Author Amber Hipple

Author Amber Hipple

Let’s start getting your shine on. Tell us who you are beyond an author.

I suppose the first place to start is if I want to be sexy, like my book or mysterious like a woman is supposed to be. I think I'm gonna go with honest though. I'm really rather dull. I work two jobs to make ends meet since my divorce and I've got a cat. I crochet, play video games, and read a lot. I'm a bit of a dork and a spaz. I still feel like the nerdy kid with crooked teeth and funny clothes that no one wants to play with. I've never outgrown it and as a result, I'm very shy. I've learned to overcome that, however. I take life by the horns. I just plunge in and hope for the best. Because of that, I can be a little overwhelming and people either love me or hate me. I don't like the hate part; I'm terribly vulnerable. I guess, I'm just a person with the same hang ups and issues as anyone else.

Show us when you realized you had a passion for writing?

I don't think I have a passion for writing. I have a passion for reading and like many people, I wanted to see if I could do it too. I continue to do it because I want to be good at it. I realize that I have a gift for language and I want to hone it. This is my usual compulsion. The other reasons I write is because I have so much inside me that I need to pour out. But, back to the question at hand, I realized that I needed to write when I was a moody teenager. I had these intense feelings of loneliness and a need to experience more, and I poured this out in poetry. Eventually, the poetry wasn't enough and I found myself writing longer pieces that became stories.

We understand that uniqueness counts in the literary world, but we equally understand there must be relatability. Tell us an author with whom you share similar writing styles.

I'd say I share similar styles with two authors. One would be Anne Rice. The woman has a penchant for description that I've always envied and enjoyed. I try to emulate that. It lends a richness to stories that is especially useful in erotica. The other would be Jamie Joy Gatto. Jamie Joy writes or rather, did write, she's 'retired', erotica that was emotional and deeply moving. The sex was arousing yes, but also a vehicle for a deeper things than romance and getting your rocks off.

Show us how your styles are similar.

Ah, my styles are similar to Anne Rice in the way that I layer on descriptions. I can be almost flowery sometimes. I tend to spend a great deal of time on things that are really of little importance to the plot because I want to bring to life a certain feeling or setting. Now, as far as Jamie Joy, our subject matter is almost the same. I can't write just sex. Everything I've ever written has had some emotional quality to it which is a great deal like JJ's.

Tell us your preferred writing genre and the genre you prefer to read.

I don't really have a preferred writing genre. I've tried my hand at erotica, horror, humor, main stream fiction, fantasy, etc. I just write a story, regardless of what it's about. It's easier to sell erotica, however, so I usually stick to that. I prefer to read fantasy. I'm a bit of a dork in that respect. But, I'll read anything. A book just has to be good.

Show us what your audience looks like.

I would hope everyone, but I've always envisioned most of my readers as open-minded women who understand intense emotions. Age doesn't make a difference, but she'll have had a few long term relationships and will be able to understand the pain associated with love that often happens without either partner trying to wound the other.

Tell us an important lesson, on the business side of publishing, that you've learned on your journey.

Writing doesn't make you rich. Plain and simple. Don't quit your job to be a writer. Quit your job after you've become a writer, if you can, but don't expect to make it big just because you write a good yarn. There's always someone out there who's better than you or a publisher who doesn't want what you're selling. So don't expect to be rolling in the dough.

Going back to the beginning, show us the day you received your publication offer or the first time you saw your bound book.

I want to talk about the first time I saw my contract. That's when it all became real to me. There it was, in black and white, the things I'd been working towards for seven years. I squealed and clutched it to my chest. I took it out of the envelope and filled it out with a good pen using the utmost precision. I was reverent.

Tell us your expectations of an aspiring author approaching you for information about writing/publishing?

I don't really have any expectations. Mostly because I don't think I'm the best for advice, but if someone were to approach me, I'd expect them to have written something before and had it lauded by an English teacher, a contest, maybe a newspaper. It would be very odd to just decide to be a writer if you've never tried writing.

