Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Author Interview with Melissa Sampson


Hi Melissa, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Tell us a little about yourself and your background?
Hello LaToya, thank you for letting me be a part of this interview.  Melissa Sampson is the founder and CEO of Imagine Me Cancer Foundation. She is passionate about helping people in all areas of their lives. Melissa is a wife, mother and is a new author of her debut memoir Unraveling the Layers: Life Doesn’t Define You, You Define Life.

: What are your ambitions for your writing career?
This has been a good journey in writing maybe I will pursuit writing more.

Melissa: Which writers inspire you?
All writers that are positive and give good feedback I would like to learn and overcome something form what I read.

What are you working on at the minute?
I’m a first-time book writer trying to get the book unraveling the layers out there more.



What genre are your books and why?
My book can cater to men, women, boy, or girl. It talks about the overall experiences we all go through as people in the world we live in someone has experienced this in their life time.

In 10 words or less can you create a quote that describes you and your writing?
Life Doesn’t Define You, You Define Life!

Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?
Regina King

When did you decide to become a writer?
About a year ago when I needed to get my story out for adoptees and foster kids and over all what we go through to survive.

Do you write full-time or part-time?
When I have free time.

Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?
When thought come to mind I write.

Do you aim for a set amount of words/pages per day?
No

Where do your ideas come from?
I was writing to pursuit getting my story out to others to help them with their hang ups and struggles in this life that we all can overcome.

Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?
No outline I write what comes to mind and fill in the blanks later.

How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?
I believe I evolved creatively because I seen my problem acknowledged that I must face my fears and then I can be a help to others as I grow and learn that in life we can’t control everything that goes on but we are here to help others walk there life out and be the best they can be. I can say I’m that person that helps people reach their goal. Let us not forget we are all here for a purpose and purpose must be fulfilled.

What is the hardest thing about writing?
Making everything come together and make sense.

What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book?
Getting all the hurt and pain out to go in the book.

What is the easiest thing about writing?
Writing your feelings down and knowing after while it will all make sense later.

How long on average does it take you to write a book?
It took about 7months

Where can you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
Being well off helping others with their passed hurt and leaving a legacy to my children.

What advice would you give to your younger self?
Be courageous and live out your purpose.

Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?
Oprah Winfrey & Fantasia they both have positive influence.

If you could have been the original author of any book, what would it have been and why?
I don’t have any in mind.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Give readers something that makes them think and give them hope that they can overcome anything in this life good or bad.

Connect with Author Melissa

Website: www.unravelingthelayers.com

Email: info@unravelingthelayers.com  and unravelingthelayers@gmail.com

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/authormelissasampson

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authormsampson

Twitter: https://twitter.com/authormsampson

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Thursday, November 24, 2016

Author Interview: Tesa Erven


Hi Tesa, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Tell us a little about yourself and your background?
Thank you LaToya for this opportunity. I was born and raised in San Francisco, CA. I currently live in New Jersey with my husband and two kids. I enjoy writing, reading and (shower) singing.
Which writers inspire you?
Back in the mid-nineties, I read Brenda Jackson’s first romance novel; Tonight and Forever. After that, I wanted to create my own love story. I like creating twists of characters being unknowingly connected to each other. It’s a small world and I prove that in my writing style.
What are you working on at the minute?
I just finished writing book 3 for the Loose End Series which is scheduled to be released soon.

