Open Book Jessica Sorentino

In this chapter of Open Book, I’m joined by Rachel L. Ertassi, a first-time author from Sacramento, who discusses her debut novel that explores the impact of a new serial murderer on the city of Sacramento from multiple perspectives. 
 
One of the characters, living with Type 1 Diabetes, is inspired by Rachel’s own experiences as she has been living with it for 20 years and is passionate about raising awareness. Rachel shares the complexities and benefits of writing from multiple perspectives, her approach to incorporating aspects of her life into her storytelling, such as her struggles with T1D, working in the beer industry, and personal views on therapy. 
 
She also reflects on the self-publishing process through Archway, a division of Simon & Schuster, and the support from the Sacramento community. Rachel encourages authors to embrace vulnerability and authenticity in their writing and shares her aspiration to be recognized alongside renowned authors like Stephen King.

We cover:
00:00 Intro
01:49 What her book is about
03:15 The challenge of writing from multiple perspectives
05:59 How she tied Type 1 Diabetes into her writing
11:43 The uncertainty of how the book would land with the diabetic community
15:37 Pieces from her life that she pulled from as inspiration
17:24 Using yourself as a brand and creating a fictionalized version of your personal brand keeping it authentic
21:37 Marketing strategies that helped her connect with her readers
28:41 Her experience with the publishing process
36:59 Advice for sharing pieces of yourself
39:24 What book if any made her want to be a writer
40:20 Which book or author she would love her book to sit beside on a shelf
41:45 Final advice for listeners


Connect with Rachel 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rlertassiauthor 
https://capitalbooksonk.com/rachel-ertassi 

Connect with Jessica
Website: https://www.jessicasorentino.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicasorentino
Substack: https://jessicasorentino.substack.com
 

In this chapter of Open Book, I’m joined by Linda Secondari, the principal and creative director of Studiolo Secondari, a New York-based design firm specializing in book development and digital communications. 
With over 25 years of experience, including a significant tenure as the creative director at Oxford University Press, Linda shares insights into her journey from managing an international design team to founding her own studio. 
Discussing the evolution of publishing, Linda emphasizes the need for authors to work closely with design and development specialists to navigate the challenges of modern publishing. Highlighting the importance of understanding the target audience and the competitive landscape, Linda offers valuable advice on book development, from initial concept to marketing.
The episode also gets into the technical aspects of design thinking, cover and text design, and the strategic approach to positioning a book in its market. Linda's expertise presents a comprehensive overview of the essential elements in creating a successful publication, encouraging authors to think critically about their goals and the needs of their readers.
Connect with Linda 
Website: https://www.studiolosecondari.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studiolosecondari
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindasecondari/
Connect with Jessica
Website: https://www.jessicasorentino.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicasorentino
Substack: https://jessicasorentino.substack.com

In this chapter of Open Book, I’m joined by Jim Williams, who discusses his book 'Getting Thru: The Worst Possible Thing', inspired by his son Kyle's battle with neuroblastoma. 
Jim shares the devastating journey of his son’s diagnosis, subsequent fight with cancer, and the profound lessons of strength, resilience, and hope learned through Kyle's journey. The discussion also covers Jim's efforts to support pediatric cancer research through 'Cookies for Kids' Cancer' and the foundational principles of the B.E.R.G.S. mindset—Belief, Empathy, Resilience, Gratitude, and Service—that helped him navigate the grieving process. 
This episode is a heartfelt exploration of coping with loss, the impact of one child's fight against cancer on his family, and the legacy that Kyle leaves behind.
Connect with Jim 
Website: www.thegettingthru.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegettingthru
Book: Getting Thru: The Worst Possible Thing
Connect with Jessica
Website: https://www.jessicasorentino.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicasorentino
Substack: https://jessicasorentino.substack.com

In this chapter of Open Book, I’m joined by Janine Bolon, a prolific author, educator, and entrepreneur who shares her journey from working in the pharmaceutical industry to homeschooling her children and managing multiple side businesses. She discusses the importance of managing time well to prevent burnout while juggling family life and professional commitments. 
The conversation touches on financial education and Janine’s approach to teaching people to be disciplined with money. Finally, she stresses the importance of creativity, urging listeners to share their work and celebrate their progress, despite insecurities or doubts.
Connect with Janine 
Website: https://the8gates.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janinebolon
Blog: https://the8gates.com/our-blog/
FREE 10 Steps to Abundance Course: https://the8gates.com/
Connect with Jessica
Website: https://www.jessicasorentino.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicasorentino
Substack: https://jessicasorentino.substack.com

In this chapter of Open Book, I’m joined by Ben Purkert, a celebrated author known for his debut novel 'The Men Can't Be Saved'. 
We discuss the themes of self-worth and identity in the context of job loss, drawing from the experiences of the novel's main character, Seth. Ben shares insights into the impact of branding and professional identity on individuals, his transition from poetry to novel writing, and the importance of embracing different genres and activities to foster creativity. 
The episode also touches on the challenges writers face in defining themselves as authors, the process of branding for writers, and Ben’s approach to teaching and writing. He encourages writers to start without waiting for a perfect idea and reflects on how different life experiences contribute uniquely to one's writing. 
Connect with Ben 
Website: www.benpurkert.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/BenPurkert 
Book: The Men Can't be Saved
Connect with Jessica
Website: https://www.jessicasorentino.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicasorentino
Substack: https://jessicasorentino.substack.com

In this chapter of Open Book, I’m joined by Eric Johnston, an award-winning comedian, actor, emcee, and best-selling author. Eric shares his journey through the intersecting worlds of sports and entertainment, highlighted by his family legacy in professional wrestling. 
He discusses his debut book 'Run with the Bull', which navigates three generations of his family's saga in wrestling, his father's struggles with alcoholism, and his own path to becoming a stand-up comic and actor. Eric provides insights into the motifs of persistence and resilience, detailing how personal adversities have shaped his outlook and career. He emphasizes the importance of personal branding, community leadership, and the genuine connections cultivated through his career. The episode encapsulates Eric's unique perspective on the entertainment industry, personal growth, and the therapeutic act of storytelling.
Connect with Eric 
Website: www.ericjohnstonwho.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ericjohnstonwho
Book: Run with the Bull
Connect with Jessica
Website: https://www.jessicasorentino.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicasorentino
Substack: https://jessicasorentino.substack.com