Erica Cureton
Genre: Christian fiction
Short Bio
Erica’s interview will take place on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 8 p.m. at the Creative Voices for Authors Event Page
Showing posts with label Christian Fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christian Fiction. Show all posts
Saturday, February 10, 2018
Creative Voices for Authors: Meet Erica Cureton
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
Author Interview with Teresa B Howell
LaToya: What are your ambitions for your writing career?
Teresa: To continue to write Christian suspense and mystery books.
LaToya: Which writers inspire you?
Teresa: Octavia Butler, John Gresham, and Kimberla Lawson Roby
LaToya: What are you working on at the minute?
Teresa: That church life 2, Black Boss lady, and Delayed but not denied
LaToya: What genre are your books and why?
Teresa: Christian Fiction and Mystery Suspense fiction. I like the thrill of what next? Looks like my readers like it too.
LaToya: In 10 words or less can you create a quote that describes you and your writing?
Teresa: “Unique Christian fiction at its finest”
LaToya: Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?
Teresa: Would love if Fantasia would be my character Michelle. She would be perfect!
LaToya: When did you decide to become a writer?
Teresa: Writing became my love through tragedy. A bad situation gave birth to my book.
LaToya: Do you write full-time or part-time?
Teresa: Part time
LaToya: Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?
Teresa: No special time. I write whenever it hits me to write.
LaToya: Do you aim for a set amount of words/pages per day?
Teresa: Nope don’t believe in doing that.
LaToya: Where do your ideas come from?
Teresa: Visuals that I see or things that I hear throughout the week. It might be a word or phrase that triggers other ideas
LaToya: Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?
Teresa: Definitely a sporadic writer. No planning no outline.
LaToya: How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?
Teresa: I think I have evolved tremendously. My new books will show so much growth in my writing.
LaToya: What is the hardest thing about writing?
Teresa: Getting over writers block.
LaToya: What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book?
Teresa: It came easy for book 1 but book 2 is becoming hard due to trying to keep the suspense going.
LaToya: What is the easiest thing about writing?
Teresa: Brainstorming thoughts during the preliminary stages of starting a book is the easiest. Everything else takes concentration and focus.
LaToya: How long on average does it take you to write a book?
Teresa: Well since its not a full time thing it may take up to a year depending on what I am trying to write.
LaToya: Where can you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
Teresa: National best-selling, author, and writing full time
LaToya: What advice would you give to your younger self?
Teresa: I should have started writing in my 20’s.
LaToya: Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?
Teresa: OPRAH! Love her tenacity and positive spirit.
LaToya: If you could have been the original author of any book, what would it have been and why?
Teresa: Harry Potter. Definitely could see myself writing a story like that.
LaToya: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Teresa: Never give up! Stay focused!
Connect with Teresa:
Website:
Teresabhowell.com
Facebook:
Teresa B. Howell
Teresa B. Howell WIV
Twitter:
Teresa WIV
LinkedIn:
Teresa Howell
Amazon Author Page:
Goodreads:
Teresa B. Howell
Purchase Links
Monday, January 30, 2017
Book Spotlight: Single Mama Dating Drama with Michelle Lynn Stephens
National Bestselling Author Michelle Lynn Stephens hails from Durham, North Carolina and is an inspirational writer who encourages others to make comebacks out of setbacks while they overcome life’s obstacles through faith and perseverance. She is the author of The Divorcée Chronicles: Diary of a Divorcée Diva and co-author of the Brown Girls Books anthology, Single Mama Dating Drama. Her poetry series, Straight from a Diva’s Heart is also now available. In addition to writing, she enjoys singing, acting and performing spoken word poetry. She is a member of World Overcomers Christian Church.
Michelle is writer of Women’s Fiction, Christian Fiction and Poetry. She enjoys reading Christian Fiction, inspirational books and memoirs. Her favorite authors include Bishop T.D. Jakes and Michele Andrea Bowen. It is her hope that her writing will uplift those who may be experiencing troubled times such as domestic violence, divorce or chronic illness.
Featured Book:
Single Mama Dating Drama
Blurb:
Single Mama dating! It doesn't get anymore complicated than that. How can you find love when you have a career and kids? Where can you find that love connection? Is he on-line, in church, standing in front of the grapefruit in the grocery store? In these hilarious and heart-warming stories, you'll find single moms finding love in the most interesting of places, all while steering clear of the crazies, the lazies and definitely, the shadies.
In Single Mama Dating Drama, seventeen talented writers share fictional stories about the woes, pitfalls, and joys of dating while raising kids. It includes Michelle Lynn Stephens’ tale, Born Again Virgin, where some unholy choices lead to holy drama on a divorcee's journey back to church in search of the peace of mind she can't seem to find. These captivating stories are sure to make you laugh, shake your head, clutch your pearls, and cheer for these mamas and all their dating drama!
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
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Author Interview with Tyora Moody
LaToya: Hi Tyora, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Tell us a little about yourself and your background?
