Interview with Best-Selling Author Jwyan C. Johnson

Today, EA: Creatively Creative speaks with best-selling and award-winning author, Jwyan C. Johnson.

EA: When did your journey as an author begin?

JJ: I’ve been writing professionally since 11th grade. My favorite nation has always been imagination. And my favorite hobby was dissecting the writing style of the parable for symbolism. One day I combined the two for a homework assignment to abbreviate my favorite book (The Bible) in 60 seconds. I used my brand new parable. And the “A” I received is inside WordPlay, an award winning series. I’ve been loving the challenge of story symbolism even since. Certainly my career took more than a minute! But the inspiration beat that timer.

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

JJ: It was Albert Einstein who once said, “Weak people revenge. Strong people forgive. Wise people ignore.” So to answer your question, my biggest influences are the ones wise enough to “ignore” because they want more out of life than just stress. As mentioned in Peace From the Puzzle, there’s a much bigger push to make a life out of stress, rather than accept the stress necessary for the life you really want. All of my biggest influences were addicted to progress.

EA: What do you look to accomplish with the readers when you write?

JJ: Awareness has to win. That’s my primary mission. Once I’ve designed a story for that purpose, that opportunity never expires. Without awareness, a story may never rise above politics, peer-pressure, and finger-pointing: all of which are turn-offs and knock-offs in a realm of creativity.

EA: What is the concept of the Peace from the Puzzle series?

JJ: The “puzzle” is a double metaphor for both feeling puzzled and somehow fitting with the puzzle pieces causing it all! There’s a toxic handshake between narcissistic people and emotional abuse. Peace from the Puzzle takes each element ‘piece-by-piece… for peace.’ With our psychologically-animated riddles, we build awareness and advocate for the decisive journey away from narcissistic personalities trying to “make them fit” into their own dysfunctional jigsaw. So they finally find “peace” from the puzzle!

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

JJ: No. But the difficulty is a benefit to everyone. Writing is the Olympics of Consideration. And there’s a lot of architecture: building the suspense, character structure, measuring data, designing your cover, and more. And after all of that, in my opinion, only the meekest survive. The writing process has a way of differentiating between true humble value and a narcissistic appetite to be heard. It’s not easy. But it is so worth it.
 
EA: Peace from the Puzzle also serves as the name of the website. Would you tell us more about the website, and what it has to offer?

JJ: My major was in Psychology. And I believe there is a “puzzle” in the way most professionals treat emotional abuse. Many doctors I compare to a Wheel of Fortune contestant, meaning they actually pretend like they cannot solve the puzzle yet. So they keep spinning, to collect more money (from the victim of emotional abuse). Prescriptions for depression, anxiety, and social issues to the victim. But they ignore the narcissistic relationship causing it all.

Peace from the Puzzle is more uniquely devoted to the target of emotional abuse. We’re an affordable resource for the social surgery to cure, rather than the medicine to cope. And we are helping many finally find “peace from the puzzle.”

EA: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

JJ: As a singer sings from their diaphragm, writers should write from their heart. Edit from the mind much later. And it’s been my experience that momentum produces more quality than habit.

EA: Finally, tell the readers why the Peace from the Puzzle series is a must buy.

JJ: Emotional abuse is the only riddle where confusion itself is the main character. But everyone deserves the big picture to see what’s happening to their energy, their motivations, and the narcissistic people causing it all. Peace from the Puzzle is a fun, unique, way to empathize, explain, and emotionally heal from the always deniable effects of narcissistic people.

Epilogue

That was an interesting analogy by Jwyan concerning the writing process. All of those ingredients are imperative, particularly character (and story) structure, building suspense, and even cover designs. Presentation has its importance, and you want a cover that's going to draw readers. There are some books that readers have read that they viewed as okay, or maybe awful, but what initiated the attraction was the presentation (i.e. title and specifically cover art).

I would like to thank Jwyan for taking the time to speak with me. If you would like to get a "peace from the puzzle," visit his website at peacefromthepuzzle.com. Book One of the Peace from the Series is free!

