Author Interview:
F.R. Riggs
author of "The First Lady"
NS: What made you want to become an author?
FRR: My love of writing. Also, once I saw that there was indeed a market for Christian fiction, I was sort of enthrusted in the genre by someone who use to read my short stories.
NS: In what genre do you write?
FRR: My favorite genre to read, Christian Fiction.
NS: From where does your inspiration come?
FRR: My inspiration comes from the life I'velived for thirt three years. Growing up in AND around church has definitely put me in a milieu of sorts. So, I write about what I know, while adding a little creative twist to it. Also, traveling around the world with Pastor Hezekiah Walker and the Love Fellowship Crusade Choir for eights years also put me around different settings, in the performance area..so Im excited about creating some novels in and about those experiences. ALL fiction of course!!!
The First Lady
F.R. Riggs
NS: Can you share an excerpt from your latest novel?
FRR: Well, basically, Camille Brown-Owens is a First Lady who doesnt want the position anymore. She feels that her life belongs to the church and not her. She also feels that her marriage is not a priority for her husband. You know, us women NEED LOTS of attention from one source or another, and unfortunately Camille succumbs to her worldy needs without getting spiritual guidance.
NS: What are some encourging you words you would like to leave us with?
FRR: Follow your dreams!!! And if you forgot the path, go back and find it! My Pastor has been preachinga series of messages that has kept me focus on success. My provision is lining up with his vision, and things are just falling into place. What do I mean by that? Well, my Pastor's vision is to build up the Kingdom of God, by way of teaching, preaching, and praying. God has given me the ability to PROVIDE myself unto these things. Therefore, my provision is lining up with the vision, and my gift has made room for me. OBEDIENCE is the REAL key to success!
Website: http://www.fr-riggs.com
Submitted by Nicole M. Stevenson
Editor/Founder of 30 talent's First Cut! Online newsletter
http://30talent.blogspot.com/
Author Interview:
Author Bio
Born and raised in Northern California, Dr. Jacqueline Lawrence earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Tuskegee University in Alabama in 1983. She later earned a Master’s degree in Theology and a Doctorate degree in Christian Counseling from Sacramento Theological School and Bible College. After successfully owning and operating residential care facilities for people with developmental disabilities for 15 years, in 2002, she began writing a book of poetry. Once self-publishing the book entitled, Single & Waiting; An Expressive Collection of Poems, she sent her book to only one publisher- BET Books (now Harlequin). In 2004, she published her first Christian, non-fiction book with BET Books, entitled, Single & Waiting. Since then, she has participated in speaking engagements at various bookstores, Christian churches and events and women’s conferences throughout the United States. She has also engaged in numerous radio and television interviews- including “Lift Every Voice” on BET. A single parent of two daughters and two grandchildren, she currently resides in Arlington, Texas.
DT: Who is Dr. Jacqueline Lawrence? Where did you come from? What are your interests? What motivates you?
JL: Dr. Lawrence is a very down-to-earth, real, raw, revealing, fun-loving, ambitious and adventuresome God-fearing woman who resides in Arlington,
Texas by way of Santa Rosa, California- a predominantly white community- where she was raised up. Unfortunately, because I was constantly being scrutinized for being “different” by my white counterparts- my hair, my music, my dances, my skin color- I grew up with some of the same prejudices about blacks as did many whites. I decided that this was not good, and chose to attend a predominantly black college so that I could familiarize myself with my roots. Attending Tuskegee University has helped me to realize that all blacks are not bad, but on the contrary, most of the ones I have encountered are good-hearted, real, and lots of fun. I now embrace my culture, my people, and most importantly, my self, and am very motivated to encourage and strengthen others- especially African Americans. Because I love the Lord, I also have a passion for sharing the salvation of Jesus Christ through my writings. Some of my other interests include plus size modeling and modeling instruction, attending worship services, sharing the messages of my books through speaking engagements, acting, singing, dancing and writing; not only books and poems, but also lyrics, screen plays and stage plays.
Single & Waiting
Dr. Jacqueline Lawrence
DT: Your debut book, Single & Waiting, which you originally self-published was subsequently picked up by BET Books, how surprised were you when that happened?
JL: After sending my self-published book, entitled, Single & Waiting; An Expressive Collection of Poems to BET Books, and after putting its fate in the hands of the Lord, I pretty much forgot about the fact that I had even written it, let alone, sent it, and left it alone. Approximately one month later, I received a call on my answering machine from Glenda Howard, Senior Editor, telling me- amidst chuckles- that they loved it and wanted me to write not only one book, but two books, integrating my poems. I was absolutely elated because someone in such a high position had recognized my talents and because a whole new world had just opened up for me!
DT: What has the response been to, Single & Waiting? From family? Friends? Book Clubs? Avid readers?
