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Interview With Faith Weathers

3/26/2017

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  1.     What was your first book you wrote, and was it self published or were you                   signed to a publisher?         
          My first book was a collection of poems called Faithisms that I self published. 

  2.     Are you a full-time writer? 
          Yes, I am a full time writer. 
 
  3.      One thing I like about you is that, you're not stuck inside a box you write                      different  genres. Which genre is your favorite one to write in? 
           I can't say I have a favorite genre.  What ever book I'm writing is my favorite at the              time. 
 
  4.    Does writing energize or exhaust you?
         Writing energizes me. It's my "sweet spot " so to speak. I can escape everything and           go into whatever world I created. 
 
  5.    Are any of your books based on your life, If so which book?
         There's a little piece of me in every book. Whether it's a character that resembles my           personality or a conversation or situation that actually took place. 
 
  6.   How did you come up with the story line of "What Lies Beneath?"
        All I knew going in was that I wanted it in a country setting. I freestyle so the story               wrote  itself. I rarely think of concepts ahead of time. 
 
  7.    You have some drama up in that book, did you get some of the drama from                  anyone you know?
        Some of the family drama was real life experiences that I have heard about but most           of  it I created. 
 
  8.   I hear a lot of people (some authors) saying paperback or dead, do you believe           that  and are you books in paperbacks?
       A few of my books are in paperbacks. I don't believe they are dead I prefer                          paperbacks, but the way technology is ebooks are probably here to stay. Hopefully              soon all 17 of  my books will be in paperbacks. 
 
  9.    Where do you see yourself in three years?
         Wiser, happier, a running multiple successful companies. 
 
  10.  Please give us your social media information.
        FB Faith Cheek Weathers
        IG :Authorfaithsvirgosworld
        Twitter: Authorfaith915
        Email: authorfaith@gmail.com
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Interview with Author BM Hardin

10/10/2014

2 Comments

 
1.   What inspired you to write your first book?
My first book was written to my mother when I was a teenager. I wanted her to understand what I was going through and I found it easier to express myself on paper.

2.   How did you come up with the title Kismet?
There were a lot of karma based stories out but this book was more than karma, it dealt with fate. After speaking with my first publisher and doing research the word Kismet described my book best.

3.  Give us an interesting fun fact or a few about your book series?
Fun fact: Kismet was written because of a dare. I was dared to write a book and told I couldn’t so I had to prove the naysayers wrong.

4.  Is there a message in your novel that you want the readers to grasp?
The main message in Kismet is that revenge is a dish best served cold but that doesn’t mean we have to take it upon ourselves to be the server. Sometimes we have to sit back and let karma/fate do its thing.

5.  What, in your opinion, is the hardest step in creating a masterpiece?
The seconding guessing of what I wrote. I’m my hardest critic and that slows the writing process down for me. I find myself re-reading and re-writing before finishing the story.

6.  Who is your intended audience and why should they read your books?
My audiences are those who are living, have been through or know of someone going through a struggle. My books touch on a lot of different issues and can be read by anyone in my opinion. I don’t sugar coat real issues and I haven’t written a story yet that has the “perfect hero” or ending. My books should be read because they act as proof that the struggle is real and that happily ever after can only be judged by the eyes of the beholder.

7.  What can we expect from you in the future?
I’m working on a few stories, five to be exact. My upcoming release as of today are Scratch a lie find a thief two which will release later this year and Dog Food two which will release early 2015

8.  I know that you are a publish author under Write2Eat, how did that go about?
It took years of submitting stories to K’wan Foye and getting rejected. My mind said I was ready but my writing said differently. I was too concerned with industry changes and trying to keep up with what I thought everyone wanted. When I finally wrote what I had in me I had a contract sitting in front of me a few days later.

9.  What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Don’t stop writing, don’t accept the word, “NO” and most importantly take time to learn your craft and the business behind it. 

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Interview with Geraldine Grady

2/16/2014

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1. Tell me a bit about yourself.
I'm a mother of 4 one deceased son ,a grandmother of 4 beautiful grandchildren. I love to read in my spare time.

2. When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I never considered my self a writer, I just write whatever comes to mind. Sometimes it just comes to me most of the time when i'm sleeping. I keep a notebook by my bed and when I wake up I have written something down and believe me it is scary at times.

3. What inspired you to write your first book?
My first book which is a poetry book called  "Essence Of Me'' I was sitting in my room crying my eyes out I could hear my ''MOM" say write something from your heart which was my very first poem called  "Beautiful Angel''

4. What books have influenced your life most?
Malcolm X and Martin Luther King "I Have A  Dream''

5. If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Tonya Barber every time I wanted to give up she wouldn't let me. I remember her telling me never give up on your dream of becoming a writer it may be hard but you can do it.

6. Describe your writing in three words.
Unique, Inspiring, Motivating

7. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Right now I go to school, reading and writing.

8. Where do you get your ideas for your books?
Everyday life

9. What new author has grasped your interest?
Fabiola Joesph I would love to write a book with her.

10. If you couldn’t be an author, what would your ideal career be?
A Nurse I like taking care of people.

11. What was your favorite chapter to write and why?
Chapter 2 of Skye's Dilemma Skye was so happy her mom was finally getting herself together.

12. Why do you feel you had to tell this story?
I see so many abusive relationships and I don't understand why woman stay with men who abuse them. On a daily basis whether its physical, mental or verbal "ABUSE IS ABUSE"

13. Can you tell us about your upcoming book?
"Whose Creeping In The Dark"
Sneak peek
The police were called after he found his twin
sister had been attacked in their apartment.
While there mom was somewhere getting drunk
she was never home to look after us.  After my pops
got locked up she took to drinking her life away
sleeping with my dads right hand man.

14. How do you think self-publishing has opened or closed doors for creative people?
I think it has opened a lot of doors for  a self-published author it's a new standard and the potential to get our work out there in the literary world.

15. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
Never give up on your dreams I have learned that hard work and determination is the key.  My Publisher/Promoter Papaya Wagstaff wouldn't let me quit so keep striving for what you want it will work out I believe.
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Interview with Author Tonya Barber

10/24/2013

1 Comment

 
1. Tell me a bit about yourself.
I am a mom of three children and a grandmother of 2 boys. I live in Newark, NJ.


2. When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I'm not sure I have yet. I still find it hard to refer to myself as an Author. I don't know why. You'd think after 7 books I would readily do it but I don't. I guess it haven't really sank in yet.


