Welcome to the official website of Urban Books, Authors, & Writers of America!
  • Home
    • About Us >
      • Who's Who
      • Black Lives Matter Submission Form
      • UBAWA Documentary
      • History/Founder
    • Writer's Retreat
    • Welcome HOME!
  • Book Convention
    • DC
    • Chicago
    • New York
    • Los Angeles
    • 2016 UBAWA Book Fair Registration
    • 2015
    • 2013
    • Performing Act Signup Form
    • Volunteer Signup Form
  • Awards
    • Top 100 Authors of 2022
    • Top 100 Authors of 2021
    • Top 100 Authors of 2020
    • Top 100 Authors of 2019
    • Top 100 Authors of 2018
    • Top 100 Authors of 2017
    • Top 100 Authors of 2016
  • News
    • Past News
    • Submit an Article >
      • Feature ME
    • UBAWA News >
      • America's Next Bestseller
      • Adult Summer Reading Program
  • All Things UBAWA
    • Features >
      • Behind the Pen
      • Radio Interviews
      • Directory
      • Bestseller
      • Book Club List >
        • Book Club List Archive
      • Magazine Feature
      • Book Review Submission Form
      • Rate My Cover
      • Books without Boundaries Submission Form
      • New Author Feature
      • Non-Fiction Books Feature
      • Men of Color
      • Women of Color
      • Book Release & Birthday Calendar
      • Get Promoted >
        • Books on BLAST
      • Touching Our Youth
    • Jobs
    • Subscribe
    • Magazine
    • Author of the Week
    • UBAWA Contests >
      • Short Story Contest
    • Scholarships
    • Testimonials
    • Coach Me to Publish
    • Resources 4 Authors
    • Author Collaborations
    • AuthorsTALK
  • Contact
    • Magazine Order
    • Make a Donation
    • Valued Members >
      • Premium Members
    • Services >
      • Bookstore Placement App
      • Services Request Form
      • Events
      • Become an Author Mentor
      • Free Services >
        • Rate My Publisher
    • UBAWA Store
    • FAQ

Meet Darlene James-Runnels (Ecorse, MI)

2/5/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
DJR is a publisher of both fiction and children’s' books. She runs Blackberry Publications. She has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Detroit Mercy and is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Business Administration. She has enjoyed writing since age 8 and promotes primarily African American characters. She is also a Substitute Teacher and enjoys working with children.

Darlene’s tiles include:

"Double Trouble" 2010

"Carmen Kay in the Silliest Day" 2008

“The Adventures of the 3Ds" 2008

“The 3Ds Christmas” 2008

“Catfight” 2005.

Upcoming titles: "Upper Echelon" 2013; "Vita" 2014; “Little Boy Black” 2013

About “Double Trouble”

Double Trouble is about twin sisters whose parents die in a car accident. Eve, the schoolteacher is left with the majority of the insurance money and the stripper Ericka aka Baby is left with a nasty taste of jealousy in her mouth. She vows to get her fair share AT ALL COSTS!!! It's a modern day Cain and Able tale that will keep you in suspense.

UBAWA: When did you first decide you wanted to become an author?

Darlene: I have been interested in becoming an author since 8. I decided to professionally write in 2004. I was compelled to do it. It is my passion, my dream, my ultimate goal after my first desire to become a mother 18 years ago.

UBAWA: How did you decide on the idea for your 1st book? 2nd book? 3rd book, etc?

Darlene: Catfight was based on the way a lot of African American women treat each other. Double Trouble was inspired by my twins (17 year old boys) who always compete. They are like night and day. Fraternal twins.

UBAWA: How long did it take you to complete your first book? What was the process like?

Darlene: 4 months. The process was exciting.

UBAWA: What’s so rewarding about writing books and being an author?

Darlene: I feel I have books inside of me waiting to be released. I have been told I'm a great story teller who paints vivid characters.

UBAWA: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up?

Darlene: Yes but only because sometimes people have a hard time supporting your dreams. If you work hard at it, they will eventually see that real authors never give up on their craft.

UBAWA: There’s more to being an author than writing a book. How do you manage to handle the business side of things?

