Author Samara Leigh

Author Samara Leigh

Let's start getting your shine on. Who are you?

I'm Samara Leigh, a writer, entrepreneur, mom, and wife living in Northeast Ohio. My business writing revolves around topics of interest to job hunters and career changers. My non-fiction and creative writing usually centers on my respect and admiration for women on a journey of self-discovery and growth.

When did you realize you had a passion for writing?

I've enjoyed writing for as long as I can remember. It gave me a voice, even after I'd talked my poor parents to death and they just wanted some peace and quiet. What sealed the deal was getting recognition for an essay I wrote in grade school.

All writers adore words. Describe your love affair with writing.

There are two things that I love about writing:

#1. It gives voice to the stories and opinions floating around in my head at any given moment (and I assure you that there is no shortage of them).

#2. I love the latent power of words. One person reads the story and thinks, "That's stupid." But, the next person is moved to tears and - more importantly - to action by those same words. Written words allow us to connect with people that we do not know and will never meet. People who lived centuries before us. Yet their story gives voice to our feelings. It is this power to connect with others through the written word that I find empowering, enchanting, addictive.

Name two authors with whom you share similar writing styles.

As a yet-to-be published author I dread this question. You never really want to compare yourself to other authors, especially the great ones. Being completely honest, I can't really think of any authors that I'd compare my style or voice to. However, there are elements of the writing styles of several authors that I find similar to elements in my writing.

What makes them similar?

I love the quirky, sexy, but not trashy style of Erin McCarthy; the self-deprecating humor of Meg Cabot; and Benilde Little's ability to draw her readers into the internal conflicts experienced by her characters, just to name a few. These are elements that often surface in my writing.

Name and thank one author that has been instrumental in inspiring you to write.

If I have to limit it to just one writer, hands down it is Judy Blume. I loved reading her books as a pre-teen and teen. You could identify with her characters and you felt for them. There were elements of their lives that reflected my own. I wanted to have the power to inform, educate, entertain, comfort, and motivate my readers in the same way that she'd impacted me.

Now let's get to the nitty gritty. What does your audience look like?

Hmm... I'd have to say my audience looks a lot like me. LOL. Not necessarily my age, my height, my size, or my race. But, women that have gone through a similar experience. They've overcome or endured some type of adversity in their lives and are now at a point where they've discovered their beauty, their value, their self-worth. Whether they are 15 or 55 they are getting to know themselves. Not the person that everyone wanted them to be, but the person that they truly want to be at this stage in their lives. If I am forced to put a label on my audience, I'd say that they are are a multicultural cross-section of women ranging from the ages of 29 - 45.

What genre does your story fall under?

Multicultural women's fiction

What's the strangest thing you've seen or heard that somehow made its way into your story?

That would be my best friend's loud declaration at the cash register in Target that I should put back a pair of "baby panties" that I was purchasing for myself. That one made its way into a short story I wrote.

New authors usually lack the business knowledge of writing. What has been the most valuable lesson you've learned about things beyond the page?

Being an entrepreneur has taught me the importance of marketing, creating a business plan, and being systematic in executing your plan. I am trying to incorporate the business lessons that I've learned (many of them the hard way) into my mindset as an author.

What are your thoughts on rejection letters?

Sad, but true story: It was a single rejection letter that made me abandon writing as a career for well over a decade. It wasn't until I was in my thirties that I pursued the thought of being an author again. I now realize that rejection letters are as much a part of the business of writing as is being published. I find stories of famous writers' struggles to get published hugely inspiring. Even writers that we now consider to be veritable geniuses have suffered through their share of rejections. It is a part of the publishing game. But, if you don't play; you won't win.

If you approached an author with questions about writing, how would you expect them to respond?

I imagine that she would cringe at being asked the same question that she's been asked 1,000 times before. But, hopefully she'd be gracious about answering it for the 1,001st time.

Are you ready to really shine? In 100 words or less, tell the Wednesdays & Fridays Blog readers why your manuscript should be published.

My current work in progress is the story of a young woman raised in a super-restrictive, ultra-religious household where freedom of choice and freedom of thought were never on the menu. After two years of saving she goes away to a women's liberal arts college to discover herself, much to her parents chagrin. During Livia's delayed college experience she discovers love, sex, friendship, and long-held family secrets that will either completely destroy her family or begin to heal their seemingly irreparable rift.

Thanks for the opportunity, Ladies.

Thank you for spending time with us!

Author P. Chez

P. Chez

Let's start getting your shine on. Who are you?

