Authors On The Rise Interviews Jaree Francis

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Authors On The Rise is happy to bring you an interview from Jaree Francis. He is the author of Metra City: Destiny’s Kiss. Enjoy!

AOTR:Please tell us about yourself and your debut novel?

Jaree: I am Jaree Francis and my debut novel is Metra City: Destiny's Kiss. It may sound somewhat romantic...It's actually the tale of four young men who are drifting in different directions as they embark on their individual destinies. There's love dipped in acid, hidden truths revealed, pain & pleasure playing nice together, and a grand set-up for much more to come.

AOTR: Where did the ideal for this book come from?

Jaree: Long ago, it was already written for me to write such a story. I read Donald Goines work and I was fascinated. If I ever meet him on another level, I'll tell him that he made it easier for me to fulfill a dream by writing my own novel. The idea was birthed from a desire to tell a story that showed the light and the darkness; black and white photos are some of the best photos you can have. And this is what I present to you, the reader.

AOTR: What was the writing process like? Did you have to outline or did the characters just come to you?

Jaree: The writing process was trying...Initially. Even though it was in my DNA to put it together it became a matter of how. Do I kill the reader softly or is the book a firestorm from the introduction? The outline can be a guide and I realized that so I turned off the GPS. I let the story flow; an unrehearsed speech on life, death, love, prosperity, and poverty. As far as the characters, they always come to me...Always waiting for further instruction.

AOTR: What makes your book different?

Jaree: Running along the same vein as a lot of other urban novels, the characters drive the story. The discerning factor is the uniqueness of the characters I have presented. Nimrod is an atheist, no shame about it at all. I present a femme fatale by the name of Tara who's quite a piece of work; the female characters stand out. The male leads are interesting folks as well and there's quite a bit of unconventional minds at work so the story plays along with extreme unpredictability. My novel has terms never heard before until now. I keep it rather fresh so you can inhale the literature at your own pleasure.

AOTR: Does your book deal with any important social issues?

Jaree:: You can bet that; gang life is widely discussed within the novel, drug abuse, sexual abuse, and homosexuality. Domestic violence is briefly mentioned as well. Part of the problem with the world is that so many things are considered taboo to mention. The uninformed mind can be a rather dangerous thing.

AOTR: Why should a reader pick your book next?

Jaree: My book is an excellent introduction to me as a writer. The average person may figure that they don't need to get familiar with me. Who is Jaree Francis? He doesn't ring any bells and I'm busy with my books anyway. Regardless of how anyone feels, the fact is that I'm putting something together. I'm constructing a world of fresh characters, fluid dialogue, unique scenarios, and it all starts with Metra City: Destiny's Kiss. This is only the beginning. I always say it's more comfortable riding shotgun than on the bandwagon.

AOTR: What aspects of your own life are woven into your book?

Jaree: My passion for lyrics & poetry is expressed. Other than that, I really took a seat in the director's chair with the novel. I digress from interweaving myself into stories because it gives rise to bias.

AOTR: Besides writing, what else do you like to do?

Jaree: I could get in trouble answering that ;)

AOTR: If you were not an author, what would be your dream career?

Jaree: Good question. I'm looking towards a career in the film industry. I will provide more details as they become available.

AOTR: What do you hope to accomplish in the literary world?

Jaree: As I evolve as a writer, my answer will most likely evolve as well. At the moment, I want people to realize that urban fiction isn't a garbage genre. There will always be sub-par stories being told in any form of literature, that doesn't mean all of them are. Although this should be common knowledge, it seems that it needs to be reinforced. With any genre, you have to be selective in what you read. Sampling it, determining by the synopsis if you want to carry on. I am a part of a movement to redefine urban fiction/street lit.

AOTR: How can readers contact you?

Jaree:mcexclusive3@yahoo.com + mcx2011.blogspot.com

AOTR: We wish you much success!

Jaree’s 10 favorite things

Fried food: Okra looks good on the menu

Soda: A & W Root Bear. Throw some ice cream in it if you got any.

