AOTR INTERVIEWS BEVERLEY HOLLOWED

 

 

 

AOTR had the chance to chat with gifted author Beverly Hollowed. Please show support by picking up her book, Forever And Always, here

 

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

 Beverly: My name is Beverley, but my friends call me Bev. I am 38 years old ( did I really just tell everyone my age) and I live in Dublin with my husband and 2 gorgeous sons. Forever and Always is my first published book.

AOTR: When did you begin writing?

Beverly: I always wrote. As a kid I wrote poems and short stories. Then when I was about 18 I tried to write my first full length story, (which was terrible btw) but I tried and tried again. When I had my boys, I found it harder to write at times. But last summer I really got my head back in the game and I began Forever and Always

AOTR: What pushed you to write your book?

Beverly: It was always my lifelong dream to write and publish a book. I always knew I would. I just didn’t know when I would. When I was little my teacher would call me Dilly Daydreams. I was always miles away in my own little world. I had a vivid imagination so writing seemed the logical step for me.

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

Beverly: Although all the character are for the most part, fictional. There is a lot of me in Melanie and her journey was very personal to me. Sam has a lot of my husband’s qualities (but he isn’t a doctor). Katie and Lucy have little bits of my 2 best friends in them too.

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

Beverly: I did do some research but mostly the character’s came easily to me. I guess I drew a lot on my own life experiences for the most part. I always do outlines but never stick to them.

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

Beverly: I completed the first draft in about 3 months. Then there was the editing and some rewriting afterwards. No this is a one book story so no sequel.

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

Beverly: I hope firstly they will love the characters as much as I loved writing them. I hope Melanie and Sam will find a place in their hearts. I hope they take away the belief that, although sometimes life doesn’t run smoothly, if it’s meant to be, it will work out in the end.

AOTR: Has anything about the publishing Industry surprised you?

Beverly: Yes it has. In particular it is the other writers that surprised me the most. Most of the writers I have met through this whole process have been amazing and so supportive. I know it sounds a little cheesy but it’s like I have found a new family and we all have each other’s backs. I have met some amazing people and I know I have made lifelong friends.

 AOTR: Would you like to share a few things you learn while in the publishing industry?

Beverly: I learned it’s a lot harder and far scarier than I thought it would be to publish a book. It can be a real roller-coaster ride at times but is so worth it. I have learned the most important thing is to EDIT, EDIT EDIT….Biggest lesson I learned is EVERY writer gets bad reviews and you can’t take them too personally. Not everyone will love your book, but that is ok. Finally every writer, even the very successful ones, has doubts, but you gotta pick yourself up and keep going.

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

Beverly: I would love to write with Sylvain Reynard. I am a huge SR fan.

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

Beverly: Haha… a little obvious but I love Matt Bomer and kinda had him in my head when I was writing about Sam. Don’t really know who could play Melanie.

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

Beverly: I love music. I listen to music constantly. I make my own jewellery and I love to read. I am a chatter box and could win a medal for talking…or so I am told lol.

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

Beverly: Don’t give up. If it’s in your heart to be a writer… you are a writer…… But always remember EDIT, EDIT, EDIT!

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

Beverly: I am currently halfway through on my second book, which I hope will be out late spring. Still working on a title. I have nothing confirmed yet but hope to attend some book events over the summer.

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

They can check me out on goodreads.com or through my facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/Beverelyhollowed2012Author

Beverley's  ten favorite things:

Shoes: Converse runners

Season: Autumn

Poet: G.H. Monroe

Flower: white roses

Fruit: Banana

Day of the week: Friday

Friend/why? Barbara and Clare (can’t pick one) because I have known them all my life. They know all my secrets

Radio station: 2FM ( it’s an Irish radio Station)

Blog: Authors on the rise blog …of course x

Play: Wicked

Thank you for stopping by AOTR! We wish you much success!

AOTR INTERVIEWS Author JB McGee

Authors On The Rise had a chance to chat with talented author, JB McGee, author of: Broken and Mending. Enjoy this powerful interview and please support by purchasing her books.

AOTR: Please tell us about yourself and your books.

