Author, publisher, and retired educator, Regina Long Southall, is a freelance writer and poet. Writing expertise dates back as far as high school. This skill was further mastered after she became a teacher. Having served as grade chairman for many years, writing, for Regina was extensive. Regina always had a passion for writing poetry about everyday life experiences. In the early 90's Regina wrote the second grade curriculum for World Class Social Studies for the Portsmouth City Public Schools, Portsmouth, Virginia. She was also the 1993 city-wide 2nd grade curriculum writer for Family Life Education for the same school system. Regina has written more than 100 poems, including The Neighbors We Should Be, Another Day, The Effects of Hurricane Katrina on our Nation, God Is Getting Our Attention, Anchorman Peter Jennings, My Three Best Friends, Thank You Rev. Dr. Kenneth Eugene Lillard, My First Teacher, My Favorite Pharmacist 2010, Farewell Kappa Sweetheart, Melvin Twitty, and The Presidential Election of History. As an author, Regina has also written a professional book entitled 'Teaching in Elementary Schools: The Real Deal'. This book explains the ins and outs of being a teacher. Her poems and educational resource allow the reader to become involved in situations they have encountered at some point in life. Regina was featured in the January 1977 magazine, Early Years for Teachers through Grade Three. This experience explained her expertise in reinforcing math skills for second grade students who were having problems. Her local newspaper, The Virginian-Pilot featured her in two of its city circulars in 2007 entitled The Currents and The Clipper. These articles made reference to what led her to become an author which caused her to publish her first book, ‘Poetry from the Heart,' in October 2006. The newspaper coverage in these circulars, in February and March 2007, led to her being featured in the 2007 May/June issue of Tidewater Teacher, A Magazine for Teachers Across Hampton Roads. The article entitled 'Moving On' made reference to Regina being the retiring elementary teacher who was now moving on to further pursue her passion for writing. Regina is now the author of three books. Her third book, 'Coffee Table Poetry: Experiencing the Power of Poetic Literature,’ was published February 29, 2012. Regina received the Apple for the Teacher Award in 1996 sponsored by Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. In 2000 a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of dedicated services rendered in the field of education was presented to her by Delicados, Inc. Portsmouth, Virginia Chapter at their 8th Black Educators' Awards Dinner. On November 18, 2010. Elizabeth City State University School of Education and Psychology, Elizabeth City, North Carolina, held its International American Education Assembly Program. There were six authors honored at this program. Regina was the only retired elementary teacher recognized. The other five honorees were Elizabeth City State University professors. On June 24, 2012, Regina was one of fourteen honored by the Area II NAACP ACT-SO Coalition at their "Tribute to Excellence Awards Celebration." This honor recognized role models from the Hampton Roads area who have made outstanding achievements. Her categories of recognition were poetry/education. Regina's published books were put on display at her undergraduate university (NSU) bookstore on October 10, 2012. Her first poetry book was displayed during Black History Month earlier in the year. She was recently honored as Author of the Month by UBAWA (Urban Books, Authors, and Writers of America) for the month of December 2012. UBAWA was founded in 2010 by Danielle Leach which features an online network of authors across the country. Regina was also the winner of We Read Literary Services "What Christmas Means To Me" 2012 Contest. She will receive one custom designed book cover. Regina is a Silver Star and Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Gamma Delta Omega Chapter, Portsmouth, Virginia). She is a native of Portsmouth, Virginia, but now resides in Chesapeake, Virginia with her husband, Alton. They are the proud parents of one adult son, Jason, and one adult daughter, Andrea. About “Coffee Table Poetry” Coffee Table Poetry: Experiencing the Power of Poetic Literature was written to inspire everyone needing encouragement to excel. “Reading my poems will enable you to appreciate what you have accomplished in life. Every poem is written from my own personal point of view. My poems have had an effect on my life, making me strive for higher goals. I know others will achieve desired goals in life too.” –Regina Southall UBAWA: When did you first decide you wanted to become an author? Regina: Although I wrote my first poem when I was a senior in high school, I didn't feel I was a writer and poet until I became a teacher in 1970. I was always writing lesson plans, creating workshop programs, developing curriculums, and attending in-services that required extended written assignments, making presentations, and always having to write something for school during my hours away from school. I always said as a young child growing up, one day I would have a book I have written on a shelf in a bookstore one day. I guess my destiny was planned early on when I envisioned becoming a published author. UBAWA: How did you decide on the idea for your 1st book? 2nd book? 3rd book, etc? Regina: The idea to write my first book, 'Poetry from the Heart' resulted because of me being on the computer September 17, 2003, when Hurricane Isabel was destroying my neighborhood. As I listened to the wind blowing, I typed. When I finished I had created my poem entitled "The Neighbors We Should Be." This poem is the very first poem in my first book. My professional book, 'Teaching In Elementary Schools: The Real Deal' was written because I realized from everyday teaching experience I encountered, those not in education did not know what teaching really entailed. I needed to tell society why teachers demand the respect they were not getting. My third book, 'Coffee Table Poetry: Experiencing the Power of Poetic Literature' was written because I had encountered so many personal experiences. These experiences were sometimes happy, hurtful, sad, and rewarding. I am able to vent my feelings through writing, so this is what I do. I really feel good after I have written my thoughts down on paper. UBAWA: How long did it take you to complete your first book? What was the process like? Regina: I worked on my first book, 'Poetry from the Heart,’ for two years and eight months. Starting with the poem I wrote about Hurricane Isabel kept me fired up to continue to write poems. I could not work on a daily basis because I was still teaching. Whenever I had time to spare I would compose another poem. As I wrote, I would save my poems on the computer. The first publishing company I dealt with told me that in order to submit a manuscript, I had to have 25 poems to be considered. When I finished writing I had created 46 poems. I submitted my manuscript to the publishing company in June 2006 and my poetry book was published October 2006. UBAWA: What’s so rewarding about writing books and being an author? Regina: My greatest reward is the fact that I have accomplished a dream that many have never been able to achieve. That dream is being a published author. I am still overjoyed because of what my author representative stated, having read my manuscript submitted for my professional book: "You have an interesting narrative. I really like your approach and outlook to this subject. You have a nice way with words and your writing has a nice flow to it. Your book is nicely put together and filled with information I am sure many people will feel helpful--both in the profession and those who are not. Books like yours provide insight for many. It is obvious that you have done your homework and have fervor for your subject matter because you really speak to your audience with a strong opinion.” UBAWA: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up? Regina: I never felt I would ever give up. I was always taught as a young child growing up to never lose hope in what I was capable of doing. UBAWA: There’s more to being an author than writing a book. How do you manage to handle the business side of things? Regina: Writing is not a task for me, especially now that I am retired. I am now able to do everything I desire to do and when I want to do it. I work on my writing at my own speed. I do stop to take care of the needs of my husband from time to time. However, he is a very independent individual and allows me to do the things I enjoy doing. When I have a task to complete I stick to it until I finish regardless of how long it takes. I function best during the early morning hours. Writing has now become my business and I handle it with care. UBAWA: Do you have an editor or do you edit your own books? Regina: When I submit my manuscripts I pay an editor from the publishing company to edit my books. UBAWA: does the cover art for your book(s)? Regina: I submitted my own picture to go on the cover of my first book. The cover for my second and third book was chosen from a template I was able to select from, provided by my publishing company. UBAWA: Do you ever encounter writer’s block? How do you get past it? Regina: I have never encountered writer's block because I love writing. UBAWA: How often do you write? Regina: I work on various writing projects daily. I am either adding to something I started or always creating something new to add to my file. UBAWA: Tell us about your last book signing. Regina: My last book signing was held on March 25, 2012 at the Community United Presbyterian Church, in Portsmouth, Virginia. Family and friends attended and purchased copies of my latest book. They also had an opportunity to read information I had on display about previous book signings. Refreshments were served during the book signing. UBAWA: Beside social media, what other methods are you using to get the word out about your book(s)? Regina: I carry my books everywhere. They are always in the trunk of my car and in my pocketbook. Sometimes I wear a big button that shows my first book cover. I give out business cards, give out complimentary books to family and friends, and sometimes wear a t-shirt showing my books. I also carry around magnets that show off my book covers. UBAWA: As a Woman of Color, what inspires you the most? Regina: I am inspired the most by what my parents, grandparents, and great-aunt did to mentor me through their encouragement and support while growing up. As a Woman of Color, I too think I am a Maya Angelou. UBAWA: Who is your biggest influence? Regina: My biggest influence was the extended encouragement I received upon entering first grade. My first grade teacher was like my mother away from home. She too was an influence on my life which has made me the person I am today. UBAWA: Have you ever done something in the past you regret? How did you get through it? Regina: I regret I did not keep all of the antique items my grandmother had after she died. Back then I did not realize the value of so many things that people just considered "old." I was able to get through this just by telling myself nothing will last forever, get over what you can't turn around. . UBAWA: How do you get through the tough times in life when life throws what it throws at you? Regina: I get through the tough times in life when life throws ill will at me by reciting over and over again a poem entitled 'Lesson' by Grace Easley, playing over and over again the CD entitled "Smile" by Kirk Franklin and by traveling. . UBAWA: What is one goal you want to accomplish for yourself in 2013? Regina: One goal I want to accomplish in 2013 is to publish a collection of short stories for children that are already written. UBAWA: What do you have planned next? Regina: My next plan is to travel to the last 14 of our 50 states I have not been to. UBAWA: How can readers and others in the literary community reach you? Regina: Readers and others in the literary community can reach me by writing me at my home address, calling me, or sending me an email. (757) 543-9704
1 Comment