Sports: Basketball/Football/occasionally baseball....And good ol' UFC

Quote: “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” How enchanting is that?

Teacher: Abdul Shakur is a light bearer

Shoe: Nike has an exceptional selection

Color: Black

Authors On The Rise Interviews Ja'Nese Dixon

Authors On The Rise Is pleased to bring you an interview by talented author Ja’Nese Dixon. She is the author of Black Diamond. Enjoy!

AOTR: Please tell us about yourself and your books.

Dixon: “I am a mother and wife. I started writing poetry in elementary school and it morphed into writing short stories. Later in life, I used my newly found love of Flash Fiction to reignite my love for writing. Now, a couple of years later, I’m the proud author of my first novel, “Black Diamond”.
“Black Diamond” is about Camille Blackwell, an undercover FBI agent, planted in a distribution company suspected of trafficking conflict diamonds.

AOTR: Why did you write your book and what was the inspiration that made you complete it?

Dixon: I wrote the book as a participant in NANOWRIMO. My kids and I decided to compete and after 30 days I had the first draft of “Black Diamond”.
The story inspired me to work and re-work my manuscript. The first draft was hard, but dedicating the time to finish my story took a lot of time.

AOTR: Are there any important social issues your characters faced or discussed in your book?

Dixon: Yes, my story shares some of the woes of conflict diamond trafficking.

AOTR: Who was your favorite character in your book and why?

Dixon: That’s like asking if I have a favorite child. (smile) However, if I had to select one it would be Talib Kamwi. He’s my villain, but his internal struggles and rough edge made him easy to write. I enjoyed it.

AOTR: What do you hope a reader will take away after closing your book?

Dixon: My hope is that readers will close the book knowing more about the plight of people affected by conflict diamonds and how our personal choices can adversely involve people around us.

AOTR: With so many books in the market, what sets your book apart?

Dixon: The lessons hidden between the covers. I did extensive research over international rebel groups, conflict diamonds, the diamond industry in South Africa and international legislation. But in the end, my book is about the characters and their attempts to live with their choices.

AOTR: What projects are you working on now?

Dixon: I am working on “Intoxicated”. It’s a sexy tale about love in the limelight--love bore out of being flawed.
The plot is lighter than “Black Diamond” because nothing is sexier than R&B music. (smile) It introduces readers to Marques, a R&B singer and the first story in my Star Status series.

Aaron “Marques” Carter, known to his adoring fans as Marques, is an acclaimed R&B singer and songwriter determined to reach icon status in the music industry without the interference of love.

Brione Alexander, a beautiful headstrong law student, is a pro at keeping men at a distance. “Once bitten, twice shy” should be her motto. Time has shown her that men cannot be trusted!

A chance meeting between the R&B sensation and the relationship phobic sets in motion an electrifying union that can rescue both Aaron and Brione from themselves.

AOTR: What keeps you typing and creating books? Is there a person, place, or thing that inspires you to do what you do?

Dixon: Characters keep me typing. For instance, “Black Diamond” first came to me in a dream. I’m inspired by reading and books. I can clearly remember key points in my life and reading has always been an instrumental part of my life.

AOTR: Finish this sentence. Twenty years from now I hope to have accomplished.... in my writing career.

Dixon: having my stories as a part of a college curriculum and on the big screen.

AOTR: How can readers contact you?

Dixon: My website: http://www.janesedixon.com/
My email: info (at) janesedixon (dot) com
My book page on Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorjanesedixon
My Twitter address: www.twitter.com/janesedixon

AOTR: We wish you success!

Ja'Nese's ten favorite things:

Fruit – Gala apples

Season - Fall

Restaurant – Gringos Mexican Restaurant

Actor – I’m loving the Smith family. (I’m sorry for cheating.) Black love and strong, talented children. I love it.

Food – Pizza

Author – Beverly Jenkins

Movie – “Pretty Woman” and “Legally Blond” (I can’t name one…)

Social networking site – Facebook (urgh…addictive)

Accessory – sexy shoes

Time of day – About 2 am…I’m a vampire

Authors On The Rise Interviews Poet Aberjhani

Authors On The Rise is happy to bring you an interview from Author-Poet Aberjhani. Enjoy!