Interview with Author Simply Shonda

Today, EA: Creatively Creative sits down with author, Simply Shonda.

EA: What inspired your career as an author?

SS: I loved reading and writing since as far back as I can remember. I loved how you can be a million miles away in the comfort of your bed. Writing is for me is being able to tell a story I know only I can tell. It’s escaping everyday life and finding something beautiful to write no matter how ugly the day. That inspires me.

EA: Who, would you say, are your biggest influences?

SS: I love Terry McMillian. She is my favorite author. The way she goes into detail to make you feel exactly what the character is feeling is amazing.

EA: What is the concept of There's Beauty In the Struggle: A Vixens Tale?

SS: There’s Beauty in the Struggle is one of my favorite stories. It’s about showing the growth, the strength, and the beauty that a person has even as they are going through whatever obstacles they encounter. It’s about showing that you can get through anything as long as you have God and people that love you around.

EA: Is it a standalone, or a series?

SS: It’s a part of a collection, but is a standalone meaning you don’t have to read one to read and understand the other.

EA: Do you think writing a novel is easy?

SS: For some it’s as easy as putting pen to paper, but for others it takes a bit more preparing and strategizing. I believe it’s as easy as you make it.

EA: What do you look to accomplish mostly as an author?

SS: I want to be able to leave a legacy. To show my children that anything is possible. I want to people to read my stories now and in the future, and say how great of an author I am or was.

EA: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

SS: Don’t do this for the money, do this because you’re passionate about writing. Also, don’t trust everybody in the industry, but trust someone.

EA: Finally, tell the readers why There's Beauty In the Struggle: A Vixens Tale is a must read.

SS: It’s a must read because it give you all the elements of a great inspirational story. Vixen wants to be better in life; she wants to try things that she’s never tried, and go places she never has, but with a mother that tells you that the only thing you’re good at is laying on your back, what do you do?

Epilogue

Loving your craft and being passionate about what you do is essential. Nothing wrong with the monetary aspect of it obviously, but if you're in it strictly for that, you're wasting your time. It takes away from the love of the craft-- in my opinion-- plus, it's an unsteady business from that standpoint. I thank Simply Shonda for speaking with me. For more on Simply Shonda, and if you would like to follow her on social media, visit the hyperlinks below.

Facebook Author Page: Author Simply Shonda

Facebook: Shonda Wade

Goodreads: Simply Shonda

Instagram: Authoress Simply Shonda

Twitter: Simply Shonda

Interview with Author C. Monet

Tonight, EA: Creatively speaks with an author, whose debut novel currently has 46 5-star reviews. Introducing, C. Monet.

EA: How did your journey to becoming an author begin?

CS: It honestly seems like it began overnight. At the beginning of this year, I was on a search to find my passion and purpose. I’ll be turning 30 in December, and I didn’t feel like I really accomplished anything that was for ME, and not contingent to anything else. I started blogging with my publisher and I really loved that, I mean really enjoyed it. A good friend of mine in Christ came to me and told me that I had a “book in my belly”, I completely brushed her off, God hadn’t revealed that to me yet. I stayed faithful and continued to pray. So, I’d guess that a month went by and around 9 P.M Cheyanne’s story hit me. I wrote the first chapter by hand; I had no laptop. So, I ordered a laptop and   got started and that was in June, my debut novel dropped November 3rd, I hit #4 the first day, so the journey has just really begun.

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

CS: My mother is an exceptional strong woman. Me and my brothers got to witness true queening every day. At 41 my mother got accepted into the nursing program, and she sat me down around 18 and told me that this was what she always wanted to do, but she put it on hold for me and my 2 brothers. So, an issue came up with her job, she wasn’t able to work anymore and go to school. But because she was diligent and dedicated to fulfilling her dreams, I worked 2 jobs and completed high school. Her wanting to live out her dreams is what influenced me. I struggled with fear of becoming an author and then I remembered what my mom accomplished at 41 years of age.