Natural talent shines brightly through the words of a writer with a desire to share a gift with the world. Born and raised in Sacramento, California, Niyah Moore was touched at an early age with the precious gem of prose. At the age of nine years old, she participated in a Writer’s Workshop and displayed a special knack for writing that sparked a flame for a romance between Niyah and storytelling. Just like any loving relationship, Niyah’s love affair with words began to bear fruit. Before she finished high school, she had completed five novels, wrote three school plays, and had written a play for her church. No small task for someone in high school; yet she pulled it off with ease. A childhood hobby begged for legs of its own as she matured into an adult. Niyah listened to her calling, finding the time to write in the mornings while raising her family. Under the subtle pushing and guidance of a literary mentor who was well known in the literary industry, Niyah decided to pursue a career in writing professionally. She submitted a short story to the Mocha Chocolate anthology in 2008 and was accepted as a contributing author. Inclusion in that literary work gave her the courage to submit to various others and a literary journey for her began to take form. One leap of faith jumped into several acknowledgments of talent. Her works include novels, Guilty Pleasures and Bittersweet Exes; and inclusions in several Award-Winning and Award-Nominated anthologies such as: the 2012 AALAS nominated anthology Heat of the Night, 2008 African American Literary Award Winning Erotic Anthology, Mocha Chocolate: Taste a Piece of Ecstasy Anthology; Chocolate Historie D’Amour Anthology; Souls of My Young Sisters Anthology and Mocha Chocolate Remix: Escapades of Passion. Niyah’s short story “After Dark” will be included in the anthology, Zane presents Busy Bodies: Chocolate Flava 4, releasing in the Summer of 2013. She is also one of the contributing author duets to the groundbreaking anthology, Pillow Talk Duets in the Heat of the Night which will be released in the Spring of 2013 as well. Niyah is a mother of two, who loves sharing her love for words with the world and who looks forward to the publication of her new novel, Major Jazz, which is scheduled for release under her new publisher, the Award-Winning Independent Publisher of the year, Peace in the Storm Publishing. “Childhood dreams and real-life talent are the foundation to making Niyah Moore, Literary Phenom, what she is today.” – Elissa Gabrielle, Founder of Peace in the Storm Publishing You can find more information on Niyah at www.niyahmoore.com and www.peaceinthestormpublishing.com About “Major Jazz” “Our heated passion created some of my best compositions, but I was cursed with my daddy’s blood.” Major Ingram knew better than to get into a committed relationship. As much as he witnessed the heartbreak his father inflicted upon his mother, he didn’t want to make the same mistakes. When his father finally walked out on them for good, his mother was broken. Something he saw and she felt for years. Major didn’t want to hurt any women that same way, but it seemed as if he could never tell Sallie Aquino he loved her because there was only one her and that was his music. Major’s father was a saxophone player who played the blues. He spoon-fed Major the love of music from the first day he opened his eyes to the world. Though the sax was in his blood, Major fell in love with the ivory and ebony keys the first time he heard a piano. Major developed his own passion with jazz music and by the age of sixteen, he had landed a paying gig at Bop City, an after-hours nightclub in Fillmore. Fillmore, the ‘Mo, was like Harlem on the bay. Sammy Davis Jr., Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington and Duke Ellington all fell into San Francisco the way they had in the Big Apple. Back in ’51, the Victorian styled homes, housed finely dressed black people who owned their own businesses from cleaners to restaurants to jazz spots. They worked mornings during the week and enjoyed local and celebrity musicians at night. Up and down Fillmore Street, clubs and restaurants lined up one next to the other. On Friday nights, they went from club to party to bar until the early hours of Monday while music played nonstop. Loosely based on true testimonies, the Fillmore Jazz Era comes back to life through the fictional characters: Major Ingram, Kae Taylor, Sade and Sallie Aquino, and Frank Blue. They made jazz heartfelt through their own stories. This love story just isn’t about falling in love, but how they each fell in love with a neighborhood, a scene and her, jazz music. The Fillmore Jazz Era is gone, most of the neighborhood was torn down by the Redevelopment Agency by the 1960’s, but it’s not forgotten, and the love for Bebop, Jazz, R&B, and Blues music that once existed remains in the heart and soul of Fillmore forever. UBAWA: When did you first decide you wanted to become an author? Niyah: I've been writing since I was a child, but when I thought of it seriously was when Karen E. Quinnones Miller found me on Myspace in 2007 and encouraged me to write professionally after reading a few of my blogs. UBAWA: How did you decide on the idea for your 1st book? 2nd book? 3rd book, etc? Niyah: The idea for my first book came to me when I was in the tenth grade for Bittersweet Exes. After I went through my own divorce, it helped me to complete it. For Guilty Pleasures, I wanted to write an erotic novel about the things people feel guilty about though receiving pleasure. The song, “I Know “by Jay-Z, listening to the lyrics, inspired the title. The third book came about when I took a visit to the Fillmore Jazz District in San Francisco, after learning about its rich history, my character Major was born. UBAWA: How long did it take you to complete your first book? What was the process like? Niyah: It took me about five to six years total. The process was something I didn't think too much about because I was writing so many other books at the same time. Every time I come up with an idea, I left it alone. It didn't come in full swing until the last year before publishing. I write every single morning ever since I was in high school, so it just came naturally. I try not to write on anything that feels forced. UBAWA: What’s so rewarding about writing books and being an author? Niyah: Now, that I'm a full time author, the most rewarding part is hearing people tell me that I inspire them to follow their own dreams. There are a lot of people I've known since high school and they've all known that I've wanted to be a writer from all the plays and novels I wrote in high school. So, to see me doing something that I dreamed of inspired them to follow their own dreams. UBAWA: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up? Niyah: There were a few times when I felt like giving up. After publishing my first novel through a very small Indie company, I didn't get hardly any sales. I really didn't know what it took to sell myself, so I got very discouraged. UBAWA: There’s more to being an author than writing a book. How do you manage to handle the business side of things? Niyah: Well, I dove in head first and learned every aspect of the business and I'm still learning. Now, that I'm with Peace in the Storm Publishing, Elissa Gabrielle really takes the time to educate her authors and doesn't guarantee sales, keeps us encouraged to follow our dreams and she pushes us to reach our full potential and to be professional. Social Media has a way of bringing out the best and worst out of people. What we try to do is to be positive at all times. UBAWA: Do you have an editor or do you edit your own books? Niyah: Oh no no no. There's no way I would edit my own book. I mean I do my own naturally, but hiring an editor is the most important step you can take in this business. UBAWA: Who does the cover art for your book(s)? Niyah: Peace in the Storm Publishing has their own cover artists. UBAWA: Do you ever encounter writer’s block? How do you get past it? Niyah: I do every once in a while. I'm an avid reader and I listen to a lot of music. Sometimes, watching a good movie sparks something great. UBAWA: How often do you write? Niyah: I write every single day. UBAWA: Tell us about your last book signing. Niyah: My last book signing was at a Books and Vending Event, hosted by a book club called Sister In The Name of Love in Elk Grove, California. It was so awesome. The ladies shared their book club stories and invited other book clubs from Sacramento. I read from Guilty Pleasures and signed books. UBAWA: Beside social media, what other methods are you using to get the word out about your book(s)? Niyah: I've done book clubs in my city, local book stores, and flyers. This year, I plan on going to book fairs and writer's conferences. UBAWA: As a Woman of Color, what inspires you the most? Niyah: As a Woman of Color, soul good feeling music inspires me the most. UBAWA: Who is your biggest influence? Niyah: My biggest influence is Zora Neale Hurston. She and I share the same birthdate, January 7th. I'm 1981 and she's my year transposed, 1891. The Harlem Renaissance definitely helped to inspire my novel Major Jazz, Harlem of the West. UBAWA: Have you ever done something in the past you regret? How did you get through it? Niyah: I've done a lot of things as a teenager that I regret. I just learned from it and moved on. I try not to make the same mistakes twice. UBAWA: How do you get through the tough times in life when life throws what it throws at you? Niyah: I pray. I'm not overly religious, but I grew up in church. My grandparents instilled in me how to meditate and pray. UBAWA: What is one goal you want to accomplish for yourself in 2013? Niyah: My goal for 2013 is to release my novel Major Jazz and get the attention of readers that I have not reached yet. UBAWA: What do you have planned next? Niyah: I was selected to be in Zane's Busy Bodies: Chocolate Flava 4, coming out this August along with three other anthologies. My plan is to promote promote promote. I'm working on a marketing plan as we speak. UBAWA: How can readers and others in the literary community reach you? Niyah: www.niyahmoore.com - coming soon www.facebook.com/niyahmoore www.twitter.com/niyahmoore www.niyahmoore.tumblr.com Meet Terry Birchwood (New York, New York) Terry has been working in advertising, public relations, direct mail and marketing for over 20 years. A major focus within her work has been technical writing – publication articles, software manuals, instruction guides, and proposals. As she wrote within a corporate environment, she also wrote as a hobby to decompress after a crazy day at the office. “There has always been a burning desire to write a novel. I have transitioned my dreams to reality. I have begun my journey with lesbian erotic novels” – Terry Birchwood Ghostwriter is her first book and she is in the middle of writing her second one. About “Ghostwriter” Packed with erotica, Ghostwriter explores what people are willing to do for love and hate. There are secrets, lies, and dangerous plots that lead to a journey through unexpected twists and turns to unravel mysteries of the heart. Tabby and Star, thought they would be together forever. Time told a different story. One has moved on and married; the other refuses to let another person spend the night in her bed even after fervent lovemaking. Even though apart for years, they cannot erase the memory tattoos of one another. Surrounded by friends, family and loved ones, each woman faces the consequences of the choices she has made. It is a story of real-life filled with hopes, dreams, disappointments, issues, desires, inhibitions, and the gamut of emotions that shape us as people. UBAWA: When did you first decide you wanted to become an author? Terry: I imagined becoming an author from an early age, but I never took it seriously until about two years ago. UBAWA: How did you decide on the idea for your 1st book? 2nd book? 3rd book, etc? Terry: I wrote my first book from the perspective of several characters who all shared their stories from 1st person vantage points. I decided on the idea because I wanted to explore what moves people to express love and hate. I also wanted to explore sexuality and how it frees and confines people. UBAWA: How long did it take you to complete your first book? What was the process like? Terry: I wrote for 30 days. The process was natural for me. First I defined a loose story. Next I defined the characters. Then, I began to write. The book begged to flow out of me, so I was comfortable and did not experience any writer's block (this time). UBAWA: What’s so rewarding about writing books and being an author? Terry: Book writing is rewarding, for me, due to the creative expression. I have been fascinated with language from an early ago, so I enjoy using it to communicate with people. The fictitious stories that I choose to unfold challenge me to this outside of ordinary document life and that is fun for me. I am not sure I have caught on to feeling rewarded as an author. I just love to write - that is my joy in the process. UBAWA: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up? Terry: Nope. There was never a time where I felt like giving up. I saw nothing to give up. I love to write, so it never occurred to me to suddenly give up writing. UBAWA: There’s more to being an author than writing a book. How do you manage to handle the business side of things? Terry: As one who has a partnership in a book publishing company, I am blessed to been keen to the business side. It is second nature to me to manage the publishing affairs. UBAWA: Do you have an editor or do you edit your own books? Terry: I edited my first book, however, I now have a team of editors. I regret doing the solo work because another pair of eyes helps to uncover things that an author does not see. UBAWA: Who does the cover art for your book(s)? Terry: I did the cover art for my book. