AUTHOR CHERYL LACEY DONOVAN

AUTHOR CHERYL LACEY DONOVAN

Coming from a legacy of preachers, Cheryl Lacey Donovan is walking in her destiny. An anointed woman of God, her mission is to challenge you to look inside yourself for change, to identify the strongholds in your life, and to tear them down with the help of the creator. Once you have crossed her path, your life will never be the same.

Cheryl Lacey-Donovan is an acclaimed author, educator, and inspirational speaker and a compelling advocate for personal empowerment. Her first book "Women What the Hell are You Thinking: An Inspirational Guide to Becoming a Virtuous Woman of God was released on May 1, 2007 to rave reviews. "Women What the Hell are you Thinking" remained in Amazon's top 10 hot new releases during the entire first two months of its release.

Her new work The Ministry of Motherhood is destined for the bestseller list as it ministers to mothers who are living through what Cheryl has already overcome.

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

Outside of being an author, Cheryl Donovan is an inspirational speaker, talk show host, and entrepreneur. I have three adult children, a grandson, and a wonderful husband of 15 years. Most importantly however, I am a daughter of the king who believes in walking out God's destiny for her life.

What is your earliest writing memory?

My earliest writing memory is that of composing poems for my parents during special occasions. You know, the whole roses are red and violets are blue thing.

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

Euphoria, accomplishment, amazement, you name it I've felt it. There is just something special about putitng pen to paper and getting your thoughts in black and white.

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

Each of my books is non-fiction. The topics discussed are either my own personal experiences or those of persons I have discussed issues with along the way.

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

Well, my work in progress is a book that my husband and I are writing together. This book will address the ups and downs of maintaining "Happily Ever After" My upcoming release is the Ministry of Motherhood. This book discusses the valley to mountaintop experiences that I had being a teenage mother who was abused by my first husband.

I am 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.

The Ministry of Motherhood is my journey from an abused teenage mother to an award winning author, talk show host, and inspirational speaker.

Ultimately being responsible for life's circumstances, the book seeks to encourage mothers to become accountable to themselves and their children as they look inside themselves for change.

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

Receiving a mediocre review would only cause me to strive harder for excellence. While I don't expect everyone to like my books and will probably not jump at every bad review, if the there are valid points, I would consider it an opportunity to improve upon my craft.

What authors influence your writing dreams and aspirations.

I really love Maya Angelou and Alice Walker. I also like Stormie Omartian and Beth Moore. We seem to speak the same language.

What books would you recommend on writing?

101 Ways to Generate Top Book Sales. Antonio L. Crawford

The Self-Publishing Process: The Beginners Guide To Book Publishing Success. Renee Bobb

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 researched "Book Fairs" better. Some of them are good to go to, others are not; with regard to book sales that is.

What advice would you give an aspiring author?

Research is the key to a relatively smooth ride in the publishing industry. The more adept you are the better off you'll be in the long run.

Where can readers learn more about you and your books?

Readers can visit my blog at www.virtuouswoman-31.blogspot.com , www.blogtalkradio.com/worthmorethanrubies, www.cheryllaceydonovan.com

Author Gwynne Forster

AUTHOR GWYNNE FORSTER

Gwynne Forster was born in North Carolina, grew up in Washington, D. C., and has lived, studied and worked in New York City ever since she came of voting age. She considers herself a humanitarian, a perspective that she inherited from her mother, a high school principal, and which she also attributes to her work and education in the social sciences, more specifically, demography. Her fiction writing reflects her training in the sociology of the family and her understanding of inter-personal relations. It should not be surprising then, that quite a few of Gwynne’s novels and novellas are set within the context of the family.



Fiction writing is Gwynne Forster’s second career. She holds bachelors and masters degrees in sociology, a master’s degree in economics/demography and has additional graduate credits in journalism. As a demographer, she is widely published. She is formerly chief of (non-medical) research in fertility and family planning in the Population Division of the United Nations in New York and served for four years as chairperson of the International Programme Committee of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (London, England). These positions took her on official business to sixty-three developed and developing countries. Gwynne sings on her church choir, loves to entertain, and is a museum hopper, gourmet cook and avid gardener. She enjoys classical music, opera, jazz and blues with her husband with whom she lives in New York City.