JL: My family has been elated about my book, and most of all, about the fact that some of my dreams have been realized. Unfortunately, one of the crosses that I have had to bear is a lack of support from good friends, and thus, I have since dropped the so-called “friends” that I had, and will continue to remove non-supportive people from my life in hopes that the Lord will replace them with faithful and supportive friends (Remember, I keep it real). I have received numerous calls and emails of positive feedback, prayers and well-wishes from avid readers whose lives were touched by my book(s) and who themselves aspire to become authors.
DT: Please explain the term, Doctor of Christian Counseling, to our readers.
JL: A Doctor of Christian Counseling is one who has earned his or her doctorate degree in Christian Counseling. He or she helps people to see their world more clearly and guides them to make positive changes in their lives through the sound application of biblical scriptures, which is what I strive to do in my daily life and in my books, poems, plays and lyrics.
DT: Living in this present age the question is often raised, “What would Jesus do?” How would you answer that question as it relates to racism? Black on Black crime? Child pornography? Terrorism?
JL: What would Jesus do? Jesus would not engage in racism, black on black (white on white, purple on purple, green on green, or any other) crime, including child pornography, terrorism or any thing that would hurt his fellow man. Jesus, being one with the Father, is about love, and love does no harm to its neighbor (Ro 13:10). Love is patient and kind, not envious, boastful, proud, rude, self-seeking or easily angered. Love keeps no record of wrong and does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, hopes, perseveres, and never fails (1 Cor 4-8). Jesus would resist any temptation to do evil, but instead, would fight temptation by fasting and declaring the word of truth until the tempter- satan- flees from Him (Mt. 4: 1-11). This is what Jesus would do, and this is what we should do. That’s why in the 6th Chapter of Matthew, He told us that when we pray, we are to go into our closet, shut the door and simply ask God to lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
DT: Please share an excerpt from, Single & Waiting.
You ain't the only one whose heart's been broken.
My past hurts have just gone unspoken.
I've learned from them all that was needed for me to move on
by digesting the hurt completely until it was all gone.
Everyone's been hurt at one time or another.
God wants us to keep on loving and forgiving each other
and not hold everyone else responsible for our pain.
In order for us to grow, we need both sunshine and rain.
Lay your pride aside, sweetheart, and accept that it happened to you.
Look at all Jesus Christ had to go through!
He was perfect, yet that didn't stop hurt from showing up.
He too, had to drink from that bitter cup.
So go ahead, cry, take all your hurt in, do what you have to do.
But in order for your heart to mend, forgiveness must be the glue.
Ask God to sweeten your heart and let the hurt be done.
And remember sweetheart…you ain't the only one.
DT: What’s next for Dr. Jacqueline Lawrence? Any conferences? Seminars? Upcoming literary works?
JL: Since writing Single & Waiting, I have written a stage play also entitled “Single & Waiting”. The play was performed in Richmond, California back in 2004 and I hope to bring it back to the stage on a nationwide tour. Also, I have written three other Christian, non-fiction books, Won’t Somebody Come Correct? (Harlequin), Prosperity Planning God’s Way and Top Secret (Xlibris). Additionally, I recently completed a screenplay based on my book, Top Secret, entitled HEAVENLY SKYWAYS, which I hope to bring to the big screen. I have numerous other book titles for books that still need to be written. Meanwhile, I continue to avail myself for speaking engagements, radio and television interviews and every other plan that the Lord has for me to prosper me, give me peace and help me reach my goals.
DT: Do you have any advice for new or aspiring writers?
JL: As a child, I would go outside in my backyard to speak with the Lord. I remember crying out to God one day after some of the evil in the world had been revealed to me, “Lord, let me one day write a book. Use me Lord and allow my life to be an open book so that I can help your people.” Forgetting that I had prayed this prayer until many years later, the Lord answered my prayer. To aspiring writers, I would say, in obedience to God, “write”. All too often people tell me that the Lord has told them to write a book. Either the books had not been written or they were written, but shoved away somewhere where they could not bless anyone. This is a very selfish move, as God did not intend for books to be written only for ourselves, but to bless the lives of others. If God tells us to do something, we must do it or we will block our own blessings. He specifically commissioned His disciples to go and teach the nations (Mt. 28:19). Writing books, the method of teaching the nations used by God, Himself, is an awesome way to teach the nations. Don’t worry about your book not being good enough, God will make it good enough. Don’t worry about getting it published, God will tell you where to go with it. Don’t worry about where to begin, God is a God of beginnings. He will pour His words into your spirit. Just sit down, pray, put pen in hand or hand on keyboard, listen for His voice and write on…right on?
DT: We here at Blackrefer.com thank you for this candid interview and we wish you Godspeed!
