Meet literacy’s newest crown jewel Justin "Q" Young, author of Move Dat Doe (Firstborn Publications 2014), Bout Dat Doe: tips for the upcoming author (Firstborn Publications 2014) and Amazon's Best-Selling African American Erotic Short Story Series Dickmitized (Firstborn Publications 2015). Bringing you vivid detailed imagery through his words, makes escaping into his stories effortless.
Multi-facet in creativity, Justin "Q" Young defines the spectrum in artistic aptitude through painting, drawing and graphic design, which include custom painted portraits, murals, digital book cover designs, and promotional advertisements. He is a public servant to community based non-profit organizations. Dedicating his time and resources to aid men, women and families enduring hardships with life's necessities. Justin "Q" Young's ingenuity consistently broadens his professional admiration. You can view Justin "Q" Young's work on Social Media: Follow this author On Facebook: Justin Q Young On Instagram @ firstborn_designs On Pinterest: JQYoung1976 www.firstborndesigns.com email: accessjustinyoung@gmail.com
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Jeffery Roshell is a native of Chicago Illinois, born and raised in The South Suburbs. He divides his time between Harvey, Joliet, and Palos Hills Illinois and is currently working on his next novel.
Quintessa Turner is an up and coming novelist who shares her message by presenting characters who face real-life struggles and overcome them.
Before launching her literary career, Quintessa spent her younger years reading, developing business, and obtaining degrees. Many of the books she read she could relate to. The characters seemed so real that she could place herself in the lives of those she read about. She began to write poetry, but that dream died. After marrying and having children, the events that occurred around her inspired her to write urban fiction novels. When not writing, Quintessa spends time with her family, runs a home care business with her business partner, and just enjoys life. With the blessing of God, she will continue to be an inspiration to her readers and give them nothing but page- turners. About her most recent book Columbus is the capital of Ohio, and Columbus is where all the violence goes down. Poppa Joe is the King Pin nothing moves unless he say so, with so much power he made so many enemies. Everyone was afraid to knock him off his throne that was until he came across Batman the most corrupt cop in town. Both men have a team and neither of them are looking to back down, but things start to unravel within the team. Friends began to fold and the rest shall remain untold. Who will take over Columbus Poppa Joe or Batman? When did you first decide you wanted to become an author? In 2014. How did you decide on the idea for your 1st book? 2nd book? 3rd book, etc? My first book I decided to write when I was reading a book called The Cartel. I felt like I love to read and I know how to write so I begin to just write and explore my thoughts and it just start coming natural. So from book 1 I was excited about the feedback and wrote book 2. How long did it take you to complete your first book? What was the process like? It took me about six months. I think I would have gotten done ahead of time but I didn't have enough self-confidence. I would read bits of my book to my cousins and husband and they loved it. That's what push me to actually finish. What’s so rewarding about writing books and being an author? Writing books gives you the opportunity to open your mind and share it with the world. The mind is such a beautiful thing that can develop any imagination you can think of. I love the fact that I can just be sitting in a restaurant and tune the noises out and look around and actually develop something to place in a book just off of what my eyes would see. When it is your calling to write, it becomes natural. Was there ever a time you felt like giving up? Absolutely! The retuning phase was a struggle for me. I cried and even took days off because I was so over whelmed. Also when I was writing and forgetting to save my work and it gets erased, I get upset and have to take a day or two to refocus. There’s more to being an author than writing a book. How do you manage to handle the business side of things? I usually handle side business during the day and write at night but, no matter where I am or what I'm doing I always keep a notebook with me to jot down ideas. Do you have an editor or do you edit your own books? For my first book I went through one person for everything and my second book I learned from the first book you have to go to someone else for specific things. Who does the cover art for your book(s)? AMB BRANDING DESIGN Do you ever encounter writer’s block? How do you get past it? Yes, it was so stressful!! I had to take a break and then comeback to it. I read other books to give me that drive to get back motivated. How often do you write? I try to write something every day. Tell us about your last book signing. My last book signing was amazing. So many people attended. I had a friend who is really popular host it. There was food, cake and I signed so many books that highlighted a very important part in my life. I felt so loved! Beside social media, what other methods are you using to get the word out about your book(s)? Word of mouth As a Woman of Color, what inspires you the most? To see women just like me striving to write and