AOTR: Please tell us about yourself and the books you have written.

Aberjhani: I’m a fiction writer, historian, journalist, creative nonfiction writer, and poet, so my eight published books tend to reflect these different genres. I was born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, during the last century, birthday July 8, but have lived many places in the United States and outside the continental U.S.

AOTR: Which of your books is your favorite? Why?

Aberjhani: For me to choose a favorite book written by me is about as difficult, or even impossible, as for a parent to choose a favorite offspring. They’ve all provided reasons for celebration and gratitude, but my youngest, as in newest, is “The River of Winged Dreams” and I am amazed by this book for many reasons. It developed out of a need to move beyond a very painful stage in my life and I at first was unsure about sharing it with the public, but then I realized it was gifted to me at least as much for readers around the world as for myself. Much of the material came to me like visitations from angels, and just that aspect of the book’s creation is extraordinary in itself. I do talk about that in the book and on various websites. And my intuition about the work being for others as well was apparently correct because various artists have started to use excerpts to accompany their visual creations.

Where my other titles are concerned, I am deeply honored that according to figures posted on the WorldCat Library network, “Encyclopedia of the Harlem Renaissance” (Facts on File) which I wrote with Sandra L. West, is in more libraries throughout the global village than any other encyclopedia on the Harlem Renaissance. That means it will stand as a lasting contribution and we can feel good about helping students all over the world with their homework [big smile here:] on that particular subject. On the other hand, “ELEMENTAL, The Power of Illuminated Love” is a very different and ambitious kind of book that showcases the award-winning art of Luther E. Vann with essays and poetry by me. That book took 17 years to complete and publish and is a modern rarity of its kind because Vann and I are both living creative artists with bona fide ties to the Harlem Renaissance and publishers rarely invest in books of this quality. “The Wisdom of W.E.B. Du Bois” allows me to share a by-line with the great Du Bois so that kind of speaks for itself. “Christmas When Music Almost Killed the World” was my first novel, so I have to respect that fact, and “I Made MY Boy Out of Poetry” was my first book, period, so it’s the oldest of my literary brood and claims its crown as a modern underground classic.

AOTR: What convinced you to write your first book and where did the inspiration come from?

Aberjhani: That would be “I Made My Boy Out of Poetry” as just noted. It developed out of a very active literary scene in Savannah, Georgia, during the 1990s. I was deeply involved with the Savannah Writers Workshop and the Poetry Society of Georgia, as well as with a very strong spoken word movement, so I was constantly generating both prose and poetry to present at public events. A lot of the work was inspired by personal tragedies and the very real need to find a way to believe in life and love again. At some point, it simply felt natural and like the right time to put my first book out there. Fortunately, I was blessed for that first edition with cover art by Gustave Blache III, who gave me permission to use his painting, “Portrait of a Young Man/Artist Spirit” which recently sold in a New Orleans art auction for a healthy five figures.

AOTR: What do you hope readers will feel or take away after completing one of your books?

Aberjhani: I hope they will feel like they just enjoyed a small feast for their mind, body, and soul, and that this small feast treated them to flavors they had not known before and perhaps both awakened and satisfied hungers they had not known they had.

AOTR: In a few words tell a reader why they should read one of your books next.

Aberjhani: Because it will likely take you into regions of rich emotional experience, intellectual stimulation, and psychospiritual adventures you will find exciting to discover, indulge, and revisit.

AOTR: Are you currently working on any books now?

Aberjhani: Interestingly enough, I’m currently working as part of an editorial team for a series of books on the Civil War and urban slavery in the United States’ Southeast. I’m trying hard to concentrate on nothing but that, but work as an editor has a way of sparking ideas so I am also working on the second edition of “The American Poet Who Went Home Again” and on a play about the tragicomic ups and downs of our contemporary times. But aside from books, I’ve been pretty busy this past year with my African-American Art Examiner column at http://www.examiner.com/x-16968-AfricanA...