EA: What is the concept of Did You Think I'd Crumble?

CS:  Did you think I’d Crumble was inspired by Chantay Savage's I Will Survive. I love that song so much, and it set the tone for the concept. Throughout the song this man puts her through all these scenarios that he thought would make her crumble, but she didn’t.

At 19, I got married, and it was a bad relationship but it was a revelation for many reasons. My ex-husband struggled a lot with drinking, cheating and mentally. At 19, that was a lot to deal with and some days I didn’t know if I was coming or going. A lot of what I went through at no fault of my own was enough to make a person go completely crazy, but I didn’t. I hurt, I healed and this is me helping.

EA: Was writing this novel an easy process for you? Do you believe the process in general is easy?

CS: Listen before I started writing myself I was an avid reader, and as a reader you see it one way, but you have no idea all that comes with it. From the word count, you don’t want it too short, but you don’t want it too long, your cover needs to be eye catching and different. It was not an easy process, but it was so worth it.

EA: Are there any upcoming projects?

CS: Yes, I just finished Part 2 of Did You Think I’d Crumble? I plan to start working on my third book after Christmas, this book will detail a young girl looking to find her way in the world and deal with a guy with so much potential, yet no drive at the same time.

EA: What do you look to accomplish mostly as an author?

CS: At this point I want to perfect my craft, I would love to one day watch my book on a screen. But for now, I want to accomplish becoming a household name, that’s all.

EA: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

CS: Be patient and pray about it. Writing is therapeutic and it allows your mind to be free of the stipulations society places upon us. I would tell you to be sure this is what you want, it’s a tough game out there. Every day new authors are coming out and topping charts, so be confident in yourself and your work, and it will show.

EA: Finally, tell the reader why Did You Think I'd Crumble is a must read.

CS: Did You Think I’d Crumble is a must read because its raw, relatable and REAL. I’m sure that’s cliché, but it’s true. I told this story because I am the story, not all things are true, but some absolutely are true. I wanted to be completely transparent with this novel and it shows. There’s not one person in the novel that you can’t relate to or that you don’t know someone like. This book is sure to take you on an emotional rollercoaster, you will laugh, you may cry, and you may clutch your pearls. I hope you enjoy!

Epilogue

On a side note, I liked that song by Chantay Savage as well, growing up. I loved the beat. Ms. Monet reiterated things that I continuously emphasize in my epilogues: the writing process-- granted-- isn't neuroscience or brain surgery, but it's not an easy process, how therapeutic writing is-- I've heard this from more than one author-- being confident in your abilities, and honing your craft.

It takes more strength than one may think to open up and tell your story to anyone-- with the exception of a close friend-- nevertheless, to the world. I thank C. Monet for speaking with me tonight. Check out her debut novel Did You Think I'd Crumble by visiting the hyperlink below.

Did You Think I'd Crumble

13,000 Views Edition: Interview with Author Teralyn Mitchell

EA: Creatively Creative has now reached 13,000 views! It has come a long way since its inception in late May, and is rapidly gaining momentum. In commemoration with another milestone, I sat down with author, editor, and proofreader, Teralyn Mitchell.

EA: Was writing something you’ve always enjoyed doing?

TM: No, I started writing when I was in middle school. I’ve always loved books and reading so I think that love naturally transformed into a desire to write. I think my first idea came based on a book I read, and I wanted to see how I could change the story and make my own version. I’ve been writing ever since and I have a ton of finished (and unfinished) stories in notebooks and documents on my computer.

EA: What is your approach to engage readers?

TM: I think my approach to engage readers is making strong, relatable, and likable (for the most part) characters. I always relate to characters more than I do the setting or the world created, so I’ve always spent a lot time making sure the characters are real people for the most part. I also like to have strong subjects that readers can relate to.

EA: What is the concept of Princess of Ceshela?