In 10 words or less can you create a quote that describes you and your writing?
“Tesa writes love stories with romance, suspense and unexpected twists.”
Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?
Actually, I never thought about whom would play the lead character in my book but I could tell you for sure that Queen Latifah could definitely play the supporting character, Sabrina. She has a strong voice that tells it like it is.
When did you decide to become a writer?
I first started writing about ten years ago. It has always been a live long dream of mine that has finally come true. I am an avid reader especially of fiction novels. One day, I just thought to myself, “I can do it.”
Do you write full-time or part-time?
Since I do work a demanding full time job – I write in my spare time. Usually late at night is when I’m most productive. When everyone in the house is asleep, that’s my quiet time.
Do you aim for a set amount of words/pages per day?
I don’t have a set amount of words/pages that I aim for. My mentor suggested that I write at least fifteen minutes a day and that’s what I strive to do.
Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer to just see where an idea takes you?
I prefer to see where an idea takes me. I keep a notebook with me on the go. I start a story in there before scanning it into the computer. I still have a thing for the old fashioned scratch and scribble… I write everything down on paper.
What is the easiest and hardest thing about writing?
I enjoy developing new characters and giving them a voice because each one is uniquely written.  The part of the process I dislike would be sentence structure. As a writer, when the words are flowing I tend to forget to stop and add punctuations. Before I know it, I will have one long paragraph with a few run-on sentences and as a result I have to go back and change it.
What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book?
I have a sequel to The Loose End coming out soon and the hardest part about writing that particular book was finding the desire to do it. I never thought it would be a continuing story but since becoming published, I understand now that you appreciate giving the readers what they want.
What is the easiest thing about writing?
For me, the easiest part about writing is when you have a muse that you can build or base a character on. My childhood best friend of 30+ years is inspiration to Sabrina’s character in my book. She happens to have those same character traits of always being there and guiding me that it just makes the story come together in a nice even flow.
Where can you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
I wear many hats (mother, wife, working full-time) and adding author to the mix has become a balancing act. I’m learning how to manage my time so my family can see the added value whether it be now or 5 years from now as I fulfill my dream.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
DO NOT GIVE UP! Though it tarries, the vision is near, be patient and wait for it!
- Habakkuk 2:2-3
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Proofread your own work even if you have an editor or an actual proofreader that has read it for you. Invest in yourself, read it again until you get to a point where you feel it is the best you can do.
Connect with Tesa:
Amazon Author Page: www.twitter.com/TesaErven
 
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Friday, November 18, 2016

Book Spotlight: Been So Long 4 (Rhythm of Love) by Adrienne Thompson


Been So Long 4 blog post:
Title: Been So Long 4 (Rhythm of Love)
Genre: African American Women’s Fiction
Release date: September 30, 2016

Blurb:
The gang's back, picking up where they left off in Been So Long III. Mona is still struggling to trust her father. Cleo is still struggling to find hers. And Mona, Corey, and Wasif? Well, that's still complicated. Family, love, and drama... you'll find it all in Been So Long IV!

Excerpt:
The kitchen door swung open and in walked my infamous mother-in-law, her bony frame covered in a white linen jumpsuit, an ever-present fake smile plastered on her face. Her signature fragrance, Cool Water, assaulted my nose. She was carrying my poodle in her arms. I wanted to snatch her from her. “You need any help?” she asked in a diabetically sweet voice.
“Nope, got it,” I answered tersely. I looked up at her and added, “I thought you were watching Nia for me.”
“Corey has her.”
“Oh.”
She slid into the chair across from me, placed my dog on the floor, and I stared at her. What in hell did she want? I really didn’t feel like having to cuss her out.
“I need a break so I decided to hide out in here. Those Sanderses are something else!” she said, answering my unasked question.
I shook my head. “Nope.”
She frowned slightly and looked up at me. “What? Nope, what?”
“You can’t hide out in here. Go find your husband or something.”
“Really? What kind of daughter-in-law are you? You’re putting me out of your kitchen?”
“Yes.”
She just sat there and stared at me so I heaved a sigh and left the table, walked over to the stove, and pretended to check the already done macaroni and cheese. The door burst open again and Corey’s Aunt Doris waltzed in—all three hundred-plus, scantily clad pounds of her—and she took the chair I vacated. I glanced over to see the horrified look on Stella Sanders’ face, and I grinned.
“Woo! It’s so many people in this house it ain’t no joke!” Doris exclaimed.
“Mm-hmm, where’s your date? You left him out there by himself? You know how your brothers are. And what’s with those shades he’s got on? Something wrong with his eyes?” Stella asked, obviously irritated with her sister-in-law.
“Oh, that’s just Mark. He’s always wearing those shades, but he has the nicest eyes. And he’s my fiancé, not just my date.”
“So this’ll be what? Number four or five?”
“It doesn’t matter. He’s my true soul mate.”
“Mm-hmm.”
My cell phone vibrated in the hip pocket of my jeans and I took it as a gift from Heaven and quietly excused myself to my bedroom. It was Wasif…