Ready to shine? Tell us the name of your book.

Bittersweet. One word. You can find it March 30th at Logical-Lust Publications, an imprint of LL Publications

From one of your character's point of view, show us why we should buy it. From a character's point of view?

Ah, buy it so they know they aren't alone. These men and women I write about are hurting, they're reaching out. Buy the book, empathize with them.

Tell us where we can find you on the internet.

Best place to keep track of me would be http://redhipple.livejournal.com or http://www.myspace.com/amberhipple

Thanks Amber for taking time out of your busy schedule to share with us.

Author Nikki Ransom

Author Nikki Ransom

Bio: Nikki Ransom graduated from South High School in Columbus, Ohio in 1997. After graduating, she joined the workforce and then went on to receive her bachelor of Business Administration from DeVry University where she was also chosen to be the Student Commencement Speaker for her graduation in October 2005.

To read more of the author's bio please visit her website.

Tell us a little bit about you outside of being an author.

The main thing I can say about myself outside of being an author is that I am a mother of four! That's consuming in itself. Also I am a motivational speaker and my passion is to help young women enhance themselves as well as their community.

What is your earliest writing memory?

I have always written poems and what not as a child but around when I turned about 25 years old, I got this overwhelming urge to write non-fiction as a way to reach out to others and now, here I am!

What feelings do you experience once you are satisfied with your completed manuscript(s)?

Its kind of like giving birth to me. I cried. For months and months, even years, you are pouring yourself into your manuscript and when its done, it's like "here is my baby! It's done!" Finishing is a huge relief but then you are terrified because now its time for the world to see (and also critique) what you have given birth to.

In your upcoming release or newly released book, how did you come up with the idea of your main character(s)?

My book is non-fiction so all of the main characters are very real.

Tell us a little bit about your work in progress and/or your upcoming release.

Well "Hidden Butterflies" has already been released only a couple of weeks. This book takes a look into a woman's life (myself) that never loved herself and how that missing aspect of my life almost ended my life, literally. I ended up marrying a man that would cause me to lose my home, my car, everything and end up on the street with my kids. Unfortunately, he has just been released from jail for threatening my life. So, I am also working on Part two of the book which will go into more depth about coming out of that marriage and keeping safe, finding real love, as well as the excitement surrounding the release of my first book.

I'm a big believer that word of mouth creates more sales than advertisements. Let's say I've never read any of your books before, how would you pitch the idea of your latest release to me?

I would say that "I came to write "Hidden Butterflies" after finally leaving my drug addicted, abusive husband. During my relationship with him, I was verbally, emotionally, sexually, and physically abused so much to where I began to think that suicide would be my only way to freedom. My husband had such control over me that he persuaded me to take a second job as a stripper and even attempted to turn me into a prostitute. This book, other than being wildly entertaining and thought-provoking, serves as a cautionary tale to women of what can happen when we do not develop our own self-esteem and also the importance of instilling this self-worth in our daughters.

I consider myself a tough critic when reviewing books. What do or would you do when you receive a mediocre or less than average rating from a reviewer or reader?

It might sting at first, but hey, there are people out there that don't like lobster, so I can't expect everyone to like my book.

What authors influence your writing dreams, goals and aspirations?

Robin Givens and Valorie Burton

What books would you recommend on writing?

I personally couldn't recommend any. My books are about my life and I just the words pour out and fixed it up afterwards.

If you could change one thing you did during your road to publication, what would it be and what would you have done different?

I would have gotten a better editor. I was on a tight budget and self-published, so I went with an editor that gave me a great deal but not-so-great editing.

What advice would you give an aspiring author?

My advice would be to not let anyone tell you 'no' or that you can't do it or won't make it as a writer. If major publishers won't accept your book then do it yourself. No matter what, get your word out there to the public.

Where can readers learn more about you and your books?

They can learn more about me and my books at my website www.nikkiransom.org.

Thank you Nikki for taking time out of your busy schedule to share with us.