On an everyday basis, some may say that I am a proud mother, a devoted wife, a big sister, a respectful daughter, a loyal friend, and a hard worker. When a pen is in my hand, I have the tendency of becoming a fantasy, a nightmare, a passion, a teacher, or simply put, an emotional piece of artwork. However my response will always be, “I am, PChez, a blessed child of God, all day, baby!”

When did you realize you had a passion for writing?

My mother bought me my very first diary when I was a young girl (maybe 10 years old). It was a Hello Kitty diary that I loved so much. It was full of drawings and every little thing that I felt I wanted to say but dared not to say to my parents or whomever. If you did not see me drawing, then you definitely saw me writing. Those journal entries led to my passion for every type of art there is (literature, fine arts, etc).

All writers adore words. Describe your love affair with writing.

Imagine a canvas with a multitude of brilliant colors splashed on it. Imagine that floating amongst the colors on this canvas are bold shapes and random letters. To the average eye, on this canvas are just colors, letters, and shapes. However the eyes of an artistic soul would see a plentiful source of beauty (beauty in the abstract). I am those random bold shapes and letters. The multitude of colors represents different mental states that have arisen spontaneously in my life (sorrow, hate, love, desire). Emotions are a part of life. Writing is my life. The pen and I are one. A marriage that is yet to be broken.

Name two authors with whom you share similar writing styles.

I like to think that I have my own style of writing, but … Terry McMillan and I are kind of similar when it comes to novels. As for the poetic side of me, I love Maya Angelou and Nikki Giovanni; which are two of the many poetry greats that I look up to.

What makes them similar?

Although some may disagree, Terry McMillan is known for using life experiences as part of her stories. Maya Angelou’s disrupted life inspired her to write. Nikki Giovanni is known for presenting things as she sees it. Most of my writings were started from different encounters that I was either told about or actually ran up against. Regardless if I am writing a story or a poem, like some of the mentioned writers, I love “putting a twist to things” to get my own point across.

Name and thank one author that has been instrumental in inspiring you to write.

Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings really spoke to me. I want to thank Maya Angelou for making me a believer. To me, she illustrated ways in which dramatic situations can be overcome by a strong character and a love for literature. I won’t say that she is the reason why I started writing, but I will say,”Thank you. I am now a woman who has incarnated wisdom and hope, because of your writings”. I enjoyed Mama by Terry McMillan and Black Girl Lost by Donald Goines, but my all time favorite is The Color Purple by Alice Walker.

What does your audience look like?

My audience are mature, everyday people

What's the strangest thing you've seen or heard that somehow made its way into your story?

I once wrote a children’s story with my 5yr old daughter. Most of my work, however, has been written for adults.

New authors usually lack the business knowledge of writing. What has been the most valuable lesson you've learned about things beyond the page?

At one time in life, I thought that the harder my drink was, the easier it will be for me to handle a bad situation. After trying that tactic so many times, I realized that the only thing I was handling was a hangover on the following day. To me, pen plus paper doesn’t equal writing. Instead, pen plus paper equals therapy.

What are your thoughts on rejection letters?

Had you asked me that a few years ago, I would have probably said that rejection letters were like nightmares to me! Now, I believe that there’s a time and place for everything. If I am rejected on anything, I look at it as if it just wasn’t meant for me at that time. Rejection means to refuse consideration, but it definitely does not mean to give up on considerations.

If you approached an author with questions about writing, how would you expect them to respond?

Honestly.

Are you ready to really shine? In 100 words or less, tell the Wednesdays & Fridays Blog readers why your manuscript should be published.

If you are looking for a book that your child can actually enjoy and learn from, then The Talking Tree is your book! Learn facts about Giraffes and their characteristics. Enjoy laughter with your child while reading a story they can comprehend. Bring a child’s imagination to life as they travel with the giraffes in The Talking Tree. A book written for pre-school and kindergartners … Parent and teacher approved!

Author JC Martin

JC MARTIN

JC Martin is an aspiring author, a mother, and a wife. She has been reading books as far back as her memory will allow her to remember. She has always used books as an escape from her everyday life. Her passion for words became evident to her English teacher in the eighth grade. Since then Jennifer has been writing non-stop, but it was not until 2006 when she finally realized her passion. She reviews books because she truly loves reading, and wants to spread the word to more than just the people she knows.

Let’s start getting your shine on. Who are you?

This all depends on which name you are referring to. Jennifer Coissiere is a wife, mother, daughter, sister, shoulder to cry on. She is also a student, and a reviewer for APOOO. JC Martin is a writer of poetry, chick-lit, erotica, contemporary fiction and the list goes on. She is also one of the contributors to Wednesdays and Fridays Blog. Bizarre JC Martin is a person who rambles and sees the world without the rose-colored glasses and doesn’t take any type of mess.