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Graphic Design so the illustration was second nature. UBAWA: Do you ever encounter writer’s block? How do you get past it? Terry: I have not yet encountered writer's block. Perhaps, I will experience this as I tackle more projects. UBAWA: How often do you write? Terry: Right now, I write every day. UBAWA: Tell us about your last book signing. Terry: My first book signing is coming in February of this year. I am excited. UBAWA: Beside social media, what other methods are you using to get the word out about your book(s)? Terry: Websites, press releases, word of mouth, business cards, book marks, a play performance of the book, whatever methods get my message in front of my audience. UBAWA: As a Woman of Color, what inspires you the most? Terry: I do not think in terms of color when I write. There are no character descriptions in project, intently so that each reader can see who he/she wants to see. Only one person is described as being of Latino descent for reasons that are learned through reading the book. UBAWA: Who is your biggest influence? Terry: My biggest influence is me. UBAWA: Have you ever done something in the past you regret? How did you get through it? Terry: Of course. Regret is a part of being human, especially at a young age. I work to live a life without regret, but things happen. I get through it by analyzing the situation and learning from the areas that create disharmony in my heart. I forgive myself if I did wrong, I ask for forgiveness of the offended, and I move on to do better since I know better. UBAWA: How do you get through the tough times in life when life throws what it throws at you? Terry: I listen to the whispers from the positive spirits. I remind myself that I am a diamond being polished with tough times. I tell myself to shine. UBAWA: What is one goal you want to accomplish for yourself in 2013? Terry: Travel more. UBAWA: What do you have planned next? Terry: Relative to book projects, I am writing the sequel to Ghostwriter. The play performance of Ghostwriter is scheduled for this upcoming February so I am producing that. UBAWA: How can readers and others in the literary community reach you? Terry: I can be reached through my blog site at http://terrybirchwood.blogspot.com/ Stacy-Deanne (Dee-Anne) is a published novelist of crime fiction, mystery/suspense, and romantic suspense with interracial subplots. She started writing professionally in 1997 when she was nineteen years old. Stacy grew up loving the suspense genre. Her idols are Edgar Allan Poe and Alfred Hitchcock. She discovered a love for suspense when she first saw Dial M for Murder and became entranced with Hitchcock’s brilliant use of suspense. Her favorite book is The Portrait of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. Her favorite story is the Tell-Tale Heart by Poe. Despite being a mystery buff, Stacy is also addicted to Historical romance. Stacy is a natural born novelist but her first release Divas of the New Millennium (2005/Amber Communications Group Inc.) put her on the map. The book is a compilation biography highlighting the achievements of the biggest minority female R&B singers of early to mid-2000. From there she scored two book deals from Simon and Schuster for Everlasting (2007) and Melody (2008). In 2011, she signed with African-American Literary Award winning independent publisher Peace in the Storm Publishing and released Giving up the Ghost. Giving up the Ghost is the first installment in Stacy’s new Interracial Suspense series starring two detectives from her novel Melody. The book gained a 2011 African-American Literary award nomination and a 2012 Swirl Award nomination. It was a Top 20 Black Expressions Bestseller. In 2012, Stacy released The Season of Sin, book two in the series. The book earned a 2012 African-American Literary Award nomination and became a 2012 USA Today Recommended Read. The Season of Sin was nominated for the first annual All Things Literary awards sponsored by OOSA Bookclub and made the OOSA Bookclub Top Reads of 2012 list. Stacy is featured in the NAACP Award nominated book, Literary Divas: The Top 100+ African-American Women in Writing (2006). Stacy is currently the African-American Lit content editor for BellaOnline. Stacy’s message is staying true to herself as a writer and as a woman. Her dream is to see more black authors recognized in more genres. Stacy was born, raised and resides in Houston, Texas. Her titles include the following: The Season of Sin (2012/Peace in the Storm Publishing) Giving up the Ghost (2011/Peace in the Storm Publishing) Melody (2008/Simon and Schuster) Everlasting (2007/Simon and Schuster) Divas of the New Millennium (2005/Amber Communications Group, Inc. About “The Season of Sin” Detective Brianna “Bree” Morris and her partner and ex-lover Steven Kemp are back. This time they are thrown head first into a gruesome homicide that brings forth as many secrets as it does clues. Brianna’s psychiatrist, Dr. Nadia Hollister is stabbed to death in her upstairs bathroom. Brianna, who is at Nadia’s home while the murder happens, is the only witness. Unfortunately she was knocked unconscious by the killer and only has the memory of the killer’s scent to go on. Brianna and Steven sign on to help Homicide Detective Jayce Matthews solve the case. With Nadia’s journals as her guide, Bree learns that Nadia was keeping a devastating secret that has something to do with her adopted daughter. The renowned doctor was not whom she seemed to be and her secret may not have only got her killed but could ruin the foundation of her entire family. The police hunt for suspects but Nadia’s secret could wreck the lives of many, all who have motive to kill her. The deeper Brianna and Steven dig into Nadia’s past, the more they question whether Nadia was the true victim after all. UBAWA: When did you first decide you wanted to become an author? Stacy: I always had an interest in writing and had a great imagination but I never planned on doing it as a career. When I turned 19 I got my first computer and caught the writing book. I revealed to my parents that I wanted to work toward publication and from there my journey began. UBAWA: How did you decide on the idea for your 1st book? 2nd book? 3rd book, etc? Stacy: Divas of the New Millennium came about because of my love for the singers I profiled in the book. I never planned to write a biography but as I researched I became interested in making it a project so that's how the book started. As for fiction, my ideas come to me naturally. I just write about anything I want and go with it. There isn't a process or anything I do special. I can be anywhere and an idea will pop into my head. I find the spontaneous ideas make writing even more challenging and I love challenge because it makes things interesting. Giving up the Ghost and The Season of Sin began because of my love for the detectives in Melody. I knew that I wanted to continue stories with them. I'd fallen in love and writing a mystery and detective series is something I've always wanted to do. I also got a lot of fan feedback that people loved the officers so I figured it would be cool to start a series. UBAWA: How long did it take you to complete your first book? What was the process like? Stacy: To be honest I can't remember. I'd have to guess probably around four or five months for the first draft. It usually takes me about four months at least to finish a novel. My process is simple. I just jot down some key ideas and write. I don't go through any fancy rituals or some big planning stage. With some writers it seems like it takes them longer to plan what they are gonna write than actually write it. I jump on in. Once I know what I want to start with, I begin the book. I jot stuff along the way as needed but I find that planning too much takes the fun out of writing for me. UBAWA: What’s so rewarding about writing books and being an author? Stacy: I write because I enjoy it more than anything. It makes me happy. If it didn't I wouldn't be doing it. There are some great things about the industry and some horrible things. I've had all types of experiences that come with the territory. So my main reason for writing is I enjoy it. What's rewarding is touching readers with your work and being able to share your imagination with people all over the world. UBAWA: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up? Stacy: Yes. There have been times when I thought of walking away from it. Writing is such a hard thing to make a career out of. It really is. It's also incredibly hard to support yourself on writing and that's the dream of most writers. I don't think people realize the pressure it is to be a writer and just all the drama and problems writers can encounter. But I love writing and that passion didn't allow me to leave when I thought I wanted to. Still, I found myself just tired. I was tired of the BS, tired of the hassles, tired of just the process in general. We all get tired. So when I really felt I'd had enough with the industry as a whole I wanted to leave. I took the advice of friends who told me to just give myself a little space from it and think things out to make sure I really wanted to. I couldn't see myself not writing so I finally came back to myself. I had to change my way of thinking and not let the negativity of the industry get to me. I try to just focus on the positive and focus on me, myself and I and not worry about others. Everything else out here will drive you crazy! LOL! UBAWA: There’s more to being an author than writing a book. How do you manage to handle the business side of things? Stacy: The business side is minimal for me. I am commercially published and not self-published so all the business things a self-published author deals with, my publisher deals with. In terms of business I just have to look out for myself. I make sure everything is on the up and up in terms of royalty checks and stuff like that but besides that I don't have business stuff. I just have to write and the publisher handles everything else. The little business stuff I handle, it's just part of the overall process but I don't have to deal with all the business things that a self-published author would. Thank goodness! LOL! I'm a writer, not a publisher. UBAWA: Do you have an editor or do you edit your own books? Stacy: I have a background in editing so my work is crisp and polished by the final copy and I just send it in. The publisher does any additional editing. So nope, no money comes out of my pocket. I took editing courses years ago so I know a lot about editing including content editing. I also learned a lot on my own and from being in the business. I've studied books on editing that were amazing and any writer should know something about editing. Even though you need another set of eyes, you should know as much about editing as you can because knowing how to edit your work to a certain degree is what makes you a better writer. UBAWA: Who does the cover art for your book(s)? Stacy: I wouldn't know. My publisher handles all of that. They work with various designers. My publisher asks for input on what I want, I tell them and they get it done. UBAWA: Do you ever encounter writer’s block? How do you get past it? Stacy: Everyone has encountered blocks now and then. I've written about Writers Block many times to help other writers. I find that stepping away from the work and taking a break is the best medicine. You can't force your muse to work. She works when she wants to. She controls the writing, not you. Writers often get writers block when trying to write something that they might not need to write. Writers Block is your muse's way of telling you she's tired, that you're tired or that she is not feeling what you want to write. Most times when I get a block on a scene or story, it means I shouldn't write it. If your ideas stop flowing that's a sign that you need to break from that idea or story. If it's meant to be for you to complete it, your ideas will come back. Sometimes what you want to write is not what you need to write. UBAWA: How often do you write? Stacy: It differs now. When I first started in the business all I did was write. I wrote book after book after book. I was a workaholic with it. I had over twelve books written before I got my first book contract. I'm older now and I have more priorities and things to do. When you are 19 or in your early 20's it's easy to spend time writing constantly especially when you enjoy it. But when you get in your 30's, it becomes difficult to push yourself the way I was pushing myself. Plus I am in no rush when I write. I take my time so whenever the work is done, it's done. My publisher doesn't set deadlines. Whenever I have a book complete, I give it to her and go from there. I prefer this method better because I wouldn't want to have a deadline. I think it would stifle my creativity. Some writers work well with deadlines. I never have a problem getting my writing in. I'm self-disciplined; but I in no way will kill myself just to write a certain amount a day like I did when I was in my 20's. I'm 34 now. I also have other interests I didn't have then. I’m in school. So I write when I want to, whenever that is, is when it is. I don't depend on a schedule these days. But I do get the job done. LOL! UBAWA: Tell us about your last book