Author Shonell Bacon

Author Shonell Bacon

Shonell Bacon has a Masters in Fine Art of Creative Writing, Masters of Arts in English, Masters in Mass Communications, and a Bachelors of Arts in Communication Arts. She is located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, where she is an educator. Ms. Bacon is also an editor and an every day woman.

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

There’s a lot to say, but I’ll try to keep it brief, :-)

I make a living through education; I am an English Specialist and mass communication lecturer at the local university here in Louisiana. I teach developmental writing, English composition, writing for radio/TV, intro to mass communication, and media writing.

I still have a foot in the publishing industry through my editing and my interviews. I conduct interviews all over the place, but my two main blogs – ChickLitGurrl: high on LATTES & WRITING (http://chicklitgurrl.blogspot.com) and All the Blog’s a Page (http://alltheblogsapage.blogspot.com) – are where I do most of the interviewing. At CLG, I interview women writers, and at AtBaP, writers discuss various topics and their relation to writing.

And beyond these things, I’m a friend, sister, and mother to many. I spend a great deal of time doling out advice and offering a shoulder or ear.

What is your earliest writing memory?

When I was about ten, my mom and I were at a flea market, and she bought me a green diary – had gilded edges and a lock. Cost a quarter. That day, I began cutting out pictures of my beloved Orioles from the newspaper and writing stories about the players. The diary held the very first scripts I tried to write, too. I would come home from fifth grade, watch my favorite soap “The Guiding Light”, and write my own episodes of the show. Every time I think of it, I get sad that I still don’t have the diary. It really opened me up beyond my existence.

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

I cry for one. I have invested a lot of time and care with the characters, and closing the book on their lives is always a heartbreaking moment for me. And then, after crying, I smile hard, laugh a bit, tell about five people, and then immediately, my brain is going into revision mode, LOL

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

Last month, Lady Leo Publishing released three stories of mine: Connections, Got Til It’s Gone, and Under the Mistletoe. Connections is the latest, and the story is one that many of us can relate to in the 21^st century: internet dating. Most of my stories have a “relationship” at the center of the story; for Connections, the relationship takes place online, and the conflict is whether the main character Christianna is willing to spoil a good online thing by trying to make it real. I’ve met and dated and had relationships with a few guys from the internet, so it wasn’t too hard to conjure up this story idea.

You can purchase all three stories @ LLP: http://www.ladyleopublishing.org.

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

Well, recently, I finished two projects: a Christian novel titled Empty Swings and a screenplay titled The Problem with Being Happy. Empty Swings is about Madison Smith, a woman who lost her family in a drunk-driving accident and must learn how to reclaim her faith and her life. The Problem with Being Happy is about Happiness Day-Bailey, a world-class mother and wife, who finds her “perfect” world dismantled when her husband decides to leave her, and she is forced to stay strong and not kill anyone during the worst day of her life. Both are ready to be pitched, so wish me luck!

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?

Here’s a pitch for one of my latest stories, Got Til It’s Gone: Have you ever felt unappreciated in your relationship? Rochelle feels your pain. In Got Til It’s Gone, Rochelle has great friends, a great family, and a seemingly great man in Will. Well, lately, Will’s been spending most of his time coddling all his female friends, leaving no time for Rochelle and their relationship. Rochelle, having heard one-too-many excuses, goes out with her girls to relax, relate, release, and while out, she hooks up on the dance floor with a man as smooth and fine as her own man. When Will shows up and spots Rochelle in the arms of another man, the pair gets ready for their ultimate showdown with both wanting to come out victor.

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?

First, cry. Have to be truthful. Second, leave the review for at least a day and during that time, I complain to all my friends. Third, I go back and reread review. If there are real, concrete, constructive reasons why the book didn’t receive a higher review, I’ll pay attention and consider it for future works. If the review is simply being rude and ignorant – like when a reviewer once said (keep in mind, the reviewer was anonymous, but I knew who it was), “These authors need to go to school and learn the craft of writing,” I just laugh and keep on keeping on.

What authors influence your writing dreams, goals and aspirations?

Toni Morrison – her lyrical prose, her poetic style has affected me, and on really good days – when I don’t even realize I’m doing it – I can pen a pretty nice line of poetic prose.

Bernice McFadden – Her novel SUGAR did it to me. Ever since I read that book, searched out McFadden and included her and her novel in a research paper I wrote years ago, I have been hooked. I love her for nearly the same reason I love Morrison.

ZZ Packer – I loved her collection, DRINKING COFFEE ELSEWHERE and was stoked when I got the chance to introduce her at a reading. She writes about an eclectic Black experience – something I’ve been doing for years, something I don’t want to veer from. Black isn’t just about the street – it’s multifaceted, and Packer was a young Black woman writer who was lauded for writing in a way that I want to write.

USA Network Shows – Psych, Monk, In Plain Sight, Burn Notice – these are some of my fave shows on TV, and I love the timing, the pacing, the dialogue of the works; I try to incorporate that into my works.

What books would you recommend on writing?

• On Writing by Stephen King

• On Writing Well by William Zinsser

• The Elements of Writing by William Strunk

• Plot & Structure: Techniques and Exercises for Crafting a Plot that Grips Readers from Start to Finish by James Scott Bell

• How to Write a Damn Good Novel: A Step-by-Step No Nonsense Guide to Dramatic Storytelling by James N. Frey

• Write Great Fiction Revision and Self-Editing by James Scott Bell
  
  
  

What advice would you give an aspiring author?

One, write from the place that scares you. It’s not just about what you know but also about what you don’t know, what you fear to know – and looking at it right in the face and writing about it without flinching.