This is just an excerpt of Gwynne's bio; to read the rest head over to her website.

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

I'm a demographer, and as such, I worked for seventeen years a Chief of Fertility and Planning Research in the Population Division, United Nations, New York. Following that, I served as chairwoman of the International Programme Committe, International Planned Parenthood Federation, London with leadership of its family planning programmes in 126 different countries. These positions have taken me to 63 developing countries that I can count from memory, and I have visited or worked in the vast majority of European countries. I have three university degrees, I love music, especially jazz, blues and all classical forms. I'm married, have raised a stepson, and I live with my husband, who is also a demographer.

What is your earliest writing memory?

I think about age five, because I could read and write at that age, but I don't recall specific things that I wrote.

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

Enormous relief. By the time I finish a manuscript, my next one is already fighting for room in my head.

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

A Different Kind of Blues is one of two books due out in October. It is mainstream women's fiction. Having to fulfill a contract, I asked myself what kind of heroine would offer a challenge to me after having written almost forty books and novellas. I was watching television and saw a commercial about a woman who'd just been told she had two months in which to live. I didn't want to make it quite that melodramatic, but I wanted a heroine strong enough to cope with a terrible shock without having to write a morbid story about her. I came up with Petra Fields, who set out to do all the things she'd always wanted to do, credit card bills be hanged.

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

My current project, Finding Mr. Right, is about a woman hell bent on exercising her right to chose her man herself, without any one's help. Even when the ideal guy is presented to her, she insists on doing her own choosing and nearly ruins everything.

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?

My latest release has received outstanding reviews, and if you like enough suspense to keep you turning the pages and even dreading possible outcomes, enough mind-blowing sex to make you jealous of the heroine and an Alpha Male you'll dream about forever, Drive Me Wild is for you.

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

I'd shrug it off. A review is just one person's opinion.

What authors influence your writing dreams, goals and aspirations?

I can't think of any author who has influenced my aspirations insofar as fiction writing is concerned. That is because I became a novel writer by chance after having enjoyed a highly successful career as a demographer, one for which I am trained. All I receive from fiction writing is, as far as I am concerned, pure gravy.

What books would you recommend on writing?

John Gardner, The Art Of Fiction

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 wouldn't have written a romance as my first book. I write mainstream fiction, and some of my books have won awards, but they are always judged as romances, because reviewers associate me with romance. And when they complain about something, it's usually what distinguished mainstream women's fiction from a romance.

What advice would you give an aspiring author?

Don't be disappointed by rejections. When you get one, clean up the manuscript and send it to the next editor on your list. The appraisal of fiction is, in some important aspects, highly subjective.

Where can readers learn more about you and your books?

Probably that I have great respect for the English language, don't feel comfortable using blue language and love nature and people, not to mention tall, good-looking, educated and successful men.

You can find out more about Gwynne Forster and her books on her website: www.gwynneforster.com

Author Brooklyn Darkchild

AUTHOR BROOKLYN DARKCHILD

Brooklyn Darkchild is a 46 years old mother of nine with a life long passion for writing. A New York transplant born and raised in (you guessed it) the borough of Brooklyn, Ms. Darkchild has called Cincinnati her home for the past ten years. Her debut novel, This Ain't No Hearts and Flowers Love Story won the 2008 Reader Views Book of the Year Award in the Great Lakes/Regional category as well as placing third in the Spiritual/Religion category. Currently a day care teacher, Ms. Darkchild is working on the follow up to her award winning novel in her spare time.

This Ain’t No Hearts and Flowers Love Story

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

My life has always revolved around children. I’m the neighborhood candy lady whom everybody calls "Grandma." I’ll take as many kids as I can cram into my van to church on Sundays. I’m a mother of nine and grandmother of fifteen with another one on the way. I started babysitting when I was ten, went on to become a part time teacher’s aide, a lead teacher, then a day care administrator.