TM: Princess Of Ceshela is a historical romance based in a world that I created. It’s based in the regency era. I like the style of this era so I wanted to use it, but I wanted my characters to be people of color, so I had to make up my own world and my own rules. It’s an alternative history story with people of color being in positions of power as kings, queens, princes, princesses, dukes, etc. Growing up there were not many stories like this so I wanted to write a story for little girls like me who likes to read about princesses and would like to relate to them as well.

EA: Who are your biggest influences?

TM: Some of my biggest influences are Walter Dean Myers, Sharon M. Draper, Mildred D. Taylor, Jodi Picoult, and Melanie Dickerson. Myers, Taylor, and Draper are some of the authors that influenced me to start writing in the first place. The three of them being African-American authors made me see that I could be a writer too. I had people to look up to. Picoult influenced me to up my game when it comes to writing and the amount of research I do when I decide to write a book. Dickerson is someone I discovered recently and she focuses on retellings of fairytales with castles and princesses so I used her books and a lot of others to get a better understanding of how things worked back then, and how others in the genre do things.

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

TM: Not at all. A lot goes into it and it should not be taken lightly. I think that’s why some people may get discouraged because they go into it thinking that it is easy to write a novel. You have to do your research. It’s good to create an outline to combat the problems that always (for me anyway) seem to come during the middle of the novel. Also, doing character sketches especially backgrounds are very important. It helps you figure out how your character will act in certain situations. Even the things you’ll never bring up or use in your story, help the writer bring the character to life and make them that much more real for the reader.

EA: Are there any upcoming projects for Teralyn Mitchell?

TM: Yes, there are actually. I am currently working on books 2 and 3 for my series, The Chronicles of Caesea which Princess of Ceshela is a part of. I am also outlining for book 5 and hopefully, soon I’ll be outlining book 6 and editing book 4 of this same series. Right now, there are nine books in the series.

EA: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

TM: Being a writer is hard work. So much goes into it that you do not realize. My main advice is to make writing a habit and to do that is to write every day even if it’s just a few hundred words and even, especially, if you do not feel like it. Once it’s a habit be sure to take breaks so as not to burn yourself out. Also, another piece of advice would be to just write when it comes to that first draft. Do not worry about it being perfect. Do not read what you’ve written (unless you stepped away for a time and need to figure out where you left off) or edit as you are writing. That first draft is really just getting your idea on the paper or screen. Also, be willing to rewrite. Writing is rewriting so do not fall in love with what you’ve written, but the concept of what you’re writing. Be willing to make the necessary changes by cutting what just doesn’t fit. And finally, believe in yourself and your work, and be willing to put yourself out there and share it with others.

EA: Finally, tell the readers why Princess of Ceshela is a must read.

TM: I think my book is a must read because it combines action, intrigue, and romance along with royalty! Who doesn’t like a good book with kings and queens and princesses? But honestly, I think it’s a must read because it tells the story of a girl who is trying to find her way after finding out the last fourteen years of her life has been a lie. I think it’s a relatable story with great characters.

Epilogue

I would say getting something down on paper or the computer, even if it's five minutes of writing, as long as you have written something, is a daily motto of mine. It's like collecting coins. It may look small at first, but if you keep at it, you will be amazed at how those words will starting adding up, and how your characters and content starts coming together.

I can not stress enough the importance of strong character development and research when writing a story. As I've alluded to recently, the more research you do, the more knowledgeable you become on the subject(s), the better the chance you have at creating a quality story.

I definitely would like to thank Teralyn for speaking with me. For more on Teralyn, and if you're interested in her editing/proofreading services, visit her website at teralynmitchell.com. You can also follow Teralyn on social media by visiting the links below.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/teralynmitchellauthor

Facebook: facebook.com/teralynmitchellauthor

Twitter: twitter.com/TeralynMitchell

Interview with Best-Selling Author K.M. Robinson

The second of back-to-back interviews, EA: Creatively Creative sits down with best-selling author, photographer, and social media strategist, K.M. Robinson.

EA: When did you realize that writing would become something you would love to do as a profession?