When did you realize you had a passion for writing?

I have had this passion for words since junior high school. My first notebook of poetry is here in a drawer. I would see things and write a piece of poetry to capture what I saw. I would feel things and write to capture my emotion. It was one of those pieces of emotion that qualified me as a semi-finalist in The Mule Bone contest back in 1991. That piece was also showcased in my yearbook for all to see.

All writers adore words. Describe your love affair with writing.

If you ask my husband he may agree I’m having a relationship with words and books and he’s my side piece. LOL! No, but seriously words wake up my inner most desires. I experience a feeling of euphoric bliss when I can take my words from the jumbles in my mind and create a place where all is not perfect and I could make a difference by just erasing. In writing I have power that I certainly don’t have in my reality. If writing was taken from me, my spirit would die. I would not be the person I am right now. This I know, because I’ve tried before to step away from writing and I couldn’t do it.

Name two authors with whom you share similar writing styles.

Wow! That’s a hard one. Choosing someone with such great talent and saying I have a similar style…I hope I don’t disappoint them once I have a book out there. Victoria Christopher Murray and Terry McMillan.

What makes them similar?

VCM doesn’t write Christian fiction per se, but she has hints of faith helping the main character get through the troubles. Now both VCM and TM have strong women characters. I believe when you put both of these ladies together, you can empower a woman who, at first, seems a bit whiny. By the end of the book they are strong and independent.

Name and thank one author that has been instrumental in inspiring you to write.

I have met quite a few authors this year alone, who have encouraged me to write. Then there are two who have been there all along proofreading and offering advice. The question is which one do I want to thank the most? Both! Shonell Bacon and Angelia Menchan have reached out to me and have kept me focused and determined to get my writing out there by my standards and not by someone dictating to me how my writing should be. Thanks Ladies, I love you both from the bottom of my heart.

Now let’s get to the nitty gritty. What does your audience look like?

My audience is any random person you see in a crowd. I don’t want to only write for African Americans. I want people outside my race to pick up my books and appreciate the message I have between the lines of a good story.

What genre does your story fall under?

It depends on which one. I have a contemporary fiction book finished. I am currently writing a Paranormal and Christian fiction book. I have a volume of poems finished as well. I also have witty, short stories featuring erotica, romance, and chick-lit.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen or heard that somehow made its way into your story?

I once received over 50 phone calls from this loon bat in a day. It was really more like 200, but I lost count after 50.

New authors usually lack the business knowledge of writing. What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned about things beyond the page?

If you are not willing to market yourself, chances are you will fail in this business. Writing is a craft, but selling books is a business, and without proper marketing no one will know about your business. Who better to advertise you than you?

What are your thoughts on rejection letters?

I wish I could get one. I submitted my manuscript to a publisher and never even got a rejection letter.

If you approached an author with questions about writing, how would you expect them to respond?

I’m a believer of Paying it Forward. I would love for an author to take the time to answer my questions without making me feel like I am bothering them. No, I don’t want them to read and critique my manuscript but at least share some insight into the literary world without annoyance lacing their voice.

Are you ready to really shine? In 100 words or less, tell the Wednesdays & Fridays Blog readers why your manuscript should be published.

My manuscript should be published because I offer more than just sex on a page. I have conflicts and drama that would have your tongue hanging from your head. I provide a view into the life of a woman scorned by not just one person, but two. In the same token I provide another woman who went from having low self-esteem to high independence. My unique voice and storytelling will keep the reader guessing the outcome while begging for more.

Poet Tzynya Pinchback

POET TZYNYA PINCHBACK

Let’s start getting your shine on. Who are you?

Tzynya/mother to serendipitous girl child/poem and prose-maker using narrative as shaman, lyric as landscape/is vessel ‘out to sea’, weathered, with one foot on dry land/at home in Georgia, at home nowhere/is love song, bawdy limerick, and swamp boogie fiddle repurposed as syllable and form.

When did you realize you had a passion for writing?

When I was very young, like 5 or 6, I used to sit with my Dad as he composed music or wrote songs - that is probably when I fell in love with rhyme. I wrote silly stories, and horrid, sappy love letters in the diaries I kept as a teenager. But it was college that I started to realize a passion for writing. After changing my major from Marketing to Journalism, I turned down an intern with a major hospitality company to work in the campus library. I spent an entire semester re-cataloguing various interpretations Julius Caesar, and went to my advisor and changed my major to Literature.

All writers adore words. Describe your love affair with writing.