Author Tinisha Johnson

Author Tinisha Johnson

Tell us a little bit about you outside of being an author.

Outside being an author, I’m a mother and a wife. I also work as an Event Specialist, hosting mostly political teleconferences. I get to talk and listen to lots of Congressmen and Senators.

What is your earliest writing memory?

Possibly when I was about ten years old. At least that’s when I remember that English was my favorite subject. At that point I took an interest in reading various books and soon took an interest in writing poetry.

What feelings do you experience once you are satisfied with your completed manuscript(s)?

I feel a huge sense of relief and accomplishment. I feel like I’m in heaven or something. I smile just as wide, because every time I finish a piece of writing, I know I’m living my passion and dreams.

In your upcoming release or newly released book, how did you come up with the idea of your main character(s)?

In my novel, Searchable Whereabouts, Rahkel Williams is my main character. Since I knew I wanted to make this novel a murder mystery, I concluded that I’ll make her have several problems and issues to deal with on top of solving the mystery of her beloved uncle’s death.

Tell us a little bit about your work in progress and/or your upcoming release.

Searchable Whereabouts is the story of Rahkel Williams who’s trying to unravel the mysterious murder of her beloved uncle. However, after his death, she finds out her uncle may have been living a double life. She sets out to find the truth along with the police and private investigator Darrin Miller. But soon finds she’s in over her head when a horrific family secret is revealed, which lead to her uncles murder.

I also have an upcoming release that I collaborated on with two other authors - Linda R. Herman and Allyson M. Deese. The name of the book is Somebody Prayed For Me. It’s a collection of short stories, poems and letters. It’s an inspirational book filled with so much emotion. I really enjoyed working on this project. It is dear to my heart

I’m a big believer that word of mouth creates more sales than advertisements. Let’s say I’ve never read any of your books before, how would you pitch the idea of your latest release to me?

What would you do if your loved one was murdered, and later found out they were living a double life, which carried on a horrific family secret for several years? That’s what happened to Rahkel Williams in the mystery novel, Searchable Whereabouts by Tinisha Nicole Johnson. Someone doesn’t want her to know the truth about her beloved uncle’s murder, and will even attempt to kill her to stop her from learning the truth.

I consider myself a tough critic when reviewing books. What do or would you do when you receive a mediocre or less than average rating from a reviewer or reader?

Take it as it is, and yes, sometimes it may hurt, but I have to believe in myself. I realize not everyone’s going to like what I write and that’s okay. But at the same time, I learn and continue to always perfect my writing. I can’t take everything what people say or write about me so personal to the extent that I forget that as long as I’m living my passion, that's good enough for me.

What authors influence your writing dreams, goals and aspirations?

Stephen King, Zane, Eric Jerome Dickey, James Patterson. I’m big on self-help and non-fiction. Some of those authors are: Cynthia Kersey, Brian Tracy, Anthony Robbins and Bob Proctor.

What books would you recommend on writing?

My bookshelf is filled with books on writing, but two that come to my mind that I’ve recently referred to are: On Writing Well by William Zinsser and Writing for Story by Jon Franklin

If you could change one thing you did during your road to publication, what would it be and what would you have done different?

I would have hired an editor, and I also would have tried longer to find an agent.

What advice would you give an aspiring author?

Persistence; Believe in yourself; Never listen to anyone who says it can’t be done, Constantly read and write.

Where can readers learn more about you and your books?

Readers can visit my website: www.TinishaNicoleJohnson.com Readers can purchase Searchable Whereabouts at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, or they can request it at any book store.

Tinisha Nicole Johnson
Writer/Author/Poet
www.tinishanicolejohnson.com

Proud Member of ASA (Authors Supporting Authors)
www.asanetwork.webs.com

Tinisha, thank you for taking the time to share a little with us. Many blessings to you in all your future endeavors.

Author Desiree Day

Author Desiree Day

Tell us a little bit about you outside of being an author.

I live in the suburbs of one of the greatest cities in the world, Atlanta, GA. I moved here from New York. I am a single mother of a two-year old and I work full time at a local college.