read which is something that we never we allowed to do back in slavery. Knowing I'm doing something that color women were not supposed to be doing back then makes me fell huge and very confident. Who is your biggest influence? My husband. He pushes me beyond the limits. Have you ever done something in the past you regret? How did you get through it? Absolutely! I moved to another state without a plan. I had to really evaluate things once I was situated I came up with a plan and stayed on the state then moved back to my hometown and learned proper plan can prevent a poor performance. How do you get through the tough times in life when life throws what it throws at you? I just pray and try to remember God doesn't put more on you than you can handle and it’s someone going through something worse than me. What is one goal you want to accomplish for yourself in 2013? I would like to get my books all over the world. What do you have planned next? Do book signings all over the world and meet other authors. How can readers and others in the literary community reach you? Amazon: Quintessa Turner Facebook: Author Quintessa Turner Goodreads: Quintessa Turner Instagram: author.qturner Twitter: AuthorQuintessa As an author, M.G. Hardie, is known for his realness in speaking on taboo topics. Hardie is regarded as one of the foremost American minds for Real Political Analyst and Social Commentary. He is known as an expert on Race, Pop-Culture, and Hip-Hop. He is a public intellectual, visionary, and student of human nature. He advocates equality, social justice, and personal responsibility.
Hardie's debut book, EveryDay Life, was named The Best Kept Literary Secret and won a Reader Views Literary award in Humor and a African-American Literary award for Urban Title of the Year. CATO is an author of the newly released five-star GANGSTA SHYT SERIES. Born in Panama City, Florida, and father of two, CATO attended college at Gulf Coast State College in the paralegal program and is 3 credit hours from obtaining his AS paralegal degree. A member of Phi Theta Kappa, he has plans to attend law school in the future. Though CATO has made a huge splash in urban genre in a period of only 3 months, his diverse pen will take him to other genres which include sci-fi, political protest, comedy and even a horror series. To have his books brought to life on the big screen is his ultimate goal in the literary world. K.F. Johnson is a Queens, New York native now residing in Atlanta, Georgia. As a young child, she developed a vivid imagination and an aptitude for creative writing, drawing, and anything else artistic and entertaining. Her first glimpse of writing success came in the sixth grade when she won a New York City statewide poetry writing contest spotlighting the Statue of Liberty. During and after obtaining a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Spelman College and a Master’s Degree in Business, she was a featured rapper, actress and dancer in stage shows, videos, commercials and movie shorts. Now, as a working mother and wife, this jack of many trades has blossomed into a witty and cunning author, weaving spicy, realistic and suspenseful tales of African American Romance, Dysfunction and Danger
Cachet Johnson is a thirty-two year old mother of four. She is an avid reader who was inspired by other authors to begin writing her very own work. In 2010 she joined the literary scene with her debut novel, You Knew Betta, which was released under the publishing company Triple Crown Publications. The book produced great reviews and left the readers begging for a sequel, which she will be working on soon. Since then, Cachet’s other titles are: Anybody Can Get It, Anybody Can Get It II; Retribution, Heartless, Heartless 2; Still Grimy, Miserable Matrimony, Deadly Divorce, and she is also an author on the anthology with two other G Street authors titled Chaotic.
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Cachet is the oldest of three, with two younger brothers. In mid-2010 she relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, where she now resides with her significant other and four children. When she’s not glued to her computer screen, she spends her spare time reading, watching movies, shopping or vacationing with her family. This past year, Cachet obtained an associate’s degree in business from the University of Phoenix. With her degree, she plans to own, as well as run her own publishing company one day. With reading and writing as a passion, she hopes that with a publishing company she can help others to pursue their dream at becoming published authors. Cachet’s motto is “One Book Will Have You Hooked,” because she believes that one book is all it takes to have readers addicted. Her stories have been said to be a step above the rest, because of their originality. Cachet prides herself on penning books that are realistic and bring out the emotions of her readers. For more updates, follow her on Facebook at Authoress Cachet and on Twitter at Cachetnicole. Mr. Kawand S Crawford is a 46 year old African-American male that was born and raised in the gritty streets of New York. While participating in the fast life of drugs and crimes, he was dealt a tragic blow, at the age of 20 that left him paralyzed from the chest down. After spending years struggling with depression he enrolled into Medgar Evers College where he attended with the assistance of caregivers and note-takers which were provided by the college.