I am writing’s forlorn mistress. Writing has had its way with me. We fight often over my (mis)use of language, broken metaphor, lackluster observance of grammar rules, etc. I’ve left writing and it has left me. I’ve dismissed lovers, abandoned country and home, ignored children, gone days without properly bathing -high on caffeine and squares of caramel - all for the promise of writing. Some days I lie in bed, dressed pretty, waiting for writing to maybe come around and take me out for a meal.

Name two poets with whom you share similar writing styles.

Out of respect to the poets I enjoy, and the Because of the relationship I have with my writing, I don’t feel my style is tight enough in its own skin that I can make a real comparison with other poets yet. That is to say I am still defining my voice, and cannot be trusted to stick to any form or method for too long. There are plenty of poets whose works I relate to, and whose works seem to echo long after I have put them down. I can’t imagine narrowing the list to two. Poets you will find in the small basket next to my bed: Sandra Cisneros, Chris Abani, Anne Sexton, Jayne Cortez, Lucille Clifton, Ntozake Shange, Lord Byron.

What makes them similar?

The singular thread, if one has to exist, weaving together the poets I am reading currently (and read most often) is imagery and voice. Whether I am reading traditional forms (Haiku, Sonnet, Ghazal) or reading free verse, prose poem (which happens to be my favorite), performance poetry, I am always drawn to poets who write from the vein, unbridled, and who paint a landscape within a few syllables. And I also like a damn good love poem.

Name and thank one poet, dead or alive, that has been instrumental in inspiring you to write.

Pablo Neruda. Nuff said.

Now let’s get to the nitty gritty. What does your audience look like?

Like me, they probably have strange hair and can be found sitting cross-legged on the floor of a bookstore between the Graphic Novels, Self-Help, and Erotica sections. They sew quilts for Grandchildren; are high school sophomores standing on the front porch, holding hands, lingering in Good-bye. They run the PTA and boast a hot Tupperware collection. They spew conspiracy theories and understand the virtues of Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes at 3 A.M. They still believe in the power of the boycott. They voted Republican in the last election. They collect ceramic teapots and lace handkerchiefs; tailgate before the game, and drink raspberry ale or Corona for breakfast. They are overachievers. They are on line, right now, at the Unemployment Office, hoping to make it to the Check Cashier before closing time.

New authors usually lack the business knowledge of writing. What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned about things beyond the page?

The best piece of advice I have is something that was shared with me. Ask yourself if you want to sell a million books, or if you want a million people to read your work. Once you determine your objective, it will guide how you tend to the business of writing. Oh, and do research, lots of research.

Give me one to four lines that will make us go 'hmmm.'

Tears do not know words/are laid hot on skin, do not dry in sun/take center stage without orchestra or script, carry own spotlight and finger cymbal in side pocket/are conjure woman without tooth or shoe, head thrown back caterwauling, “Pa!”

What advice would you give an aspiring poet regarding publishing?

Publishing is a hard knock life (and that is a bad cliché). Get accustomed to rejection slips; collect them in, if you will, a pretty box next to your computer, and on rainy days fold the little papers into origami cranes. If you are particularly whimsical, you might string them over the hearth in winter, or fashion them into a belt. Fellowship with other poets and artists who you can share work with, attend workshops, and submit to anthologies. From that will grow opportunities to publish. You should be mindful to research publications for style, audience, and theme prior to wasting the cost of postage to submitting. And try to avoid those messy submission fees - a poet has to save their pennies.

You have actually been previously published quite a few years ago. How would you say publishing now differs from publishing then?

Yes, I published a chapbook of 6 poems under the title EveSongs in 1996, under the advisement of Dr. Okunor and the University of New Mexico African Studies department. I had a great support system, and the University really helped to promote and encourage exposure. But back in 1996, I printed, distributed, scheduled signings, hustled for book reviews myself. Now, PODs are very popular and provide a quick turnaround. I think it’s a great opportunity to see your name in print, but also it’s a great opportunity to have your work delivered as a sub-standard product. So it’s imperative to do the research and choose what works best for you: self-publishing or traditional publication. Concerning my manuscript, Sinner Woman Gospel Song, I am in the process of submitting to a few small presses, but I am not counting out the self publishing option, especially because the collection is small – 10 poems. I just want to deliver something of quality, something artful.

Show me some skills. In fifty words or less, what is poetry to you?

To paraphrase Kierkagaard: “A poet….a being whose heart is torn by secret sufferings, but whose lips are so strangely formed that when the sighs and the cries escape them, they sound like beautiful music... and then people crowd about the poet and say to him: "Sing for us soon again;" that is as much as to say. "May new sufferings torment your soul."”

