In this Business Blast Podcast episode, host Tyler Wagner interviews international award‑winning author Toneal M. Jackson. After a brief sponsor read for Authors Unite, the conversation covers several personal and professional themes. Jackson shares a poignant life story about losing twelve close family members between 2002‑2011, explaining how those losses taught him to embrace life fully. He then offers core writing advice: always conduct thorough research, seek partners, and don’t try to go it alone. Expanding beyond publishing, he stresses the universal value of having a mentor to simplify any industry’s challenges. When asked about advice to his younger self, Jackson urges listeners to “follow your own advice” and be courageous enough to act on personal convictions rather than simply echoing others. He identifies being true to oneself as the key to happiness. Jackson cites the book Fervent by Priscilla Shirer as a favorite, highlighting its guidance on prayer and spiritual intimacy. His favorite quote, attributed to Dr. Seuss, also centers on authenticity. The episode concludes with Jackson’s online contact information: his website www.weareaps.com and social‑media handles (YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Periscope) under the name APS International. The podcast ends with an Anchor platform promotion.
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Welcome to the Business Blast Podcast. I'm your host, Tyler Wagner. This episode is brought to you by Authors Unite. Authors Unite provides you with the support you need to finish your book. Best part is, after you finish your book, they take care of the entire publishing and marketing process 100% for you. So if you want to become a successful author, make sure to check out authorsunite.com. Now let's jump into the episode.
¡Hola! ¿Cómo estás? ¿Cómo te va? ¿Cómo te va? ¿Cómo te va? ¿Cómo te va?
All right everyone, welcome back to another episode of the Business Blast podcast. I'm your host Tyler Wagner. Today I have an international award-winning author and literary extraordinaire, Toneal M. Jackson. So welcome to the show.
Thanks so much for having me, Tyler Wagner.
Of course. Grateful to have you here. Let's jump into the first one. The first question I have for you is, what is the best story from your life that has an underlying valuable message?
You know what? I think just knowing how to live life to the fullest. And I say that because I have lost so many people, like from '02 to 2011. I lost probably about 12 main people in my life, including my mother, my biological father, and grandmother. And so just all of those losses really taught me how to embrace life and appreciate it to its fullest while you have it.
And what is the most valuable piece of information we should know that's within your expertise or industry?
Well, I am a literary guru of sorts. And so for me, always make sure that you, you get a partner or get help. Don't be afraid to reach out and to research. A lot of times authors try to do books or any types of aspects with in the industry without researching. So I always tell my viewers and listeners to do your research.
And it could tie in, but what's your best piece of overall business advice? So not necessarily industry specific.
Um, again, I would definitely say do your research is one that's true, but I would also say make sure that you have a mentor, someone that can help to guide you through the process so that way it's not so overwhelming. And again, that does— it matters not what your industry is, but having a a mentor that can help simplify the process.
And if you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would that be?
Follow your own advice. And when I say that, I don't mean as opposed to what I've told someone else that I haven't done myself. I mean, as opposed to listening what everyone else has said. So many times we, you know, do what everyone else has said or what they feel are the best steps for us. And sometimes you have to be courageous enough to do what you feel is best for you.
And in your opinion, what's the key to happiness?
A lot of that is in what I just said, making sure that you are true to yourself. Being true to yourself, I believe, is the key to happiness.
And what is the best book that you've read? And what was the number one thing you learned from that?
You know what, I read so many, Tyler, because one of the things I do, I do book reviews. But I would definitely say one of the best books that I read had to be Fervent, and it was written by Priscilla Shirer. And it really just gave an overlying way of how to pray or how to think about prayer and becoming closer, you know, within your spiritual self and closer to God. So I would definitely say Fervent.
And what is your favorite quote and why?
There is a quote, and I was actually trying to look it up. I know it is something about being true to yourself, and it actually comes from Dr. Seuss. And it's really my favorite quote because it ties into how I am as a person and the way that I believe in living my life. So I will have to get it for you later. But it does— it comes from Dr. Seuss. And it's a quote that stems from being true to you, being true to yourself.
I love it. And I love Dr. Seuss quotes. So I feel you on that. So thank you so much for coming on. The last one I have for you before we let you go is, where is the best place for people to find and/or connect with you online?
Absolutely. So they can go to my website, which is www.weareaps.com. That's www.weareaps.com. And in terms of social media, you can find me on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Periscope, all at APS, the letter en, T-E-R-N-A-T-I-O-N-A-L, or APS International.
Perfect. Thanks again for jumping on.
Thank you so much, Tyler. Have a great day.
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