3. What inspired you to write your first book?
I wrote A Journey through the Window of my Soul and the feedback was awesome. people starting demanding other things from me. I told them I do poetry so I gave them another poetry book. After that one I wanted to push myself a little further to see if I could actually do something other than poetry so I wrote two chapters of Drama In The Bricks and they loved it.


4. What books have influenced your life most?
Drama in the Bricks


5. If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
 I would say Brenda Jackson. I love her books and reading them makes me want to get more into the romance genre.

6. Describe your writing in three words.
Interesting, Intense, Realistic

7. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Watching horror flicks, baking and making scented candles


8. Where do you get your ideas for your books?
 It can be anything from something relating to my personal experiences to something happening to those around me. More often than not it just come out of the blue. My mind just start to going. When I'm idle ideas just keep flowing.

9. What new author has grasped your interest?
Sandra Hall. I love her books.
  

10. If you couldn’t be an author, what would your ideal career be?
If I couldn't write I'd want to be the owner of a Café.

11. What was your favorite chapter to write and why?
I would have to say my favorite comes from Misty's Blues the Christmas Party scene.

12. Why do you feel you had to tell this story?
This story wouldn't leave me alone. I felt Misty had become reality. A lot of women are stuck in bad relationships for one reason or another. They know they need to get out but they remain sometimes out of habit, fear of change, for the sake of belonging to someone etc. Sometimes they just get stuck. Sometimes like Misty they pass up a chance at real love by remaining in bad relationships.

13. Can you tell us about your upcoming book?
My upcoming book is Changing the Game 3. It is about a young man who have a desire to leave the life of the streets behind him but realizes that getting out isn't as easy as getting in. The streets are no as forgiving as he would like to think and no matter what changes he attempt to make there are consequences for the wrong he has done.

14. How do you think self-publishing has opened or closed doors for creative people?
I think self publishing is a blessing. Everyone has a story to tell. Will everyone like it no but that shouldn't deter anyone from going after their dreams. We all have to begin somewhere and we get better with time.

15. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
 I will tell every aspiring author go after their dreams. Surround yourself with positive people who will push you and be your own biggest cheerleader. Sometimes in this business getting support don't come easy but don't let that stop you. Write because you enjoy doing it and because your looking for fortune and fame that way when the 28.00 royalty checks roll in you won't feel like the bottom fell from under you. It's a rough business so roll up your sleeves and put on the thick skin. Your going to need it. If you feel you have a story to tell write it and let nothing or no one stand in your way. Do your research on your subject, invest in an editor, befriend other authors to guide you and stay positive. Good luck to all who inspires to write.

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Interview with Author Barry S. McLeod

9/23/2013

1 Comment

 
1. Tell me a bit about yourself.
In addition to being an author of 4 books, I've written 16 screenplays and 12 stageplays. Numerous songs in which I play the instruments. I've been blessed to direct and produce plays and present them in various cities in Florida and Georgia. Reputable Film Producers and Directors have considered my work.


2. When did you first consider yourself a writer?
High school. I wrote poems. From there, songs.


3. What inspired you to write your first book?
My daughter. I wrote Men-Or-Pause. It started as a letter to my daughter who was 4 at the time. I wanted to show her some behaviors to expect in relationships. The letter turned into a book.


4. What books have influenced your life most?
I don't remember the titles but when I was 18 I started reading books by black writers. James Baldwin, Maya Angelou, Eldridge Cleavor were among them. They were mainly books that dealt with Blacks in America.


5. If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Professor James Haskins, author of The Cotton Club. He was the first person of his caliber to review my work and tell me I had the potential as a writer.


6. Describe your writing in three words.
Realistic, jolting, humorous. 


7. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Play music. I love performing live.


8. Where do you get your ideas for your books?
I'm always captured by things going on in everyday ordinary people's lives.


9. What new author has grasped your interest?
Not sure I can answer that well. I know a few undiscovered writers [like myself] who are very talented.


10. If you couldn’t be an author, what would your ideal career be?
An inventor. 


11. What was your favorite chapter to write and why?
Chapter 1: Janita. I very unintentionally broke her heart. I don't know where she is today but in my heart I want her to know that I'm sorry.


12. Why do you feel you had to tell this story?
It's twofold. 1- I want males to realize why they pick the actual women they do. 2- I'm committed to provoking people to be honest with themselves -- and face the mirror to become "better".

13. Can you tell us about your upcoming book?
My new book is 'Why I Did Them That Way'. It details my lifetime relationships. I share "true" accounts of the reason the relationships didn't work out [for me]. I share scenarios that actually happened and reveal the circumstances that made for the straw that broke the camel's back. People are making some of these very mistakes as we speak. Honest self-evaluation is a HUGE valuable asset for an individual. 


14. How do you think self-publishing has opened or closed doors for creative people?
It has given us a reason to "do our work" without excuses. What we write/release will always have potential. But when we hope that readers will give our work a try [just because] and haven't done good editing, story-telling etc. -- many times we hurt our potential dramatically. 


15. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
Write 'your' TRUTH. Forget about what others are doing and saying. Be true to your own DNA. And don't worry ...NO ONE can reinvent the wheel!!
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Interview with BlacC Topp

7/31/2013

1 Comment

 

1. Tell me a bit about yourself?
Well, I'm BlaccTopp the author of The Hustle Chronicles Trilogy... I am a husband and father of three small children and a grown daughter that is a junior in college. I work at one of the most prestigious engineering firms in the state of Florida and I love to write.

 2. When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I've been writing my whole life so I've always been a writer. Istarted out journaling and then from journaing I went into writing music so I have always had a love for writing.

3. What inspired you to write your first book?
My mother inspired me to write my first book. She had a title out and it did ok before she died and I suppose some small part of me needed that constant connection, you know? Like I didn't want to lose that part of her.

4. What books have influenced your life most?
Donald Goines Whoreson and Nathan McCall's Makes me wanna Holler are two books that really dug deep into me.

5. If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Treasure Blue I would say, because when I was preparing to drop my first novel I would call him and vent and dig into his knowledge box and he never turned me away. He was always willing to walk me thru this maze of confusion step by step.

6. Describe your writing in three words.
Three words....Prolific, Vivid, and Real.

7. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
When I'm not writing I like to chill with my family...And I try to give my wife and kids as much time as I can but, If I'm not writing then I am more than likely out in the streets selling books.