AOTR: When you are not writing what do you like to do?

Aberjhani: Watch films, listen to music, go to museums or art galleries, spend more money on books than my budget allows, and visit friends or family.

AOTR: Name three words to describe you.

Aberjhani: Creative, Blessed, Grateful.

AOTR: Do you have a motto?

Aberjhani: That would be this: “When stuck between rocks and hard places, use the pain of the pressure to create diamonds.” But I’ve also actually lived, and have the life scars to prove it, a great deal of my life based on the biblical first book of Corinthians, chapter thirteen.

AOTR: What do you hope to accomplish in the literary world?

Aberjhani: I hope to create worthwhile literary legacies that provide moments of relief, entertainment, or empowerment within a given individual’s life.

AOTR: How can readers find out more about you or order your books?

Aberjhani: By visiting my Authors Guild website at http://www.aberjhani.com or my author page on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Aberjhani/e/B001KH...
They can also check me out at the Red Room Hall of Fame, which includes writers like Maya Angelou, Terry McMillan, Ishmael Reed, and President Barack Obama as well. And of course I can’t leave out Goodreads, Creative Thinkers International, Twitter, AuthorsDen, LibraryThing, Shelfari, MySpace and…

AOTR: Thanks for you time! Continued Success!

Aberjhani's 10 favorite things

Book:“Beloved” by Toni Morrison and “Shadow of the Wind” by Carlos Ruiz Zafon.

Social networking site: Creative Thinkers International.

Dessert:Strawberry shortcake or peach cobbler.

Past time:Falling more deeply in love with life every day.

Poet:Jay Wright, Nikki Giovanni, Rumi.

Sports:Dancing.

Color:Gold and/or blue-violet.

Season:Autumn.

City or town: Anyplace where I can sense that people at least attempt to live love.

Drink: I am such a coffee addict. Became one while stationed with the Air Force in Alaska.

Authors On The Rise Interviews Author Push Nevahda

Authors On The Rise is happy to bring you an interview from author Push Nevahda. Enjoy!

AOTR: Briefly tell us about you and your book.

PN: My name is Jeremy Williams, and I also write under the pen name, Push Nevahda. I’m 41, and a native of Detroit Michigan. I am a graduate of Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI, and I’m currently finishing up a master’s degree in African American history. My new book is titled Detroit: The Black Bottom Community. It is currently available in all major retail outlets. My parents migrated from the south and eventually settled in Detroit’s Black Bottom community. My father and my mother went on their first date to Black Bottom’s famous Flame Bar to see Billie Holiday perform.


AOTR: When did you first begin writing and why?

PN: I think writers are born. I think that people can learn technical writing such as journalism. But writers are born.

AOTR: Describe how it felt seeing your name in print for the first time.

PN: While I don’t believe that a writer needs to be published in order to be considered a writer, I certainly felt a sense of confidence and achievement seeing my book on the shelf of Barnes & Noble.

AOTR: With so many books in print, what sets your book apart?

PN: Black Bottom had never been studied as an exclusive study. Also, my book is a photo-essay which illuminates the perspective and brings the reader into the visual experience.

AOTR: Have you faced any obstacles as an author? If so please share one lesson you've learned.

PN: The only serious obstacle that any author would face is one of leisure and time to write. Certainly I’ve encounter those matters, but I’ve since learned to sacrifice everything else for sake of time and leisure.

AOTR: How do you handle writers block or does writing flow naturally for you?

PN: Writers block means it’s time to put down the pen and pick up a book. That’s what I do.

AOTR: Finish this sentence. If I were not an author I would be...

PN:…a comedian. Whatever the case, I would be an artist because I was born one.

AOTR: When a reader finishes the last page of your book what do you hope they take away?

PN: I don’t know. I would hope that they would simply have an experience. That’s all any writer can really hope to achieve, or hope to give a reader. I think it’s just as important for the writer to walk away from his/her own book having transformed themselves to another plateau or level in life. After all, writers are writing for themselves as well, if not solely. This is why the best of Emily Dickinson’s work was published posthumously.