It wasn’t easy for Mr. Crawford who at times had to travel across the city of Brooklyn by city buses whenever transportation for individuals with disabilities was unreliable. Mr. Crawford who had expressed experiencing constant pain coupled with the frustration that came with the challenges of being in a wheelchair never wavered from attending classes. His resilience and determination to higher education is what drove him to get up every day for a 6 ½ stench where he earned several awards and certificates for academic excellence before graduating in 2002 with a Associates Degree in Business and a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. While attending college, Mr. Crawford, unable to use his hands had been introduced to some voice recognition software that allowed him to research and write his own papers. After graduation, Mr. Crawford who had been working at a financial company on Park Avenue relocated to Augusta Georgia to be closer to his ailing mother and the place where he began his writing career. Mr. Crawford’s first novel which is entitled Love, Loyalty and Dangerous Games is a gritty drama based on true stories surrounding his life and the tragedy that changed it forever. After selling close to 10,000 copies independently and receiving rave reviews, he was encouraged to write a sequel. In 2013, after writing and publishing 4 novels independently, Mr. Crawford was recognized and signed to Pleasure Principle Publications, an affiliate of The Bankroll Squad. He then delivered not one but two page turning series that continues to buzz through the urban community. His most proclaimed series “A BITCH’S BAD SIDE” had peaked at #12 on Amazon’s best-selling urban literature list. Mr. Crawford is currently working on a controversial series that highlights the challenges of young black men growing up in poverty with very little education and the women who raise them. This more than real series entitled “The Brooklyn Konnection” was inspired by the black lives matter movement. Mr. Kawand Crawford is truly an amazing and talented writer who we hope continues to deliver interesting and quality stories that touch on everyday life in the urban community. Denise Hill was born and raised on the eastside of Indianapolis where she attended Hazel Hart Hendricks elementary school (#37), Thomas Carr Howe High School and the University of Phoenix where she received her degree in business.
Denise wrote her first essay in 1980 that won her a trip to Toronto Canada, and one month later, she won another essay contest to spend a week in Washington, DC. Denise published her first romance and suspense novel in 2014, titled Love of a Lifetime and in 2015, she started production on a feature film based off the novel. Denise also published her second book in March 2015 titled Double Crossed and in 2016 she published her third novel titled Scandalous. Denise is currently working on other novels as well as filming her feature film and television series. View her movie trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uA2_ZGAEFlU Michelle Cuttino is the "Queen of Plus-Size Fiction," and serves as a body positive advocate, talk radio host, and motivational speaker. She is President of Big Body Publishing and Big Body Broadcasting. She is a columnist for four publications, and a plus-size lifestyle and publishing industry blogger. Cuttino is the author of "Love Is Blind," "Love & Happiness," and "Me & Mrs. Jones," an eBook series adaptation of her screenplay once optioned with Queen Latifah's Flavor Unit Films. Cuttino is also co-author of the erotica anthology, "Zane Presents... Cougar Cocktales," under the Strebor/Simon & Schuster imprint. Read more at MichelleCuttino.com.