KMR: Surprisingly, I had never planned on writing. I had grown up loving books because of my librarian mother, and in college I had no time to read for fun. When I graduated, I focused solely on work for awhile before jumping back into reading. There was a point where I couldn’t find a specific type of book I wanted, so I wrote it just so I could read it. Then I wrote another and another. It was a long time before I told my friend I was writing, and an even longer time before she convinced me to pursue writing. I had a few book deals offered to me that I ultimately turned down. I ended up walking away and not trying to publish for an entire year until Snowy Wings Publishing came along and now I have five books and counting out, two of which are best sellers.

EA: What would you consider to be the main source of your creativity?

KMR: I’m actually a professional fine arts photographer and a lot of my work inspires my stories.

EA: What is the concept of the Golden Trilogy series?

KMR: Goldilocks was never naive. She was sent on a mission and Dov Baer is her new target.

This is a YA retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears with a dystopian twist. She was sent on a mission by her only remaining relative, her cousin, Lowell, to destroy Dov and Berwyn Baer. I twisted Goldilocks to be a strong girl on a deadly mission and the bears are not longer animals, but people with the last name of Baer. Instead of the traditional father/mother/son family unit, it focuses on two brothers, Berwyn and Dov, and Berwyn’s wife, Eden. It’s dark, it’s dangerous, it's amazing…at least according to the authors who blurbed it.

EA: Do you believe writing novels is easy?

KMR: Writing a novel is different for everyone. For some, it’s a very laborious process. For others, it’s super quick. I tend to write incredibly quickly and I always have a process. I tend not to hit many walls, and when I do, I have a strategy for getting around them and still be productive while pausing to work out the walls I hit. Very few people work as quickly as I do though, so please don’t think you have to write quickly to be effective. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Writing a book should be done at your own pace and it’s very important you put the time and effort in to create something well done.

EA: Describe the feeling of being a best-selling author.

KMR: It’s so awesome! I wasn’t expecting it either time. It’s still so strange to think about. Changing my author bio was a little surreal. We haven’t changed my book covers to reflect it yet, but I’m so excited to once things settle down a little!

EA: I understand that you're also a social media marketer and brander. Would you tell us the specifics of what that entails?

KMR: The cool thing about social media strategy is that I get to spend my time learning about social media. I know everything about Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, Youtube, etc. I’ve made friends with all the big companies that do Facebook bots and live broadcasting platforms. I know every new social media platform addition before they happen. I get to study the algorithms that determine what posts you see in your newsfeeds. I then turn around and teach this to my students.

I basically run an online university for authors (and also one for photographers) I teach brands how to use social media effectively to market themselves, how to engage, empower and equip their fans/clients to market for them, and how to be so strategic about social media that Instagram actively promotes them without them needing to pay for ads. It’s amazing. When people listen, they hit lists. It’s pretty cool!

EA: Which is more challenging in comparison? Writing novels or marketing?

KMR: That’s a tough question. Writing is definitely more time consuming. I know a lot of authors would say marketing is harder for them, but for me, marketing is like breathing. But I also do marketing very differently than most authors are taught (which is why it’s more effective) But honestly, I don’t consider either to be more challenging than the other. I live and breathe both. Neither feels like work for me because I genuinely love both so much.

EA: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

KMR: You don’t have to take the first deal you are given and don’t sign anything without having a publishing lawyer read the contract first (even if you have an agent) Pub lawyers are so smart and so helpful and many of them will look over contracts on a sliding scale (if you earn less than a certain amount in an advance, it’s free) I’ve had far too many friends sign bad contracts that looked good and regretted it when things started happening.

It’s okay to wait. You don’t need to take your first deal just because you’re desperate to publish. Wait and find the best fit. Protect your book and author brand. It’s okay to wait. You’ll find the perfect fit when the time is right.

I waited for years before I allowed myself to sign on. I turned down good bonuses because the contract wasn’t the right fit or the publisher wasn’t the right fit. Because I waited, I hit best seller status twice within my first year of being published. That never would have happened had I signed with those other companies.