AOTR: Where do you hope to be ten years from now in your writing career?

PN: It would be great to be on the bestseller’s list, and/or win a Pulitzer, but none of that is necessary for me to feel any better or worse about the craft of writing. So, I would be content to just still be able to write, teach, and have the same passion for literature that I have now. Writing, for me, is the same as breathing, for you.

AOTR: How can readers contact you or find out more information about your book?

PN: www.pushnevahda.com / 313 929-9022

AOTR: Thanks for your time. Much Success!


Nevahda's ten favorite things:

Drink: water

Cookie: chocolate chip

Quote: “You have asked me what I would do and what I would not do. I will tell you what I will do and what I will not do. I will not serve that in which I no longer believe, whether it call itself my home, my fatherland, or my church: and I will try to express myself in some mode of life or art as freely as I can and as wholly as I can, using my defence the only arms I allow myself to use - silence, exile, and cunning.” –James Joyce

Site on the internet: Facebook

Shopping Center: Camelback in Scottsdale AZ; Tanger in Howell MI

Movie: Raisin in the Sun

Snack: sunflower seeds

Restaurant: Motown Grille, Detroit MI

Shoe: Hippopotamus boots

Sports: none

Authors On The Rise Interviews Author Dangerous Lee

Authors On The Rise is happy to bring you an Interview with Dangerous Lee.
Dangerous Lee is the author of Keep Your Panties Up And Your Skirt Down.

Dee Dee: Give the readers a brief bio on you the person and your book.

Dangerous Lee: Dangerous Lee is a certified Community Health Advocate and HIV Testing Counselor at Wellness AIDS Services, Inc. of Flint, Michigan. She lives in Burton, Michigan with her daughter.
African Americans have the highest HIV infection rates in the United States. African Americans only make up 12% of the population, but almost half of the new HIV cases are African Americans. These numbers are very disproportionate and because HIV is such a taboo subject in the African American community many people are not getting the message.

International AIDS Activist, Hydeia Broadbent, shared her thoughts after reading “The Safe Sex Kit”; “I think it will help more people think about HIV/AIDS and STDs in their sexual relationships and also think about practicing safer sexual activities.”

HIV education and prevention is not only Dangerous Lee’s job, it is also her passion. Keep Your Panties Up and Your Skirt Down combines her passion for HIV prevention with her passion for the written word. Dangerous Lee is also an actress, internet radio personality, painter, and an activist for child sex abuse.

Keep Your Panties Up and Your Skirt Down was released March 15, 2010 and can be purchased at www.pantiesupskirtdown.com

Dee Dee: When did you decide you wanted to be a writer?

DangerousLee: When I was a child.

Dee Dee: How did you come up with the ideal for your book, and what convinced you to write it?

DangerousLee: People, especially Black America needs to be educated on how HIV is and is not spread.

Dee Dee: Does your book have any important themes or lessons you wanted to convey?

DangerousLee: HIV education.

Dee Dee: How did you come up with the title for your book?

DangerousLee: The title is something my grandmother used to say to me all the time. I didn't fully appreciate the advice then, but if you're not going to practice safe sex then you need to, Keep Your Panties Up and Your Skirt Down.

Dee Dee: Was there anything about the book industry that shocked you before or after you released your book? If so, please share.

DangerousLee: I am not shocked, but it is disheartening that there is so much self publishing discrimination.

Dee Dee: What do you hope people will take away after finishing your book?

DangerousLee: They should have a better idea of how to have safer sex.

Dee Dee: Who is the target audience for your book?

DangerousLee: Anyone having unprotected sex.

Dee Dee: Do you have any causes you believe in or fight for?

DangerousLee: HIV Awareness and Child Sexual Abuse.

Dee Dee: What do you like to do when you are not writing?

DangerousLee: I enjoy painting, reading and acting.

Dee Dee: Finish this sentence: From first impression, people may think I'm.... but I'm really...