JB: Gabby is a young girl who has been through so much in her short life. She suffers a lot of loss and has trouble trusting people because of what she has been through. In Broken, you are learning about some of her past and why she is so hesitant with relationships. When Bradley Banks comes into her life he forces her to feel again. But he is the type of guy Gabby tries to avoid at all costs. Bradley is used to getting what he wants and he refuses to give up on her.

While half of the book focuses on her first love; there is more to Gabby and why she is Broken than what you learn in the first installment. You also realize in the second book that Bradley has his own baggage and he’s also broken in a sense. Things are going great for them until their past rips through their relationship like a tornado leaving a mess to piece back together. Like the first book, it goes back and forth between past and present. It picks up where Broken leaves off and is also told in third person omniscient, so you get to see a lot of Bradley’s point of view in Mending.

I tell folks that Broken is really about Gabby; Mending is more about Bradley, and Forgiven – well I can’t tell you who or what that is about just yet.

The THIS Trilogy is my debut series. So far, the first two books, Broken and Mending, have been released. I anticipate the last book Forgiven to come out in April, 2013. I have several other stories to tell than what I originally planned. I am thinking of renaming a series instead of a trilogy.

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

JB:I was going through a rough time in my life personally. I had been reading a lot as a means of escape. In the seventh grade when I was told I could no longer do book reviews on Nancy Drew, I stopped reading and I had forgotten how much I loved a good book.

Several stories ended differently than I liked. I thought to myself, I would have done this differently. I also realized that I had my own story brewing in my mind. It was really a very impulsive decision. I just sat down one night and decided I’d try to write it all down and see where it led me. I had no idea that the first book would be done two weeks later. This has been such a life changing decision for me. I am so thankful.

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

JB:There are some things from Gabby’s past that have yet to be revealed. A major source of conflict in the book is Gabby’s constant feeling of social inadequacy. She is surrounded by people who are more affluent than she is and it is very hard for her. It’s just another insecurity she struggles to overcome.

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

JB: Eek, that’s so hard. It changes from time to time as I write. I really love Bradley Banks. Sometimes it’s hard for me to believe that he is a figment of my imagination. He feels so real and he’s such a charmer.

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

JB:Well, when they finish Broken I hope they have a renewed hope for finding love and being open minded to the fact that you can’t always predict who it will be or when it will happen. It’s not always easy. But, it’s worth trying.

With Mending, love conquers all things. That love is patient. Love is kind. It is not boastful, nor jealous.

I hope that people will also read my biography and realize that you can overcome your disabilities and still obtain your goals. I hope through my books to raise awareness for Mitochondrial Disease. My entire immediate family suffers from this disease, so it’s very personal. http://www.mitochondrialdiseases.org

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

JB: Honestly, I worried when I wrote them that they would not stand apart from other books. It amazes me at how we are all able to come up with unique stories even if the same issues come up time and time again. I am not sure if I can put my finger on any one thing in particular that sets it apart.

I don’t write in first person, which is very popular right now. I also flash back to the past every other chapter. The other thing is that there isn’t a lot of actual sex in the book. There is a ton of sexual tension. My main character is not willing to budge on a certain promise she made to her dying mother. It is a major source of conflict.

AOTR: What projects are working you working on now?

JB: I took a couple of weeks off for Christmas to let my body recover from finishing and releasing Mending. I wanted to spend some time with my family. I started a novella (title and cover yet to be released) a few weeks ago and I will start Forgiven this week.

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

JB: The fans keep me going. It’s so nice to hear people love my stories and can’t wait to get more. Ultimately, I compete with myself. I set goals and I will stop at nothing until I they have been achieved.

 The more I write, the more stories come to me, and I can’t describe the feeling that goes on in my brain. It’s like my head is going to explode if I don’t get all the thoughts written down. I know I have at least three more stories to tell. I’m sure as I continue to write, more will come.

AOTR: What important lesson(s) did you learn about publishing and the industry?