It’s okay to wait.

EA: Finally, tell the readers why the Golden Trilogy series is a must read.

KMR: Golden is a best seller. People have been raving about it since it’s release. Best selling authors have called it a “must read” series. You’ve never seen Goldilocks twisted like this before.

Epilogue

I  agree that writing and creating your work should be done at your own pace. Everyone's different; don't try to keep up with the Joneses, or emulate a certain style or trend simply because other authors are doing it.

To expand a little more on K.M.'s advice, I've said in many of these epilogues that confidence and persistence are key elements to achieving success in anything. Just as important as those two traits is patience. I definitely would like to thank K.M. for speaking with me. Some final words from the author:

I also have a dystopian series, The Jaded Duology, which has been called the YA Dystopian Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and a new series called The Legends Chronicles, which is a techy, hacker twist on Little Miss Muffet and a bunch of other nursery rhymes.

For an added bonus, you can get free excerpts at excerpt.kmrobinsonbooks.com, play interactive, choose-your-own-adventure games on Facebook.com/kmrobinsonbooks, use our book-inspired Facebook filters, and more!

You can find me online at
www.kmrobinsonbooks.com
www.facebook.com/kmrobinsonbooks
www.instagram.com/kmrobinsonbooks
www.twitter.com/kmrobinsonbooks

Katie Robinson
K.M. Robinson Photography
www.kmrobinsonphotography.com

Reading Transforms
www.readingtransforms.com

Author Services
www.readingtransforms.com/authors

I’m also on Youtube and Snapchat!

Interview with Author & Publisher Sasha Ravae

Tonight, EA: Creatively Creative sits down with author and CEO of Black Eden Publications, Sasha Ravae.

EA: What drove you to pursue writing as a career?

SR: I have been writing my whole life, but after letting my family and friends read my first book Counterfeit Dreams, I decided to take the craft much more serious and focus on making writing my career.

EA: Were there any authors who further inspired you to become a writer?

SR: My true love for writing came after being an avid reader of Urban Fiction. I read Flyy Girl by Omar Tyree in high school, and from there I became obsessed with other authors like Wahida Clark, Ashley & JaQuavis, Shannon Holmes, and K'Wan. Their work made me feel like certain struggles are universal, and that was very inspiring.

EA: What is the concept of The Dope Grammar Guide?

SR: The reason I felt the need to write this book stemmed from my first real experience with needing to know proper grammar. When I was in college, I took a grammar course. I was really eager to take it because I loved to read and write so much. I just knew that by the end of the semester I was going to walk out such a better writer—but that wasn’t what happened…well, not at first.

The concepts in grammar didn’t make sense to me at the time because they were explained in such a roundabout way. With The Dope Grammar Guide, we’re giving it to you straight. With easy-to-follow descriptions, real-life examples, and plenty of practice quizzes, you’ll be a grammar boss in no time.

EA: Do you believe writing a novel is easy?

SR: For me, no. It takes a lot to write a book outside of time and resources. When I write a book, I always feel so emotionally connected, that by the time I'm finished, I feel like I've lived a hundred lives.

EA: Would you tell us about your blog, The Inside Talk?

SR: The Inside Talk is a place for the authors of Black Eden Publications to express themselves, but even more than that, Black Eden Publications is definitely a resource for writers, so we also like to post tips and posts on topics that will help a writer in one way or another.

EA: You launched Black Eden Publications in 2015. Was that an easy process? What are the requirements to become an author for Black Eden?

SR: I started my professional writing career back in 2012, but I had no experience in the publishing industry, so I decided to sign with a small indie-publisher in 2014. After a while, I wanted to have more creative freedom, so I started Black Eden Publications. It definitely wasn't an easy process, but it was worth it.

The authors of Black Eden Publications are all so unique, but one thing they all have in common is passion. Writing isn't just a job for them, they live for it. So, when our acquisition team is looking through manuscripts, they are always looking for that fire...and the person has to be dope too, of course.