What is your earliest writing memory?

I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t reading and/or writing. I learned to read when I was three and learned to write soon after.

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

There’s a feeling of elation that I cannot describe, it’s just supremely satisfying. There’s also a let down, because that project is over and done with; and the fear that people might not like it.

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

Obie and Princess were characters I’d fooled around with since high school. I wanted to write a love story from the perspective of both the man and the woman and to show how differently two people can view the exact same event. I figured the more opposite the two were the better the drama. Obie was already this hardened street dude so I decided to make Princess this snooty rich girl from Park Ave. I needed a deep bond to hold these two total opposites together, and since Princess was motherless like me, I decided to make Obie motherless too.

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

This Ain’t No Hearts and Flowers Love Story is a raw and gritty tale of the love between two people scarred by the absence of their respective mothers. Obie and Princess love each other dearly but their baggage keeps getting in the way. Besides the motherless issue I tackle racial identity and skin color conflict, drug abuse, prostitution, homosexuality, rape, stalking and mental illness. Those are heavy subjects, and parts of this story are very uncomfortable, but the story is told in a way that’s not only poignant but Laugh Out Loud funny as well. This Ain’t No is part of a trilogy: the second book, We Still Ain’t Got This Right is coming out early in 2009 with the third book out sometime in 2010.

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?

Start with the question: Is it worse to love your mother only to lose her or never to have a mother at all? Streetwise Obie and rich girl Princess never debated this; being equally motherless has bound these two opposites their entire lives. Obie has always been there for Princess, so when she decides at eighteen to become an R&B diva, Obie: who was discovered dancing on a street corner at age eleven, knows just how to make that dream come true. Along the path to stardom these two inevitably fall in love, but light skinned Obie and dark skinned Princess experience not only social class differences but skin color drama galore. Added to the mix are Obie’s flock of groupies and Princess’s stalking ex boyfriend, but when Obie’s fear of abandonment clashes with Princess’s need for emotional attachment the fireworks really begin. Then the question becomes: can a motherless child ever truly open his or her heart enough to love someone else?

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

After I wipe away my tears??? All kidding aside, this is a very strange book: people either are crazy about it or they absolutely hate it, there’s no middle ground; although I thank God for Jesus that the vast majority are crazy about it. Because the premise and the format are so different I realize I can’t please everybody. I try hard to be open minded and weigh each criticism on its own merits but I have to admit it hurts. It’s like someone called my kid ugly, even though I know she’s no stunning super model. It keeps me humble though. God knows my ego needs to be checked every once in a while.

What authors influence your writing dreams, goals and aspirations?

I’ve never patterned myself after anyone else, I just wanna be Darkchild. I’d love to be in the game until I’m old and decrepit, but if I only write one or two books that are impactful, that’s enough for me.

What books would you recommend on writing?

This Ain’t No Hearts and Flowers Love Story broke the mold on a lot of things the books say you shouldn’t do so I may not be the best person to ask that question, but it’s different for a reason. I will say that anyone who even thinks they want to be a writer should sign up for a writing fundamentals class and a creative writing class. At the least. You have to know what the rules are before you decide to break them.

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

At the very beginning I jumped at the first "agent" that accepted me and ended up stuck in a contract with someone who charged a fee for everything except blowing her nose. That wasted six months of not only my life but my book’s life as well. If I had to do it all over again I’d do way more research before signing with anyone.

What advice would you give an aspiring author?

Beware of leeches and do your homework. There are people out there who don’t give a kitty about your project, they’re only interested in taking your money. That includes the wealth of vanity presses that exist. And don’t let anyone steal your dream. A good friend of mine had the same experience with a less than reputable agent and she gave up on the idea of having her book published. She posted the whole book online instead.

Where can readers learn more about you and your books?