JB: I can’t stress the importance of a good editor and just because you pay someone and they have good reviews, doesn’t mean they know what they are doing. With Broken, I had to go back and completely re-edit that book. It was disheartening. That has been the hardest lesson to learn. To know I wrote this book that has a decent plot, went through the editing process, and still came out with a flawed manuscript. But, hopefully that is all in the past and I can move on and not make those same mistakes.

The publishing industry takes social networking to a new level. I had no clue how much word of mouth influences your success. I am thankful that I was able to get connected with certain people who have helped me tremendously. You literally can’t put yourself out there enough. Writing the book is much easier than promoting the book. It takes a lot of time and effort to make sure people can find it.

AOTR: What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

JB: Don’t give up and find someone who knows what they are doing to help you. Socialize with other authors, review bloggers, and start making a name for yourself. Don’t skimp on graphics and formatting. You are a brand and your books are your products. You are a business. Present yourself in such a way that is professional, yet approachable. The roller coaster of emotions you will feel are normal. You can do this.

Publishing is scary. Find someone who can hold your hand and walk you through adding your book to Goodreads, creating a blog, and formatting your eBooks so that all you have to do is upload your data. First impressions are everything. You could have the very best book, but if you don’t put it together well people may not read it.

Just don’t give up and don’t rush it.

AOTR: Where can readers connect with you?

JB:
Website: http://www.jbmcgee.com
Blog: http://www.jbmcgeebooks.blogspot.com
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/J.B.-McGee/e/B009JUX6KI/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorjbmcgee - Fan Page ~ Like Me! http://www.facebook.com/jbmcgeebooks - Friend me!
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/j_b_mcgee
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/112378871764548993618
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/j-b-mcgee/58/747/b90/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6544571.J_B_McGee
Wattpad: http://www.wattpad.com/user/jbmcgee
All Romance eBooks: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html

JD'S 10 FAVORITE THINGS 1) Fruit
Watermelon
2) Season
Spring
3) Restaurant
Carrabbas
4) Actor
Ian Somerhalder
5) Food
Pasta Weesie from Carrabbas J
6) Author
Oh – that’s a loaded question. I don’t know that I can name just one.
7) Movie
The Notebook (or any Nicholas Sparks movie)
8) Social networking site
Facebook
9) Accessory
Earrings
10) Time of day
Lunch

BIO:
J.B. McGee was born and raised in Aiken, South Carolina. After graduating from South Aiken High School, she toured Europe as a member of the 1999 International Bands of America Tour, playing the clarinet. While attending Converse College, an all-girls school in Spartanburg, South Carolina, she visited Charleston often. It quickly became one of her favorite vacation spots. She met her husband, Chad, during Christmas break her freshman year, and they married in 2001. They moved back to her hometown. In 2005, the couple welcomed their first son, Noah. J.B. finished her Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education at the University of South Carolina-Aiken in 2006. During her time studying children's literature, a professor had encouraged her to become a writer.
In 2007, she welcomed their second child, Jonah, and she became a stay at home mom/entrepreneur. In 2009, they found out their two children and J.B. have Mitochondrial Disease. In 2011, a diagnosis also was given to Chad. Please take a moment and learn more about Mitochondrial Disease. Awareness is key to this disease that has no cure or treatments.
J.B. McGee and her family now reside in Buford, Georgia, to be closer to their children's medical team. After a passion for reading had been re-ignited, J.B. decided to finally give writing a shot. Broken (This Series), is her first book and first series.
Mending, Book Two of the This Trilogy is now available. Please follow JB on Twitter and Facebook to get updates on the release date for Forgiven, the third book of the 'This' Trilogy. Coming Spring 2013.
You can preview chapters on Wattpad (http://www.wattpad.com/jbmcgee)
**Book Trailer by www.yourmovieboutique.com
**Cover graphics by IndieCoverDesigns.com

AOTR INTERVIEWS AUTHOR HANNAH SPIVEY

AOTR is happy to bring you an interview with talented author: Hannah Spivey. Please support by purchasing her book.


AOTR: Please tell us about yourself and your debut book.

H.S: My name is Hannah D. Spivey. I am from S. Florida and I currently reside in Atlanta. I have an Associate's Degree in Business Administration and my book is entitled, "Ebony the Beloved". It is about a young girl named Ebony who has been through more hell than Precious and Celie put together.