What is your earliest writing memory?

I can’t remember that far back. But I remember being really transformed through journaling. I started journaling about twenty years ago and I still do it. I don’t write as faithfully as I did twenty years ago, but when I do write it’s usually pages worth. I find journaling very therapeutic.

What feelings do you experience once you are satisfied with your completed manuscript(s)?

A huge sense of accomplishment and relief, I’m sure fellow writers can relate.

In your upcoming release or newly released book, how did you come up with the idea of your main character(s)?

My soon to be released novel is a paranormal. I’ve never written a paranormal before and I am very excited at being able to do so. I had the idea years ago, but never explored it. I submitted a synopsis of the story to my editor and she was very interested. Now that I’m writing it, I really love it. There are very little boundaries in paranormals, since you are creating your own little world, the sky is the limit.

Tell us a little bit about your work in progress and/or your upcoming release.

My upcoming release is tentatively titled, Spiritual Seduction. It’s about a formerly abusive husband who is killed and returns as a ghost. He seduces her into believing that he’s changed, but when she finds out that he’s even more hateful towards her when he’s dead than when he was alive, she tries to escape him. Unknown to her, a colleague of hers is a warrior who destroys ghosts. She ends up falling in love with the warrior. There’s a battle, and the readers have to decide is it a conflict between good and evil, the dead and the undead or simply man versus man over a woman.

I’m a big believer that word of mouth creates more sales than advertisements. Let’s say I've never read any of your books before, how would you pitch the idea of your latest release to me?

Pick up my novel if you are interested in something that will have you peeking in the darkest corners and reaching for your sweetheart after reading some of the sex scenes.

I consider myself a tough critic when reviewing books. What do or would you do when you receive a mediocre or less than average rating from a reviewer or reader?

At first it bothered me, but not so much now. I realize that reviews are very subjective and what one person might like another person might not. It’s not the end of the world, and I don’t lose any sleep over bad reviews.

What authors influence your writing dreams, goals and aspirations?

I admire Zora Neale Hurston for her writing, I can read her stories a million times and never get bored. I love Zane, she’s an awesome businesswoman. If I accomplish only a tenth of what she’s done, I’ll be happy. And I really enjoy any writer who can take me to another world or teach me something new.

What books would you recommend on writing?

I am embarrassed to say that I haven’t read any books on writing in years. I really enjoy reading articles on writing. I look specifically for articles on character development, plot and dialogue.

If you could change one thing you did during your road to publication, what would it be and what would you have done different?

There isn’t anything that I would have changed. I look back at it now and realize that it wasn’t that bad. It took me nearly a year to secure my literary agent. Looking back, it really wasn’t that long. I have been fortunate, I respect my agent and I really enjoy working with my editor at Pocket Books.

What advice would you give an aspiring author?

Keep writing, network, don’t be afraid of rejection or criticism and keep writing.

Where can readers learn more about you and your books?

They can visit my website at www.desireeday.com.

Ready To Publish Friday--Overused Words

Welcome, welcome, welcome to another Ready to Publish Friday article feature found on the web. Overusing words is something writers tend to do. We become pretty fond of certain words and sometimes they creep their way into our stories over and over and over... Then there are some words that despite how we feel about them, we use them because they're easy and readily available. Check out the article to find out which words we tend to abuse. Happy Friday.

10 Overused Words in Writing

David Bowman, Owner and Chief Editor of Precise Edit, wrote this article. (c) Copyright 2008, by Precise Edit

All words are good words. Some, however, are overused without adding value to what you write. As a result, they reduce the readers’ interest, make text seem redundant, and cause the writer to appear amateurish.

We have created a list of 10 overused words, based on the documents we have edited over the last 5 years. We don’t recommend that you remove these words from your writing. Instead, we recommend that you become aware of how often you use them and that you revise your documents to limit their use.

Click HERE for entire article.

Author Leila Jefferson

Author Leila Jefferson

Tell us a little bit about you outside of being an author.