Website: http://www.drjacquelinelawrence.com/
Interview: Kevin M. Weeks, author of, The Street Life Series: Is It Suicide or Murder?
Kevin M. Weeks was born on the rough side of town. He has seen a lot on the streets, which is what brought about his debut novel to the American people.
Synopsis:
(Publishers Book Description)
Kevin M. Weeks introduces a new series of steamy, suspenseful, and realistic drama from the streets. In the novel, Teco Jackson joins the Strictly Business (SB) Crew and gets the alias Homicide from the SB Crew boss, Mujaheed Bashi Fiten. When Bashi promotes Homicide to be his right-hand man, Homicide gets into a major power struggle with the only female and toughest SB Crew member, Gail Indigo Que, a.k.a. GQ. Living an eventful life from cars, women, and money seemed promising for Homicide until there is a major take down. After getting out of jail, Homicide's mission is to find out where Bashi disappeared. Back on the streets of Philly, Homicide hears lots of talk about Bashi's whereabouts and the names of those who are involved. Will Homicide and GQ set aside their differences to discover the truth? Now Homicide is on a binge to find who snatched up his boss and to pay them back in a way that no one would ever think. The street life, is it suicide or murder?
DT: Please give readers a biographical sketch of Kevin M. Weeks.
KMW: Actually, I’ve redefined who “Kevin M. Weeks” is as a person. In the first phase of my life, I was the inner city kid, who was extremely talented, particularly in the area of electronics. My family swears that I invented things back then that still haven’t been patented. In addition, I was the entertainer of the family. At family reunions, Kevin M. Weeks was the showcase. Unfortunately, I ran the streets and it’s caught up with me and I’m serving time in Georgia. In this current phase of my life, I’ve found what it means to “get in the gap” and to stay focused.
So this new found career of writing begins my biographical sketch as a renowned author. I like how “renowned” sounds; I’m speaking it into existence. My first novel, The Street Life Series: Is It Suicide or Murder? dropped on September 12, 2006. The publishing industry is a tough business. However, I’ve put in the time, no pun intended, and the research to succeed. So with that comes my first award ever with the induction as the “Best New Urban Author of the Year 2006” by the YOUnity Guild Top Advisory Board. C&B Books named me their January 2007 Author of the Month and February 2007 Top-Selling Author of the Month. Also, in February 2007 I was named the YOUnity Guild Book Club Author of the Month. So, the redefined “Kevin M. Weeks,” the author, is building his biographical sketch from scratch. I want people, especially those incarcerated, to know that it’s never too late to realize their dreams.
The Street Life Series: Is It Suicide or Murder?
by Kevin M. Weeks
DT: Where are you from?
KMW: West Philly
DT: What do you like to do in your spare time?
KMW: I listen to music and to PBS radio news.
DT: How long have you been writing?
KMW: I became serious about writing as an author in 2002.
DT: How long did it take you to write " The Street Life Series: Is It Suicide Or Murder?"
KMW: About one and a half years, across a four year period.
DT: Who or what inspires you?
KMW: First and foremost, God. I had to learn that self-motivation is the best inspiration. Not until I held myself accountable did I realize my ultimate potential. May I read you a recent quote that inspires me by The National Book Critics Circle founder, Ivan Sandrof? In 1975 Mr. Sandrof wrote: "Our associates include most of the nation's outstanding book critics - polished prose people of distinction. What other organization can include as members the book editor of the largest newspaper of the nation and a convicted felon serving 40 years in a federal slammer for bank robberies? We are not concerned with the crimes of either, but with their professionalism. Both qualified." So, the book industry inspires me. With that said, I embrace the Disilgold 5 Principles of Success Formula: Dedication, Quality of Business, Professionalism, Integrity of Service, and Commitment. I’m committed to my new career and its high work ethics.
DT: Do you have a support network? Did you have any mentors?
KMW: Yes, and my support network grows daily. If sharing my hard-life experiences can deter others from going down the wrong path, then I feel I have made a difference. My supporters embrace my vision of sharing these lessons learned worldwide through fiction. To be frank, it is difficult to find a mentor while “inside.” I’m an associate member of PEN American Center, who has agreed to assign me a writing mentor. I believe everyone can take their talents to the next level. On another note, I mentor young men who come into the system about techniques to stay focused and to head towards the right track. Given the opportunity I will also correspond with “at risk” teens. With the entertainer within me, I capture their attention; then I hit them with old school wisdom such as, “Always do what you always did and you will always get what you always got.” Then the light bulb goes off; and they say, “Ah snap . . . .” Also, I am a proud supporter of the AMAG Intern Program.
DT: Who are some of your favorite authors? Why?