signing. Stacy: A waste of time. LOL! I haven't had a signing in a long time. I hate doing them. I also do not like to do events due to an issue I won't go into. But I never enjoyed book signings, at all. I just forced myself to do them but I'm at a point mentally where I can't do that anymore. I won't share why, but I made up my mind before to stop doing stuff that made me miserable just to please others and it's necessary to take this approach for my overall health. Thank goodness for online promotion. I think these days it's much easier to spread the word about books due to the Internet. I also think it's more effective and you can still talk with readers if that's your goal. You have a better chance of meeting readers online because it's hard as heck to get folks to come to a signing these days. Book signings were mainly for authors to make their presence known to bookstores. It wasn't ever the best mode for selling books. Most authors don't sell at signings. Sure you interact but you don't have to have a signing; just do that in public. There are other ways you can connect with readers and for me, these ways have been more beneficial to me than a signing ever has. To me book signings are like torture and I'd rather skip out on that misery. Especially when it doesn't result in sales. UBAWA: Beside social media, what other methods are you using to get the word out about your book(s)? Stacy: Each time I release a book I try to get in touch with more and more book clubs. I think that's a great way to get exposure. UBAWA: As a Woman of Color, what inspires you the most? Stacy: The same thing that inspires me as a human being, period. I just hope to be happy and satisfied in what I do. That's my main inspiration. If you're not happy in life then what's the need of living? UBAWA: Who is your biggest influence? Stacy: For my career it would be Alfred Hitchcock. He made me discover my love for suspense and that's why I am a mystery writer. In life it's my mom (RIP). No one else will come closer than her. She's been gone since 2006 but it's like she is right along with me. UBAWA: Have you ever done something in the past you regret? How did you get through it? Stacy: We all make regrets. It's a part of life. If it's something I did wrong I made peace with myself and it to move on. If it's something done to me and I ended up regretting my reaction to it, I ended up forgiving the person or the issue. What helps me deal with things is remembering that things happen for a reason. I am a big believer in fate and I believe how things happen is how they were meant to happen. We can only deal with it the best we can. UBAWA: How do you get through the tough times in life when life throws what it throws at you? Stacy: I just go with the flow. What more can I do? I've gone through some very tough issues like my mom passing away. She was my rock. We were incredibly close and I am an only child. She was my best, best friend and a big hole will never be replaced with her gone. Losing a parent is something no one can understand unless they've been through it. I used to think I'd never get through something like that but I was incredibly strong when it happened and I got through it. Once again I realized everything happens for a reason. You might not recognize the reason at first, but everything happens for a reason. I've also been recently diagnosed with a chronic issue and I was born with a mental disorder. These are things I can't control or change no matter what I do and wished I didn't have to deal with them but that's all I can do, deal with them. You have to be able to accept the challenges in life in order to survive. We all get tested and we all go through things. When my mom passed, I realized that it’s true that most times we are stronger than we think we are and we have no idea what we can handle until we have to. UBAWA: What is one goal you want to accomplish for yourself in 2013? Stacy: Pass all of my classes in school. UBAWA: What do you have planned next? Stacy: The Wild Life is book 3 in my Interracial Suspense series and it will be released in July 2013 from Peace in the Storm Publishing. I've been getting some emails on when my next book is coming out so I hope folks check it out and enjoy it! UBAWA: How can readers and others in the literary community reach you? Stacy: You can reach me through the contact form on my website: http://www.stacy-deanne.net and I'll get the message immediately. You can also reach me through BellaOnline (but give me some time to get back to you). Just go here and fill out the box: http://www.bellaonline.com/about/africanamericanlit I am also on Facebook and Twitter (sometimes) LOL! Just look me up and say hi! It's best to keep professional inquires to my website or BellaOnline to ensure I get back to you. Meet Harriet Cammock (Lathrup Village, MI) It doesn't matter how you start; it matters how you finish. This can be said of Harriet's life. Born in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Harriet's journey is one marked by a strong faith in the belief that you can overcome all adversities if you try hard enough. Harriet's grandmother instilled a drive to succeed in her during childhood. After surviving an abusive marriage, Harriet determined she would use her own experiences in overcoming abuse to teach other women how to overcome the same experiences. She channeled those experiences into the publication of three books: Visions, Musings of the Spirit, and Through the Fire. Through her blog, “Harriet's Blog,” she provides inspirational and uplifting messages to many people. Harriet began a weekly radio show entitled "The Faith Hour" in June 2009; she used this platform to launch the "Renewed by Grace Conference". It was a conference designed to bring together men and women whose lives were touched by abuse. The conference was a success. As such, Harriet plans to host another conference in the near future. Harriet volunteers and speaks on behalf of Haven, the Domestic Violence Agency that serves Oakland County, Michigan. She also sits on Haven’s Speaker's Bureau and is a proud member of the Oakland County Prevention Partnership (OCPP). In January, Harriet was honored by Haven at their Celebration of Strength Awards Ceremony with the Phoenix Award for her advocacy against domestic violence. A published author, she now hosts the weekly Internet radio program "The Harriet Cammock Show" (read more about it on "The Harriet Cammock Show" page on our site!). This show uses principles of survival and success - principles that Harriet learned first-hand. Harriet has appeared on The Word Network, Authors TV, HOM-TV, and Atlanta Live! A gifted orator, Harriet is available for speaking engagements and can be reached through the "Contact" page on her website. Harriet’s titles include: Through The Fire (2011) Musings of The Spirit (2009) Visions (2004) About “Through the Fire” One Woman's Experiences in Surviving Domestic Violence In Through the Fire, Harriet Cammock has written a captivating account of surviving domestic violence. Having lived countless years in an environment of verbal and physical abuse, Harriet recollects events no person ought to be able to call to mind. Vivid accounts create unease, knowing people are able to harm each other on such levels and call it love. Harriet shares her blinded love, innocent assumptions, dreaded encounters, and fear-driven hopes, as she recaptures the essence of her painful memories. We journey with her through dating a perceived white knight; coping in a hopeless marriage; raising a child matured too early through unfathomable pain; and surviving near-fatal encounters with a madman, Harriet exposes the reader to an abuser’s enchanting personality as he unfolds to reveal heinous acts, detrimentally affecting the surrounding families, friends, extended networks, and self. "That my heart was beating was a miracle, because I was so afraid I could barely open my mouth to speak, much less breathe and give oxygen to my heart. I didn’t know what he was going to do." Through the trials, Harriet made a plan, and you will root for her to accomplish that plan. "I would imagine what my future life would be like. I would imagine my daughter and I would one day live free from this horror and it would all be just an experience far behind us. We would be free to do normal things mothers and daughters do." Whether you or someone else is abused, has been abused, is curious to the signs of abuse, or simply wishes to read a remarkably engaging story, this book is for you. Once you open this book, map out some time, and get cozy, as you will not want to put Through the Fire down. UBAWA: When did you first decide you wanted to become an author? Harriet: Writing became therapeutic as I began to record the events that took place in my home. Though the violence was horrific, I persisted - as I felt my story would one day bless other women. I learned that I could write and began to develop my skill. UBAWA: How did you decide on the idea for your 1st book? 2nd book? 3rd book, etc? Harriet: My first book's idea came from dreams I had had. I saw where those dreams contained a message that should be communicated and I sought a way to present those ideas to the public. My second book was the product of my spiritual journey and my third book took the veil off my life and I began to tell the story of how abuse had brought change and violence to my life UBAWA: How long did it take you to complete your first book? What was the process like? Harriet: Believe it or not, my first book was the hardest. It took years from the time I had the idea to the actual publication. The process was defined by struggle. I received many letters of rejection before I found a publisher who consented to do it. I didn't get a book deal but I got an opportunity to become a published author and fulfill my dream and that I was grateful for. There were many re-writes and tears and joy at the same time. Do you want to hear the story of my computer crashing or the post office loosing my printed manuscript on its way to the publisher? My road to destiny was paved with some off kilted moments. UBAWA: What’s so rewarding about writing books and being an author? Harriet: I think any time you get to tell your story it is an opportunity to help someone who may be at a defining moment in their life. I have found great reward when others tell me my story has helped them survive a situation or how it helps them to identify abuse and how motivating my story is. I haven't made a lot of money from the sale of my books, but that does not compare to the satisfaction I obtain when someone tells me how my published work has helped them. UBAWA: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up? Harriet: Are you kidding? Many times. The road to destiny is not paved with success and shortbread and cookies. I had to persevere in spite of trials and tribulations, and disappointments, and setbacks. I had to motivate myself to continue and follow the project to completion. UBAWA: There’s more to being an author than writing a book. How do you manage to handle the business side of things? Harriet: I learned that I had been created with business ideas and in fact had helped others develop their business. I used the same ideas to define mine and created marketing avenues of distribution. I use social media as free advertising. I create budgets. I’m still learning to live off of budgets! In the next few months, I will be hiring a business manager who will ease the burden of watching this side so I can focus on the creative side of things. UBAWA: Do you have an editor or do you edit your own books? Harriet: In the past I have used editors. My trusted editors are my daughter Alexandra and Cassandra Allen. I cannot edit my own books though I do have final say in the manuscript before publishing UBAWA: Who does the cover art for your book(s)? Harriet: LT Graphics, Yvonne Louise, and C. Allen Design UBAWA: Do you ever encounter writer’s block? How do you get past it? Harriet: Oh my gosh! Writer's block can be intense. It can be anything from two minutes to two years! I have had it in the past and I had to force myself to become engaged in the project. Now I write blogs daily or weekly as a way of keeping my writing skills in tune. My blog is sort of like a tune up! UBAWA: How often do you write? Harriet: Weekly, sometimes three times per week. UBAWA: Tell us about your last book signing. Harriet: A book signing is great as it gives the author a chance to celebrate her/his work with friends and the public. In my story, it was good to see others who are interested in seeing my published work; and to hear them celebrate my achievement made up for the computer crashes and late nights and lack of sleep. If you ever feel like giving up a book signing is the perfect way to reassure you that your work is important. I met a lady who told me she had listened to me on the radio and was looking forward to meeting me in person to tell me how motivating and inspiring she found me to be. It was the best thing ever. It was a day when I had had no book sales. I had spent my savings organizing the event and was concerned about what the future held if the book