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Monday, February 26, 2018

Interview with Author Elise Noble


After another brief hiatus, mostly promoting my books among other things, EA: Creatively Creative returns with an interesting international interview. From England, I introduce author, Elise Noble.

EA: What sparked your desire to become a writer? Where did it all begin?

EN: Why did I become a writer? There were two reasons. Firstly, I’d read a bunch of really ropey books on Kindle and figured that surely I could do better. Newsflash—I couldn’t. Writing was actually a lot harder than I thought.

Secondly, at that time, I was working in a beautiful old manor house, and I figured it needed a story. I began my first book in my lunch hour. The building didn’t make it through editing, but I’ve since written another book about it—a paranormal romance that’ll be published towards the end of 2018.

EA: What is approach to writing your books?

EN: I have a big list of books I’d like to write, spread over seven series at the moment. Once I’ve picked what to write next, I do the initial research and write a loose outline – usually about two thousand words. Then I sit down and write the story, mostly on my iPad mini. I like to write between two and four thousand words a day, going faster towards the end of a book, and that gives me about a novel a month.

EA: Who, would you say are the biggest influences in your life and career?

EN: Life in general? My parents. They taught me the importance of working hard, being a good person, and living within my means.

In my writing career, I’d have to say my readers. A lot of them have been with me since the beginning, when I was posting my hot mess of a first draft of Pitch Black on Wattpad. I chat with them every day in my reader group, and they help me to shape my stories.

EA: Would you say that writing a novel is easy?

EN: That depends. My first novel took me the best part of a year to write, and at times I almost threw in the towel because there were plot holes everywhere and I didn’t have a clue what I was doing. But I’m stubborn, which can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on who you talk to, so I persevered.
But once I learned how to write, and more importantly, how I write best, it got a lot easier. Thirty-seven books on, writing a novel isn’t so difficult anymore.
But publishing a novel? That’s a different story.

Writing is the fun part, and then the real work starts—liaising with my beta team, editing, more editing, even more editing, coming up with cover concepts, writing a blurb, formatting, proof reading, marketing, organising my ARC team, accounting… I’ll stop there because it’s just depressing.

TLDR: Writing a novel is easy, publishing a novel is not easy.

EA: What is the concept of the Blackwood Security series?

EN: Blackwood started with one woman—Emmy—an assassin who has a nervous breakdown after the murder of her husband. I was sick of reading about weak heroines, and I wanted to write a bitch. Emmy’s smart, streetwise, and funny, but she’s still a bitch, and she’ll always be my favourite character.

The first three Blackwood books tell her story, and after that, I carried the series on with interlinked standalone novels about her friends. She knows a whole bunch of interesting people.

EA: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

EN: Work out why you want to write. Do you simply want to hold a book with your name on it, or do you want to make money? If it’s the latter, you need to treat it as a job. That means putting in the hours and paying attention to admin, finances, and marketing from the very start.

EA: Finally, tell the readers why the Blackwood Security series is a must-read.

EN: I’d actually describe my Blackwood books as a bit Marmite— you’ll either love them or hate them. I think I’ll hand over to one of my readers to elaborate…

If you don’t like strong women, don’t read this. If you can’t stand books so funny that you laugh out loud, don’t read this book. If you don’t like characters you can quote, don’t read this book. If you don’t like twists and turns, don’t read this series.” – Amazon reviewer

Epilogue

A couple of points Elise made that I want to touch on: from my personal experience, the writing process, though not rocket science, can be challenging, particularly if or when you have writer's block, not to mention the editing, and so on, but the most challenging of it is marketing/promoting, getting the books into the hands, kindles, or book apps (i.e. Kindle Kobo) of readers.

For me, I write for the love of it, and the money as well-- I won't lie about that. However, having a passion and dedication for what you do should overcome the money aspect, that's where things such as research and doing your due diligence comes into play.  I would like to thank Elise for speaking with me tonight. A final word from Elise:

If you’d like to find out more about me or try one of my books, here’s where you can do that:

FREE books: https://www.elise-noble.com/free
Team Blackwood reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Blackwood.EN
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/EliseNobleAuthor
Twitter ramblings: https://twitter.com/EliseANoble








Sunday, February 11, 2018

15,000 Views Edition: Interview with Author & Model Philandis Stovall


The second of back-to-back interviews, and commemorating my blog garnering 15K views! (Special thanks to my readers and supporters) EA: Creatively Creative had the pleasure of sitting down with a woman who is not only an upcoming author whose debut novel is set to release soon, but is also a model. Introducing Philandis Stovall.