Tyora: I’m the author Soul-Searching Suspense books which include the Reed Family Novellas, Eugeena Patterson Mysteries, Serena Manchester Series, and the Victory Gospel Series. I’m also the author of the nonfiction book, The Literary Entrepreneur’s Toolkit, and the compilation editor for the Stepping Into Victory Compilations under her company, Tymm Publishing LLC. As a literary-focused entrepreneur, I own a literary services company, Tywebbin Creations LLC. Popular services include virtual assistance, book covers and book trailers.
LaToya: What are your ambitions for your writing career?
Tyora: I do look forward to writing full-time one day.
LaToya: Which writers inspire you?
Tyora: There are too many to name, but most of my favorite authors write mystery, suspense or thrillers. These are my favorite genres to read.
LaToya: What are you working on at the minute?
Tyora: I’m wrapping up Troubled Heart, the second novella in the Reed Family Series. The book release is in November 2016.
LaToya: What genre are your books and why?
Tyora: I write romantic suspense and cozy mystery novels under the Christian Fiction genre.
LaToya: In 10 words or less can you create a quote that describes you and your writing?
Tyora: My motto is “Serving up a creative mix, flavored with FAITH”
LaToya: Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?
Tyora: My most recent book is Broken Heart. The main character is a detective so I would need a actress who can play well in a crime movie. I’m thinking Sanaa Lathan would be a good choice.
LaToya: When did you decide to become a writer?
Tyora: I have always loved writing and storytelling. I think it comes from being a bookworm. I would say writing fiction officially started in 2006 when I started writing my first book. That book, When Rain Falls, became my debut novel.
LaToya: Do you write full-time or part-time?
Tyora: Part-time
LaToya: Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?
Tyora: Mainly on the weekends is when I find time to write.
LaToya: Do you aim for a set amount of words/pages per day?
Tyora: Since I outline my books, I usually aim for completing a chapter each time I sit down to write.
LaToya: Where do your ideas come from?
Tyora: That’s a good question! I write Christian Fiction
LaToya: Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?
Tyora: I’m a bit of a hybrid, I outline, but I remain open to letting the character guide the story too.
LaToya: How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?
Tyora: I have four book series. I think from my first book series to my current series I aim to make each read a unique experience for the reader. The one comment I get comes from readers who don’t normally read mystery or suspense are they are always surprised with how much they enjoy my books. I really enjoy that because despite writing “murder mysteries,” I have a pretty strong elements of faith.
LaToya: What is the hardest thing about writing?
Tyora: Getting started! I don’t care how many books you write there are times when you will struggle with a story.
LaToya: What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book?
Tyora: This particular book that I’m working has taken awhile to write mainly because my focus has been pulled in many directions this year.
LaToya: What is the easiest thing about writing?
Tyora: When the story comes to you and you can flow with writing. I don’t really believe in writer’s block. I believe when it's time for the story to come, it will come.
LaToya: How long on average does it take you to write a book?
Tyora: On average I can write a book in three months.
LaToya: Where can you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
Tyora: I have three book series that I see with several books in the next 5 years.
LaToya: What advice would you give to your younger self?
Tyora: Be yourself. I spent too much time when I was younger trying to be everything but myself.
LaToya: Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?
Tyora: Jesus
LaToya: If you could have been the original author of any book, what would it have been and why?
Tyora: I’m very grateful for the books that God has given me to write.
LaToya: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Don’t give up. Keep improving our craft. Learn the importance of book marketing early.
Connect with Tyora :
Website: http://tyoramoody.com
Facebook: http://Facebook.com/authortyoramoody
Twitter: http://Twitter.com/tyoramoody
Pinterest: http://Pinterest.com/tyoramoody
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Tyora-Moody/e/B005966RJ8/
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Author Interview with Natasha Frazier
LaToya: Hi Natasha, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Tell us a little about yourself and your background?
Natasha: Most of my writing is inspirational. I started writing about ten years ago, sending encouraging devotionals to my circle of friends. It wasn’t until about four years ago that I published my first book, The Life Your Spirit Craves, A 30-Day Devotional and Journal that encourages readers to seek, accept and pursue their God-given purpose. I also enjoy reading inspirational & motivational books. I enjoy Christian fiction and clean romance as well.
Aside from writing, I am also a CPA and have worked in public accounting and the federal government. My husband and I live in the Houston, TX area with our three small children.
LaToya: What are your ambitions for your writing career?
Natasha: I will continue to write whatever God lays upon my heart and eventually I’d like to write my own television series. I think our society is lacking wholesome and encouraging entertainment and I’d like to be one of the people who change that. I also plan to work with my daughter to write a children’s book or two in the next couple of years. We’re really excited about that because she also enjoys reading and writing.
LaToya: Which writers inspire you?
Natasha: Michelle Stimpson and Joel Osteen. Michelle is consistent in her writing to share Godly truths and inspire readers. Joel inspires me because he uses his platform to lift others. No matter what I write, I want to be the kind of author to consistently point readers back to our Heavenly Father and to think about what they’ve read and determine how it can apply to their daily lives.