didn't sell. Her words encouraged me and I was reminded that my reason for doing this is greater than the sales. UBAWA: Beside social media, what other methods are you using to get the word out about your book(s)? Harriet: My radio shows, BlogTours, other radio shows, TV appearances. UBAWA: As a Woman of Color, what inspires you the most? Harriet: Knowing that I have the opportunity to be the very best I can be. UBAWA: Who is your biggest influence? Harriet: My two daughters. I look into their eyes and see their hope of whom they want to become and I pursue my dream to inspire them that they too can overcome any adversity. UBAWA: Have you ever done something in the past you regret? How did you get through it? Harriet: I have had regrets, but I don't dwell on them. I tend to look at it, learn the lesson from it and move on. UBAWA: How do you get through the tough times in life when life throws what it throws at you? Harriet: Oh boy! This is a good one. I use my faith and my belief in myself to get through the tough times. UBAWA: What is one goal you want to accomplish for yourself in 2013? Harriet: To have my radio show nationally syndicated and to start my own TV show UBAWA: What do you have planned next? Harriet: Expanding my radio show networks and working on my fourth book UBAWA: How can readers and others in the literary community reach you? Harriet: I can be reached through my web site @ www.harrietcammock.org as well as in a variety of social media platforms. Facebook: facebook.com/Harriet.Cammock Twitter.com/HarrietCammock @HarrietCammock on Twitter Google+, Foursquare, BlogTalkRadio.com/the-harriet-cammock-show 1-800-573-1534 or 248-794-4432 Meet Inez Reilly (Richmond, VA) Inez Reilly was born in Queens, New York to a heroin-addicted mother who abandoned her when she was ten months old. She is a survivor of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, most of which was experienced during her younger years. She attributes her endurance to prayer, positive affirmations and her subsequent acceptance of Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Inez is the proud mother of three natural children, one spiritual daughter and three grandchildren … Keilah, Joshua, Seraya, Joy, Haliek, Ryan and Sidney. She currently resides in Richmond VA. Ms. Reilly refers to herself as a scribe, a composer of written work. She is a writer at heart. She views life in storybook fashion. Through the lens of her eyes, situations are words and words become art. Writing has been in her blood from early childhood; putting pen/pencil to paper to create stories and poems. At the age of ten she began an autobiographical work, entitled How I Became Me, which she turned in to a teacher and received accolades. Writing has afforded Inez an avenue of opportunity to express herself when verbal communication was not an option. She would write her prayers, keep a daily journal and create vision statements for her life. Now, she shares her creative imaginings with the world through her works of fiction and non-fiction inspirational books. Inez is a counselor, teacher, mentor, minister and life coach to many. She has traveled across the United States speaking to mixed audiences, sharing her testimony of victory over the situations of her life. She utilizes the tools she has garnered under the tutelage and spiritual nurturing of Dr. Katherine Corbett, as well as the educational support in the Human Services field. Currently, Inez Reilly has completed five books, a self-help spiritual book, ALL OTHER GROUND, and four Christian fiction novels, HOW TO TASTE IT AT THE END OF THE DAY (soon to be adapted to film), COVENANT, LIKE A ROARING LION and BEHOLDEN (all available on amazon.com). Ms. Reilly is working on several projects, including two books, EAGLE’S NEST and BLOOD-DIPPED targeted to be released in the near future, as well as her own radio show, MATTERS OF THE SOUL (check http://blogtalkradio.com/matters-of-the-soul for details and show times). About “Beholden” As the people of Galena go about their lives, there is a menace lurking in their town. People are vanishing, leaving families in chaos. Who or what is terrorizing the community? The townspeople are looking for answers and demanding action. Is simple faith enough to combat this darkness that has enveloped the city? Is a police force enough to put an end to the madness? For the members of the multicultural Wisdom Outreach Center it is business, as usual. They have families, careers and ambitions. They also have secrets. Their inner battles and private longings bind them together in ways that are hidden from them all. As people begin to disappear, a terror is created throughout the community that is growing out of control. Pastor Zeke Montgomery and Chief Gavin Palmer and the police squad are under scrutiny as the people of Galena are looking for answers about the evil that lurks in the shadows. As the citizens of Galena search themselves, they begin to wonder if they are prepared to meet their maker. There are families that begin to ponder if the missing members are finally being made to atone for their sins. Introspection creates thoughts of what would be done if they had a second chance. All the while, fear is gripping their hearts with each missing person and passing day. Are the acts the work of a lone assailant or something more sinister? Inez Reilly takes you on a journey inside the lives of people who represent us all – people with hopes, dreams, good intentions, regrets, nightmares and ill meaning. As with all of Ms. Reilly’s fiction works, there are guaranteed thrills and surprises. You will be on the edge of your seat, guessing and having to guess again, as you try to solve the mysteries behind the disappearances. UBAWA: When did you first decide you wanted to become an author? Inez: I wanted to be an author since I was ten years old, when I began writing my autobiography. UBAWA: How did you decide on the idea for your 1st book? 2nd book? 3rd book, etc? Inez: The idea for my first book came after I endured one of the most difficult periods of my life. I could not wrap my mind around the sequence of events that had gotten me to that place. I needed some answers, some closure and a good dose of forgiveness. My second book came soon after, when I realized that very few people were truly grateful for the lives they had and the love they shared. We take so much for granted, while so many deal with loss in ways some of us never experience. For my third book, I had a deep desire to let my children know that broken relationships were not something they had to look forward to in their lives. I wanted them to have a testament of staying power; whether it be friendships, families or love relationships. My fourth book, I wanted people to choose to look deeper before judging the actions of those around them. People are complex and our response to situations and circumstances often derive from past experiences. Too often are we quick to judge without having walked (or even inquired) the path of the accused. My fifth book was birthed after a conversation with a group of young people. However, the book took on a life of its own and became one of the best that I have written. How far would you go to obtain what you THINK you want? UBAWA: How long did it take you to complete your first book? What was the process like? Inez: My first book was written in phases. It was a growing process for me, which started off as a journal. I had been going through a particularly rough time and I needed a way to express myself, fully. It was a healing journey for me which I knew would be a help to others. I would say it took me several months to complete, All Other Ground. UBAWA: What’s so rewarding about writing books and being an author? Inez: The most rewarding aspect of writing and being an author has to be the readers’ response and receptivity to the deeper meaning of the book. UBAWA: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up? Inez: No. Writing is my passion and I would never give that up. I have, however, gotten discouraged at the lack of readers who are willing to try out new/unknown authors. UBAWA: There’s more to being an author than writing a book. How do you manage to handle the business side of things? Inez: I have a very capable Media Relations Agent, Cassandra Allen of Bullhorn Gypsy. She affords me the time and space to be a writer while handling the business side of things. UBAWA: Do you have an editor or do you edit your own books? Inez: I have several editors. I have one who reads the books for continuity. I have another who reads the books for meaning. And still another, who edits the book for grammatical and tense purposes. Editing is one of the most important aspects of the writing process. UBAWA: Who does the cover art for your book(s)? Inez: C. Allen Design does my cover art, and Justin Finch. UBAWA: Do you ever encounter writer’s block? How do you get past it? Inez: Yes. I begin to read over what I have already written, then close my eyes and let my fingers get to going! UBAWA: How often do you write? Inez: I write almost always. I write books when the mood strikes. UBAWA: Tell us about your last book signing. Inez: I cannot remember the name of the bookstore, as it was some time ago. I would say it was a moderate success, for the traffic. UBAWA: Beside social media, what other methods are you using to get the word out about your book(s)? Inez: Email blasts, blogs and author interviews UBAWA: As a Woman of Color, what inspires you the most? Inez: The idea of being an example to other AA women who are looking to follow their dreams, is what inspires me the most. UBAWA: Who is your biggest influence? Inez: I would have to say, Bishop T.D. Jakes. UBAWA: Have you ever done something in the past you regret? How did you get through it? Inez: This is a difficult question to answer as I try to live my life without regrets. Any disappointments are dealt with head on and without fear or judging. My focus is on myself and what I could have done better in the situation. I do not place blame because it keeps us held in place, rather than moving forward. UBAWA: How do you get through the tough times in life when life throws what it throws at you? Inez: Prayer and meditation. I take stock of what I have to be grateful for and I begin to verbalize thanksgiving. Sometimes, I may have to cry, shout or get away to myself, but I summon the courage to look ahead with a positive outlook. UBAWA: What is one goal you want to accomplish for yourself in 2013? Inez: One goal - to complete the sequel to two of my books. UBAWA: What do you have planned next? Inez: Continue promoting Beholden, just released 12/19/12, and to complete the sequel to Covenant. UBAWA: How can readers and others in the literary community reach you? Inez: My books can be reviewed and purchased @ http://www.amazon.com/Inez-R-Reilly/e/B00A82Q5JU Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inez.reilly Twitter: https://twitter.com/IAMSPROPERTY Email: InezReilly@gmail.com About Me: http://about.me/inez.reilly Lady K was born and raised in the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia, PA. As the youngest of two, she was always a very outgoing and charismatic person. Her love for writing came at an early age, keeping journals and writing short stories just for leisure. As an avid reader, she tried her hand at writing her own novels in college and has been writing ever since. She plans to learn and grow as much as possible to become a better writer. Lady K’s most titles include “Heiress to the Throne” and the sequel, “Heir to the Throne: Quan's Chapter.” About “Heir to the Throne: Quan’s Chapter” Quan is back and the drama continues as he sets his heart on avenging the death of his mentor, the East Coast’s most powerful drug dealer, Big D. He teams up with the son to the head of the Columbian cartel, Este’ban Ortiz, who is back with plans of his own. He gives Quan an offer he can’t refuse – to carry on Big D’s empire. But things take a turn for the worst once Quan realizes he made a deal with the devil. He soon learns of the consequences that come with being the head of a drug empire when his business takes a hard hit and promises are broken and lives are at stake. Follow Quan on his quest for the truth and revenge in this twisted tale set in the gritty streets of Philadelphia, where friends become enemies and old enemies return to settle some unfinished business. Can Quan hold it together long enough to find out the truth, or will he fall victim to his own game? UBAWA: When did you first decide you wanted to become an author? Lady K: I never really decided, the opportunity presented itself. I never spent years circling a manuscript to different publishers or set being published as a goal. I took the opportunity when it knocked. UBAWA: How did you decide on the idea for your 1st book? 2nd book? 3rd book, etc? Lady K: My first book started off as an idea I had for a movie. I started outlining scenes and writing the script and it was turned into a book. My second book is a spin-off of the first, diving deeper into the life of one of the main characters. UBAWA: How long did it take you to complete your first book? What