 

AOTR: Why did you write your book and where did the inspiration come from?

 

 

H.S: I wrote the book based on some on my personal experiences and reading books by other authors such as, Kimberla Lawson Roby and Mary Monroe is what inspired me to create my first book.

 

 

AOTR: What important lessons or teaching where you trying to convey?

 

 

H.S: I want readers to know that they're not defined by their circumstances and they can move far beyond any obstacle in their lives.


AOTR: With so many books on the market, what sets yours apart?

 

H.S: Well, my book is so realistic that people have asked me if the book is completely about me. It is the kind of book that will invoke every emotion inside of you. The book isn't completely about me but it is realistic enough to make people scratch and shake their heads. My novel is kind of like a semi-autobiography tale.

AOTR: In one sentence tell a reader why they should read your book for their next selection.

HS: My book is so raw, you'll want to yank the antagonists out of the book and b*tch slap them to the 100th power.

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

H.S: I want them to see how serious abuse is and that if they've ever endured a similar experience as Ebony or know someone who has, they will feel compelled to resolve the problem.

AOTR: How did you go about becoming an author?

H.S: I contacted literary agents and indie publishers before I became published via my publisher. It took me six months to secure a publishing deal.

AOTR: What is the best advice someone in the book industry gave you? What advice would you give to someone right now trying to get published or publish a book?

H.S: Oh, wow...I'd say the best advice I was given was...treat your book like a business. I tell aspiring authors to do their homework on the publishing business and to consider if it would be a field they'd want to treat like a career or hobby. Also, I'd tell them if they're going to solicit traditional publishers and literary agents, their manuscript should be fine tuned as well as their query letters. Traditional publishers and literary agents are fastidious about those things because that is how they make their living.

AOTR: If you were not an author what career field would you be in?

H.S: I'd be a Forensic Technician.

AOTR: What do you pray your legacy will be?

H.S: I pray that I'd like to be known as the author who wrote books that were unconventional and have broken barriers for fearless-minded aspiring authors.

AOTR: How can readers contact you and find out more information about you and your books?

H.S: They can reach on Twitter @Bossladywriter, my fan page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hannah-Dorothy-Spivey/120604468051641?ref=ts&fref=ts
They can also google me at "Author Hannah Spivey" or "Ebony the Beloved". They can find my novel "Ebony the Beloved" on Amazon, Kindle, Barnes and Nobles, Books-A-Million, and Ebay. Avid readers can also find my e-books "Payback is a Son of B*tch" "Lloyd Tube (A Crazed Fan's Revenge)" and "My Sherry Amor" on Kindle. I am also working on my second novel "The Bold and the Ugly Truth" which will be released in the first quarter of 2013. :-)

 
Hannah's 10 Favorites:

Day- Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

Holiday – None

Food - Roast Beef/Turkey sandwiches, chicken, hot pockets, and chocolate with almonds, peanuts, or walnuts.

CD- Lloyd - Street Love, Ron Henderson - Choice of Colour, Tupac - R U Still Down (Remember Me?)
Crackin - Special Touch, Lauryn Hill - Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, and Culture Club - Colour by Numbers.

City - Atlanta

Friend - Latoya, Marisa, Cora, and Lily

Quote - I'd rather be hated for something I am than loved for something I'm not.

Book- God Don't Like Ugly Series by Mary Monroe

Teacher - Mr. Joe Costello and Ms. Harrell. They were the best Algebra teachers I ever had. :-)

AUTHORS ON THE RISE INTERVIEWS ANNA BLACK

AUTHORS ON THE RISE IS HAPPY TO BRING YOU AN INTERVIEW WITH ANNA BLACK. PLEASE SUPPORT THIS AUTHOR. PICK UP ONE OF HER TITLES TODAY!

 

AOTR: Please tell about you and your book(s).

 

Anna: My latest book is titled Split Image and it is about a woman from a small town that pursued her dreams of being a singer against her southern baptist minister father's wishes and ends up in a very bad situation with a man she should have never gotten involved with. She lies about where she is from and her family and hides the fact that she has an identical twin sister, who will suffer for her sister's bad choices.