Purchase Links:

Bio:



Adrienne Thompson has worn many titles in her lifetime–from teenage mother to teenage wife to divorcee to registered nurse to author. This mother of three young adults currently resides in Arkansas where she writes and publishes her stories full time.
You can connect with her via:
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/jnDmH     
email: tapestrywriter@gmail.com


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Thursday, November 17, 2016

Book Release: Soul Post 30 Days of Inspiration by Bryetta Calloway


Write Now Literary is pleased to present Soul Post 30 Days of Inspiration with Author Bryetta Calloway on her book release tour November 17, 2016.

Genre:  Inspirational/Self-Help

Publication Date: November 21, 2016

ISBN-10: 0692797661

ISBN-13: 978-0692797662

About The Book 


 Soul Posts features the most powerful and popular Soul Stuff posts from Singer, Actress, and Writer Bryetta Calloway, featuring never-before-published posts from her ever-growing blog (Soul-Stuff.com) for women of faith, women who create, and women who lead. From her work as an artist and creative, Bryetta has built an online community that is becoming a must-join relevant space for women who consider themselves artists, believers, and creative entrepreneurs. With her pointed yet poetically gilded prose, growing presence on stages across the country, and original music she has cultivated a unique point-of-view that resonates with every fan following her across multiple digital platforms. Through social media (Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and Facebook), Bryetta connects with her fellow creatives on a daily basis, sharing insights of her life with her posts, videos, and images. For the first time in print, this book presents some of Bryetta’s favorite Soul Stuff posts in one volume—from her advice for “Winners Who Quit” to her clarion call to foster “Hope in a Time of Cynicism” and cultivating “Community over Contention: The Fight Against Female Jealousy”—she provides readers with a raw and honest look into the musings of her soul in an effort to empower you to share yours.
About The Author 


 A Singer, Actress, and Writer Bryetta Calloway is happily following wherever her inspiration leads. Her love of faith, art and social connection has Bryetta creating and documenting regularly, both in the digital space and in person. Soul Posts is a tribute to every innovatHER, creatHER, and leadHER who has joined her on the Soul Stuff journey.

 Excerpt

Hope is My Birthright, Not A Feeling.
Emotions can become so intense and overwhelming that you will feel pulled undertow by the sheer weight of them. Sadness covers you, fear tracks your every step, frustration pushes against you, stress seems to smother you. You feel surrounded, backed into a corner. Your fight or flight response kicks in like wounded prey. No matter that nothing appears to have changed, or maybe BECAUSE NOTHING seems to have changed. Whatever the impetus, you feel the rhythm of your heart uptick as you paddle against the waves of hopelessness. Desperate to seek an intravenous injection of hope. You turn your head away from the world, and you go chasing after that feeling of relief, assuredness, security. Desperate to find respite from the noise of everyday life.

Social Media Links

 Website        Facebook

Tour hosted by WNL Virtual Book Tours

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Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Author Interview with DINA


LaToya: Hi DINA, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Tell us a little about yourself and your background?
DINA Thank you for the invite. I was born in Miami, Florida to proud Haitian parents. We didn’t have much, but we did the best with what we had. My upbringing was a bit rough, so when the opportunity to attend college in other cities and states came about, I jumped on it! I ended up about four hours away, in Tampa, Florida where I attended and graduated from the University of South Florida (GO BULLS). I am currently working on my Masters in English at Southern New Hampshire University, and plan on also earning a Doctorate in the same subject. In 2012, I penned my first book, Rewriting My Story. Since then, I’ve written four additional books and have two in the works now. Ok, let me stop rambling. What do you want to know?

LaToya: What are your ambitions for your writing career?
DINA I believe my purpose in this world is to uplift, inspire, and empower others to be the best they are destined to be. This motto is the driving force of my writing career. Whether it’s through my autobiography, non-fiction, or self-help books, I aspire to simply help others.