Readers can find out more about me and read chapter excerpts on my website:

www.brooklyndarkchild.com Or my MySpace: www.myspace.com/bklyndarkchild

Thank you, Brooklyn Darkchild, for taking the time to share with the Wednesdays & Fridays blog family. We wish you continued success in your future endeavors.

Author Terra Little

Terra Little

Terra Little is the author of Running from Mercy (JAN 2008: Q-Boro Books) & Where There's Smoke (Coming JAN 2009: Urban Books). You can find her online at http://www.terralittle.com/ and write to her at writeterralittle@yahoo.com. She also writes under the pseudonym, T. Kaye Browne.

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

I've worked as a probation/parole officer for the past seven years and my one and only child will be 17 in a couple of months. I'll be experiencing "empty nest syndrome" and I won't even be 40 yet! How cool is that? In the not too distant future I'd like to learn to ride a motorcycle and do some traveling.

What is your earliest writing memory?

Putting together a "fashion magazine" using looseleaf notebook paper, staples, crayons and colored pencils; sitting there after I'd stapled the pages together, wondering what in the world I was going to write articles about, being less than 10 years old and all.

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

Sadness and anxiety. Sadness, because by the time I'm done, I've developed a relationship with the characters and I'm sad to see them go. I miss them for a while afterward. Anxiety, because, what if I just think I'm done, but it sucks? What if I'm the only one who thinks it's good?

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

My upcoming release, "Where There's Smoke", was conceptualized after I came in contact with a client who was struggling with crack cocaine addiction. She came to me after a stint in inpatient treatment, so she had gained weight and was healthy looking, and, looking at her, I was curious as to how she had come to be addicted to crack. Here was this attractive, well-spoken sista, who was far from your everyday idea of a "crackhead", and I asked her what her deal was. As I talked with her, the idea of Anne, one of the main characters in "Where There's Smoke", was coming to life in my head. That client inspired me. I empathized with her and I wanted to do something positive for women who struggle with drug addiction and prevail, as sort of a tribute to that client and women like her everywhere. I was visualizing Anne and thinking, "Who are you and where are we about to go with this?"

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

"Where There's Smoke" will be released in January 2009 by Urban Books.

Imagine the inevitable conflict when a two-decades sober drug addict and her former drug dealer, who's been out of the game and in classrooms teaching math, of all things, for almost as long, meet again. Especially when there's a 16 year old son that one of them had no idea existed in the picture. Their son is out of control and Anne is at her wit's end, so she tracks down his father, hoping he can help get the boy back on track. Will she live to regret her decision?

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?

Women's lib, bay-bee. LOL. Women don't get a fair shake where drug addiction is concerned. Everybody remembers how Pooky used to smoke crack and how he used to do those things he did for crack. But when he gets clean and jumps up into the pulpit to testify, suddenly everybody has amnesia. On the other hand, Peaches can't live her drug addiction and those things she did for drugs down. Peaches can be clean for twenty years and folks will still be whispering about when she was "out there." This book celebrates women and the awesome spirit that lives within us all. As wives, girlfriends, mothers and sisters, when we give of ourselves, we truly give of ourselves. This book features a sista who will go to the mat for her own life, her son's life and her self-respect. You gotta love it. Who doesn't have an addict of some sort in their family?

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?

On a basic level, consider the source. In general, I'm going to be considerably more disappointed by a mediocre review from, say, Toni Morrison, than, say, Bey-Bey from the hood. However, both of these reviewers have equally important voices. If I'm going for street-lit flavor and Bey-Bey is a voracious street-lit reader, and she says it stinks, then I need to take a look at that. If I'm trying to dabble in some serious literary fiction and Toni Morrison suggests that I not quit my day job, then I also need to take a look at that. Overall, though, we like what we like and what one dislikes another may love. It's all relative. Content? Mechanics? Style? What is the review saying? That's what I try to focus on. Maybe I can learn something for the next go-round.

What authors influence your writing dreams, goals and aspirations?

Jodi Picoult; Toni Morrison; Alice Walker; James Baldwin; Barbara Delinsky; love me some LaVyrle Spencer and Nora Roberts's older stuff; Sidney Sheldon... (not exhaustive and in no particular order)

What books would you recommend on writing?