KMW: “mistermaxxx,” who is listed as an Amazon.com Top Reviewer, guessed my favorite author off the rip; and I quote from “mistermaxxx”: “If you dig Donald Goines novels and you were a fan of New Jack Swing then you are gonna roll with this book with ease.” Check this out. Donald Goines is my favorite author. Donald Goines told the real deal of life in the hood. He presented it in true life form. I too want to share the vibrant colors of life on the street through fiction. I believe if I impart a few golden nuggets of wisdom along the way, then all the better.
DT: What are some of the things you've done to market and promote yourself?
KMW: As you know, I can’t attend book conferences or book signings. I’ve gone back to the marketing basics. Kevin M. Weeks and The Street Life Series combined together as one is my brand. My slogan is “It’s All About Urban Fiction.” So I leverage technology to market my brand. At any given period of time, I’m listed on several book club or book promotion websites. You’ll see my “It’s All About Urban Fiction” internet banner ads in rotation on hip hop magazine websites, Urbanmecca.com and EURweb.com. I admire what blackmeninamerica.com is doing as technology thought leaders. So, I too have a web spokesperson introducing me and my book series on my website. Check it out on thestreetlifeseries.com. The Street Life Series was listed in the February 26, 2007 issue of Publishers Weekly. You’ll see future print ads in Black Issues Book Review and Booking Matters Magazine. Keep visiting thestreetlifeseries.com often, because I have a few more innovative book promotion ideas up my sleeve.
DT: What's next for Kevin M. Weeks?
KMW: More novels in The Street Life Series. I’ve received great press and also solid constructive criticism. My next book drops December 2007. You’ll continue to see my virtual book tours on the Internet. I’m still figuring out the blog thing; it’s a challenge to implement from the inside. I’m working on it though. Family and friends will pop up at upcoming book fairs to add that personal touch on my behalf. Then I’m working to abridge the book series into a television series. In the next few months you will see the public launch of my very own company KMW Agency LLC, which was formed March 2007. More details to follow. I plan to be around a long time. Many have heard me say, I know this is a marathon and not a sprint. Thanks so much for your time in conducting this interview. See you on the freedom side, Kevin M. Weeks and The Street Life Series, as promoted on HarlemBookFair.com. Peace.
DT: Kevin, the pleasure has been all mine, and we here at Blackrefer.com certainly applaud your work with the youth. And, yes I'll see you soon!
Website: www.thestreetlifeseries.com
Joylynn Jossel
DT: Who is Joylynn Jossel? Where did you come from? Where are you going? Who helped you get to where you are?
JJ: Joylynn Jossel is a babe in Christ who recently discovered that she wasn’t doing with her gift from God what God had intended for her to do with it (which was to glorify Him). I’m going from a street lit, erotica author to that of a Christian Fiction, children’s, young adult-humor and poetry author. Before, when asked who helped me get where I am (in the literary industry), I could name off a string of people, but now I know I only have to name one: God. Yes, there were others God used as resources for me, but at this point in my literary career, all glory must go to God. If you want names, scan the dedication and acknowledgement pages of my books (smile).
DT: You've successfully self-published and also found major success with traditional houses, to what do you attribute this?
Wet
by Joylynn Jossel
JJ: I attribute this to being dedicated and never giving up. Also, for God keeping me and giving me the strength to continue writing even when the previous book I had written didn’t sell as well as I thought it should have. Some authors tend to sit back and wait to see what their first book is going to do and base its success upon whether they continue writing or not. I wasn’t that type of person. If it takes me 20 books to prove that I deserve a spot in this industry, then I’ll just have to write 20 books. I mean, look how long it took Susan Lucci to get an Emmy. She didn’t stop acting did she?
DT: Do you feel that the stigma has been erased from self-publishing? Why do you feel this way?
JJ: I believe the stigma has been erased, to some degree, when it comes to the aspect of complaints of poor editing, because as we know, some publishing companies put out books littered with errors. Anymore, I think major publishing houses love to see the self-publishers coming. They are like guinea pigs in this business. The author spends all of their money to self-publish the book and get it out there. Meanwhile the majors sit back and see which of these books gets a buzz/bite….big numbers from a self-publisher’s standpoint (which is usually about five to seven thousand copies) then they swoop them up like hawks, having some idea of how well the book will sell with major distribution; and all this without having to invest a single dime. So basically, the self-published author’s books serve as galleys these days, getting them closer to that major book deal that some of them desire.
DT: What did you find most gratifying about self-publishing? What was most distressful?
JJ: The most gratifying thing about self-publishing was getting that feedback from readers. It was awesome to know that someone, on their own free will and without me having tap-danced for them during a book pitch in a beauty shop parking lot, had purchased my work from a bookstore and actually enjoyed it. The most distressful part was playing Guido the mob guy trying to get paid from distributors and book store owners who had taken my books on consignment. Selling the book was one thing, getting paid for the actual sale was a whole notha animal in itself.