was the process like? Lady K: It took me almost seven months to complete my first novel. The process was demanding. I didn't want to keep my publisher waiting too long for a completed story. UBAWA: What’s so rewarding about writing books and being an author? Lady K: The rewarding part for me is just having people reading my work. Whether they give it five stars or one. My reward doesn't come in the form of money or trying to outshine anyone else. For me it's just someone being able to go into a store or on a website and actually read my thoughts and ideas...sharing my stories with the world. To me that's priceless. UBAWA: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up? Lady K: Oh yes. The book world is a whole other beast. It gets challenging at times and there were times where I felt like giving up. But when you love what you do you can never really let it go. You just have to step back, take a breath, and go at it again. UBAWA: There’s more to being an author than writing a book. How do you manage to handle the business side of things? Lady K: Handling the business side of being an author is a lot to take on. I'm thankful to those around me (family/friends) who support me and help with this. My publisher handles a lot of the stress as well. UBAWA: Do you have an editor or do you edit your own books? Lady K: I am signed to a publisher so what I submit is edited. But I like to edit it before it goes to the editor. I want it to be as correct as possible before I submit it. UBAWA: Who does the cover art for your book(s)? Lady K: My publisher is in control of the art work for my novels though I do give suggestions and ideas. UBAWA: Do you ever encounter writer’s block? How do you get past it? Lady K: Yes. I had a real bad case of writers block with my first novel. I found that once I walked away from it, even if it was for a day, and come back to it, my thoughts always seemed to pick up where I had left off. Sometimes I have a couple of ideas and I'm not sure which way to go with it, I just take a break from it and don't look at it or try not to think about it for a little while. Once I come back to the computer, it then seems to flow UBAWA: How often do you write? Lady K: I write everyday. I try to write at least three chapters a day. UBAWA: Tell us about your last book signing. Lady K: My last book signing was this past weekend in Maryland. It went well. I do signings at The Literary Joint Bookstore in Forestville often. UBAWA: Beside social media, what other methods are you using to get the word out about your book(s)? Lady K: Beside social media, I try to get the word about my book out there by hitting the streets and talking to people. I pass my fliers around, leave them in hair stores, barber shops, food stores, and just about every place I can find that is willing. I also try to get involved with different book clubs, going into the schools and talking with children about my novel. I throw my own events and sometimes set up a table with my books on it. But I like getting out to the streets, you never know who you're going to meet. UBAWA: As a Woman of Color, what inspires you the most? Lady K: What inspires me the most are my children. They inspire to keep reaching for my goals so that they can have a better life filled with the things they deserve. UBAWA: Who is your biggest influence? Lady K: My biggest influence would be the authors I read growing up that made me want to try my hand at writing. Omar Tyree, Erick Jerome, Dickey, Sista Soulja, R.L Stine UBAWA: Have you ever done something in the past you regret? How did you get through it? Lady K: Yes. Take it as a lesson and move on. Learn from it, therefore it won't be repeated. UBAWA: How do you get through the tough times in life when life throws what it throws at you? Lady K: When life throws me curve balls, I usually try to fight my way through it. I'll either write it out or a nice talk with a good friend usually does the trick. But the key is to keep pushing through it. UBAWA: What is one goal you want to accomplish for yourself in 2013? Lady K: One goal I want to accomplish for 2013 is to get my name out there as an author. I also want to have my vision of Heiress to the Throne come to life in a movie. That would be awesome!! UBAWA: What do you have planned next? Lady K: My second novel was just released so I plan to do some more signings and promoting. I'm currently working on my third novel which will be out in Spring of this year. I plan to keep writing and focusing on becoming better at it. UBAWA: How can readers and others in the literary community reach you? Lady K: I'm on all social networks Facebook: Author Lady K Twitter: k3a3y_CEO Instagram: lay_dkay Readers can also reach me through my website: www.authorladyk.com or email kay@authorladyk.com. I always respond. Jamila Elise Gomez was born January 15, 1982 in Chicago, Illinois and is the youngest of three daughters born to Michael and Mary. Her family moved to St. Louis when Jamila was just three and lived there until she was six before moving to Lithonia, GA, where she still lives. As a Spina bifida-born patient, Jamila has experienced quite a few challenges, enduring surgeries on her feet and back, as well as needing a shunt. Because of her physical limitations caused by Spina bifida, Jamila had to face difficult times in her social life, having to deal with verbal bullying from her fellow classmates. But she didn’t let the hateful remarks stop her. Jamila has always had an interest in writing, even from when she was in elementary school. She wrote her first story in 3rd grade and her first poem at age 17 as a means of dealing with her grandmother’s passing, which occurred just one day before her senior year of high school began. A few years after graduating, Jamila realized her talents lie in her words as she made the decision to major in English and take poetry classes while enrolled at a junior college. Jamila decided finally to make her love for writing poetry a career move. In the summer of 2010, she began working as a freelance proofreader. Following in her father’s footsteps in authorship, her debut book of poetry, “Pure Confessions Volume l” was released in July of 2011 and received rave reviews. In November of the same year, Jamila released “Birthday Girl,” a novella she originally had no plans to have published. Gaining confidence from her family and friends, she went on to release “Pure Confessions Volume II,” “Pure Confessions Deluxe Edition,” and “My Sheree Amore.” Jamila also participated in a poetic anthology called “The Sisters’ Fight: A Poetic Anthology of Awareness” in 2012. By profession, Jamila is a copyeditor and proofreader, freelance and for companies. She is also pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in English at University of Phoenix Online and is Chairwoman of SUT Book Club. Jamila plans to own her own editing/proofreading company by 2013’s end. About “My Sheree Amore” Sheree Carrington has little time for dating, or anything else, being a hard-working paralegal in Missouri. And the time she does have, has up until now, been spent with the wrong types of men. Being fed up with looking for “Mr. Right,” all Sheree wants now is buddy -- a buddy of the sexual persuasion, of course. All work and no play has made Sheree a very dull and extremely horny girl. Little does she know her sexual needs would be more than met when she meets her new neighbor, Kane. Tall, caramel, and a true Latin lover, Kane was everything Sheree wanted . . . to sleep with. One last-minute dinner date leads to the first of many sexcapades between the two. Sheree finally found what she’s been looking for . . . or so she thought. After the sudden passing of Sheree’s father, Sheree’s mother, Yvonnia, had become used to being single and alone; that is until the day she receives a delivery she would remember for the rest of her life. Enthralled in his essence from the very moment their eyes met, Yvonnia fell in love. From that moment on, Sheree and her mother had more in common than the two could ever imagine. Moments of weakness, passion, and betrayal forever change the dynamics of Sheree and Yvonnia’s relationship. But what they don’t know won’t kill them . . . or will it? UBAWA: When did you first decide you wanted to become an author? Jamila: My decision to delve into authorship was inspired by my friends. I'd enjoyed writing poetry since I was 17 and often shared what I'd written with my friends. I needed some extra money one summer, so I thought of the idea to put my poetry in a book and sell it. I had no idea that my words would touch so many people, so it became bigger than the money. The encouragement I got from the poetry inspired me to continue writing and delve into the world of story writing, and "Birthday Girl" was soon born and I haven't stopped writing since. UBAWA: How did you decide on the idea for your 1st book? 2nd book? 3rd book, etc? Jamila: My ideas come from my life experiences -- or things that I wish to experience in my life. My poetry is an extension of my diary, so I write about everything from my spiritual walk with God to love and relationships to heartbreak and self-esteem issues. As far as my stories are concerned, "Birthday Girl" was written a month or so before my 29th birthday. It started out as just plans I'd wanted to make to celebrate and I thought those plans may make for a good story. Turns out I was right. "My Sheree Amore" was born out of curiosity of whether or not I could write erotica. So, it was really an experiment. UBAWA: How long did it take you to complete your first book? What was the process like? Jamila: "Pure Confessions Volume I" is a collection of poems I'd written over a three-year timeframe. I self-published it, so the process was fairly easy and only took about a week or two to complete. UBAWA: What’s so rewarding about writing books and being an author? Jamila: The most rewarding thing about my authorship is hearing that I've inspired someone else to live their dream. Not only have I inspired them to live their dream, but I've inspired them to feel comfortable with speaking their truth, whatever it is, and to not worry about the quantity of listeners/readers, but to appreciate the ones that actually do listen and read. UBAWA: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up? Jamila: Plenty. Discouragement had been my second home for a long time, and I have to make a conscious effort to not go back and visit. I feel like that most when I feel I'm not being heard or seen. But at the end of the day, I've had to put into perspective that someone is ALWAYS paying attention. UBAWA: There’s more to being an author than writing a book. How do you manage to handle the business side of things? Jamila: I will admit that I am nowhere near a master at handling that side of things. I have befriended people who know the business side like the backs of their hands and I am learning from them as I go along. UBAWA: Do you have an editor or do you edit your own books? Jamila: I do not have an editor for my poetry because I don't want anything taken away from my personal expression. But for my stories, I've had editors and extra sets of eyes to read over my work. UBAWA: Who does the cover art for your book(s)? Jamila: Junnita Jackson designed "My Sheree Amore." Deatri King-Bey designed "Pure Confessions Volume II," and I did "Pure Confessions Volume I" and "Deluxe Edition". UBAWA: Do you ever encounter writer’s block? How do you get past it? Jamila: More often than I'd like to. Inspiration for me sometimes comes in spurts and I don't like to force myself to create. I just wait for it to come. UBAWA: How often do you write? Jamila: Everyday. At least I try to write everyday. Most days I write, even if it's just in my journal. UBAWA: Tell us about your last book signing. Jamila: My last book signing was at a public library for "Birthday Girl" back in. It was fairly successful and I did have people come out and was very happy about that. UBAWA: Beside social media, what other methods are you using to get the word out about your book(s)? Jamila: I've sent my work out to different book clubs and specialty stores, done some magazine interviews (online and in print) and blogtalk interviews, and word of mouth. Social media, however, has worked the best for me thus far. UBAWA: As a Woman of Color, what inspires you the most? Jamila: Knowing that nothing can stop me. I've been given a gift from God and there's nothing anyone can do about it. No one can take it from me. That makes me want to use every ounce of my talent until I have absolutely none left. UBAWA: Who is your biggest influence? Jamila: My Granny. She was my everything. I wanted to be just like her when I was growing up. She always encouraged me to believe in myself and believe in my talents. I can only pray I'm making her proud of me. UBAWA: Have you ever done something in the past you regret? How did you get through it? Jamila: Yes I have. While I won't go into detail about what that something was, I will admit that I had more control over the situation than I gave myself credit for and I didn't use that control. The end result left me very unhappy, to say the very least. There is a sense