I've never read any books on writing or taken any courses, so, unfortunately, I can't recommend any.

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

Everything. Nothing. I don't know. I could've been wasting time on this or that, or I could've simply been getting my feet wet. Who knows? It's definitely been a learning experience and I think I'm better for it. Maybe, not spent as much money as I spent self-publishing? But where would I have cut corners? (shrug)

What advice would you give an aspiring author?

Mama, Grandma Bea, Cousin Mookie and them aren't necessarily the best manuscript critics. Get objective, knowledgeable feedback from somebody who doesn't do your hair every other Friday, and listen to it.

Where can readers learn more about you and your books?

My website (http://www.terralittle.com) and my blog (http://www.terralittle.blogspot.com).

Author Shirley Hailstock

Shirley Hailstock

Shirley Hailstock, best-selling, award-winning novelist, holds a Bachelors degree in Chemistry from Howard University in Washington, D.C. and an MBA in Chemical Marketing from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, NJ. Shirley's initial wish was to join the space program. She has been on the literary scene since 1994 when she published her debut novel, Whispers of Love.

She has been a member of Romance Writers of America (RWA) since 1988. She writes contemporary and historical romance and mainstream women's fiction.

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

I work full time for a pharmaceutical company. In the past, I’ve worked in a bridal shop (which I tried to buy), waited tables, worked as a temp in a bank un-stuffing envelopes. I’ve taught accounting at Rutgers University and creative writing at a local community college. I love tennis. It’s my sport of choice. Before fabric got as expensive as buying clothes ready-made, I used to make all my clothes. At the last Romantic Times Convention I attended, I won the competition for the best costume, a silver brocade Elizabethan gown with a velvet cover and train. When I was little I was the only kid whose paper dolls had real clothes. I love to travel, have been to a lot of European countries and traveled extensively in the United States.

What is your earliest writing memory?

The earliest thing I remember writing were letters to my father. He moved from Washington, DC to Buffalo, NY looking for better work. We stayed behind because of school and to be sure the trip would prove fruitful. He was gone for six months (a lifetime to a eight year old). He’d come back on the weekends, but during the week I’d write him letters telling him all the things that were going on in my universe.

The first thing I wrote that wasn’t a letter or school assignment was an article that was printed in the newspaper on separating boys and girls in different classrooms in high school. Of course, I was against the separation. Prior to that made up stories in my head, but never wrote them down.

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

An extreme sense of relief, followed by a wave of tiredness you can’t imagine. Usually it’s the early hours of the morning when I finally finish the last page. I just want to sleep after that – for about a year. I know that’s not possible, but I feel like I could at the time. Then I want to read some other authors books.

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

My next release is called LAST NIGHT’S KISS and it’s the final book in a family series I created. The family is the Clayton and there are five books in the series. The idea evolved from the other four books. Rosa, the heroine, is the youngest of six siblings who were adopted by the same parents. They are a close knit family who stay together through family meetings, even when they are long distances apart. Rosa is a supermodel who needs a rest from her extreme schedule. She takes the summer off and goes to visit a friend and former model in Waymon Valley, Montana. There she meets a television reporter who’s turned his back on his career.

I wanted to return to the fictional city of Waymon Valley. I used it in my only historical novel, CLARA’S PROMISE, and I fell in love with the town, and it’s people. I always wanted to go back there and write a story about one (or more) of the characters that I introduced in the historical. Why the hero was not introduced in the 1899 story, he’s a descendant of the main characters of CLARA’S PROMISE. Once I started thinking about the family tree, Rosa’s story unfolded in my head and then I had to tell it.

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

My work in progress is a mainstream romance which has no title at the moment. It’s about a twenty-eight year old woman who decides to marry. And since it’s just as easy to fall in love with a rich man as a poor one, she decides to go where rich men are – Martha’s Vineyard. There is a summer long music festival going on and a contingent of Howard University alumni on the Vineyard. However, remember what happens to the best laid plans....