Darlene: I pull from the information I’ve learned while a master’s student in the business program . A book is the product and the author is the marketer. Writing the book is just the beginning. Successful authors can sell their book anywhere.

UBAWA: Do you have an editor or do you edit your own books?

Darlene: I have an editor.

UBAWA: Who does the cover art for your book(s)?

Darlene: Different graphic designers.

UBAWA: Do you ever encounter writer’s block? How do you get past it?

Darlene: Yes but it doesn't last long.

UBAWA: How often do you write?

Darlene: Whenever I feel inspired to. I want to produce quality work so I try not to force myself.

UBAWA: Tell us about your last book signing.

Darlene: I was one of many authors who had their books on display at Wayne County Community College in Detroit MI.

UBAWA: Beside social media, what other methods are you using to get the word out about your book(s)?

Darlene: Website, direct mail, promotions, signings, giveaways, radio spots. Amazon, and I'M am a member of the Motown Writers' Network.

UBAWA: As a Woman of Color, what inspires you the most?

Darlene: Having the ability to make an impact in the literary world.

UBAWA: Who is your biggest influence?

Darlene: Shonda Rhimes and Oprah Winfrey.

UBAWA: Have you ever done something in the past you regret? How did you get through it?

Darlene: Yes. I got through it through prayer.

UBAWA: How do you get through the tough times in life when life throws what it throws at you?

Darlene: I take life one day at a time.

UBAWA: What is one goal you want to accomplish for yourself in 2013?

Darlene: I'm in classes now working on my Masters degree and I will continue to serve as a volunteer for Bridging Communities while I substitute teach. First above all else I will serve God and remain a dedicated mother to my children.

UBAWA: What do you have planned next?

Darlene: I'm currently working on three books Upper Echelon, Little Boy Black, and Vita.

UBAWA: How can readers and others in the literary community reach you?

Darlene: My website is under construction but readers can always reach me on facebook or twitter.


0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Become a Member. It's FREE!

    Become a member by clicking here.

    Archives

    December 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    September 2021
    February 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    February 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    February 2015
    October 2014
    September 2014
    July 2014
    May 2014
    February 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    November 2012
    October 2012
    December 2011
    June 2011
    April 2011

    Categories

    All
    90 Second Reads
    99 Cent Ebooks
    Activity Points
    Atlanta Authors
    Authors Over 30
    Author Tips
    Black Male Authors
    Book Fair
    Book Reviews
    Books On Blast
    Books Without Boundaries
    Dream Pathways Kids Read
    Events
    Featured Authors
    Free Author Promotion
    Free Book
    Free Book Promo
    Free Book Reviews
    Headline News
    Internship/Volunteer Opportunities
    Life As A Poet
    Marketing & Promotion
    Neffe Book Signing
    New Author Feature
    New Releases
    News
    Non Fiction Books For You
    Non-Fiction Books For You
    Quick Reads
    Self Publishing
    Self-Publishing
    Something About That Author
    Ubawa Book Fair
    Ubawa Literary Awards
    Women Of Color
    Writing Tips

    RSS Feed

Copyright 2010-2022 Urban Books Authors & Writers of America All Rights Reserved

UBAWA Testimonials

Picture
"Thank you Ubawa's Bestsellers for the endless opportunities you provide for authors like myself. It is much appreciated." -Morenike' Matoy, author of ‘A Taste of Insanity’

Picture
"UBAWA helps support people’s dreams. They are positive in every way imaginable. UBAWA offers advice and services that are beneficial to every writer no matter what stage they are in their careers. Their site is a godsend." --Ben Burgess, author of ‘Monster’
Picture
"I just want to send a special thanks to UBAWA. It means a lot to me to have your support and assistance as an author. Y'all didn't know me from a can of paint yet you were willing to create awareness about me and my book. So I just want to say thanks so much!" --Kennedee Devoe, ‘Two Wrongs Don’t Make a Right…it Makes Us Even’

Picture
"Your support of independent authors is amazing. Thank you for your time and assistance with all that you do." --Ronnie C. Dawson, author of ‘Irreconcilable Differences’

Picture
"I think what you do for writers is amazing! I love it." --DeVaughn Lilly, author of ‘The Magnificent Life of Gravy Brown’

Tweets by @UrbanAuthors
Picture