LaToya: Which writers inspire you?
DINA There’s just too many to name; however, a few that stand out includes: William Shakespeare, Virginia Woolf, Brenda Jackson, Adrienne Thompson, A.W. Myrie, Shan Mahogany, Dan Brown, and Daniel M. Davy.

LaToya: What are you working on at the minute?
DINA This month, I released my fifth book, Out of Order: A Practical Guide to Organization. Several readers and clients have expressed their desire to have additional hands-on training on organizing. Thus, I am currently working on planning an interactive workshop on the subject. The workshop will take place in the Tampa Bay area on January 28, 2017 and I am excited as I know that this will be a great event!


LaToya: What genre are your books and why?
DINA Autobiography, Christian Fiction (primarily action and crime related), and Guides/ Self-Help. I choose to write in different genres in hopes of reaching a wide audience. Also, these genres interest me most.

LaToya: In 10 words or less can you create a quote that describes you and your writing?
DINA My purpose is simply this – uplift, inspire, and empower others.
LaToya: Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?
DINA This question may probably be better applied to my most recent fiction, Behind the Mask. In it, the main characters are Londyn O’Conner, a naïve privileged young lady who has become the object of obsession of a psychopath by the name, Crazy Bill. If this book were to become a film, I’d love to have Gugu Mbatha-Raw to play Londyn alongside Matthew McConoughey as Crazy Bill.

LaToya: When did you decide to become a writer?
DINA Writing has always been a great escape for me. In 2012, I was going through a dark period in my life. The result? My first book, Rewriting My Story. In it, I not only wrote of the root of my bitterness; I wrote of the lessons I’d learned as a result of my trials.

LaToya: Do you write full-time or part-time?
DINA Unfortunately, part-time.

LaToya: Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?
DINA Although I write whenever I can, most of my writing is done late at night.

LaToya: Do you aim for a set amount of words/pages per day?
DINA I know many authors who set a certain amount of words or pages; however, this has not worked for me. I’ve found that when I write freely, I get more done.

LaToya: Where do your ideas come from?
DINA This may be a typical response…but EVERYTHING inspires me! From my family, friends, books, news, taking a stroll at park or beach…there’s a story everywhere! For my upcoming work, I find mystery documentaries to be quite inspiring.

LaToya: Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?
DINA I prefer to see where an idea takes me; however, I have used an outline.

LaToya: How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?
DINA Excellent question. I think I’ve evolved greatly. This was done with the help of books, film, inspiration, etc.

LaToya: What is the hardest thing about writing?
DINA Deciding how I want the story to end. I love a dramatic ending and sometimes this is difficult.

LaToya: What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book?
DINA Because I’ve been an Organizer and Planner for nearly two decades, I can’t say that there was anything hard about writing my latest book, Out of Order: A Practical Guide to Organization. Perhaps finding time to write is a better answer.

LaToya: What is the easiest thing about writing?
DINA Coming up with an idea or topic that I want to write about.

LaToya: How long on average does it take you to write a book?
DINA It typically takes me about six months of consistent writing to complete a book.

LaToya: Where can you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
DINA I see myself on a Best-seller list, conducting several workshops, and traveling for book signings and speaking engagements.

LaToya: What advice would you give to your younger self?
DINA You WILL overcome!

LaToya: Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?
DINA I’d like to meet Brenda Jackson. Her Madaris series is why I wanted to become a writer.

LaToya: If you could have been the original author of any book, what would it have been and why?
DINA This answer changes from time to time; however, I’m going to go with Dan Brown’s, The Da Vinci Code. This book is well written and takes its readers through a journey that is sure to have your head spinning.

LaToya: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
DINA Find purpose in your writing. In other words, why do you want to write? This will be important in moments of discouragement and frustration.


Connect with DINA:
Website: www.dinawrites.com

Blog: www.dinawrites.com/blog

Facebook: Works by Dina

Twitter: Works by Dina

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Dina/e/B00X1PHARM




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