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?

Reporter Adam Osborne has seen many a pretty face, but even one as beautiful as Rosa Clayton’s isn’t about to turn his head. He’s interviewed some of the world’s best looking women and he could class them all in one neat little box – shallow. Rosa Clayton has no time for men. She’s a road warrior, always away, never having time to make lasting friendships and steering clear of relationships that could end in heartbreak. And Adam Osborne may as well have heartbreak tattooed on his forehead.

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 read it and go write. There is nothing I can do. This is one person’s opinion and as much as we’d like for everyone on the planet to love our books, there are always people who will not like them. I’m past the point of allowing a bad review to destroy my writing schedule. It does help when I find a good one to counter balance that mediocre one, however.

What authors influence your writing dreams, goals and aspirations?

There are so many. Virtually every book I read influences my writing. Great writing influences me more. I love Eboni Snoe, L.A. Banks, Donna Hill, Anne Stuart, Dean Koontz, LaVryrle Spencer and of course – Nora Roberts.

What books would you recommend on writing?

Story by Robert McKee and The Hero’s Journey by Christopher Volger

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 is so little in the publishing industry that an author has control over, that it’s difficult to say what you really could change. I suppose I would have tried to be more prolific. I would have written more books or at least more proposals. I found it was advantageous to have books waiting in the wings. When editors needed something, it was good to know you could produce it because you already had a foundation written.

What advice would you give an aspiring author?

Read, Read, Read. Read everything. Read books you love and find out what the author did that made you love it. Read books you hate and find out why you don’t like it, then make sure you don’t do the same thing in your books.

Where can readers learn more about you and your books?

My web page - http://www.geocities.com/shailstock. If they would like to join my mailing list, they can send a message to my e-mail address - shirley.hailstock@comcast.net

Author Michelle Larks

Author Michelle Larks

Michelle Larks resides in Chicago with her husband. Before joining the Urban Christian Books family, Mrs. Larks previously released four novels under different publishing houses: A Myriad of Emotions (2003 Ebony Energy), Crisis Mode (2004 Author House, re-released 2005 F&M Enterprises), Mirrored Image (2006 Ocean Mist Press), Who's Your Daddy (2006 Book Surge). The last two books were published through Urban Christian; Keeping Misery Company (2007) and The Legacies (2008).

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

I am an older sistah, I have two adult daughters, and am employed as a Systems Programmer. I also love watching NBA and NFL games, listening to music, and most of all READING!!!!

What is your earliest writing memory?

My earliest writing memory was of folding sheets of notebook paper in half and creating a book called Return to Oz. I loved the movie The Wizard of Oz when I was a child.

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

I feel a sense of sadness in a way when I finish a manuscript, because I've lived and breathed those characters for so many months. When I am in the process of writing a manuscript and I think a portion I wrote was good, I'll get goose bumps.

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

The ideas for my characters just popped into my head. I knew I wanted to write a story along the lines that I did and target a younger audience.

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

My latest book is titled The Legacies. It's the story of a minister's son and a drug distributo’sr daughter who fall in love during their college years. And how God made a way for two young people from such very diverse backgrounds to overcome their obstacles and forge a lasting relationship.

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?

The Legacies has all the elements of an engrossing story. It combines Christian ideals and preaches the importance of celibacy to young people. And most of all it shows us how we are all God's children regardless of our circumstances in life and how he sends Angels during our walk in life to guide our paths.

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 to heart what the review has said and try to improve upon any imperfections in my next book.

What authors influence your writing dreams, goals and aspirations?

I came from a generation where there wasn't many Afrian American writers. I remember the first African American books I read were by James Baldwin, Donald Goines, and Iceberg Slim and boy did they hook me. I have read a variety of genres by many authors and what inspires me is simply a good story that pulls me in.

What books would you recommend on writing?

The book that Stephen King wrote, On Writing, has some very good writing tidbits.

What advice would you give an aspiring author?