Outside of being an author, I have a 9-5 that pays the bills, I'm a mother of 4, and I'm also a publisher. I try to stretch my 24 hour days into maybe 36, lol. Actually, the author role is probably my most comforting one. Anything outside of that is pretty hectic where I have to answer to a boss, be a boss, cook dinner, clean house, check homework and anything else that comes my way.

What is your earliest writing memory?

The first memory I can think of was when I was in the 5th grade. The whole 5th grade class had to write an essay about what school means to you. To this day, I can't even remember what I wrote, but I remember I was home sick one day. All my friends called me that evening to tell me they called my name over the intercom because I had won first place in the essay contest. I went to school the next day so excited. We had an assembly and I stood in front of the whole school and read my essay and accepted my blue ribbon. I fell in love with the written word at that point.

What feelings do you experience once you are satisfied with your completed manuscript(s)?

The feeling is one I can't describe. It's a mixture of accomplishment, with pride, with ecstasy along with a huge exhale. Then comes the nervous feeling, lol. I write and rewrite and rewrite, but I still stay nervous, hoping I came harder than the last time to make people want to read my next work.

In your upcoming release or newly released book, how did you come up with the idea of your main character(s)?

This is kind of a hard question. At this point, I'm re releasing my older titles under my publishing company. My latest novel I just completed though is a sequel to He's A Keeper. The main characters were already in place, and everybody that read Keeper wanted to know what happened next, so I began working on the sequel to answer unanswered questions.

Tell us a little bit about your work in progress and/or your upcoming release.

Probably the new release would be the anthology I'm releasing under my company. It will be the first official book to represent My Time Publications and it's titled That's The Way Love Goes. It's a collection of seven stories by seven diverse authors, including myself, on relationships and love. It's broken in two parts. The first part is when love goes bad, and it had the stories that don't end so happy. The second part is when love goes good, and you have the happily ever after stories. I'm really excited because every story is different because all the authors have a different voice.

I’m a big believer that word of mouth creates more sales than advertisements. Let’s say I’ve never read any of your books before, how would you pitch the idea of your latest release to me?

Pitching myself as an author, I would say I write real life. My characters are relatable to anyone that reads my books. I often put that 'hmm' factor where you're sitting up questioning what your neighbor or coworker may be doing after hours. I mix chick lit with erotica with a little bit of street and bring a story that you will remember.

I consider myself a tough critic when reviewing books. What do or would you do when you receive a mediocre or less than average rating from a reviewer or reader?

I take what they say and see how I can improve my writing. I know everything isn't for everybody, and some of my writing can be a little out there, and sometimes that's why a reviewer/reader didn't like it. There's nothing I can really do about that. But if they felt my characters were weak, storyline didn't make sense of something along that line, then I'd really study what I wrote and work on improving my skills.

What authors influence your writing dreams, goals and aspirations?

I've always been a big fan of Eric Jerome and Terry McMillan. I read many other authors, but those two, I will buy whatever they put out. I admire when you can bring a different story and change someone's life. I admire being able to write in different genres and still bring a great story. I love books being made into movies! I hope to achieve that one day.

What books would you recommend on writing?

This is probably horrible for me to say, but I haven't read any books on writing. I read a lot, and that's the best teacher for me

If you could change one thing you did during your road to publication, what would it be and what would you have done different?

I would have taken my writing seriously a LONG time ago. At first it was just for fun, and I wasn't really pursuing getting published. Today if I could go back, I would have been in the literary world hard when I started writing my first book.

What advice would you give an aspiring author?

Study your craft and study the business! I can't stress that enough. A lot of authors get so excited on the promise of that first publishing deal, they usually get the short end of the stick. Also, a lot of authors only care about writing, and that's all they know about. You have to know this business if you plan to have longevity and succeed.

Where can readers learn more about you and your books?

There are a couple different places. www.myspace.com/leilawilliams or www.mytimepublications.com Again, I'm in the process of republishing a few things, so things are still in the beginning stages right now but it's coming together.