AOTR: What inspired you to write it?

 

Anna: A dream actually. I dreamed it and woke up looking for my pad and pen.

AOTR: Tell us why we should read your book(s)?

 

Anna: Well my books are categorized as romance, but they offer realistic story-lines that average people go through. Since I don't write fantasy romance more readers can relate, because the story lines are based on scenarios that could really happen.

AOTR: What do you enjoy doing when you are not writing?

 

Anna: Spending time with my family. We are close and we do a lot together. We are very competitive and we always have some type of game going on.

AOTR: Do you have a motto?

 

Anna: Yes, it is you get what you put in. If you put in much work, you get much success, if you put in a little, you get a little.

AOTR: What are your pet peeves?

 

Anna: Be a man or woman of your word. Do what you say you're going to do.

AOTR: If you had a chance to have a dinner date with anyone-dead or alive- who would it be? Why?

 

Anna: Christ, because I have a million and one questions for him.

AOTR: What is one word that describes you?

 

Anna: Funny.

 

AOTR: What is the best advice someone gave you?

 

Anna: You can't hold on to someone who wants to go. You should never have to convince someone to stay with you.

 

AOTR: Answer this question: If I were not a writer I would be.

 

Anna: What I actually am... a hotel manager. I've been in the hotel business for 12 years and I am now a GM for a hotel.

 

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

 

Anna: I want to have my own publishing house and I still want to be able to produce page turners for readers.

Anna's 10 favorite things:

Color

Purple

Time of day

Evening

Clothing
Jeans

T.V sitcom

Right now Scandal

Movie

Blade 1, 2, 3

Food

Italian Beef

City

Chicago

Cd

Honestly 112's first CD

Book

The Coldest Winter Ever

Poet

Nakia Laushaul

AOTR: Lastly, what is next for you Anna? Are you bringing out another book?

 

Anna:  I am bringing out Now You Wanna Come Back 3, April 2013.

AOTR INTERVIEWS AUTHOR VANNA B.

AOTR IS HAPPY TO BRING YOU AN INTERVIEW WITH: AUTHOR VANNA B. ENJOY AND PLEASE SUPPORT THIS TALENTED AUTHOR!

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

Vanna B.:I was born and raised in Philly. I've always loved to write and knew I would end up authoring books one day. I received my BA in journalism from Temple University and afterwards wrote for various newspapers, magazines, blogs and other sites. After I had my son, I decided to be a stay-at-home-mom and realized there would be no better time to finally start writing books. I wrote Fancy and am happy to be finally doing what I love, writing about the things I want to write about.

AOTR: What pushed you to write your book?

Vanna B.: Well, I wanted to create a story and characters that readers could relate to and figured since we all know people who create false personas for themselves and pretend to be more than what they are, that would serve as a good premise for the book. So I cooked up the main character Fancy, who is a beautiful woman that portrays herself to the world as being wealthy, popular and happy although in actuality she is really poor, lonely and miserable. She hides behind a glamorous facade, preventing anyone from seeing the real her.

AOTR: How did you come up with the characters in your book? Were the characters and writing the story easy for you, or did you have to outline and do research?

Vanna B: It was fairly easy because I drew different characteristics from actual people that I know. I also drew elements from different places I've seen and things I've experienced to help lend a sense of authenticity to the story. And working with a rough outline helped keep me on track with where the story was going.

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

Vanna B.: It took me about a year to write Fancy. There will be a sequel and it will be released in January.

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

Vanna B: The message I hope readers take from Fancy is to love themselves; that they are beautiful as they are and don't need to change to conform to anyone else's standard. All that glitters isn't gold and although the grass may seem greener on the other side, it seldom is. Those that can’t accept you for who you are, most likely do not deserve to be in your life anyway.

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

Vanna B: Stephen King. I think the two of us would write a great story together. I could bring an urban flair to his suspenseful style. And I've always admired his drive and the story of how he got to where he is today.