EA: What inspired you to become an author?

PS: Well, I started writing at a very young age. My mother used to have my siblings and myself write in daily journals about anything. I would create stories off the top of my head, from imaging how I felt and/or things happening around me. I would write short stories, plays and songs. My mom even wrote a story about me when I was hit by a car and pronounced dead at the age of two and that inspired me as well.

EA: Is writing something you have always wanted to do?

PS: Yes, writing has always been a big part of my life. I’ve always felt it was apart of my purpose of having a story/stories that need to be heard.

EA: Who would say are your biggest influences?

PS: My biggest influences are The Lord, my children, my parents, my family-friends who never give up & who stand in their uniqueness and keep pushing.

EA: Was the process of writing this book easy?

PS: The process of writing my book was very easy. I literally wrote my book in two weeks.
I cut myself off from the world in order to get my book completed. I wanted to be focused with no distractions of the internet, hanging out, etc. I set a goal for myself and I got the job done.

EA: What is the concept of Even Through the Storm?

PS: Even Through the Storm tells a story of how in life we are faced with different obstacles. Many tests, trials and tribulations beyond our control, but we have to maintain our positive thoughts, trust God and get the positive out of whatever situations and/or circumstances we are presented from day to day.

EA: I understand that you've also worked as a model. Describe what the experience was like.

PS: Yes, I have worked as a model. The experience is lovely! It's owning who you are in your walk, demeanor, and way of style. It’s a silent way of saying, 'This is who I am. Embrace it or not.' Unapologetically! I love it. It is another form of telling stories but silently with your body, your clothing or no clothing.

EA: Are you still involved in modeling? If not, is it something you will consider again in the future?

PS: Yes, I am still involved in modeling. I just walked in a fashion show on January 28, 2018 for Meraki Muse and Stop Shop & Print Presents their 1st Annual Peace, Love and Fashion Showcase. Also, I had a photo shoot scheduled recently but had to reschedule.

EA: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

PS: I would tell aspiring writers to love what you do wholeheartedly. Be authentic. Ignore the naysayers. Be creative. Stand firm on what you believe in and feel. Your vision is yours and it’s yours for a reason. The best writing is from inspiration; so don’t force! No matter how long it takes to get the story out keep trusting and believing in your process.

EA: Finally, tell the readers why Even Through the Storm is a must-read.

PS: Even Through the Storm is a memoir to inspire and help the healing process. It’s authentic, it’s full of faith, it will give you a new perspective on and about life. This story will encourage you and remind you that no one is alone in this world. Everyone deals with something. We are all on different levels of our personal walks and some of us have learned how to deal with things better than others. Some have gained a sense of seeing the entire picture, and this doesn’t make you less. We are all still growing. There is no negative impact on your life that you can’t handle. And Even Through the Storm will make you say, “wow!”

Epilogue

Oh my goodness. I couldn't put those words of advice any better myself. Albeit, I may articulate or convey it in paraphrases, but these words are basically what I try to communicate to not only aspiring authors, but anyone who is aspiring to do anything in life. Writing from inspiration, however it may come to me, is one of the staples of my approach. I don't believe in forcing the issue. As much as a writer may want to get the story out there as quickly as possible, it's best to take your time, craft and write your story thoroughly, versus rushing it.

I want to thank Philandis for sharing a part of her life with us. To overcome a near tragedy, among other obstacles along the way, and continue to stand is awe-inspiring. For more on Philandis, visit her author page on Facebook in the hyperlink below.

Facebook Author Page: Philandis Stovall




Saturday, February 10, 2018

Interview with Author RaJean Anderson


Kicking off my first interview for the month of February, EA: Creatively Creative introduces author, RaJean Anderson.

EA: What started you on your path to becoming a writer?