DT: Please describe some of the challenges you had to overcome.
JJ: The most major challenge I think almost all self-published authors have to overcome is accepting that your love and passion of writing-that thing you said you’d for free-has now become a business. You write the book, you publish the book, you sell the book, you promote and market the book, you collect money owed on the book, you ship out the book, etc… You become a one man company. But what I have noticed that a lot of the self-published (and some traditional published) authors are now doing is hiring street teams to help them market and sell the books. This allows the author to be in many different cities at one time via representatives who want to help sell the book (for a commission of course).
DT: Who are some of the notable authors who have influenced you?
JJ: Bebe Moore Campbell, Terry McMillan, Carl Weber, Nikki Turner, and many others.
DT: What advice would you give to new writers starting out?
JJ: Take some time out to meditate and pray to God, asking Him if this is what He has for you. Don’t say “yes” to a career in writing if God doesn’t say “yes” first. Writing is not for everybody. If you come to the conclusion that it is for you, hone in on the craft. You don’t have to go out and buy every writing/marketing 101 book there is in the market. Simply start by reading other author’s work. You can learn your basic essentials of grammar from doing just that. You learn simple things like when to indent, when to use italics and to always start a new paragraph when one character finishes speaking and another begins (I always wonder when first time authors have two characters speaking in the same sentence/paragraph if they’ve even picked up and read a book in their life).
DT: Any additional information you'd like to share with readers?
JJ: In 2007 I have several more secular works coming out under old contracts I had to fulfill before I changed my walk in life and changed the things that I write. But I just ask that the readers I have earned also support my new works. I promise the same excitement, drama, twists, turns and mystery that all of my other titles have entailed…along with a message from God.
DT: Please give a synopsis of and excerpt from "Wet."
Synopsis: In “Thicker Than Water”, Tye and Wade are identical twin brothers who were inseparable as boys, teenagers and now men. No one ever thought that anything or anyone could come between them…but then again, they had never met Dinah.
In “The Ghost Writer”, just as quickly as the sun rises on Rhain’s dull life, it sets when she becomes the number one suspect in a murder case, involving an unusual love triangle.
Joylynn M. Jossel brings yet another page turning, spicy thriller to her reading fans. Brace yourself because in this emotional roller coaster of a ride, when it rains, it pours. So try to stay dry, but the forecast shows that chances are...you'll get WET!
Excerpt: “I can’t believe I just had sex with another man’s wife,” Wade said to himself as he showered, using his hands to rub the soap against his firm, dark brown physique. He thought that if he scrubbed hard enough, he could possibly wash away the sin he had just committed.
DT: We here at Blackrefer.com thank you for this interview and we wish you all the best!
Contact Joylynn:joylynnjossel@aol.com
Keeping It Straight!!! An Interview With James Lisbon
by Nicole M. Stevenson ( Manager/Founder of http://groups.msn.com/30Talents/ )
James Lisbon, Founder/Editor of AMAG/Awareness Magazine resided in the Fort Greene Projects his first 22 years before moving to DeKalb & Vanderbilt Avenue. James has attended both Howard University in Washington, DC and Medger Evers College in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn.
NMS: What made you want to be a publisher?
JL: I was not only interested in telling stories that inform and educate but I also enjoy the creative aspect of design and coming up with marketing ideas and campaigns. So the mixture of the three was rather natural.
NMS: Has running the magazine been an easy task?
JL: It's been adventurous. The concept is relatively easy. We know the what, why, when, and how's but it is a lot of work and can be time consuming at times. Since I enjoy 95% of the process it can be viewed as easy, which is the main reason I continue doing what I do.
NMS: What impact would you like AMAG to leave on the literary world?
JL: We just want individuals to know that AMAG has always been there to support those who are in the middle of their journey, inspire those to start their journey and applaud those who have finished their journey in life or their profession. We are here to say positive events, people and endeavors are ultimately what counts, not commercial nonsense. Integrity, honor and loyalty makes a person or company, and we recognize that.
NMS: Out of all the interviews you've done which one has had a lasting impression and why?
JL: The percentage of those who had a lasting impression are overwhelming, but to pick one ...Dale Goldboldo [who played the character Keith on Wanda at Large], really was a great interview and a great learning experience. For one thing, it was the longest interview I had done to date and we went beyond the norm. Although I have never meet him, we spoke as if we were friends for years. We discussed life, family and culture. He also opened my eyes to many elements I had been ignorant to concerning the entire television scene, regarding advertisers, targets and particular TV shows themselves.
NMS: Tell us about your job as an Administrator for the advertising company?
