visual side of the publishing world.</p> <p>Ashton shares her journey from being a "Bookstagram" enthusiast and indie bookstore employee to specializing in creative advertising and graphic design for authors. She provides a masterclass on the logistics of working with a designer, including why you don't need a finished manuscript to start your cover, the critical difference between a designer and an illustrator, and how to avoid red flags like "AI-generated" content and predatory pricing.</p> <p>Timestamps:</p> <p>00:00 – Introduction to Ashton Smith.</p> <p> </p> <p>00:34 – The "Dream Job" Moment: How a conversation with her mom sparked a career.</p> <p> </p> <p>01:29 – From "OG Bookstagram" to Professional Design.</p> <p> </p> <p>03:18 – Genres: What she designs (and what she doesn't).</p> <p> </p> <p>05:05 – The Process: Why she doesn't read the full manuscript.</p> <p> </p> <p>06:56 – Timeline: How long does a cover really take?.</p> <p> </p> <p>10:34 – Questions every author should ask their designer.</p> <p> </p> <p>11:44 – The Difference between a Designer and an Illustrator.</p> <p> </p> <p>13:17 – Red Flags: How to spot publishing pitfalls and scams.</p> <p> </p> <p>15:33 – Final Encouragement: Creative control in self-publishing.</p> <p>Connect with Ashton: </p> <p>Website</p> <p>www.ashtonmsmithdesigns.com</p> <p>Instagram</p> <p>@ashtonmsmithdesigns</p> <p>TikTok</p> <p>@ashtonmsmithdesigns</p> <p>LinkedIn</p> <p>@ashtonmsmithdesigns</p> <p>Join us on the Project Seed Money Podcast as we delve into the journeys of inspiring female authors, sharing their challenges and triumphs to empower your writing path. Don't miss an episode—subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform. For additional resources and to connect with our community, visit <a href="https://projectseedmoney.com/">projectseedmoney.com</a>. If you have a story to share, reach out to be featured in an upcoming episode.</p> <p> </p> <p>Follow Project Seed Money on Instagram: <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/projectseedmoney/">https://www.instagram.com/projectseedmoney/</a></p> <p> </p> <p> Watch this on YouTube:<span class= "Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href= "https://youtu.be/SSyMZYIsZao">https://youtu.be/SSyMZYIsZao</a></p> <p> </p>

July 7, 2026

Writing as a Practice: Briana Gervat on Movement, Imprints, and Creative Perseverance

June 29, 2026

Legacy and Sobriety: Christy Hughes on the Courage to Self-Publish and Tell Your Truth

<p>In this episode of the Project Seed Money Podcast, host Sharissa Bradley sits down with author <strong>Christy Hughes</strong> to celebrate the five-year anniversary of her book, <strong>Strong Roots, Wayward Soul</strong>.</p> <p>Christy shares the deeply personal story of how her "sober curious" journey and the passing of her 100-year-old grandmother became the catalyst for her memoir. She dives into the realities of <strong>self-publishing</strong>, the importance of maintaining creative control, and the unconventional tools—like <strong>somatic experiencing</strong>—that helped her process trauma while writing. Whether you're writing your first manuscript or navigating the self-doubt of a second book, Christy's advice on "bootstrapping" and community will inspire you to take that first step.</p> <p><strong>Timestamps:</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>00:00</strong> – Welcome and 5-Year Anniversary Celebration</li> <li><strong>01:00</strong> – From Poet to Blogger: Rediscovering a love for writing</li> <li><strong>02:30</strong> – The Catalyst: Polly Campbell and the sobriety connection</li> <li><strong>04:30</strong> – Bootstrapping the Publishing Journey: Hay House, Reedsy, and KDP</li> <li><strong>06:30</strong> – Why Self-Publishing? Keeping the sentimental farmhouse on the cover</li> <li><strong>09:30</strong> – Overcoming MFA-less Self-Doubt and the power of Somatic Therapy</li> <li><strong>12:00</strong> – The Community Fix: Why we are "Better Together"</li> <li><strong>14:40</strong> – The Next Chapter: From Memoir to Historical Fiction (Rosie the Riveter)</li> <li><strong>17:00</strong> – Rocking the Boat: Mid-life, people-pleasing, and signed copies</li> <li><strong>18:50</strong> – Final Inspiration: Why everyone's story deserves to be heard</li> </ul> <p><strong>Connect with Christy:</strong></p> <p>Website</p> <p><a href= "https://www.thrivewithchristy.com">www.thrivewithchristy.com</a></p> <p>Instagram</p> <p><a href= "https://www.instagram.com/thrivechristyhughes">https://www.instagram.com/thrivechristyhughes</a></p> <p>LinkedIn</p> <p><a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-hughes-thrive/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-hughes-thrive/</a></p> <p>Scheduling Link</p> <p><a href= "https://www.thrivewithchristy.com/service-page/discovery-call">https://www.thrivewithchristy.com/service-page/discovery-call</a></p> <p>Podcast: Rock the Damn Boat:</p> <p><a href= "https://open.spotify.com/show/5kNxEnIsWbt3ZMe69wDqjw?si=f59494174c5b4169"> https://open.spotify.com/show/5kNxEnIsWbt3ZMe69wDqjw?si=f59494174c5b4169</a></p> <p>Join us on the Project Seed Money Podcast as we delve into the journeys of inspiring female authors, sharing their challenges and triumphs to empower your writing path. Don't miss an episode—subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform. For additional resources and to connect with our community, visit <a href="https://projectseedmoney.com/">projectseedmoney.com</a>. If you have a story to share, reach out to be featured in an upcoming episode.</p> <p> </p> <p>Follow Project Seed Money on Instagram: <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/projectseedmoney/">https://www.instagram.com/projectseedmoney/</a></p> <p> </p> <p> Watch this on YouTube:<span class= "Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href= "https://youtu.be/_AdrbkUsRnc">https://youtu.be/_AdrbkUsRnc</a></p> <p> </p>