For Tiffany Heard, writing books was never about following the rules — it was about following her purpose.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Tiffany on the Project Seed Money Podcast, where she shared how she turned her passion for travel and culture into two vibrant, purpose-driven interactive activity and coloring books: Hues of Africa and Hues of HBCUs.

Tiffany’s journey began in an unexpected place — a Walmart line during the pandemic. As international travel shut down, she asked herself how she could still bring the world to people stuck at home. The answer became Hues of Africa, a book designed to showcase the beauty and history of African countries through activities and coloring.

With a background in social work, Tiffany knew coloring had proven therapeutic benefits. She merged that with educational content, giving readers a way to both relax and learn.

Her second book, Hues of HBCUs, celebrates the rich history of historically Black colleges and universities, as well as the culture of Black Greek-letter organizations. For Tiffany, it was about creating something that resonated with alumni, students, educators, and anyone curious about HBCU life.

Pushing Past Fear and Self-Doubt
Creating an interactive activity and coloring book unlike anything on the shelves came with challenges. Tiffany didn’t have other authors to model her process after, which meant she had to figure it out herself — and face fears about whether people would buy something so different.

But the response was clear: people supported her work, and her books opened doors to opportunities she never imagined, including paid school presentations and bulk book orders.

Still, imposter syndrome crept in. Tiffany recalls one moment when she questioned her worth after being offered a high speaking fee. The turning point? A client who refused a discount, insisting Tiffany charge her standard rate. “She reminded me to show up with my price — and the right audience will pay it,” Tiffany said.

Doing It Afraid
Tiffany believes fear shouldn’t stop you. “Sit in the feeling, but don’t dwell there,” she says. Her approach: show up anyway. She carries books in her car, brings them to networking events, and creates conversation starters — like wearing art-themed earrings — so people ask about her work.

Marketing Is the Real Work
For Tiffany, publishing the book was only the beginning. The real challenge was ongoing marketing. She encourages authors to:

• Post about your book regularly (even indirectly through events and milestones)
• Keep copies with you for spontaneous opportunities
• Find creative, non-salesy ways to start conversations
• Reach out to schools, libraries, and organizations directly

Helping Other Authors
Because she had no guidance when she started, Tiffany now offers consulting for aspiring self-published authors — walking them through the process from idea to launch, and pushing them to take action each week.

And she continues to blend her two worlds: as a travel entrepreneur, Tiffany integrates her books into her group trips, gifting them to travelers as part of the experience.

Whether you’re an author with an unconventional idea or someone holding back out of fear, Tiffany’s advice is the same: “Do it afraid. Show up. The right audience will find you.”