EA: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

SR: Go for it! I always get people who message me and say, "I've always loved to write, but..." Don't let that "but" hold you up.Everything you've ever wanted is always on the other side of fear.

EA: Finally, tell the readers why The Dope Grammar Guide is a must buy.

SR: If you're just learning grammar for the first time or even if you just need to brush up, The Dope Grammar Guide is for you! We don't get caught up in all the technicalities. We cover the important topics in a way that is relatable.

Epilogue

In 2015, when people found out that I wrote and published my first book (Taylor Made), I had some tell me that they have always wanted to write a book, and there was that "but" Sasha's referring to. One, in particular, had an issue with confidence and fear.

She was overly concerned that her work wouldn't measure up, which I believe all authors have dealt with that at one point in time, particularly when they first started. She also admitted that she was sensitive, and wasn't sure if she could handle the criticism of others. Criticism can be difficult to deal with, but it's a hurdle one must overcome in order to excel in this business, or in anything else, for that matter. 

I've written two books, and I'm currently writing a third. I wouldn't have been able to accomplish writing and publishing the first two, if I allowed fear or one's criticism to slow me down or consume me.

I think that's an interesting concept for an author to put together a grammar guide for fellow and upcoming authors, getting to the gist of things, versus long, drawn-out technicalities. I would like to thank Sasha for speaking with me. For more on Sasha, or if you're interested in becoming an author for Black Eden, or if you would like to try their professional editing services, you can email them at info@blackedenpublications.com, or visit the website at www.blackedenpublications.com.

Interview with Author & Journalist LeAndrea Mack

Today, EA: Creatively Creative sits down with author and journalist, LeAndrea Mack.

EA: What sparked your desire to become a writer?

LM: It is an unlikely story. I would love to say that it was some profound writer or piece of scholarly literature that sparked my interested but it wasn't. I was raised with all boys. They loved to rap. They put words together with perfection. I was too shy to say my rhymes aloud so I used to write them down. Eventually, I began to experiment with story-telling. This was partly inspired by the Art of Story Telling album by Slick Rick

EA: I understand that you also have a background in journalism. Would you tell us of the work you've done?

LM: I wrote little articles for The Examiner. A few for a couple of newspapers, and then I landed a gig with AXS and got approved to cover the Essence Festival in New Orleans, Lousianna. Shortly after I became a staff writer for Twelve Magazine and did work for Midwest Hair Magazine, Delux Magazine and a host of other freelance work.

EA: Do you believe that your experience as a  journalist gives you an edge in the novel writing process?

LM: YES! Writing has been a natural progression from journalism for me. I do believe the networking opportunities and friendships I made as a journalist helped out tremendously when I decided to write my first novel. I was already moving in a solid network that valued writing and literature so I reached out to individuals who I knew could lend support or suggestions.

As for my readers, they already trusted my writing as a journalist, so it wasn’t hard to convince them that they would enjoy my novel too!

EA: Were there any authors who further inspired you to become a writer?

LM: I know it’s silly, but I believe that the music industry inspired me to write just as much as other writers have. I don’t write poetically, but my writing is definitely inspired by it. However, K’wan, Jihad and Zane were definitely inspirations from the writing sector.

EA: What is the concept of the Seeing Red series?

LM: The story is about a woman, Savannah Red , who is stricken with retrograde amnesia. She learns that she was savagely beaten and left for dead, but she doesn’t remember anything. The book follows her quest to uncover who she is and what led to her brutal attack. She is stunned and terrified as she uncovers the truth of her sick and twisted past.

Take the journey in SEEING RED!

EA: Do you think writing a novel is easy?

LM: Honestly, writing a novel can be easy, but writing a GOOD novel requires focus, creativity and an ability to see from several vantage points.

EA: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

LM: JUST WRITE. Once you have a complete story, then focus on the easier tasks that other people can help you with or you can research like editing, formatting, marketing, publishing, etc.