About her most recent book Monet Bryant is a plus-size, African-American woman who never thought it possible to fall in love—especially with a white man. When her boss introduced her to her new partner, Mykel Lucas, their meeting was kismet. Monet and Mykel tried to hide their relationship due to the narrow-minded beliefs of their family and friends. Their plan was successful until Monet found out she was pregnant. They reluctantly broke the news to their families, and were met with pleas to terminate the pregnancy, and threats of disownment. Mykel and Monet vowed to make it work, but secretly Mykel remained conflicted. When the big day came, Mykel’s joy of witnessing the birth of his child was overshadowed by the fear of his family making good on their ultimatum. After kissing Monet and their son goodnight, Mykel walked out of the delivery room—and their lives. Four years later, Mykel resurfaces to reclaim the family he abandoned, only to find that a black man has taken his place. James Nesbitt is the only father Monet’s son has ever known; however, he is not the man she thinks he is. James’ true identity may bring their perfect world crashing down. As the betrayal and deceit begin to fester, Monet must make one of the most crucial decisions of her life. If no one is who they profess to be, how can she protect the innocence of her child? They say "Love Is Blind." Will the truth restore Monet’s sight? When did you first decide you wanted to become an author? Actually, I started out as a screenwriter. I have over ten completed manuscripts in my library. My eBook series, "Me & Mrs. Jones," is an adaptation of my screenplay once optioned with Queen Latifah's Flavor Unit Films. I've been writing in different capacities for years, but took a hiatus due to personal issues. When I resurfaced, I decided to take my career to the next level. It was my love of two novels in particular that made me want to pursue a career as an author. "Waiting To Exhale" helped shape my voice, and "The Coldest Winter Ever" incited my purpose. Today, I still want to be like Terry McMillan and Sister Souljah and tell stories that are stimulating and relatable. I hope my readers come away enlightened, entertained and most importantly, effected. May my words incite a writer's creative juices and remain with readers long after the ending. How did you decide on the idea for your 1st book? 2nd book? 3rd book, etc? My books are centered on plus-size characters. The themes of my books vary. In "Love & Happiness," Roxanne Linden is a plus-size vixen, who expertly manages her marketing firm while her attempts at controlling her personal life are faltering. "Me & Mrs. Jones" uncovers a five-way love affair. It's a three-part series based around two full-figured married women—Brenda Jones and Kim Baker. I've always been a lover of intertwining storylines, and added my screenwriting prowess to my novel writing. As a fan of movies like "Crash," "Pulp Fiction," "No Good Deed" and the like, I create visual storylines from reality-based relationship issues. How long did it take you to complete your first book? What was the process like? My first book took a little under a year to write. I'm somewhat of a free spirit, and it is mirrored in my writing. I wouldn't begin to know how to write by an outline; that's not the way stories come to me. When I sit down to write, it's like an out-of-body experience. My body is the vessel my characters use to tell their stories. They talk, and I type. I have no say so in the matter. What’s so rewarding about writing books and being an author? My reward is writing my truths, speaking my heart, and spreading my body positivity message. There is a wave of plus-size personalities coming to the forefront in fashion, entertainment, and television. The emergence of these individuals is no coincidence. Full-figured women are tired of hiding behind their weight, and are making an affirmation that their size does not define them. Like it or not, plus-size is the new black Was there ever a time you felt like giving up? There was a point in my life when writing was all I did. I ate, slept, and drank it, and I was beginning to garner a buzz and make a name for myself. Then all of a sudden, I just stopped. Someone stole my joy, and I let go of my passion. A few years ago, I lost my seven-year-old niece, who was like a daughter to me. Her death inspired me to live life to the fullest, and do what I love. In writing her obituary and eulogy, my love for storytelling was rekindled. I've been on a mission ever since. This time I refuse to quit. There’s more to being an author than writing a book. How do you manage to handle the business side of things? It's not easy, and some things suffer. My deadlines are strict and sometimes coincide with each other, so I can't spend as much quality time with my family as I would like. My life coach sessions with Dawniel Patterson-Winningham taught me about time management. I follow her teachings to the letter. I take notes in my notepad and schedule everything on my calendar. Even if it's a date or a catch-up session with my sons, I write it down. With so much going on in my life, it's easy to forget things. If it's on my calendar, it will definitely get done. Time management is key. I also follow the mantra that business is not personal. I know how to separate the friendship/relationship aspect from the business aspect, and those who work with me respect me for it. I am a work in progress, and I look forward to learning and growing every day. Do you have an editor or do you edit your own books? After vetoing several editors sent to me by referral, I set my sights on Sweet Georgia