of regret there because of wasted time and energy, but I learned lessons from it, so it wasn't a total waste. I surrounded myself with good people who made me laugh and lifted my spirits. Also, music is food for my soul, so I drowned myself in music. Cried a lot. Wrote a lot. And I'm better for it. UBAWA: How do you get through the tough times in life when life throws what it throws at you? Jamila: I have to take timeouts sometimes to get myself back. I have to stop everything, pray, breathe, and think about what's going on, what I need to do differently (or not at all), and get back up and try again. I have to always keep in mind that tough times don't last. I know God well enough now to know that when it seems like my entire world is crumbling beneath me, it just means that bigger and better things are being built around me. UBAWA: What is one goal you want to accomplish for yourself in 2013? Jamila: To be the CEO of my own editing/proofreading company. UBAWA: What do you have planned next? Jamila: I have a new book of poetry about to be released in early February called "Pleasures of the Unknown." It's slightly different from my "Pure Confessions" series with a focus on erotic poetry. There will still be elements of love, heartbreak, and spirituality mixed in, but for the most part, it's erotica. I also have a book I've co-authored with Marques Lewis called "Good Men Still Exist," which should be out in April. I also plan on completing a sequel to "Birthday Girl" and "My Sheree Amore" by the year's end. UBAWA: How can readers and others in the literary community reach you? Jamila: I can be reached via Facebook at www.facebook.com/jamila.e.gomez. Follow me on Twitter at @author_jamilag. Email me at jamilagomez2007@gmail.com and follow my blog at http://meditationofmila.doodlekit.com/home. At a young age, author TL James was fascinated with alternate realities and history. Authors such as Ray Bradbury and George Orwell were some of her favorite escapes. However, she never thought she would develop a story as renowned as their work. TL James graduated with an MBA from LeTourneau University. As a student, she developed a knack for reaching and getting down into the weeds to find the delicate details that were very important to her. She also cultivated an interest in biblical studies and research. Little did James know, her love for alternate history, passion for research and interest in biblical studies would become an integral thread in her writing style, thus building her literary formula. After many sleepless nights, James began penning her first speculative fictional book, with her newly born son tucked comfortably at her side. She developed the family drama storyline that showcases her love of research and biblical studies. TL drew from other literary classics, such as Chaucer, Shakespeare and mythology, giving birth to the MPire Series. Finding the right publishing house to showcase her work was very difficult. Since her novels spanned across multiple genres, most publishers didn’t know how to categorize or promote it. There were many gaps in the publishing industry. Finding the right combination of vendors and juggling timelines and hidden agendas to market her book was extremely difficult and financially wasteful. After much frustration, TL James established PHE Ink – Writing Solutions Firm in March 2009. She found other authors who were looking for direction and support. James developed a new love - working with aspiring writers, one-on-one, to develop their literary voice. TL James currently resides in Houston, Texas with her son and immediate family. Her books include: The MPire: Resurrection – Tentative 2013 Deadly Sins: A Political Anthology - 2013 Suspect: A Confessional Anthology - 2012 The MPire: Trinity - 2011 Coffee Confessional Anthology - Death by Espresso - 2010 The MPire Chronicles of the Haulm Boys - 2010 The MPire: Death Cometh - 2008 The MPire: In Search of the Lost - 2007 About “The MPire Trinity” The Family Mallory Haulm has finally carved his place in the family, but his arched nemesis and eldest brother wants him out. With each plot Marc devises, Mallory manages to dodge. However, with family members turning their back and betraying Mallory’s trust, Marc’s last plot might be successful. The Son of God Matthew won’t let anything get in the way of him being with his greatest love – not even is identity as “The Second Coming.” He will stop at nothing to success, but would it goes as far as starting a little fight called Armageddon? And The Holy Hell Raiser Silas Xavier Luxapher is a new comer to the scene but not new to the game. He doesn’t take “NO” for an answer, HE TAKES IT ALL! UBAWA: When did you first decide you wanted to become an author? TL: I’m still deciding. *laugh* Being an author is a calling, a passion and a way of life. I think I answered the call when I released my second title – The MPire: Death Cometh in 2008. I figured, anyone can be a one-title writer, but to be an author takes dedication. Although everyone around me saw that dedication, I didn’t until 2008. UBAWA: How did you decide on the idea for your 1st book? 2nd book? 3rd book, etc? TL: The idea of the base-line story came to be after I was laid-off with my two-month old son. Day in and day out, I was watching meaningless television. One day, I unplugged from the television and dared myself to write something better – thus The MPire was created. When I was writing The MPire, it was one story. It was only later when I started learning about the publishing business; I found it not economical to print a 2,000 letter size page book. Thus I broke The MPire into three novels: In Search of the Lost, Death Cometh and Trinity. UBAWA: How long did it take you to complete your first book? What was the process like? TL: It took me over a year to complete The MPire. However, when I had to break up the stories, it took be about 2-3 months to rewrite the beginning and ending (of cliff hanger) of each title. The process I followed was crazy. I wrote my book in Excel. I created my baseline or timeline and stuck with it. When ideas started flowing, they were NEVER in order. That was okay, because I could place them in random cells. I researched and inserted factual and historical information to be the credibility in my alternative reality fiction. Once I was satisfied with my skeleton, I rearranged/organized the cells and started layering my dialogue and narrative. UBAWA: What’s so rewarding about writing books and being an author? TL: The most rewarding part about writing books is being able to escape into my own chaotic and romantic world. I control (to a bit) every aspect of it and if I don’t like something or change my mind about something, it’s only a pen stroke away. The most rewarding parts about being an author is meeting people who thought my world was a great place to escape to. It is STILL shocking to me that the people I meet think that I am so accomplished or a positive role model. I still get excited when people ask me to autograph my book. UBAWA: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up? TL: Yes. 2011, my patience was tested. After a business partnership blew up in my face, I kept getting hit with other failures. At one point, I completely shut down. I stopped writing and interviewing. I just wanted everything to go away. Then, I received an email from a reader who wrote a 1000-word email, pouring out her heart about what she loved and mostly what she hated about my first book. She asked me a ton of questions. I think I shocked her that I responded to the email so quickly with answers and condolences. We emailed each other back and forth several times before she asked me to visit her book club. That was the best book club meeting ever. It restored my faith and renewed my spirit. Although they didn’t like my first book, they still ordered and read the other two. Because of them, I wrote The MPire Chronicles of the Haulm Boys- A separate story line just for the fans. THEY LOVED IT! Now, they have become my focus group. UBAWA: There’s more to being an author than writing a book. How do you manage to handle the business side of things? TL: After the second book, I had to put on my business hat. The training that I got from my MBA and my full-time gig, I finally got to use for my personal career. I create a mission statement, quarterly marketing, and sales goals for my books. I handle clients and readers the same way I would if I was working my full-time. If I promised it, you got it. If I committed to it, it was done. If I bought it, I paid for it at its price. And in return, if I paid for it, I BETTER GET IT! I respect people’s time and talents, and in return, I expect my talents and time to be respected. UBAWA: Do you have an editor or do you edit your own books? TL: I do both. Before, I send my book to my editors, I try to make it as clean and professional as possible. I refuse to write down words and turn it in or worst, publish it without proofing. I print out my novel and edit it by hand. Or, I have Adobe “read” my novel to me, so I can catch my errors. When that is completed, I send it off. I have an organizational editor to ensure that my structure is intact and my characters have stayed true to themselves. I have a line editor to ensure that my “I”s are dotted and my “T”s are crossed, and that I don’t use too many comas or … *Laugh* Later, once my book has been on the shelf for a while, I pick up my book and re-read it. UBAWA: Who does the cover art for your book(s)? TL: I currently do. When I am writing, I know what my cover should look like. It is easier for me to learn a program and create my cover than to attempt to explain my idea to someone. UBAWA: Do you ever encounter writer’s block? How do you get past it? TL: My writer’s block usually happens because I want my characters to do or say something and they strongly disagree. How I handle it? Well, I pour me a tall cold glass of moscato or mix me a vodka drink and listen to my characters. There is some dialogue between my characters and I and sometimes it gets heated. But we eventually come to a resolve. Otherwise, I kill them off or make bad things happen to them until they comply. *WIDE EYE* UBAWA: How often do you write? TL: At least once a day – I can be an article or blog, or random thoughts that I can’t get out of my mind. UBAWA: Tell us about your last book signing. TL: The last book signing I participated in was the “Fall into Books” Conference in St. Louis. I had a blast. I met a lot of readers. It is freaky when you walk into a room and introduce yourself and they respond back, “OH I KNOW YOU!” UBAWA: Beside social media, what other methods are you using to get the word out about your book(s)? TL: I sponsor book club and reviewers events with ads and promotional items. I donate to book clubs/reviewers when they have anniversaries and/or contests. I use/sponsor blog talk shows, blog e-blasts and other literary outlets. I use Goodreads.com equally as much as I use Facebook. I stopped trying to have book signings at bookstores because I saw it as a defeated cause. Instead I host literary events such as “Intimate Happy Hour with, Get Lit Parties, Book launch parties, Coffee and Words, etc.” I also attend literary festivals. UBAWA: As a Woman of Color, what inspires you the most? TL: Other women of color who break the social/racial stereotypes and reputation. I want to have a presence in the literary world like Zora Neale Hurston or Octavia E. Butler. My business partner, Jean Holloway, is one of those women who I pull inspiration from. Not everyone can be a ‘Real Housewife of” but someone needs to write their script. UBAWA: Who is your biggest influence? TL: My biggest influence is my mother and grandmother. My mother’s life gave me the hope that I can do better. My grandmother taught me to try it. She would say, “The worst thing that can happen is that it works!” UBAWA: Have you ever done something in the past you regret? How did you get through it? TL: I hired publicist to get me started on my image. We really worked well together. So after two years, she asked me to create an imprint for her so she can produce titles that would not fit in my business model. I complied. Quickly after, she completely went bad and breached the contract. She printed books without my consent. She lied about sales from the one title we were working on. She even released the title in e-book form before it was approved. Furthermore, she stopped working on my stuff (I was still a client) but I was still paying for it. She never edited the title that I paid for and she was missing deadlines. She never offered a fix nor did she pay me my money back. To make matters worse, she stopped responding to my emails and phone calls and even had her husband to threaten me. I retaliated and made the breach public. I would leave threatening calls and emails. At one point, I sat in front of her house to handle the situation physically. (Mind you I paid ole girl over $6000 in one year). I actually saw myself get out of the car to walk up to her front door. I was about to activate my inmate number. (We all have them but not all activate them). Luckily a voice said, “Prison orange is not