A lot of people get hung up in trying to prepare to write and they never get started actually writing!

EA: Finally, tell the readers why the Seeing Red series is a good read.

LM: It is a drama-roller coaster for your brain. There is always something fun and suspenseful about searches that uncover things and put puzzle pieces together. The Seeing Red novel is one of those kinds of books!

Epilogue

Wow. Slick Rick? LeAndrea knocked the dust off of that one! They don't make them like that anymore. Everyone's story and journey is different. There's nothing wrong or silly with where an artist-- literary or otherwise-- get their source(s) of inspiration. I agree with LeAndrea's analysis of writing a good novel, those traits are imperative, but I would like to add research to that list as well. The more information you can gather on a subject or story, the more knowledgeable you can become, and the better your story will be.

I thank LeAndrea for speaking with me today. For more on LeAndrea, and her Seeing Red series, visit her website at www.seeingrednovel.com.

Interview with Author & Publisher Taquila Thompson

EA: Creatively Creative kicks off its first interview for the month of November. Introducing author and publisher, Taquila Thompson.

EA: Was writing and being an author something you've always desired to do?

TT: No, writing wasn't something I always desired to do but, I was always a great storyteller and my English teachers loved me. Lol. Around 10th grade I finally penned my first book, and haven't looked back since then.

EA: The title Lollipop Killer really caught my attention. I see that it's a prequel for an upcoming series. Would you tell us the concept of the story?

TT: Lollipop Killer is based around this character that was in my mind for a long time. She spoke to me for a very long time, and I just finally penned her story. She's a very smart serial killer and she's basically toying with an officer who isn't so smart.

EA: Who, if any, are your biggest influences?

TT: Some of my biggest influences are Issa Rae. I love her as a business woman and followed her since her YouTube days. I love her story and her growth. She's an amazing woman and so positive and it makes me want to strive to achieve all of my dreams.

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

TT: I wouldn't consider writing a novel to be easy. Not in the least. It sometimes requires long nights and sometimes you get stuck when your characters stop speaking to you. I've been sleepless and spent long hours just making sure that everything is in order.

EA: You're the Owner/CEO of two publications. One being Fokus'd Dreamz, Dripping Ink being the other. What's it like balancing two publications, and was it an easy process to get them launched?

TT: I don't balance both publishing companies because I actually dissolved Dripping Ink Publications and formed Fokus'd Dreamz Publications recently with my business partner Quadrik Willis. And I can say that it's trying even just doing the one to deal with other people's novels and making sure everything is in order, but I don't regret it all, as I love helping people. 

EA: Are there any upcoming plans for Taquila Thompson?

TT:  My upcoming plans are to release this new book with co-author Quadrik Willis called Knocking Hard On Heaven's Door that shows that the street life isn't really all that it seems. It's now up for pre-order. And I'm also going to be releasing a novel next month called B.F.F aka Best Fake Friend. I'm also going to expand my publishing company by opening a book mobile and by having an e-reader app and starting a YouTube channel to give insight to the author life. Basically, a lot ya know lol. I stay busy, but a constructive busy.

EA: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

TT: The advice I would give aspiring writers is to NEVER give up on your dreams and never lose your voice. You will find your audience. 

EA: Finally, tell the readers why Lollipop Killer is a must read.

TT: Lollipop Killer is a must read because in my opinion there is no other serial killer written quite like her. She's very smart, but I humanize her enough so that you actually sympathize more with her than the cop who is out to get her. She's so unique and twisted that honestly you can't help but to love her.

Epilogue

I can relate to the countless hours of writing, editing, and making sure everything's on point with a story overall, as well as having characters/stories that I've had in mind for a long time, but haven't gotten around to it just yet, or just recently started writing their story. As always, a major component in anything you aspire to do requires perseverance, never giving up.

I would like to thank Taquila for taking the time to speak with me. You can check out Lollipop Killer and Knocking Hard on Heaven's Door by visiting the hyperlinks below.

Lollipop Killer

Knocking Hard on Heaven's Door