Press, LLC--and my experience has been nothing short of amazing. My final edits included remarks and suggestions that enhanced my manuscript as a whole. My personal writing style and signature nuances were embraced by J'son M. Lee, and he was able to edit in a manner that still allowed "my" voice to shine through. The edit was done in a timely manner and once complete, Mr. Lee continued to make himself available to answer questions and assist in any way I needed. I have since adopted Sweet Georgia Press as the editing firm for my company, Big Body Publishing. I am not only a repeat client of Sweet Georgia Press, but I highly recommend their editing services to anyone I come in contact with. When it comes to editing, if you are looking for quality, professionalism and dependability at a price you can afford, Sweet Georgia Press is the way to go. Who does the cover art for your book(s)? I've gone through numerous graphic designers, and finally found someone whose covers mirror my written vision. My covers have been designed (and some redesigned) by Aija M. Butler of AMB Branding and Design. Do you ever encounter writer’s block? How do you get past it? I don't really experience writer's block, but I know two ways to overcome it--write anything and read everything. How often do you write? I have an overactive imagination, so I write every day. Tell us about your last book signing. My book signing experience is limited, but I am planning a major event for 2016. I recently had the pleasure of meeting with the Literary Ladies Book Club of Rahway, NJ, and this personal meet and greet was phenomenal. We discussed my book, characters, writing process, and much more. It also led to a very promising speaking engagement opportunity where I will be moderating a panel at one of their future events.. Beside social media, what other methods are you using to get the word out about your book(s)? Social media is a great route for book promotion. In addition to my social media outlets, I utilize monthly newsletters, talk radio and print interviews, blog features, and magazine and other print promotions. As a Woman of Color, what inspires you the most? Everything I believe in is structured around my core value, which is putting the confidence back into my plus-size sisters. My radio show, The My Big Girl Panties Show, tackles issues that plague the plus-size population. My blog (www.BigBodysBlog.com), features posts intended to encourage and inspire. My novels not only have full-figured women on the covers, but are also centered on plus-size characters. I'm here to raise awareness, and encourage acceptance. I'm here to say it's okay to love yourself just the way you are—big or small. Contrary to what it may seem like, I am not practicing reverse discrimination. My message is for everyone, but with an emphasis on inspiring full-figured women. Bottom line, whoever you are, love the skin you're in. Who is your biggest influence? I'm going to give an obvious answer, for a self-gratifying reason. One of my biggest influences is Oprah Winfrey. Winfrey came from modest beginnings, and an abusive past. She was the plus-size talk show host who struggled publicly with her love life as well as her weight. She was typecast, misjudged, and mocked. Today, she is the Queen of all media, a self-made billionaire, and one of the most influential people in the world. Being a full-figured, African American woman is the cherry on top. Oprah Winfrey is proof that size doesn't matter; as long as you believe it, you can achieve it! Have you ever done something in the past you regret? How did you get through it? I don't live with many regrets. Each experience is a learning experience, and my setbacks are setups for something better. I try to live in my truth. Being brutally honest with yourself, and mastering the art of forgiveness is the key to getting through this obstacle course we call life. How do you get through the tough times in life when life throws what it throws at you? Comedy is my therapy. I come from a comedic family. When we get together, we crack jokes, relay funny stories, and do impersonations. I am quick-witted and will tell a joke, or give a sarcastic response at the drop of a dime. For me, there are only two options in life. You can cry and wallow in self-pity, or you can laugh and make the most of a bad situation. I choose to laugh. I keep a positive attitude, and the comedy comes naturally. What is one goal you want to accomplish for yourself in 2013? After waking from a coma in 2014, brought on by a life-threatening illness, I recovered with the loss of one of my most vital faculties. I did not let that loss set me back, nor did I use it as an excuse to be unsuccessful. My passion is turning my dealing process into a healing process. I want to help others acknowledge their reality, and take responsibility for their future life course. What do you have planned next? In March, I will be included in an erotica anthology under Zane's Strebor/Simon & Schuster imprint In addition, I will be releasing an eBook, nonfiction title, and full length novel under my Big Body Publishing imprint. My talk radio shows, The Q-Spot with Big Body and The My Big Girl Panties show have a very entertaining and inspiring lineup. I am also looking to launch my YouTube channel, Big Body Media. How can readers and others in the literary community reach you? My website is www.MichelleCuttino.com. Twitter @MichelleCuttino. Facebook is www.Facebook.com/MichelleCuttino. My email address is michelle@bigbodypublishing.com. Pinterest and Instagram @BigBodyPub. My business website is www.BigBodyPublishing.com |
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