Tzynya L. Pinchback

a Writer

http://tzynyawrites.blogspot.com/

Author Billy Anderson 'The Windstormy'

Billy Anderson
The Windstormy™

Let’s start getting your shine on. Who are you?

For those of you that don't know, I have DID, (Dissociative Identity Disorder), or what used to be diagnosed as MPD, (Multiple Personality Disorder). I am a DID, not the 'core', (the person actually born to this body). My name is Billy, better known as The WindStormy™. I normally go by Billy Anderson.

When did you realize you had a passion for writing?

It all began in the teen years, after reading "Pet Cemetery" by Stephan King. Then later my deepest darkest writing desire came through after Anne Rice published the "Vampire Chronicles". My writing evolved into goth erotica, which is my passion.

All writers adore words. Describe your love affair with writing.

My love affair really revolves around getting a clear picture of the scene across to the readers, as well as drawing them in emotionally. I want them to feel what the character feels, experience the moments the character experiences. If it mean fear, love, hate, passion, pain, sex, you name it.

Name two authors with whom you share similar writing styles.

I honestly don't know many authors with my style of writing. But I guess you could say I'm fairly close to the styles of Lara Adrian and Amanda Ashley. I'm certainly nowhere near the style of Stephan King or Anne Rice, though I'd love to say I am. I do have to confess that I often will write the final chapter of a work, before the work is even half-way completed. That is also something that Stephan King does, believe it or not.

What makes them similar?

This is a good question. More the similarities of word usages, etc. I also think that Lara Adrian and I share a like mind in story progression.

Name and thank one author that has been instrumental in inspiring you to write.

I'd have to say thank you to Travis Vp Fox, people. Author of "Poison Ivy". He has stood behind me and is constantly encouraging me to continue my work. There is always an encouraging word on his lips. He's always reminding me of how good a writer I am, even though I feel I suck most of the time. He's always helpful with questions and concerns. I also believe he will be more than instrumental in my first publication. He's also my hero, y'all. You can't touch Travis Vp Fox!!

Now let’s get to the nitty gritty. What does your audience look like?

My audience looks just like you and me. I write both gay male and hetero vampire erotica. Most of my following, I have found, to be female, which isn't a surprise to me at all. I do have some male followers, but not as many as the women that love to read my work. They are hungry for more. They have fangs or desires for someone with fangs to come visit late at night...hehehe...

What genre does your story fall under?

I'd say goth erotica, or dark fantasy.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen or heard that somehow made its way into your story?

The strangest thing, I believe, is that most of my work starts with a dream, be it a night dream, (during sleep), or a daydream, (during waking hours). So when I say I dream about vampires, I'm not just whistling dixie, y'all.

New authors usually lack the business knowledge of writing. What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned about things beyond the page?

I honestly don't feel qualified to answer this question. But I will say that copyrighting and proofreading are very important. When you complete a work, proofread it and have someone with grammar and punctuation skills proofread it also. And make sure you have it copyright protected. No one likes the idea of their 'baby' being stolen, so protect your 'baby'. Get it copyrighted.

What are your thoughts on rejection letters?

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. We've all heard that saying and it rings true in the publishing world too. Make sure you've submitted your work for the genre the publisher is calling for. Make sure it's been proofread and edited. And submit the ______ (insert your own expression) out of it. You will most likely be rejected, but don't let it get you down. Keep on it. Keep going. Keep believing. Keep trying. Don't ever let them get you down!!!

If you approached an author with questions about writing, how would you expect them to respond?

I would hope that authors would be willing to share their experiences and how they became published. What do I need to do to be published? What pitfalls did you face that you could share and help me avoid? I also would love to see some of the authors being taking some of the unpublished writers by the hand and lead the way, sponsor them, by sharing your knowledge and help.

Are you ready to really shine? In 100 words or less, tell the Wednesdays & Fridays Blog readers why your manuscript should be published.

Most of my work includes actual incidences that happened to me growing up and in my adult life. With them I also share little tid-bits of what I learned about how to defeat low self-esteem, low self-confidence, inferiority complexes, etc. I share life with the dark, pleasure with pain, growth with set-backs that always occur in life. It comes in a story form and it is my hope of reaching people that have been abused, hurt, misused, and suffer a myriad of disorders. Because, so do I. And though I sometimes need to read my own work, to digest it again, I hope to help someone get through what they are going through or have been through.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to share with you.

Thank you WindStormy, the pleasure was truly ours.

To contact WindStormy:

windstormy@gmail.com

windstormy2001@yahoo.com

http://www.myspace.com/does_this_help

http://www.literotica.com/stories/memberpage.php?uid=492595&page=submissions