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

Vanna B.: Fancy - Jessica Alba. She has the right combination of innocence and sass to play Fancy in the various stages of her life. Aaron - Wood Harris. He can pull off the charm of Fancy’s sexy chocolate lover Aaron as well as his wickedness. Shawn - Felicia “Snoop” Pearson. We’ve seen her play a similar role on the Wire so I know she’d be perfect for it. Jaslyn - Gabrielle Union. Jaslyn is an uppity, model-type who can be quite catty. I believe Gabrielle could play her well. Bittany - Jenna Von Oy. She’s the white girl with attitude from the Parkers. She’d be perfect to play Brittany, the snow bunny from the hood. Anna - Rosie Perez. Fancy’s mother Anna is loud, brassy and always speaks her mind. Even in her 40s she still behaves as she did at 20. Bella - Michelle Rodriguez. She plays the bad girl role well. She’d make a very convincing Bella, the leader of the Latin Queens gang. Trinity - Devin Aoki (from Fast and Furious 3.) She has the right look and the skills to play Fancy’s wayward Cambodian stripper friend.

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

Vanna B.: I modeled and did hip-hop music for years but eventually I outgrew the modeling and recently I decided to stop making music so that I could put my all into my first love of writing. Some of my hobbies are dancing, watching movies, playing Scrabble and trying out new recipes.

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

Vanna B.: Write every day, whether it’s a whole chapter or just a few paragraphs. Also, learn all you can about the publishing industry and about marketing. Writing the book is the easiest part of the process; the real work comes in when it's time to market and sell it.

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

Vanna B.: I’m currently working on Fancy 2, which will be released in Jan. The signings I have coming up are Sept. 28th and 29th at N Beauty, Oct. 5th at Studio 98 and Oct. 20th at Mezzanine (all in Philadelphia.)

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

Vanna B. For more info. visit my website
www.VannaBOnline.com/books and my Amazon page
http://www.amazon.com/Vanna-B./e/B007ZTEP5U/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1 
I am also on the following social netowrking sites:
www.twitter.com/msvannab
www.facebook.com/vannabonline
www.youtube.com/vannab215
Instagram: vannab215

Vanna's ten favorite things:

Shoes: a pair of black velvet strappy wedges I got on clearance for $20. They are so comfortable!

Season: Summer

Poet: Maya Angelou

Flower: Orchid

Fruit: Banana

Day of the week: Saturday

Friend/why? My husband. He's been my best friend for the 11 years we've been together and has always supported me in all my endeavors.

Radio station: Power 99 in Philly

Blog: EbenGregory.com

Play: Letting Go Can Be So Hard

AOTR Interviews Tamika Newhouse

AOTR is happy to bring you an interview with Tamika Newhouse. Tamika is doing so many wonderful things in the literary community. Please show your support by visiting her website and purchasing her books! Also listen to her talk show and follow her on twitter.

AOTR: Tell us about you and your book.

Tamika: Cookie A Fort Worth Story synopsis: Born Latoya James, when starting high school, Cookie believes this is her time to stand out from underneath her sister's shadow. Always declared the odd one, she makes it her mission to be noticed by anyone who will pay attention. Reality starts to settle in when she realizes life isn't always peaches and cream. After witnessing the rape of her best friend, and then the death of one of her classmates, she starts to believe life isn't what she thought it would be. Sex, drugs, catering to her new demons, and hanging out with the older crowd become her escape, and not even her high school sweetheart can steer her straight. It isn't until she realizes everyone around her is not who they seem to be when she decides to change her life. But when she experiences an unwanted pregnancy and the death of her mother, Cookie is left to wonder if this is the way her life will always be. Based on a true story, Cookie is a gripping tale of a teen girl who had to grow up sooner than later. Taking place in one of the fastest-growing suburbs of Fort Worth, witness the life of Cookie and her quest to be loved, appreciated, and wanted. You will soon discover life is never what it seems.

AOTR: When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

Tamika: I knew I loved to write in the third grade when I was assigned by my English teacher to write a short story. I knew then that I wanted to write.

AOTR: What inspired you to write your first book?

Tamika: I had been in the lowest points in my life and everything was going wrong. To escape the problems of my life I started to write. It was my way of healing.