DangerousLee: mean, silly.

Dee Dee: Where do you see yourself and your writing career in five years?

DangerousLee: I hope I am picked up by a major publishing house, but if not, I'll still be self publishing myself.

Dee Dee: How can readers contact you and find out more about your work?

DangerousLee:www.pantiesupskirtdown.com


DangerousLee's ten favorite things:

Chips - Bar B Q Lays

Chocolate bar - Snicker with almonds

Hot drink - Cocoa

Athlete - None

Reality or talk show - VH-1 Reality

Shopping center - I shop from catalogs and online

CD - Lady GaGa The Fame Monster

Radio station - None

Day of the week - Friday

Jewelry - Hoop earrings

Authors On The Rise Interviews Urenna Sander

Authors On The Rise is delighted to bring you an interview from author Urenna Sander.
Urenna is the author of, True Season Of Love. She is currently hard at work on her next novel,"But For Those Who Love."

Dee Dee: Please give the readers a brief Bio on you the person and tell us about yourself.

Urenna:I live in Pennsylvania with my family. I am employed as an administrative assistant for a renowned physician. I attended Temple University, majoring in Social Administration. My major should have been English. My writing life began early: love notes, which I never sent, at the tender age of eleven, hidden under the carpet, until discovered by my father, and then poetry writing at the age of twelve. My short story writing began in the late eighties. I have written three books and published one. Currently, I am in the midst of revising my third book, “But for Those Who Love.” “True Season of Love” is my first published book.

Dee Dee: What pushed you to write your book?

Urenna: This book was propelled out of deep, indescribable feelings for another.

Dee Dee: How did you come up with the characters in your book?

Urenna: “True Season of Love” is my second novel. My first unpublished book involved an epic on Olivia and Connie’s cousin, Dr. Djoser Simon, his wife, Eve, and her mother, Karoline. This too is a great love story, but it has to be condensed.

After my first unpublished book, I decided to branch off from Djoser and start a book on his first cousins, Olivia and Connie Moreno.

Dee Dee: Were the characters and writing the story easy for you, or did you have to outline and do research?

Urenna: No, I had no difficulty with Olivia and Connie; writing their story was uncomplicated. The sixties were an exciting time, and a coming-of-age for my two characters. I wanted them to do more than grow up, attend college, get married, buy a house, and have 2.5 kids. I wanted them to have interesting jobs and adventures abroad.

I researched travel, movies, music, clothing designers, clothing styles, etc. When you are writing about a certain era, research is important. It makes the story more credible. Also current events are important. If your character is living abroad or in the States, what annual events take place? What is going on in the world around him/her? The death of Reverend Martin Luther King is mentioned in my novel, as well as that of one of Ptolemy’s countrymen, Greece’s former premier, Georges Papandreou. I also added discussions at a dinner party concerning student riots in France, as well as unrest in the States. I believe in researching, and since I’m a history buff, I enjoy this part of writing.

Unfortunately, I am considered a seat of your pants writer and not organized to do outlines. I have tried to outline and will type short notes. I usually type notes on my lunch hour. I also keep a pen and pad handy on my night table and in my tote bag. Scenes come at weird hours of the day or night. Sometimes, it’s difficult falling asleep when scenes appear.

Dee Dee: How long did it take you to complete your book? Will there be a sequel. If so when do you plan to release it?

Urenna: I began writing “True Season of Love” in March 2007. I completed my first draft in November that year. I had some issues with the publishers, which I won’t discuss. But I will say I haven’t been happy with the results. But I completed my second draft in March 2008. The book was released in April 2009.

In my first draft, I had more pages on Connie than Olivia. I had to remove a lot of storyline with Connie. After all, this is Olivia’s story.

I feel like I am going backwards with storytelling. Connie’s story (“But for Those Who Love”) should have preceded Olivia’s. But Connie incubated from Olivia’s book. Connie’s saga begins during her life in college, in New York. Connie is such a strong character; I had to tell her story. You might say Connie is a prequel. Connie’s book will be released late this year or sometime next year.