8. Where do you get your ideas for your books?

My life has always been pages torn from your favorite horror stories or from your favorite urban novel. I pull my novels from either personal experience or things that Ihave witnessed first hand.

9. What new author has grasped your interest?
I'm still fairly new so that's a hard question but I DO  however have some favorite new authors..Vanna B is amazing, Kenneddee Devoe is a sweetheart, Racquel Williams is a hustler.....

10. If you couldn’t be an author, what would your ideal career be?
I would probably be a preacher lol, I mean I'm a communicator so it would have to be a career where my experiences in life could help other people.

 11. What was your favorite chapter to write and why?
I know it may sound somewhat strange but Idon't have a favorite chapter. I actually enjoyed writing the whole thing.

12. Why do you feel you had to tell this story?
It was therapeutic for me. When I lost my mom, I needed some sort of outlet and I can remember talking to my mother about a lot of my exploits and she would tell me, "yea I know son, I read your journals while you were away." She was very encouraging, pushing me by telling me that I had an amazing story. It wasn't until she died that I found the courage to dive in head first.

13. Can you tell us about your upcoming book?
My upcoming book is called TAINTED. It follows a rookie DEA agent undercover to take down a drug lord. But she may just dive in to deep.

14. How do you think self-publishing has opened or closed doors for creative people?
I think it has opened doors by taking the power from the major publishing houses. Now a days you have business men and women that are taking their destiny's into their own hands. They are also helping to pull others into publishing by helping authors that may not necessarily have the business acumen to drop their own product. I think its closed doors to an extent because outside of our community, many people in publishing, especially the decisionmakers don't necessarily take us seriously. I don't think that they recognize the hard work that many of my peers put in, trying to not only write quality material but, trying to run their small publishing houses effectively.

 15. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
My advice would be to study and research continuously. Also to keep it 100 with yourself...If you expect people to spend their hard earned money with you, be considerate enough to have your work properly edited. With the rush of new authors popping up everyday it is essential that your work stand out. Don't be afraid to take chances. ABW....Always Be Writing....ABR... Always Be Researching....And whatever you do, STAY HUMBLE...This is a small community believe it or not and your brand is only as strong as the relationships that you build!!
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Interview with Authors Yusuf & Zoe Woods

6/26/2013

3 Comments

 
Interview Authors Zoe & Yusuf Woods

1. Tell me a bit about yourself.
Yusuf – Husband, father, spiritually grounded man. My wife and I are originally from Pennsylvania now residing in Northern Virginia. We’re both extremely focused and passionate about our writing careers. I’m a mentor, which was one of my main goals because it’s important for me to continually share with people, especially youth, the circumstances both good and bad that have made me who I am today.

Zoe – God fearing mother and wife. My writing career has been incredible because of how much we had to overcome obstacles to be in such a great position today. We’ve worked hard and remained humble. My passion aside from writing is becoming a teacher/professor, a goal that is a matter of months away. Our daughter, who is almost 18 will also be releasing her first novel in the near future, following in our footsteps as a writer but knowing much more than we did when we entered the industry.

2. When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Yusuf – I still don’t at times. My wife Zoe has to remind me because to me, I’m just Yusuf, a man with many titles and a lot on my heart and mind, who’s trying to make it in this cold world.

Zoe – I first considered myself a writer after a book signing that I did for our first novel. The realization of this new identity didn’t hit until that point. I was new in the industry, still learning so much and attended this particular signing alone. I didn’t know that the person hosting the signing had arranged for a special guest to come and meet with me. This happened to be a young girl who was maybe 13 or 14 years old. Her mother was in her words, “in love with our story,” and wanted to have her daughter speak with the author because she wanted to be a writer too. I must have talked with her for close to a half an hour as she sat next to me while I signed books. It was a great feeling and I hope that I inspired her to reach for any dream that she has of being a writer because it truly is a gift and indescribable experience.


3. What inspired you to write your first book?
Yusuf – Once urban books hit the streets, it became a phenomenon to many youth and somewhat taking the place of school books because they could relate to it more. However many of them were also trying to imitate what they read, just as they sometimes do with movies and music but they weren’t getting both sides within those stories. So my inspiration came from wanting to reveal what’s really happening and what a person’s life can truly end up like. I’ve witnessed it, been through more than I could write about and thankfully made it through eleven years in the Feds which could have been fifteen. I’ve made it back home to my family, a new career, and with a much better and wiser outlook on life.

4. What books have influenced your life most?
Yusuf – Qur’an

Zoe – Holy Bible

5. If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Yusuf - Guy Johnson.

Zoe – Maya Angelou because it seems as though she carries herself so respectably in everything she does. She respects her craft and it shows in her work.

6. What book are you reading now?
Yusuf – I’m currently reading Money Hungry by Tyrone Brown.


7. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Yusuf – When I’m not writing I’m usually spending time with my family. I travel a lot in this profession whether it’s promoting or events, so that is something that is both business and pleasure depending on what city and state we’re visiting. Aside from that, I’m working out, running, studying or mentoring.

Zoe – Family first, whenever I’m not writing or doing something work related I’m with my husband and our daughter making good use of precious time. We travel, go to the beach, anything that’s fun for the family and support my husband and his mentoring.  


8. Where do you get your ideas for your books?
Yusuf - The street; real events that happen in everyday life in the ghetto.


9. What new author has grasped your interest?
Yusuf – Young Author ZayDiddy.


10. If you couldn’t be an author, what would your ideal career be?
Yusuf – Part of what I do now, which is mentor youth.

Zoe – A teacher/professor, which is also what I’ll be doing aside from being a writer.


11. What was your favorite chapter to write and why?
Zoe – I think it’s safe to say that we both enjoyed writing each chapter however the beginning and the end are always the one’s that give the most joy and I’ll explain why. When we start a novel, it’s always exciting to begin a new project, with fresh ideas and a great outlook on what’s to come. That feeling is hard to describe but as you progress through each chapter, you maintain that and once you reach that very last chapter, you’re hit with a whole new emotion. You’re proud of what you’ve accomplished, you’re excited to see how your readers will receive it and you know that you’ve done something that required a lot of skill and patience. It can be stressful as a writer, but when your novel is complete you definitely gain satisfaction from all of your hard work.