AOTR: Was it difficult to write or easy?

AOTR: It was very easy to write; it’s like entertainment for me. I am reading the book as I write so I want to know what’s going to happen next so I have to keep writing; it’s a drug when I’m writing my books.

AOTR: How did you go about creating your characters?

Tamika: I knew I wanted realistic women who had their options of playing the field. I got tired of reading about women being cheated on and becoming depressed. We all aren’t like that some can move just as quickly as a man can.

AOTR: Did you struggle with any of your characters, or did they just speak to you?

Tamika: Not at all, it was very easy. They become my friends and I become engrossed in their life.

AOTR: What was your writing process like? Did you outline or just write naturally?

Tamika: I do some note taking but I rarely do a precise time line. There are things I want to make note of to remember to place in the book. Now if and when I place it in the book is always unknown.

AOTR: In a few words tell an interested reader why they should read your book next.

Tamika: If you want a realistic book with realistic people, I am the author for you. You get lost in my books because you know someone in my stories.

AOTR: What are you working on now?

Tamika: I am writing Cookie Too Lyric’s song the follow up to my Independence Day release Cookie

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

Tamika: I want to be known as one of the leading writers.

AOTR: When you are not crafting novels what do you like to do?

Tamika: I am a publisher, radio host, and mother. I am always doing something.

AOTR: How can readers contact you?

Tamika: http://www.tamikanewhouse

aambookclub@gmail.com

Follow on Twitter and FB @tamikanewhouse

AOTR: Thanks Tamika for taking the time to chat with us. We wish you continued success!

Tamika's Ten favorite things:

Chips~ Fire hot Fritos

Season- Spring and fall cause the weather is not hot or cold

Holiday ~Independence Day we get to eat, wear small amount of clothes and be around family.

Television show ~ The Game

Song ~ hard one I guess I’ll say Aaron Hall when you need me

Past time ~Home with my Mama any setting will do

Social networking site ~www.aambookclub.com

Author ~ Zuri Day

City ~I love DC

Time of day~ Night

Authors On The Rise Interviews LaDonna M. Smith

Authors On The Rise is happy to bring you an Interview with Ladonna M. Smith. Please visit her site and order a copy of her book today!

AOTR: Please tell us about yourself and your books.

LaDonna: First and foremost I give honor to God. Thank you Dee for this opportunity.

I always find it hard to answer this question because I am humble, and a giver who doesn’t know how to receive. So here is my stab at it…I am the most down to earth individual in the world. I always say that I am a “homeboy’s homegirl and a homegirl’s home girl.” I try my best to get along with most people.

By my mother I have one younger brother Tommy, and by my dad I have 2 younger sisters.

I am a native of Fairmont Heights MD (Prince George’s County) and graduated from Fairmont Heights High School (1996), Prince George’s Community College (Associate of Arts in General Studies 2001) and am only 26 credits away from graduating at Bowie State University. However, it was not until I had to survived on my own going from house to house or “house hopping” until I ultimately ended up in Philadelphia, PA and heard the voice of God that I grew wiser, and more mature in me own walk of life. I was 19 years old. Despite me being raised in church and serving as a church musician since age 12, (I accepted the Lord Jesus Christ into me life at age 13 and I was baptized that same year) I soon found that becoming a new creature in Christ was difficult especially without the proper encouragement and general “growing pains”; not to mention the peer pressure of being a teenager. Coincidentally in my adult hood, most of the situations that I hear young people discuss cause me to blurt out words like “I have been there” and “trust me I know”. I have experienced situations in several realms of my life to include but definitely not limited to: physical, mental, sexual, spiritual and emotional abuse; homelessness; hunger; depression, and suicidal thoughts, to name a few. All of this by the age of 29 years old. If you ever hear my testimony you would not believe that I am still able to smile despite of and just because. And I believe that I have to smile because there is nothing else to do.