Noémi, Olivia’s daughter, might be the next sequel. I’ve written brief notes on her. I would probably write about Ptolemy and Olivia’s adult children in another novel.

Dee Dee: After reading your book, what do you hope the reader will take away?

Urenna: I hope they will have the ability to love unconditionally without regard for ethnicity or religion. Also to forgive; become resolute and release themselves from their past, no matter how horrendous it might have been.

Dee Dee: If you could write a book together with any author, dead or alive, who would it be?

Urenna: Josephine Baker.


Dee Dee: If your book was made into a movie, what actors would you choose for the characters? Why?

Urenna: That is an interesting question. Gabrielle Union, Sanaa Latham, and Jennifer Hudson are my choices for Olivia. I think all three actresses have the depth and emotions to play Olivia. However, I believe Jennifer would be more powerful and define the role more than the other two actresses.

Connie: Ashley Madekwe or Zoë Saldana. Both are good actresses. Ashley’s carefree spirit might be great for Connie, but Zoë might do Connie’s role justice. Connie is aggressive, angry, and can be quite the witch.

Ptolemy: Eric Bana or James Franco. I like both actors. They both have the dark, Mediterranean look to portray Ptolemy.

Al: Morris Chestnut could definitely portray Al.

Eleni: Saffron Burrows has the intensity of emotions to play Eleni.

Dee Dee: Besides writing, what are some of your other talents and hobbies?

Urenna: I paint and do charcoal drawings, but this hobby has definitely taken a backseat. Chess and checkers are great games that I don’t have time for. Yet, I love to read, especially books involving research for my writing. But honestly, I write most of the time.

Dee Dee: What words of wisdom do you have for aspiring authors?

Urenna: Don’t change your story unless you are truly comfortable with the advice given by editors. It’s your baby; you know what’s best. Never abandon what you’ve begun. Write every day, whether it’s a paragraph or a page, keep writing. You are not obligated to complete it, but don’t desert what you love and what gives you pleasure. And do your research.

Dee Dee: What current projects are you working on? Will you be attending any events, book fairs or have any book signings?

Urenna: At this time, I am still working on Connie’s book, “But for Those Who Love.”


Dee Dee: Where can readers find more information on you and your work?

Urenna: My website: http://www.urennasander.com/ and Amazon.com


Urenna's ten favorite things:

Shoes: My comfortable Dansko clogs.

Season: I love the fall. It might sound corny, but there’s something mellow and comfy about the fall season for me.

Poet: Maya Angelou

Flower: Peonies, red or pink

Fruit: Mangoes and golden delicious apples

Day of the week: Wednesday

Friend/why? I first met my best friend when we were 15. When I look back, I laugh at how we competed in high school. She happened to be a better typist with fingers that raced across the keyboard. I was more proficient in shorthand than her. We went through the usual period of angst with teenage crushes and broken hearts. And during our twenties when we discovered true love, we shared our hopes, dreams, disappointment, and sorrow. We have known each other since childhood. She is more like family than a friend. Old friends are the salt of the earth.

Radio station: I seldom listen to the radio. I listen to great music and watch CNN, the History Channels, or PBS. And I love to watch Judge Judy, The Tudors, and Mad Men.

Blog: Tyler Perry

Play: A Raisin in The Sun

Ten Questions With Author U.L Harper

Authors On The Rise Is happy to bring you an interview from U.L Harper.
Harper is the author of, The Flesh Stature. His upcoming book, Once Human, Now Food is slated for release soon.

Dee Dee: Please give us a brief synopsis of your novel, The Flesh Statue.

U.L: Tired of watching his ailing grandfather wither away from Alzheimer's, 19 year old Langley Jackson moves from his middle class home and subsequently struggles to survive in downtown Long Beach. Here he finds himself part of a social movement bent on destruction and retribution. Through all of this, Langley must decide on trying to subsist in a complicated and unlawful new world of graffiti and poetry or endure in a disheartening old one outlined by the death of his mother and his sick grandfather.