12. Why do you feel you had to tell this story?
Yusuf- It’s sad to have to admit but I was in the street life for real. So much that I received 15 years sentence for a non-violent crime and I know I have affected a lot of people’s lives but at the time I didn’t see it.  I had to tell this story for the person who would believe he or she is only accountable for their own actions. Don’t get me wrong the book is what it is, hard; passionate, violent and true lessons in life itself. I have a brother who at this very moment is fighting two contract killings. Do you think I want to believe I had anything to do with molding his mind state in anyway when I never let him see me handling my street business? It’s a cold world but that doesn’t mean we as men and women need to become cold. If there is nothing else that people take from our work; know that we get just one life, and if we make one detrimental mistake, one moment in time, that can be taken away.  

13. Can you tell us about your upcoming book?
Yusuf – We have a couple of upcoming books, one is Definition of a Man which is one of my best books to date. I think this book is needed at this time because a lot of cats were lost when I was coming up you had to be the man you said you were. So if you wanted to be anything, you had to put in the hard work to become that. If you wanted to be the best baller on the playground you had to practice, the best hustler, you had to out hustler the next man… you wanted to be the same thing. I was taught this lesson early in life by a man who was rich before he was 35. Now I’m going to be his voice in the Definition of a Man.


14. How do you market your book(s)?
Yusuf – We market through every possible way and opportunity that’s available to us. We reach out to book clubs, attend events, we advertise and connect with stores and vendors. Networking with other people in the industry who have been around for a long time has been a benefit and social networking.


15. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
Zoe - If writing is genuinely your passion, do whatever it takes to make that dream come to fruition. Research, network, and if you’re spiritual or religious, pray as well. After that, research some more because you can never do enough of that in this industry. It is a tough process that requires a lot of focus, patience, and persistence. Not every publisher (large or small) is going to be good for you or provide what you need in order to become successful. Therefore you have to explore opportunities and if you cannot find what you’re looking for, the answer might just be within and that may even be self publishing. You have to work extremely hard in this industry if you want your voice (your work) to be heard. Be prepared to do book tours, network from sun up until sun down, promote heavily and if you’re in a position where you get knocked down you have to get right back up and keep it moving.

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Interview with T. L Tucker

5/19/2013

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1. Tell me a bit about yourself.
My name is Tameesha Tucker, I was born in DC raised in PG.

2. When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I first considered myself a writer the first time I had an article published. The title of the article is, " How to tell if you like him, more than he likes you, providing he likes you at all." This article was featured on Associated Content's website. It received over 150,000 views. I wrote this article under one of my pen names, "Rhyming Beauty."

3. What inspired you to write your first book?
My first book was inspired by the things I went through during and after my divorce.

4. What books have influenced your life most?
I would have to say the Holy Bible, and The Souls of Black Folk, written by W.E.B. Dubois. That book really gave me an insight on the negative affects that slavery had on African American's then and now.

5. If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
If I could choose a mentor from this time, I would choose Nikki Giovanni. I think that she is an awesome woman and writer who understands the concept and impact of real literature.
 
6. How have your personal experiences affected your writing?

My personal life has affected my writing in a huge way. If it were not for my personal experiences I would have never had the courage to pick up my pen in the first place. I always loved to write, but there is something about a season of pain that will bring your most profound and prolific voice to the forefront.
 

7. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
 I love family. I love spending time with my family. Good food, good company, good times.

8. Where do you get your ideas for your books?
Honestly, I pray for them. I literally ask God what He would like me to write about. I ask him to give me purpose and the message of the book. I pray throughout the entire process because I understand that my gifts do not belong to me.

9. Have you written a book you love that you have not been able to get published?
no.
 
10. If you couldn’t be an author, what would your ideal career be?

My ideal career would be something that would allow me to make a respectable career on my terms and time. I am currently studying to take the Maryland State Exam for real estate. I love to write but I understand that it takes a lot of time to build a brand and name in the literary world. In the meantime I understand that I still have the responsibility of providing for my children.

11. What was your favorite chapter to write and why?

My favorite chapter in my newest novel was chapter 12. I loved this chapter. It basically was the build up of Savannah's and Langston's feelings for one another.
 

12. Why do you feel you had to tell this story?
There are several reason why I felt the need to tell Savannah and Langston's story. 1.) I really wanted people to know that there is somebody that could love you in spite of the most unconventional circumstances. 2.) I wanted to make people think. It seems that since major break throughs  in the medical field pertaining to HIV, people aren't talking about it anymore. It seems that our community is more comfortable living with it because you can live as long as anybody else. My goal is to shift people out of their comfort zones so that we can continue to take the necessary precautions on avoiding it all together. 3.) I really wanted to tell the ultimate story of forgiveness and unconditional love. I wanted people to know that there is still redemption after the worst of situations. I wanted people to see the love that Langston had for Savannah even when she was unwilling to accept his love out of fear. I think it was so refreshing to read about a man that loves a woman the way that God calls us to love.
 
13. Can you tell us about your upcoming book

 I have started to write three fictional novels, one self help book, and one children's book. The children's book is completed and I am waiting on my illustrator to complete the illustrations.
 

14. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
I do, It's great to tell a good story with a plot that thickens. But, behind every good story is a purpose. A good sound, profound and prolific book has a purpose, hence being more than just a good story, but a book that will entertain, challenge, and inspire people in all areas of life. Focusing on the story is great, but before pen hits the paper the very purpose can inspire you to write a book that could change the world for the better. Take your time and take pride in your work (even before you get paid to....)

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Interview with C. Flores

4/30/2013

1 Comment

 
1. Tell me a bit about yourself.
I'm 27 and I have two boys 1 and 2 that are my world. I did 5 years in federal prison and since I came home I changed my life around for the better and starting chasing my dreams.

2. When did you first consider yourself a writer?
When I published my first book. It didn't hit me until I held my first novel in my hand. I said to myself I'm really a writer!


3. What inspired you to write your first book?
I was locked up and very bored. My mind was working and after I read The Coldest Winter Ever I knew what I wanted to do with my time


4. What books have influenced your life most?
DopeFiend Blues, The Coldest Winter Ever, Bmore Careful, True To The Game, A Hustlers Wife.

5. If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Sister Souljah really inspires me with her lectures and her movement. Jimmy Da Saint I respect his grind so much and he embraced me when he found out I was a writer. We from the same city and both came home on a mission.


6. What book are you reading now?
I'm actually reading my upcoming novel Charm City that I will be releasing at the end of the summer. It's based out of Baltimore.


7. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
When I'm not writing Im trying to spend time with my kids.

8. Where do you get your ideas for your books?
My ideas all came from life experiences from me or people I was locked up with that shared their stories with me.


9. What new author has grasped your interest?
Author  Quiana has really been a big help with my work. We talk, she gives me advice and helps me with anything I ask for as far as the book game goes. Her drive grasp my attention from the first day I saw her at her book signing.


10. If you couldn’t be an author, what would your ideal career be?
If I couldn't be an Author I don't know what my career choice would be because this is truly my gift and my calling. When I write I just go in. No story line just a thought and a pen and it flows!

11. What was your favorite chapter to write and why?
Chapter 1 of Bleeding The Block because I went off of that chapter and created the rest of the story.


12. Why do you feel you had to tell this story?
I feel like this story and the rest of my stories are what the game have  been missing. I feel like I'm bringing urban fiction back to when it really was popping! It's watered down now in my opinion and me and other Authors from my city are putting out quality material.

13. Can you tell us about your upcoming book?
 My upcoming book is on Kindle right now called Beyond Gangsta it will be in paperback within the next few weeks. This story is about a young guy who gets a basketball scholarship to go to school so he leaves his old hood and friends behind to better himself. He has a thesis paper due and he had this crazy idea to do it on an OG in his neighborhood name Frontz which is his best friends uncle. So e goes back to his area to get some knowledge about him that some people forgot or didn't want to share. Just to give him a better insight. His best friend comes home from a federal bid with the same get money mentality and tries to persuade him to get down with him. It's a really nice twist, different plot and I think the readers will enjoy it.


14. How do you market your book(s)?
 My books are sold at Black and Nobel and Horizon Books. I also have a book stand in West Philly that i try to set up at least 3 times a week. I market them on Instagram, twitter and Facebook. I'm on these social sites everyday promoting heavy.


15. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
Go hard or go home! Nobody giving deals like back in the day and if you want to get things done do it yourself and work hard. No days off!
1 Comment

Interview with G.. P. A.

3/17/2013

0 Comments

 
1. Tell me a bit about yourself?
G.P.A. is the controversial, most electrifying man in Poetry. He is the combination of 50 Cent,Kobe Bryant, The Rock, Langston Hughes, and Marc Livingston..

2. When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I considered myself a writer when my first book, The Confessional Heart of a Man, was published. It was for real then.

3. What inspired you to write your first book?

I wrote my book from behind the fence,so i wanted to have something that made the positive out of a negative situation. Plus, writing The Confessional Heart of a Man was quite therapeutic. 

4. What books have influenced your life most?

The Catcher in the Rye, the Norton Anthology of Literature my Dad gave me, and books by John Grisham, Carl Weber,Mary Monroe, and James Patterson made me want to be better,know there is better, and took me places before i even went there. Also, how could i forget Ed McBain and his 87th Precinct novels.

5. If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Without even meeting him, i would consider Langston Hughes a mentor. I learned that you don't need a lot of words or vulgar words to express a point.

6. What book are you reading now?
I am currently reading Odd Apocalypse by Dean Koontz.

7. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I play video games,hang with my family, and workout.

8. Where do you get your ideas for your books?

From inside my head and heart, life experiences,and beautiful women are where my poems come from.

9. What new author has grasped your interest?

LaDonna Cook is a new Poet/author whose work has caught my attention.

10. If you couldn’t be an author, what would your ideal career be?
If i weren't an author, i would be a professional wrestler.

11. What was your favorite chapter to write and why?

The Tumescence chapter was my favorite chapter to write in Revenge of the Orgasm.

12. Why do you feel you had to tell this story?
There had to be a tell all book of one's sexual adventures that was arousing but doesn't name names. Revenge of the Orgasm is necessary 

13. Can you tell us about your upcoming book?
Revenge of the Orgasm is the follow up to The Book of 24 Orgasms and is an erotic autobiography. 

14. How do you market your book(s)?

The marketing of my books is aggressive and nonstop. Look in any search engine, and you will find me and my books.

15. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

Write the book you want to write, but understand what you are writing the book for. Are you trying to be a best selling author,urban legend, or just always wanted to publish a book? Once you know this, proceed accordingly.
0 Comments

Interview with Michael F. Blake

2/15/2013

1 Comment

 
1. Tell me a bit about yourself?
I’m a native of Chicago Illinois. I grew up with dreams and aspirations of being a basketball player but that was short lived due to certain circumstances. I am a father, an aspiring screenwriter; entrepreneur and a published author of an amazing three part series entitled "The Holy City "under Delphine Publication.

2. When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When I came home, with the weight of the world on my shoulders, I stayed focused on writing and continued to work diligently on my second novel. I knew then that I was destined to be a story teller.

3. What inspired you to write your first book?

The idea of writing came to me during the darkest time of my life. Everyday while being incarcerated my creative imagination would play on my mind so much to the point I had to start jotting down ideas. The ideas soon blossomed into a developing novel.

4. What books have influenced your life most?

To be honest, I never was an avid reader so I can’t say a book influenced my life. I didn’t start reading novels until I began writing my own…To this day I am amazed on how fluidly my writing comes out being that I’m not a true reader.

5. If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

If I had to choose, It would be Donald Goines, Iceberg Slim, Sistah Soulja and of course Tamika Newhouse! Lol!

6. What book are you reading now?

Actually I’m finishing up a novel called “The Promise” by Chicago’s own T.S Weatherspoon.

7. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

First and foremost, spending time with my immediate family; and I also spend a lot of time looking into different business endeavors and lucrative investments.

8. Where do you get your ideas for your books?

I reflect on past and present memories of life around me as I know it.

9. What new author has grasped your interest?

I would have to say K.T Hodge, the author of “The Left Lane”…A great story.

10. If you couldn’t be an author, what would your ideal career be?

I would probably be in the real estate field.

11. What was your favorite chapter to write and why?

I would have to say chapter 3 because it was the emancipation of my main character, Marcus.

12. Why do you feel you had to tell this story?

I always felt like the life that surrounded me in the past was meant to be a movie so I took advantage of the time I had to sit down and actually put it all down on paper.

13. Can you tell us about your upcoming book?

It’s a sequel to the first one…I basically answer all the lingering questions so many of my readers have about different issues that’s in progress with certain characters.

14. How do you market your book(s)?

Through major social networking, festivals, and personal book signings.

15. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

A few things…write for self-enjoyment. Be hands-on and knowledgeable on whatever topic you are writing about. Always have some sort of message in your writings, rather it be an obvious message or one that readers have to decode. Also, I believe success comes with keeping God first, being consistent, dedication, and staying true to your self.

1 Comment

Interview with Nah'Sun

2/3/2013

2 Comments

 
Sistahs on Lit:  Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Nah'Sun: I’m a hater and proud to admit that.  It’s hard to impress me. If you can impress me with whatever you’re doing consider that an accomplishment. I automatically think you suck until you prove me otherwise. I make no apologies for thinking that either. Oh yeah, I love cooking to get my mind off sex. I can hook up a mean curry salmon dish. Straight up.

If I wasn’t writing books, I would’ve done porn under the name King Horse. But that’s for
another interview.


Sistahs on Lit:  When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Nah'Sun: This girl I was seeing in high school lost her virginity after reading a few of my
  poems. I wrote rhymes and cartoon episodes since elementary school. Writing them was cool, but
for a young lady to give me her innocence on the strength of my writing is something else. That was when I knew I was on to something.   That happened years ago, but selling my first novel back in 2009 officially solidified me as an author.
 
I also wanna write something that’ll make people scared to put their books next to mine,
or afraid to come half assed when it comes to approaching a project. No amount of
money and fame is worth more than forcing authors to step up their pen game or
else they’ll find themselves obsolete.



Sistahs on Lit:  How did you come up with your titles?

Nah'Sun: I’m a lyricist first and foremost. So I like to use wordplay for my titles. The
original title for my first novel Thick When the Chances are Slim was either going to be Thick is the New Thin or Thick and Sexy.  Those titles are lame for various reasons.
 
I walked aimlessly around New Yorkand played alphabetical gymnastics with words I can use until I put the main plot and the title together. The story is about a skinny woman who wants to put on size, and I knew I wanted Thickand Slim in the same title. I played around with a few words until I came up with the title you now see.
 
“Fat Chance”  is a popular saying, so I put Chance in the title. That’s why it’s Thick When the Chances are Slim since the main character’s name is also Chance.



Sistahs on Lit:  What inspired you to write your first book?

Nah'Sun: Watching Back to the Future put the battery in my back to write and release a bo
 
At the end of the movie, George McFly told his son, Marty, after receiving the Sci-Fi novel
he’d written in the mail, “Like I’ve always told you, you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything.”  I took heed to that one trillion percent.
 
The funny thing is that a lot of people had doubted I was coming out with a book when I told them I was writing one. Then again, I don’t blame them. Everybody and their mamas tell me, “I wanna write a book,” but when it’s crunch time, they airball and miss the shot. Talk without action is a tragedy. Straight up and down.



Sistahs on Lit:  When writing this story how did you come up with the concepts of the story?

Nah'Sun:   A lot of  people don’t know about the population of skinny women who secretly and outwardly dream of living thick. Just like how you got white folks darkening their skin by tanning. The first novel in the 3-part THICK series is Thick When the Chances are Slim that shows the heart and soul of a woman who wants to live thick.
 
I also think about a lot of stories and concepts that haven’t been touched on before. I don’t believe in the “there’s nothing new to write under the sun” nonsense. The mind is too powerful for that belief. That’s just a lame duck excuse for authors to not dig deep to find stories and concepts to write about.
I don’t put a cap on my creativity. I can write a story about the life of a Coke bottle and make it meaningful and entertaining.



Sistahs on Lit:  What books have most influenced your life?

Nah'Sun: Comic books.  Comic books saved my life. Real talk.  I  used to collect comic books as a shorty. They opened doors in my brain to write  creatively. I wouldn’t be nearly as good of a writer if it wasn’t for comic books because they gave birth to a wild imagination I have now.


Sistahs on Lit:  What would you say to someone who is on the fence about purchasing your books?

Nah'Sun: I’m not the  type to convince anyone to buy my books.  People already know when they want something the minute they know about it and the second they see it. I give a person my sales pitch and take it from there. If they wanna cop my books, that’s all good. I’m grateful for that. If not, I go on to the next person who may be interested.
 
I don’t put energy into the uncertain. Life is too short for that. You either want what I  have to offer or you don’t. Simple as that.



Sistahs on Lit:  Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

Nah'Sun: Not really. Then again, that’s an unfair question to ask me because I really don’t read fiction anymore. They don’t do anything for me. The books I did read from new authors were carbon copies of the past.  I  might as well read from the masters instead of the students if that’s the case.

Everything is the same nowadays anyway. Reading other authors’ fictional work is just gonna plant the seed in my brain to subconsciously write what they’re writing. I’ll  talk about how reading fictional books had damn near ruined my writing process later in this session.  Overall, I read to learn, not read for entertainment.
 
I’m a fan of non-fiction books…something that’ll raise my mental bar high enough where angels
gotta surf my brain waves and hope they don’t wipe out.



Sistahs on Lit: What are your current projects?

Nah'Sun:  I just  finished the sequel to Thick When the Chances are Slim entitled Thick
  in the Nick of Time. You can check out the synopsis and excerpts for both books @ www.nahsunblaze.com.  I’ll save the “it’s a classic,” “it’s my best project,” “I took this one to the next level,” “it’s a rollercoaster,” and any other clichés you’ll hear from authors for a later date.

Just see for yourself and tell me whether you love or hate the book @ www.nahsunblaze.com


Sistahs on Lit:  Do you see writing as a career?

Nah'Sun:  Writing is already my career. It’s a profession, not a hustle. I’m 4 years deep with no
  sleep and still counting.  I’ve been  writing since rockin’ hand me downs and eating government cheese. There’s no cheese like welfare cheese. Real talk. 
 
Anyway… the only reason why I turned my talent into a business is to capitalize on the God’s gift
I’m blessed with. Whether rich or poor, I’m gonna write until I return to the essence.



Sistahs on Lit:  What do you like to do when you are not writing?

Nah'Sun:  I love people  watching.  Watching people is my favorite sport. That’s one of the ways I come up with certain mannerisms for my characters. I draw them from strangers I see everyday.  You’ll be  amazed at what you can learn from people once you find the time to sit back, observe, and analyze how people move around and interact with each  other. And in some cases, interact with themselves.



Sistahs on Lit: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

Nah'Sun:  I don’t have a favorite author. I’m a fan of books. But the one guy who stands out to me the
most is Seth “Soul Man” Ferranti. I pretty much have all his non-fiction titles from his Gorilla Convict label. I faithfully read the blogs and articles from his Gorilla Convict website, too. Good stuff.