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


LaDonna: My own personal experience allowed me to write this book. I had actually began the book while launching G.R.A.Y. Magazine and co-founding another magazine, and working on an article. I started typing my experience with my “marriage” and before I knew it I had the mind set to get revenge on my ex for what he had done for me. I was going to tell the entire story and get him in trouble with the law. But as I wrote and more importantly my mind and heart transitioned from wanting revenge to becoming healed and delivered from him and the circumstances.


I completed it because I kept meeting people (notice I didn’t just say women) who had similar stories and we were both relieved to discover that we were not alone in going through these situations. We had survived and were now helping others.


To be “The voice of so many whose voices have been silenced” soon became my motto and goal for the book.

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


LaDonna: The characters discuss domestic violence, sexual abuse, rape, feelings of being unwanted and being lonely, and the cycle of family and generational curses. Oh and endurance and survival, until inner strength is discovered and USED by the power of God!

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


LaDonna: Hmmm…that is a hard one…I really do not have a favorite character in the book.

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


LaDonna: That like the bible says “this too shall pass”. I want people to know that you do not have to stay in a bad relationship. There is hope, there is a way out and most importantly God never leaves you during all of this. Reach out to Him for His guidance and direction and He will direct your path. There are 12 steps which help “jump start” a person’s motivation to begin to prepare themselves mentally for the process. Bottom line know that just because you may have had a ruff life up until the point you are at in it-there is still time to change, and redirect it. It’ not too late. No matter who counted you out or what obstacles you have been thrown – keep it moving. Your dreams and visions can still come into fruition.


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


LaDonna: My book gives you the perspective of domestic violence and abuse from the inside out. Meaning through my eyes. The preface tells you how I ended up getting into a marriage packed with domestic violence and I am totally transparent in this book. I didn’t try to appease to the Christian or non Christian market –I just told my story. I get “wows” and “for reals” all the time when I start explaining the premise behind the book.

AOTR: What projects are working you working on now?


LaDonna: God has allowed me to have so many different types of experiences and to see so much that I have several other books being worked on. Without realizing it I have become a cross-genre author.


Hannah’s Song”: A Musical Approach to Potty Training is a children’s book which has the most annoying yet affective potty training song to go with it. It is copywritten and awaiting illustrations. I have also finished a children’s book for kids sleeping in the own bed. My works in progress are a motivational book, a ministry book, another book dealing with relationships and life and more.



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


LaDonna: God sends me through my experiences. I write from my personal life situations and events as well as what I see around me.


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


LaDonna: Success with my own publishing company, whereas I have helped other authors transition through the process. Without sounding selfish I hope to have several other books completed and released and at least one movie. These are the minimal milestones I would like to have accomplished in much less than 20 years.


AOTR: How can readers contact you?


LaDonna: The best way is through my website www.ladonnamsmith.com because a copy of ALL emails comes to my personal email. Next would be Facebook.com/ladonnamsmith I’m on the site very often.

LaDonna's ten favorite things:

Fruit: tropical fruits-strawberries, pineapples, mangos, kiwi, cherries, juicy sweet green grapes, watermelon, cantelope, honey dew…most of the fruits.

Season: late spring into early summer when the temperatures are around 75 degrees consistantly unlike now when it’s 70 one day and 30-40 the next day.

Restaurant: of all time would have been Shakey’s Pizza which now has been closed. I guess I really don’t have a favorite one anymore but I do like to eat at the Olive Garden.


Actor: Male-Idris Elba Female: Loretta Devine and although he’s not really an actor Tyler Perry –I’m a true fan! It’s almost guaranteed that projects which any or all of these people are in-I’m going to buy a ticket.

Food: Soul food; I can eat candied yams and macaroni and cheese with just about anything!)

Author: Terry McMillan when I think about her and her accomplishments as an author I say “I wanna be like her when I grow up”.

Movie: Beat Street- the part when Ramone died still makes me cry every time I watch it. I have gotten more into plays now-I watched Tyler Perry’s “Diary of A Mad Black Woman” just about every day when I first separated from my “husband”.

Social networking site: Facebook

Accessory: Unique rings and earrings. Without earrings my face looks “funny” and “different” lol and I feel like I’m not totally dressed.

Time of day: early afternoon. I’m not a morning person and can be considered a “late owl”.