JL: I work as an administrator at a research company in the SOHO section of New York. Mainly I keep things rolling as our company deals with clients who look for us to compile data on their product verses the competition. We work heavily with focus groups and surveys. What is key about the job is the atmosphere and casual nature. Although it is a 9-5, one on the outside would never know understand. It is definitely a cool gig.
NMS: James please tell us about Teen Awareness Day?
JL: Teen Awareness Day was created by Mark Knox (of The Fort Greene Volunteers, Inc.) and myself to give youth additional motivation in their daily journey of life. Both Mark and I were raised in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene Projects; realize that all children need someone to believe in them, someone to guide them and most importantly someone to love them. The first event was incredible as Hill Harper agreed to be our Keynote speaker. When I interviewed him for the cover of AMAG, I mentioned to him that many would miss his message because of various obstacle. He suggested that I gather a group and when he came to New York in October he would speak with them. And he kept to his word.
NMS: What advice can you offer to the next publisher?
JL: Understand the primary reason for publishing. Is it to educate and make a difference, is it to let creative juices flow, is it to make money or a combination of all. All can co-exist. But once you understand YOUR honest goal then as with anything, do a little homework, reach out to those who are doing, established a support group and jump in.
Website: http://www.awarenessmagazine.net
We here at Blackrefer.com thank James and Nicole for sharing and we wish them godspeed!
Getting Around 2 It by Nicole M. Stevenson
Delores Thornton is a graduate of the LongRidge Writers Group of West Redding, CT.; currently attends Simmons College of Kentucky. Voted " Queen of Promotion" by C & B Books Distribution, Thornton is also the "Literary Expert" on Blackrefer.com. And, she's a contributor to Word Life News, Chaotic Dreams, AMPS Magazine, and Booking Matters Magazine.
Author Interview:
NS: What made you want to become an author?
DT: It was a matter of divine intervention. I had no aspirations of being a writer although I’ve always been an avid reader. Up until the time I published my first work I had only used writing as a crutch to get me through traumatic times. In 1982 when I lost my dad I found I couldn’t cry but I was able to get my feelings down on paper and it was therapeutic for me.
NS: When your first book was released what kind of response did it get?
How To Self-publish That Great Novel: Without Going Nuts!
by Delores Thornton
DT: There were rave reviews for my debut, “Ida Mae” including the following:
“I personally endorse this book as a positive addition to any bookshelf or to any literary organization interested in fiction with style.”
--Gwen Evans, Pinnacle-SYATT Publications
“Thornton gives us an endearing character whose personal sense of self is a model of inspiration.”
--Black Caucus of The American Library Association
“Filled with brilliant and descriptive prose, and showing the artistic depth and vision of a first-rate writer, Thornton’s Ida Mae story is gripping.”
--Betty Davis, The Black Book Network
Book clubs selected Ida Mae as their book of the month and I traveled extensively promoting it. Ida Mae won an several awards including, Book of the Year, from UBUS (United Brothers United Sisters) Books in 2000. The greatest response came from my mom who insisted I write a book about HER!
NS: How many books have you published?
DT: I’ve published 5, my sophomore novel, “Babe” was based on my mom’s life; then came, “Anybody Seen Junebug?” the sequel to “Babe”, next was, Divine Appointment: A Caregiver’s Guide, and finally, “How To Self-Publish That Great Novel Without Going Nuts!”
NS: What qualifies you to be a “Literary Expert”?
DT: I’ve picked up so many titles and I feel so honored! Woodi Holmes of Black Refer.com, one of the busiest Internet sites for Blacks bestowed that title upon me. I suppose it has something to do with me taking writing courses from LongRidge Writers Group; working for national newspapers and magazines; attending the BEA, BCALA, Cruises, Summits, press conferences for President George Bush; and sitting on literary panels with the likes of Dr. Cornel West.
NS: What can we expect from you next?
DT: I’m working on a Christian Fiction titled, “Airing Dirty Linen. And, I have thoughts for a Christian Nonfiction, “Solomon’s Porch.” I also plan to promote, “Divine Appointment: A Caregiver’s Guide” again, for this work which deals with end of life concerns is sorely needed.
NS: How did you become a columnist for the Indiana Herald Newspaper?
DT: Soon after the release of my debut novel I decided to sponsor a contest and I contacted the paper for an ad. I discovered they didn’t have a book reviewer and I suggested my friend Lena, review some books for them. I also found out I could cover events and get free space for me and my works. From those humble beginnings the position evolved into what it is today!
NS: Is being a radio host as glamorous as people tend to think?
DT: I think the answer is yes, I know it is for me. Since I’m an author I can relate to what the author is feeling and I like to think I touch on all the right topics to garner interest in the work of my guests. My show, Around2It, has been around since 2002 and has national and international listeners. People just love the down-home feel of the show, it’s just like best friends chatting on the phone catching up on what’s been going on in one another’s world.