Soul Man wrote books about the Supreme  Team street organization outta South Jamaica, Queens, and other joints about real life gangsters and criminals. I like his writing style because he doesn’t bore the hell outta me. He’s good at digging for info. His work ethic is crazy because he still manages to get info about certain people and events regardless of being locked up in a federal prison.
 
Now that’s what I call grindin’.

If you would’ve asked me this question around 1999-2001, I’d say Donald Goines and Eric
Jerome Dickey.

Goines because of his description and grittiness, and EDJ because his books are entertaining as quick reads.

Now back to my reading fiction issue…the reason why I fell back from reading fiction is because I tried copying Goines’s and EDJ’s styles when I first started writing stories. My stories sucked because of that. They really sucked. I mean hot trash sucked.
 
What’s wild is that the students in the writing workshop courses I took in college loved those stories. That puzzles the hell outta me to this day. I guess those stories sucked so bad that they were good.



Sistahs on Lit:  Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?


Nah'Sun:  It doesn’t take a full moon for the beast to come out. And with that said, you can order
any of my THICK books @ www.nahsunblaze.com  Or you can just hit me up @ www.facebook.com/nahsun1 to chop it up with me. It’ll cost you nothing.
 
Peace and Afro Grease
 
Nah’Sun the Great


2 Comments

Interview with Author Raechel Rivers

1/7/2013

3 Comments

 
SISTAHS ON LIT:  Can  you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Raechel Rivers:
I attended college for about 12 years.  I have a Bachelor’s degree in Business; a Master’s in Education; and an Educational Specialist degree.  


SISTAHS: Where are you from?

R. Rivers: St. Louis, Missouri



SISTAHS: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

R. Rivers:
  I have been writing since childhood and on into high school; and then during my
undergraduate college years from 1998 to 2002.  After graduating, and while I was working on my Master’s degree, I continued to write several poems.  I first considered myself a “writer” and wanted to pursue it as a career when I launched my first blog www.raeluvs2write.blogspot.com in 2009. 


SISTAHS: How did you come up with the title for your first book?

R. Rivers: The title actually began as a blog post that I created on Facebook in the Notes section. I would post personal stories about love and relationships; and my perspective of certain dating
issues and being single.  My friends would often comment on the posts, and they were able to relate to the topics because of their own experiences.


SISTAHS: What inspired you to write your first book? 

R. Rivers: I always wanted to write a book. Initially, back in 2004 when I was working on my Master’s degree at Langston University in Oklahoma, I began compiling a book of poetry.  Some of my colleagues at the time had written books and that served as inspiration for me.  Later, when I began
blogging and posting Notes on Facebook, my friends told me that what I was writing was inspirational.  They told me that it encouraged them in their own dating life.  Everyone kept telling me to save the posts; so I compiled them into a book along with my poetry.  
 

SISTAHS: When writing this story how did you come up with the concepts of the story?

R. Rivers:
  It  was easy; all of the concepts and situations in the book are true and based off
of my own experiences and perceptions of being single and dating.



SISTAHS: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

R. Rivers:  The overall theme of my book is self-love.  I want readers to know the importance of loving their own individual person; in order to live a happy, healthy, life and have healthy relationships
with others.  


SISTAHS: What books have most influenced your life most?

R. Rivers:
  Sassy, Single, and  Satisfied by Michelle McKinneyHammond


SISTAHS: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

R. Rivers: I would consider Michelle McKinney Hammond as a mentor.  She is very down-to-earth and sticks to her message for single, Christian women.


SISTAHS: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

R. Rivers:
  I have been networking with many authors on Twitter lately, and I’ve recently connected with Jamillah McDaniel, All The Men We Love.  I don’t read as much fiction as I did when I was younger, but the story-line of her book has recently sparked my interest.  


SISTAHS: What are your current projects?

R. Rivers: 
I  am currently finishing up a screenplay/script I started writing two years ago.  I am interested in producing it as a movie or play.   


SISTAHS: Do you see writing as a career?

R. Rivers:
  Yes, definitely.  I am seeking ways to make more money writing, in addition to my book, as a freelancer. 


SISTAHS: What do you like to do when you are not writing?

R. Rivers:
  When I’m not writing, I am spending time with my family and friends; working part-time in retail, at a women’s dress store; thinking of how to implement my millions of entrepreneurial ideas; and also attending church.  


SISTAHS: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

R. Rivers:
  I  may have to say that Napoleon Hill is my favorite author.  He wrote the book Think and Grow  Rich.  I am really into non-fiction books on personal development; business; or anything spiritually empowering such as some of Joyce Meyer’s books like Battlefield of the Mind.  I can’t leave
out Michelle McKinney Hammond or Juanita Bynum. These authors’ books really empowered me
during my twenties.  I definitely intend to model myself after writers with such life-changing messages. The power of words and thoughts to create and sustain life; that is what strikes me most about what they write.   


SISTAHS: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

R. Rivers:
I want to tell my readers to never give up!  They may not aspire to become writers or authors, but they have dreams. I want them to pursue their God-given destinies and to not settle in life or love!  



























































3 Comments

Interview with Bestselling Author Brian W. Smith

11/19/2012

1 Comment

 
SISTAHS ON LIT: Tell me a bit about yourself

BRIAN W. SMITH:  I am originally from New Orleans, La. I own Hollygrove Publishing, and I have a
side deal with Strebor/Simon and Schuster. I'm also an Adjunct Professor of Creative Writing.
 

S.O.L: What inspired you to write your first book?

SMITH: I released my first novel in 2006, Mamas Lies - Daddy's Pain. The book is "loosely" based on my life. It's about a young man who raises his daughter for 17 years and then learns shortly before her 18th birthday (via DNA test) that he isn't the biological father. Lets just say...the book was cathartic.


S.O.L: You have been in the literary game since 2006 with Mama's Lies- Daddy's Pain,
how do you stay motivated?


SMITH: Although I've never been diagnosed, I believe that I have some form of Adult A.D.D. I'm the king of multi-tasking. I write multiple books at a time. I'm always traveling doing book signings and meeting with book clubs. I teach Creative Writing to college students. I run my publishing house. Up until August of this year I co-hosted an internet radio show with best selling author, Trice Hickman. The show was called, "On the Air with Trice and Brian". I have to be into a lot of things to stay motivated. If I was only writing books, I'd probably be bored out of mind, and would have stopped writing a long time ago.