Dee Dee: How did you come up with the title of your book?

U.L: The title of the book is based on a particular scene in the story. I know a lot of people don't like spoilers but here goes one for you anyway. A flesh statue is what the main character thinks his grandfather looks like when he finds him dead. It might sound sad because it kind of is. I focused on emotional content in this story, to a certain degree. I'm sure a lot of what I would say about this is a better answer for another question.

Dee Dee: Why was it imperative for you to write this novel? Did you have a message you wanted to convey?

U.L: There is a message in the story. However, I didn't write it to convey a message. I simply have my influences, inspirations. I wouldn't call the story imperative, though I would definitely say that when I wrote it no other story was going to be told by me at that time, not by me. There is person revolution going on in the novel that mirrored some things in my life. So I guess in a way I let go a bit, through The Flesh Statue. Imperative? I'll have to think about that one.

Dee Dee: With so many books/authors, what makes your book stand apart? How is your book different?

U.L: I could have a list for this one. Whereas I don't think there is anything so definitely unique about The Flesh Statue, I will say that there are some things that won't happen in any other book you read. For instance, the small town of San Pedro goes to the revolution for a week...and advertises for it on billboards. My good friend and main character Bert decides to stimulate his auto body repair business by destroying cars himself. Business gets so good that he hires someone to help him destroy vehicles. There are these type of things. That and the chapter titles. I loved coming up with the chapter titles.

Dee Dee: In one sentence, tell an avid reader why they should choose your book for their next selection.

U.L: This story is fun, absurd and an emotional and mental challenge. Don't miss out. Sorry. Two sentences.

Dee Dee: Describe how it felt to see your book in print for the first time.

U.L: At first when I first saw it I was amazed. I looked at all the words and the length and I smelled it... I was like, look at how all these words make sense together. Wow! I really couldn't believe it was done. Years of hard work. It came in the mail so I got to open that cool little box. Freakin wonderful. Can't actually articulate it properly. Not even really going to try.

Dee Dee: What has been the hardest obstacle you've faced regarding your book: writing the book, editing, promoting or other?

U.L: Editing was pretty tough and I still don't think I'm completely happy with it. Writing it was difficult and I do consider editing part of writing, so there's that. With that said, I think promoting has been the hardest because you can do a lot and do it the right way and still not be read. Too me it's not about making money. It's more about getting read and moving ideas along. But getting people to read your book is always a work in progress. Eventually you want someone to read it who hasn't seen you at a reading or read something from you at some point. You want it to snowball to a word of mouth thing. A challenge to say the least. Daunting is a word I might use to describe it. Does it matter how good your book is if nobody reads it? Just asking.



Dee Dee: Besides writing, what else does U.L like to do in his free time?

U.L: Of course I like reading. I watch plenty of movies. I don't do too much but I've been getting back in to sports. I'm a Dodgers fan.

Dee Dee: Where do you hope to be twenty years from now in your writing career?

U.L: I really just want to write books. To tell you honestly, it's all I really want to do. I simply don't care about a lot of other stuff.

Dee Dee: What upcoming projects are you working on?

U.L: Right now I'm working on a project called Once Human, Now Food. It's a character piece told through a few different character's perspectives and has an awkward twist at the end. It should be ready by Summer. We'll see what publishers think about it.

Dee Dee: How can readers contact you and order your book?

U.L: Just email me. ulharper@hotmail.com. The Flesh Statue is available wherever books are sold. It can be purchased off my website as well. Yes, stop by ulharper.com. Some of the poetry from the story is read aloud there. One is read by me, actually. Join the U.L. Harper fan club on facebook. Follow me on twitter, if you like that sort of thing.


U.L's Ten favorite things:

Jeans: Yes

Meat: Yes

Cologne: Nope

Ice Cream: It's all good

Holiday: Nope

Cookie: Oatmeal Raisin

music genre: Jazz or noise rock Nothing on the radio

Place to relax: Home, in bed, on the couch

Sports: Baseball, Basketball

Time of day: About 2 a.m.