NS: Do you contribute to any charities or volunteer your time?
DT: Goodness, yes! I’m a volunteer with the Marion County Probation Department, working with youth between the ages of 16 – 22 who are on probation. I’m also the Chaplain of the student body at Simmons College of Kentucky, where I attend classes. Yes, I drive all the way from Indiana to Kentucky to attend classes, but it’s only on weekends. My most rewarding charity work is with SITEAW, Inc., founded by Ugandan born Stella Santana Sabina. Her organization is working to aid young girls and women in her country who are the victims of rape, domestic abuse and female circumcision. I have adopted this cause as my own and I’m doing all I can to raise awareness, and also helping with fundraising efforts.
NS: As a writer do you feel a need to help other writers?
DT: Absolutely. That is why I wrote, “How To Self-Publish That Great Novel Without Going Nuts!” Since 1997 I had received thousands of emails, faxes and phone calls from aspiring and new writers. At first I wrote articles in local newspapers such as, The Indianapolis Recorder, and the Indiana Herald; then realizing I couldn’t reach the vast audience that needed the information I started columns online. Then in 2002 I started my radio show, Around2It, for that is what I was hearing; what the aspiring would do when they got, around to it!
NS: Who is the woman behind the title?
DT: Delores Thornton is a woman who grew up right in front on me, smile! One day I was in a kindergarten class fussing about it being my turn to pass out the glue, and the next thing I knew I had four daughters, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. I am committed to my family and I embrace the literary community (my extended family). I enjoy hearing the Word of God! And I like playing chess when time permits.
NS: Is there every day when you feel overwhelmed by all that you do?
DT: I feel tired sometimes but I so enjoy what I’m doing, that things just seem to balance out.
NS: What words of wisdom can you leave for us?
DT: Figure out your purpose in life and walk in it. Don’t waste a lot of time trying to be something you’re not!
Interview by Nicole M. Stevenson
Editor/Founder of 30 talent's First Cut!
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Joy has come a long way since the debut of her first title, Please Tell Me If The Grass Is Greener. Since then she has written over a dozen published projects such as The Root of All Evil, When Souls Mate and Essence Magazine bestseller, If I Ruled the World.
Mama I'm In Love With A Gangsta
by JOY
two novellas 'bout real ghetto love
In "Baby Girl McCoy", it just goes to show you that you can take the girl away from the ghetto, but you can’t take the ghetto away from the girl. She’ll always manage to find her way back. And that’s just what happens with Baby Girl McCoy, given the government name by her mother, a woman who hated her so much that she couldn't’ even bare to give her a decent name after giving birth to her. A product of rape, Baby never knows her father and gets caught up in the quest for Daddy, that male figure who she thinks can give her what she lacked from a man while growing up. She never imagined in a million years that she would find it in the man that she did.
In "Behind Every Bad Boy", you can easily take the girl out of the streets, but you can't leave her mean street ways behind her. Harlem Lee Jones proves that behind every bad boy…is a badd ass bitch! Harlem Lee Jones may have allowed her heart to find its way to God, but the devil is surely lurking close behind. But not even Satan is a match for Ms. Harlem!
INTERVIEW:
DT: The concept of, "Mama I'm In Love With A Gangsta" is quite appealing. How did you come up with it?
JJ: I come into contact with a lot of teenage girls. Just talking and listening to them I discovered that more and more young girls still find that thug mentality in a man appealing and attractive. When MC Lyte said, "I need a roughneck" and Destiny's Child said, "I need a Soldier," girls and women took that to heart. On top of the young girls seeking out these "gangstas", they are seeking out the ones who are old enough to be their fathers. What I've found in most of the young women is that they didn't have their own father in the home to give them love and attention, so they are on some type of quest for Daddy out here in the streets.
DT: How long have you been writing? When did you first realize you wanted to write?
"Mama I'm In Love With A Gangsta"
by Joy
JJ: I've been writing since the days of elementary journal keeping and rainy day writings. I first realized that I wanted to write when I discovered I had a voice in a pen and that if I used it to speak, people would listen.
DT: Do you write in other genres? If so, which ones?
JJ: I've always been one of those writers who wrote whatever was in their spirit. I never knew what was coming out of me next. I had this gift God had given me and I didn't know what to do with it. I started off writing poetry and then I began penning short stories. I've written erotica, romance thrillers and street lit. Needless to say, I no longer pen erotica, romance thrillers or street lit. My life has changed since I first became a published writer. My walk in life has changed and therefore my writing has changed. I can't write the things I used to write. With that said, I am putting the names I used to write under (Joylynn M. Jossel and JOY) and the genres in which I used to write to eternal rest. From now on I only pen children's books, young adult-humor and Christian Fiction.