S.O.L:  What were the challenges (research, literary, psychological, and logistical) in
bringing your first book to life?


SMITH:  There were no "material" challenges writing, Mama's Lies - Daddy's Pain, because between my memory and a "Baby Mama Drama" journal I'd kept for more than a decade - I had all the material I needed. My biggest challenge was learning how to write novels. I've never been formally trained. Other than a few college papers I had to write, I was never into writing. And prior to writing my first
novel, I could count on one hand the number of Fiction books I'd ever read. When I decided I wanted to tell "my" story, I had to give myself a crash course in Fiction writing. I used to go to the book store and library, and study how various authors wrote their novels; not necessarily their styles, but mainly the basic writing principles. I've always been a fast learner so it didn't take long for me to get the hang of it.


S.O.L.:  What genre do you consider your books?  Do you think you would ever venture
outside of that genre?


SMITH:  My books are classified as Mainstream Fiction, but in 2013, I will also start writing in the Mystery genre. My signature character will be a detective named "Sleepy Carter". I'm looking forward to this new literary journey.


S.O.L: If you could turn any of your books into a movie, which book would it be and why? What actors or actresses would you want to play the characters?
  

SMITH: I believe all my books would be good movies, but if I had to choose one to convert to a movie I'd choose, "If These Trees Could Talk". I believe it's the most powerful book I've ever written. It's about two little boys (one white the other black). They are being sexually molested by their mother's  boyfriends. One day they decide that they've had enough and devise a plan to kill their
molesters in the trees behind their houses.
 

S.O.L:  Your latest book, Nina's Got a Secret was just released on Amazon on September 18th and it already has 60 reviews, what would you say to someone who is still on the fence about purchasing this book?

SMITH: To those people who are on the fence about reading "Nina's Got A Secret", I would say give it a try. Its one of the most unique story lines to hit the AA literary scene in years. Just think about this question: If you only had seconds to decide which child to save,  your biological child or your disabled/handicap stepchild, which child would you save? This book will take you on an emotional
roller coaster. 


S.O.L:  I love all of your book covers.  Who designs them?

SMITH: I've used three different graphic designers over the years, but these are the
two Ive used the most: 

- Keith Marion (Marion Designs); (Mama's Lies - Daddy's Pain, Donna's Dilemma, and Nina's Got A Secret) 

- Vonda Howard (Cupcake Creative Designs); (Deadbeat, AMNESIA, Beater, If These Trees Could Talk, Larry's Got A Secret Too, and DIFFERENCES)


S.O.L.:  Do you think with Kindle and Nook now on the scene that hard covers and
paperback books would slowly become a thing of the past?

SMITH:  I don't think hardcover and paperback books will ever go away, but I do see a shift taking place in the industry. Publishers (small and large) are reducing the size of print runs and promoting ebooks and audio books more because those forms are cheaper to produce. I view ebook readers as a gift and a curse. They are great for readers because they are more convenient and books are cheaper. They are also great for authors and Independent Publishers like myself because they eliminate a lot of the expenses (printing, warehousing, etc.). BUT, Ebook readers are one of the main reasons small black owned book stores are going out of business...and that's a bad thing.


S.O.L: Alot of authors are putting out 5-6 short stories at one time rather than writing a 200-300 page novel, what are your thoughts on this?
  

SMITH:  There is benefit in putting out novellas in between major releases. I've done it before (Close To Home). But, I do believe that in order for an author to build a literary "brand", he/she needs to crank out novels.


S.O.L:  How may your readers contact you on social media?

SMITH:  I'm easy to find on social media:
   Facebook/Hollygrove Publishing
   Twitter:  @AuthorBWSmith
   Website:  www.hollygrovepublishing.com


 
1 Comment

Interview with Jason Hooper

11/10/2012

0 Comments

 
S.O.L.:  Could you tell us a little about yourself?

Jason Hooper: I’m  from Rochester N.Y. the second oldest of 8 children. I married when I was 23 and separated at the age of 27. I have two children a biological son Jason Hooper  J.R and my step son Joshua Parker that I helped raise from the time he was seven months. Other than writing and reading I enjoy traveling. I feel it’s nothing like seeing the world and everything it has to offer.


S.O.L: What  inspired you to write your first book?

 Hooper: Mostly, the ills of society and the ups  and downs of life inspired me.


S.O.L.: What  do you like to do when you are not writing?

Hooper: 
 I like to spend time with my boys or catch a concert. I like to go to hip hop and Rb
shows.  I like to listen to old school music, to name a few Stevie Wonder, Debarge, Jackson 5.


S.O.L.: What were the challenges (research, literary, psychological, and logistical) in
bringing your first book to life? 



Hooper: During the time I wrote Some Things Are Better Left Untold, I was going to community  college and I took notes on the mannerisms, habits, and language of adolescence and young adults. All the research and elements I needed for this story was right in front of me.  

S.O.L.: What genre do you consider your books? Do you think you would ever venture outside of  that genre? 

Hooper: I consider my genre to be Urban Lit, but I do plan to start a path in the romance
department.


S.O.L: If you could turn any of your books into a movie, which book would it be and why?   What actors or actresses would you want to play the characters?

Hooper:
  Some Things Are Better Left Untold- Because I believe that the story is meaningful  and a wake up call to some. I would like to have Megan Goode play Sherise Fanari-and Red Grant from Katt Williams “American Hustle” as Darnell Wilkinson.


S.O.L: I love all of your book covers.  Who designs them?

Hooper: Jerrice Owens helped me with the second edition cover for Some Things Are Better Left Untold. He also helped with the cover to That Girl. For my latest release A Hustler’s Lust Ronn Keit from Bronx NewYork was on the job.


S.O.L: Do you think with Kindle and Nook now on the scene that hard covers and paperback
books would slowly become a thing of the past?
 

Hooper:  Yes slowly, but anytime soon, no. It’s still lots of people that want the book in their hand.


S.O.L.: Do  you have any book signings coming up that your readers can meet you? 

Hooper:  Unfortunately not, but I will keep you posted on a month to month basis. 


S.O.L.: How may your readers contact you on social media?

Hooper:  Readers can contact me @ author.hooper@facebook.com . Twitter @jason_thewriter,  and
Google chromeJason Hooper




 












 
 


 






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