your color! And if you kill her… it would be premeditated and that is capital murder in Texas. THAT’S A NEEDLE! AND you don’t like given blood, let alone…” So, I figured success was my best revenge. That day I also learned that people who may have your back, have their own intentions. Once you learn those intentions, respect them don’t neglect them. Prison orange is NOT your color. UBAWA: How do you get through the tough times in life when life throws what it throws at you? TL: I dress up and get my baby boy dressed (he’s nine) in his president’s suit. Then, we have a business dinner meeting at an expensive restaurant with crab legs and steak. Without being too difficult, I tell him what’s going on. He often replies with something a nine-year old would say. “Dude, tell them NO!” or “You don’t need them.” Or “Don’t worry and take your time mom. I will take over your business in 10 yrs.” That’s puts the fear of God in me. My son firing me is NOT a GOOD LOOK! UBAWA: What is one goal you want to accomplish for yourself in 2013? TL: I want to expand my brand (TL James and PHE Ink) beyond the literary community. UBAWA: What do you have planned next? TL: Personal literary goal – convert my first title into an audio book. UBAWA: How can readers and others in the literary community reach you? TL: Readers and others in the literary community can reach me by my website (www.authortljames.com and www.pheinkpub.com). There, you can find my Facebook, LinkedIn, GoodReads, Twitter, Pinterest, and email. I LOVE EMAIL!!!!!! I answer my own email. (info@authortljames.com) Meet Vivi Dumas (Frederick, MD) Vivi Dumas is an emerging author in the paranormal romance genre. Her first full length novel, Soul Catcher, was first released in 2010 by a small press. She re-released this title in June of 2012 in both e-book and paperback. Ms. Dumas is currently working on the second book in the Dueling with the Devil series entitled, Sweet Revenge, for release later this year. She also has published works with Decadent Publishing, Ravenous Romance, and an upcoming release with Breathless Press. Although Vivi grew up an Army brat, she calls Louisiana home, but has endured the hot summers and cold winters of Maryland for the last 16 years. She is a graduate of Mount St. Mary’s University with an MBA in Finance and Marketing. Her analytical side has honed a career in the financial industry for almost twenty years. To balance her logical, numerical day job, she unleashes her creativity in her writing. Vivi’s titles include: Soul Catcher - Paranormal Romance Salvation - Paranormal Romance (short story) Red in the Hood - Paranormal Romance (short story part of Rumpled Silk Sheets anthology) Her Black Knight - Time Travel Romance - upcoming release from Breathless Press About “Soul Catcher” Top supermodel, Angel Dias, lives the life of the rich and fabulous, until a heinous car accident mars her face. After thirteen surgeries and losing everything she deemed important, she seeks out the dark forces to salvage her life and decides to conjure the Devil for help, making a deal to recover her beauty. In exchange for his help, Lucifer forces her to hunt supernatural renegades, which have eluded the pits of Hell. In her quest to find beauty and get out of her contract with Lucifer, Angel stumbles upon love in the arms of a demon. Commander of the Legions and an Underworld Demon, Jacque Toussant, takes a field commission to escape the madness of a failed relationship and prove himself worthy of his demon heritage. Jacque is content with his existence as a field soldier until Lucifer gives him a special assignment to oversee a new trainee, a supermodel nonetheless. Humans hold low appeal for Jacque, especially the females. That is until he meets Angel. Jacque risks everything, including his life, to find a way to break Angel’s deal with Lucifer. UBAWA: When did you first decide you wanted to become an author? Vivi: I always had a love for writing, but stopped after high school, at least the fun type of writing. About two years ago, I was discussing books with my kids and they said I bet you could write a book. Why not, right? I started my first novel, a paranormal YA book, a couple of weeks later. That book sadly has not seen the light of day after I realized I didn't know what the heck I was doing. But I didn't give up. UBAWA: How did you decide on the idea for your 1st book? 2nd book? 3rd book, etc? ViVi: I know most people hear authors say their characters are voices in their heads. Well, it's true. My first published novel, Soul Catcher, are grown up versions of characters that have been with me for a very long time. I've always been fascinated by the paranormal. I'm from Louisiana so Voodoo, vampires, and demons make sense to me. I always loved the artistic twist Anne Rice's concept of Heaven and Hell in her book Memnoch the Devil. All those things come to play in Soul Catcher. It's about how our view of ourselves reflect how others see and treat us. It's about being redeemable no matter if you're born into what you think is evil. And most of all, it talks about how finding someone who truly loves you and loving yourself can break the confines of what we think holds true in life. That's sounds really deep. But it also fun fashion, killer fight scenes, and hot steamy sex for those who don't want their romance all serious. lol UBAWA: How long did it take you to complete your first book? What was the process like? ViVi: My first book that never saw the light of day took about two months to write. My second book, which is a project I started in my first creative writing class, took about four or five months with editing. I have a busy life so I write when I can. The writing part wasn't difficult for that book. The editing was a whole different story. Even now when I go back to it, I find things I wish I would've changed. UBAWA: What’s so rewarding about writing books and being an author? ViVi: I love bringing my characters to life. It’s a creative relief from the more serious side of my world. I enjoy the fact I get to share my strange thoughts with others and am excited when readers fall in love with my characters. UBAWA: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up? ViVi: Um...every other day. Ha! Writing is a double edged sword. It is fun and great during the process of getting thoughts on paper, but unless you just write for yourself, there comes a time when you must reveal yourself to the world. This industry can be cruel. You have to have thick skin. Not everyone is going to love your work and many of those people have no problems telling you just how much they hate it. I'm a perfectionist. Not a good thing to be in a world that has no black and white. Everything is subjective. Every work you put out lives in the grey. Although I've gotten better with the criticism, it still stings. And with the craziness in my life, some days I ask myself why the hell do I bother? Then someone writes a review about how they stayed up all night reading my book and I'm sucked back in. Or a character keeps nagging me until I tell their story. UBAWA: There’s more to being an author than writing a book. How do you manage to handle the business side of things? ViVi: There is so much more to being an author than putting pen to paper. Like I said earlier, that's the easy part. It's the business part of writing, which is difficult. All authors must promote and market their books, even those with the big NY publishers. Many of us still work our day jobs. (unless you have a wealthy benefactor DO NOT quit your day job) You hustle both until you write like Toni Morrison and can afford to quit. For me, this means a lot of late, late nights. My typical day runs from 6:00 AM to around 2:00 AM. On top of that, you plan in book signings, conferences, and other things that take you away from home. I work most of the time 7 days a week. You have to be in this because you love to write, not because you want an easy way to make money and stay at home. UBAWA: Do you have an editor or do you edit your own books? ViVi: All professional authors should have an editor. If you have a publisher, they should assign you an editor to work with. You will most likely work with more than one, a content editor, a line editor, and a copy editor. On my self-published books, I have my critique partners who take the first look. They also do it for my work which goes through my publishers. Then I have an editor I hired to work on content editing with me. And finally, it will go to a proofreader. I do this because I want my self-published work to be able to stand along any work that a publishing house puts out. This has MY name on it. I want to put out a quality product. Please don't edit your own book. You're too close to it to see the holes. UBAWA: Who does the cover art for your book(s)? ViVi: My current self-published series covers are designed by Hot Damn Designs. They have done all my graphic art and also my website. They are a fantastic company to work with. UBAWA: Do you ever encounter writer’s block? How do you get past it? ViVi: Yes. Simple answer is keep writing. Eventually, it comes to you. Or another great thing is to brainstorm with other writers. That's why it's great to be a part of a critique group or writers association. Sometime, you can just build a support network online. I've "met" so many wonderful authors through social media. UBAWA: How often do you write? ViVi: Honestly, probably three to four good nights a week. Some days I get caught up in the business of writing. Other days the story just won't come out. UBAWA: Tell us about your last book signing. ViVi: My last book signing was at the Barnes & Noble in Frederick, MD. It was nice to get into a big retail store. It took months of talking with them and their corporate offices, but I can say my book is on the shelf at B&N, even if it’s just one. And for my first self-published book, I think that's pretty good. It's wonderful to meet the readers. UBAWA: Beside social media, what other methods are you using to get the word out about your book(s)? ViVi: I try to check out businesses that link to my books. I write paranormal. In the Dueling with the Devil series, there is a lot of mystical elements. I partnered with a store specializing in mystical healing and readings to carry my book. I also go to reader and writer conferences to promote my writing. I guest blog or do blog hops. I hand out book marks and other promotional items when I'm out and leave them in bookstores. UBAWA: As a Woman of Color, what inspires you the most? ViVi: My children inspire me. I want them to see that they can do whatever they want as long as they are willing to work hard at it. When someone tells them they can't do something because of their color or where they come from, I want them to be able to say, "Yes I can. Because my Momma did it." UBAWA: Who is your biggest influence? ViVi: My influences vary. The classic African American female authors, like Toni Morrison and Alice Walker, have always broadened my mind and opened me up to the possibility of writing. When I think about my genre, there are very few women or men for that matter, who write paranormal romance or paranormal in general. L.A. Banks, who recently passed last year, was one of the only main stream African American women writing paranormal romance. She helped to show me I don't have to deny the genre I love even though it might be harder to break into. UBAWA: Have you ever done something in the past you regret? How did you get through it? ViVi: I can’t say there is anything I regret. Namely because my past has made me the woman I am today. If I look back, I could have made some better decisions. I might have focus more on my studies. I had my daughter at 19. I wouldn't want that for my child, but if I changed it, I would have the beautiful child who is grown into a wonderful woman. I think we get through things by learning from the choices we make. We grow by not continuing to make the same mistakes over and over again. You believe in yourself when others give up on you and keep pushing forward. UBAWA: How do you get through the tough times in life when life throws what it throws at you? ViVi: You have faith that there is something better on the other side of the hardship. I remember I have people depending on me. We as women tend to be the strength of our families. We hold things together. And remember, you're human. It's okay to breakdown sometimes. You just need to make sure to get back up to fight again. UBAWA: What is one goal you want to accomplish for yourself in 2013? ViVi: My goal for 2013 is to complete 3 books this year. That is a lofty goal for me with everything else I have going on. UBAWA: What do you have planned next? ViVi: I’m working on book 2 of my Dueling with the Devil series, Sweet Revenge. I have also started a new series called Gods of the Nile. UBAWA: How can readers and others in the literary community reach you? ViVi: I can be found in many places. The easiest place to find me is on my website at www.vividumas.com. I am also on Facebook and Twitter. Just search for Vivi Dumas. |
Become a Member. It's FREE!Become a member by clicking here. Archives
May 2024
Categories
All
|