LaToya: What are you working on at the minute?
Natasha: I am currently working on Shattered Vows: Love, Lies & Consequences Book III. This book in particular deals with marital infidelity. I am also working on a non-fiction book regarding financial management. It is currently untitled.
LaToya: What genre are your books and why?
Natasha: Devotionals and Christian Fiction. I write in this genre because this is the area where I feel led to write and where I want to make an impact by encouraging readers to be the best they can be.
LaToya: In 10 words or less can you create a quote that describes you and your writing?
Natasha: Inspiring Readers One Page At a Time
LaToya: Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?
Natasha: Sanaa Lathan as Raegan and Christian Keyes as Caleb
LaToya: When did you decide to become a writer?
Natasha: I struggled with the idea for a moment in college. At one point, I was going to change my major from Accounting to English but decided against it. I also toyed with the idea again after graduate school. I started my first book in 2009 but allowed a lot of things to get in the way of me being disciplined enough to finish it. In 2011, the idea of writing a book began weighing heavily on my heart again. I prayed about it often and felt like every sermon was consistently pointing me in that direction. One time after studying my bible, I prayed and studied again. That is when I read Joshua 18:3, which says, “Then Joshua asked them, “How long are you going to wait before taking possession of the remaining land the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has given to you?” Much like the Israelites in the background of that scripture text, I was making excuses and waiting on God to give me the clarity that had already been given to me, when in actuality, He was waiting on me. That is when I decided to put pen to paper.
LaToya: Do you write full-time or part-time?
Natasha: For now, I write part-time.
LaToya: Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?
Natasha: I generally write during nights and weekends, and my lunch break when time permits. I sometimes have time during the day but my preference is the night. For some reason, I seem to be able to concentrate a little better during that time.
LaToya: Do you aim for a set amount of words/pages per day?
Natasha: My goal is one thousand words per day. I also have a goal of spending at least one hour per day writing. In general, I usually meet or exceed my word count within this time frame, but I also end up working for more than an hour as well.
LaToya: Where do your ideas come from?
Natasha: My ideas come from dreams, personal experiences or the needs of others. I have also gotten ideas based off random comments that people have made in conversation. Actually, Shattered Vows is based off something I heard someone say.
LaToya: Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?
Natasha: I usually jot down ideas of things that I think must happen in the story, but I don’t work to an outline. I just sit down and type and try to visualize the book as a movie and think, “What would I want to happen next if I were watching this on the big screen?” As far as non-fiction, there is sort of an outline for my devotionals, meaning each page has to have the same elements. I am currently working on my first non-fiction book that is not a devotional and I do have an outline for that.
LaToya: How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?
Natasha: I’m becoming more of a story teller than having the characters talk through the story. I didn’t realize I was doing this until I received all of those red marks back from my editor with the first fiction book, which basically had to be rewritten. My feelings were hurt but it helped me as an author.
LaToya: What is the hardest thing about writing?
Natasha: The editing phase. After I receive the manuscript back from the editor and have to make significant changes and really think about how I want the story to go and incorporate the editor’s suggestions. I often dream about it because I’m thinking about her “red marks” so much. It’s almost as if I’m back in school.
LaToya: What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book?
Natasha: My latest book is The Life Your Spirit Craves for Mommies: A 52-Week Devotional and Journal. The hardest thing about writing it was making sure that the personal stories I shared in the book and the spiritual application were relatable to the reader. One of the things I’m working on is keeping my reader in mind while writing, so I constantly asked myself, “How would the reader perceive this?”
LaToya: What is the easiest thing about writing?
Natasha: Just letting the words flow. That first draft is whatever you want it to be; you just need to get the words on paper.
LaToya: How long on average does it take you to write a book?
Natasha: A couple of months, if I’m consistent with spending time writing each day.
LaToya: Where can you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
Natasha: I have another series that I’m going to start as soon as I’ve completed Shattered Vows. There is also a non-fiction set of devotionals that I’m working on. So in five years, I should have completed those and have helped my daughter publish her first book. I don’t want to just write more, but definitely grow as an author and be the best that I can be.
LaToya: What advice would you give to your younger self?
Natasha: Spend less time worrying about what others are going to think of your ideas and goals and just do it. You don’t need permission from man when you’ve already been granted permission by God. Go for it girl!
LaToya: Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?
Natasha: Oprah Winfrey. She uses her influence to build up others.
LaToya: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Natasha: First, I would give them the same advice that I would give to my younger self. Second, I would tell them to take a few minutes each day and just sit down and write. It’s not about the time but developing the habit and sharpening the skill. Eventually, you will have an entire book.
Connect with Natasha:
Website: www.natashafrazier.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/craves.2012
Twitter: @cpAKAuthor
Instagram: @cpAKAuthor
LinkedIn: Natasha Frazier
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00LNP234M
Purchase Links www.natashafrazier.com/bookstore.html
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