RA: When I was in high school my friends CiErra and DeAsia Garrett read books constantly. It was like our own little book club. Our senior year in college we made a pact for all of us to write a book and we did. What I came to find out later on through the process of me writing my book is that I have a love for writing and creating stories.

EA: What writer(s), if any, would you say are your biggest influence(s)?

RA: Nicholas Sparks is a big one. I like to think of myself as a romantic and he brings so many emotions through the romance books he writes. One of the biggest reasons why I love Nicholas Sparks romance books is because of the tragedy that always comes with the romance.To me, that brings a stronger dynamic to the story and makes it feel more realistic because nothing in life is happiness always. We all go through something and that what makes us who we are.
When it comes down to erotica authors, I have read many, but one that got me back to reading like crazy in college was E.L. James. The reason that I love the trilogy Fifty Shades of Grey so much is because the book had a great story-line along with great sex scenes throughout it. It had multiple genres such as erotic,BDSM, romance, and suspense. The book brought a lot to the table which creates a lot of emotions in the reader. These are some of the authors I received encouragement from through reading their books.

EA: Would you consider writing a novel to be easy?

RA: If one enjoys creating stories and have a heart for writing than writing a novel is easy, but if one does not have a true desire for it, complacent, or don't know what they like to write about concerning genres than it can become challenging.

EA: What is the concept behind Sex Crazed?

RA: Sex Crazed is a book I wrote for my followers on social media who ask for more material from me to know more about my writing style. Sex Crazed is a book about a young lady name Toya who has a three year old daughter name LaToya. LaToya is the only thing that keeps Toya from living life on the wild side. Toya has a deep love for sexual activities and at many times can't help herself to indulge in those behaviors. Due to the sexual cravings that Toya has, she interacts with the wrong man and jeopardizes her changes of losing her daughter.

EA: Would you tell us about the upcoming release, The Dark Beginning?

RA: The Dark Beginning is the very first book I wrote. It is about a woman name Leveta who leaves Chicago to go to a completely different state looking for a fresh start. She meets a man who seemed perfect, but start to bring back the negative perspectives of the life she once had in Chicago. She tries to run from her past, but she found herself running in circles; revisiting old feelings in new situations. During Leveta's journey, she gets tangled up in lies, deception, sex, religion, romance, two lovers, death, and hard decisions to make. She is trying her hardest to let the past go, but it continued to revisit her in forms of flashbacks. While a person from the past is trying to re-enter her life, Leveta becomes trapped in her past where she is now blind to the exceptional future that awaits her.

EA: Are there any other genres that you write or want to write?

RA:  The genres that I will be writing if not already writing is erotic, romance, suspense, urban fiction, action and drama.

EA: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

RA: Don't give up! If you believe this is what you want to do no matter how hard it seems and no matter the people who give negative feedback, keep writing and stay consistent. You will eventually find your audience.

EA: Finally, tell the readers why Sex Crazed and The Dark Beginning are must-reads.

RA: The book Sex Crazed is a must read for those who love erotic and drama. This book is a quick, easy read. The book has a very interesting story line about a young lady who is trying to take care of her daughter the best way she can, but she is being controlled by the sexual desires that she have on a consistent basis. This book will keep your attention from the beginning to the end. It is definitely a page turner! The book The Dark Beginning is a must read because this book as so many strong dynamics. It's a woman who has been through the unthinkable, but she finds a way to make it through. She fights to have what she believes she deserves. This book will make you feel many emotions and tie you into the book where you have to finish it up to see how it ends.

Epilogue

To pick up from RaJean's advice, I recently thought of an analogy when venturing to achieve an aspiration: I liken the process to drips of water on a surface. What I mean by that is the first few drops of water may not do much, if anything at all, but over time, if the water continues to drip on that surface, eventually it will break through. Whatever goal that you set out to accomplish, have the same determination of dripping water, if not greater.

I want to thank RaJean for speaking with me. For more on RaJean, check out her website and social media by visiting the links below.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRaJean/ 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorrajean 
Instagram: author_rajean 
Snapchat: cocoadrop

Website/Blog: https://authorrajeananderson.wordpress.com/

Interview with Author Nicky Shearsby

Nicky Shearsby. Photo courtesy of Nicky's Amazon page . It has been a long time, but I'm glad to announce that the Literature Lounge...