Hold fast to your dreams, you never knew where they might lead you. Talk to published authors and draw on their experiences and advice. You don't have to reinvent the wheel.

Where can readers learn more about you and your books?

Reads can learn about me and my books at www.MichelleLarks.com and www.myspace.com/michellelarks.

Author Angelia Vernon Menchan

Author Angelia Vernon Menchan

Born and raised in Ocala, Florida, currently residing in Jacksonville, Florida, Angelia Vernon Menchan is a wife, mother, mentor and former Job Corps Counselor. Mrs. Menchan is the author of several books; Black's Trilogy (Black's Obsession, Cinnamon's Universe, and Brown's Possession...A Family's Progression), and her first coming-of-age novel Is No Not Clear Enough For You. She is a reviewer for APOOO BookClub and reviews for the Amazon Vine Program at amazon.com.

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

I am a wife of thirty years, mother to two sons, Maurice 28 and Malik, almost twenty three. I am gainfully employed as a Administrative Budget Officer and love mentoring more than anything outside of loving my family. I am currently, mentoring a twenty-one year old, getting her life back on track and most importantly I Love God!

What is your earliest writing memory?

My cousins taught me to write at age four, read as well, I can remember copying down words for my Godfather who could not read or write...My first published work was as a high school senior, I was asked to participate in a debutante function and had to write a paper entitled, Overcoming Adversity to Achieve Success.

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

An amazing sense of peace, now that I have gotten the people out of my head and on the page...laughing

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

Schae in Schae's Story: A Woman's Transformation was an intriguing character in the first book of my trilogy, Black's Obsession. Hers was a story dying to be told, the beautiful woman who spent her whole life, seemingly, getting by on her looks and sexuality. However, once she ages and chooses a more spiritual path the world gets to see that she is a smart, funny, loving woman with a great deal to offer.

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

The aforementioned is my upcoming release for December and I am about two thirds done with Mrs. Black? Mrs. Black is the conclusion to my trilogy and very loving love triangle for Black's Obsession, Cinnamon's Universe and Brown's Possession, A Family's Progression, my seventh book since January 2006!

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 Does a woman do when she has spent her life being perceived as the ultimate Golddigger, a beautiful woman who has it all strictly based on her feminine wiles? Well, if she is Schae Marie Jackson, she turns her life around on a dime, shows them all what's up. Allowing them to see that beneath the weave, makeup and curves is a smart, savvy, and more importantly Spiritual sister who can handle her business...all on her own, through God's grace!

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?

My first book was rated a 3 by a respected review club, I took what they said to heart and tightened up my game. They reviewed me fairly and constructively and did not make it nasty or personal and to date I consider it one of the best reviews I have ever gotten, though it was the lowest.

What authors influence your writing dreams, goals and aspirations?

I have many favorite authors, Colin Channer, Pearl Cleage, Dianne Mckinney Whetstone, James Baldwin and so many others, what they have in common is they don't necessarily write to a demographic, they simply write well and tell their stories, allowing readers to take from it what they will. I am that same way, if you love what I do super, if not, feel free to choose someone's work that suits you better. My philosophy is there is an abundance for all of us. I will not stand in your way, please don't get in mine.

What books would you recommend on writing?

Stephen King has a wonderful book entitled, On Writing as does Walter Mosely, entitled, This Year You Write Your Novel, there are many books and magazines on the market for writers. The Writers Market is a wonderful tool.

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

Not a thing, I am one of those people who would give nothing for my journey. God has completely blessed me and he leads me to do things the way I have done them. By publishing my own work I have been able to reach people my community in ways I may never have gotten and opportunity to do.

What advice would you give an aspiring author?

To understand that writing is more than writing. There are many components that go into getting a book out there. Most importantly writing, in my humble opinion should be a driving passion and a writer must be willing to take GOOD criticism and learn from it. The flip side is that negative criticism is a part of it and one must have a very tough hide in order to put their work out for the masses.

Where can readers learn more about you and your books?

www.angeliavmenchan.com

www.mammproductions.com

amazon.com

bn.com

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