DT: What were some of the obstacles you encountered while completing your book? How did you overcome them?
JJ: Once I decided that I wanted to change my writing, or should I say, once I began to seek the will of God and let Him lead me to what He wanted me to do with the gift of written word he had given me, I still had a couple of contracts I had signed (and spent the advance money-LOL) to write some street lit and erotica stories. Mama, I'm in Love With a Gangsta was one of them. The hardest obstacle was trying to push the words and language out of my spirit that I knew I needed to use in order to make this story authentic enough for my intended audience to be able to relate to. I would have to go to my prayer closet and ask God to help me, and at the same time promise Him that I was going to be true to my word and not get so caught up that I'd decide I didn't want to ultimately pen what He had called me to pen. It was hard...it was very hard...when my spirit had already said yes to God, that I'd do what He wanted me to do-but my flesh had a commitment to man to fulfill. Believe me, a lot of prayer and fasting was involved in overcoming this obstacle.
DT: You originally self-published, how difficult was that? And, would you do it again?
JJ: At first, self-publishing wasn't difficult at all because there was so much passion involved in what I was doing. I had this book that I just wanted to share with the world. I honestly didn't care if I only sold one book. I just wanted somebody in this world to have read and been moved by my words. And once I started getting feedback from readers, it all seemed worth it. But once I realized that my passion was now a business, and that it did matter how many books I sold because that's the name of the game-selling books-making money so that I could reinvest it in the printing of more books, it became a constant hustle. Not to mention that books are given out on consignment, so just because I shipped off 1,000 books didn’t mean I was getting the money right away. It takes months to collect. And sometimes that's not even a guarantee when dealing with returns. The only guaranteed way to get money instantly for a book sale is direct consumer sells at book fairs and conference or just street sells. But now that I know the name of the game and have played it on more occasion than one, yes I would and I am going to self-publish again. I am working on a project titled Even Sinners Have Souls of which I will be self-publishing. It is slated for a Christmas 2007 release.
DT: What's next for Joylynn? Another book? Upcoming signings? Conferences/Seminars?
JJ: There is one more Joylynn M. Jossel book coming out titled WET. I had also written a novella a couple years ago that it going to come out in a book titled Summer Breeze. As far as JOY books, Mama, I'm in Love with a Gangsta was the last, although there are two JOY novellas coming out in a book presented by Nikki Turner and another presented by Noire. After that, I will be writing no more Joylynn M. Jossel or JOY books. I will now be writing under the name E.N. Joy in which my first Christian Fiction book titled Me, Myself and Him will come out under Kensington/Urban Books new line, Urban Christian.
DT: Any helpful hints to leave with our readers?
JJ: I would just like to thank the readers from the bottom of my heart for supporting my works over the past years. I want to make it clear that I am not one to write what ever is selling. I honor the craft far too much to do that. But what I honor even more is my Lord and Savior and I have to be obedient and accept my calling to minister God's word through the written word. "But my life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned to me by the Lord Jesus." Acts 20:24. So I just ask readers to not be stuck in reading only one type of genre, but to sample a little bit of all the good stuff that’s out there in the literary world just waiting to be tasted!
DT: Joy, we thank you for this interview and we hope all your literary dreams come true!
Website:
http://www.joylynnjossel.com
The Interview With God
I dreamed I had an interview with God.
"So you would like to interview me?" God asked.
"If you have the time" I said.
God smiled. "My time is eternity. What questions do you have in mind for me?"
"What surprises you most about humankind?"
God answered..."That they get bored with childhood
they rush to grow up, and then long to be children again.
That they lose their health to make money...and then lose their money to restore their health.
"That by thinking anxiously about the future, they forget the present, such that they live in neither
the present nor the future.:
That they live as if they will never die
and die as though they had never lived.
God's hand took mine and we were silent for awhile
And then I asked...
"As a parent, what are some of life's lessons you want your children to learn?"
"To learn they cannot make anyone love them. All they can do is let
themselves be loved."
"To learn that it is not good to compare themselves to others."
"To learn to forgive by practicing forgiveness."
"To learn that it only takes a few seconds to open profound wounds in those they love,
and it can take many years to heal them."
"To learn that a rich person is not one who has the most, but is the one who needs the least."
"To learn that there are people who love them dearly, but simply have not yet learned how to express or show their feelings."
"To learn that two people can look at the same thing and see it differently.
"To learn that it is not enough that they forgive one another, but they must also forgive themselves."
"Thank you for your time," I said humbly.
"Is there anything else you would like your children to know?"
God smiled and said,
"Just know that I am here...always."
Author Unknown