Two, study the craft of writing. So many people think they have a story to tell, but it seems like many aren’t willing to actually study the craft of writing. Buy books on the craft, take a class, seek mentors – do what you can to be well-versed in writing.

Three, network – join groups, blogs, websites, social networking sites. Find writers who write in the style you’re interested in – befriend them. Find agents that push what you write – befriend them – hang out their blogs or MySpace pages – many of them have pages today ….to include publishing houses. Connect with people at your level for encouragement and camaraderie; seek those who are where you’re at for connections. Then you will be able to pull up those behind you and help them on their publishing journey.

Where can readers learn more about you and your books?

The World According to ChickLitGurrl – http://chicklitgurrl.wordpress.com – this is where I report on my writing status and other writerly-related things!

The Original ChickLitGurrl on MySpace – http://www.myspace.com/chicklitgurrl - I just like friends! LOL

Want to be interviewed?

New WeBlog Alert!!

The Wednesdays & Fridays Blog’s main objective is to spotlight YOU

Authors, published and unpublished, who are ready to get their shine on

Who Are You Wednesdays peeks inside the minds of authors who have crossed the publishing threshold, offering information about their books, and give something back to the writing universe by providing valuable insight into this exciting realm.

Ready to Publish Fridays discusses challenging roads traveled and explores unearthed knowledge they’ve digested while trying to navigate the seas of the unpublished writer.

We consider all writing genres, including poetry and graphic novels. Wednesdays & Fridays Blog is home for all writers and one of the few places where writing is writing…period. It is a place where published and unpublished authors converse.

Wednesdays & Fridays Blog wants to interview any author who meets the following criteria:

Must be traditionally or self published
or
Must have a complete, submission-ready manuscript and never been published

All email inquiries will receive a response within three (3) days of request. Our response will include a deadline for interview answers to be received usually not exceeding seven (7) days, including weekends.

If you would like to be featured on the Wednesdays & Fridays Blog, email the correct address below for consideration.

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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 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 Avah LaReaux

Avah LaReaux

Welcome to the creative mind of Avah LaReaux! A writer inspired by the human condition, Avah LaReaux uses the power of the written word to captivate and entertain her readers. She has a talent for penning stories that focus on the lives of everyday people while conveying messages of empowerment, optimism, and inspiration. Avah LaReaux’s work and prose has been featured in various anthologies including In-Between Days and Under A Quick Silver Moon in the United States and overseas in the United Kingdom in the anthology Theatre of the Mind. Her current novel What’s Done in the Dark is the first installation of six in the Lost and Found saga series.

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

I am a wife of 15 years and a mother of three beautiful daughters. I love literary and performing arts and take part in events pertaining to both often. My love of dance has allowed me to become a liturgical dance choreography and performer with Kerar Dance Ministries, which was started by myself and my younger sister one year ago. I am also the executive choreographer of young dance ministries Expressions of Praise.

What is your earliest writing memory?

My earliest writing memory is a Haiku assignment my class had in fourth grade. It was my first introduction to poetry and creative writing. I instantly fell in love.

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

When I complete a manuscript, I feel elated. I get an incredible sense of accomplishment and warmth from seeing something I remember as just a thought now "alive" on paper for the masses. I suppose it's similar to seeing your baby leave the nest and develop a life of her own. Make no mistake, I do get nervous when I think about whether others will accept what I've poured my heart into, but not nervous enough to withhold it for those who will love and appreciate my books.

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

I actually came up with the character for What's Done In the Dark from reading one of my all time favorite books by Hannah Hurnard and from personal experiences that reminded me of Hannah's book. In Hinds Feet In High Places, Hannah Hurnard presented a character she could have named Avah. Not only was this young lady, who is called Much Afraid, aptly named, but I could identify with her so deeply and completely that I instantly became a part of the story. I laughed and I cried with Much Afraid and I laughed and cried with what she made me remember about my own life. When I was done reading, I knew I wanted to do for someone else what Hannah Hurnard had done for me.

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

My current release is about a successful, young man who has decided to change his mind about how he was living his adult life. In the midst of that change, he gets thrown back into his former lifestyle because of choices he made years before. What's Done In the Dark starts a six part series that details the lives of the Clayton family as they rise and fall to their destinies.

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?

Do you like drama? How about a story that explores human fragility, but emphasizes triumph over failure? If you like real life drama, sex, and a story that you can connect to, What's Done In the Dark is the novel 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 receive mediocre ratings at face value. I recognize that not everyone will enjoy my work and I'm good with that. I also understand that any rating or review I receive can be used to help me improve my overall technique. As an artist, I would rather improve in my craft than linger in a false sense of excellence.

What authors influence your writing dreams, goals and aspirations?

My favorite authors are Hannah Hurnard, Deborah Smith, Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, Toni Morrison, and Agatha Christie. My favorite poets are Minnie Bell, Langston Hughes, T.S. Eliot, and Maya Angelou.

What books would you recommend on writing?

I am a member of the Writer's Digest book club and have been for years. Starting off as a poet, I have purchased several books over the years. As I delved into novel writing, I found them to have just as good a selection. Whether it's Roget's thesaurus or James Scott Bell's Write Great Fiction, Writer's Digest has the book for you.

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

If I could change one thing about working toward publication it would be starting sooner. I studied. I researched. I prepared as well as I could before I put my manuscript out and while that worked well for me overall, I should have found the courage to let go sooner.

What advice would you give an aspiring author?

Start. You can't arrive if you don't leave. Start somewhere. Journal, free flow, whatever you prefer, just starts writing. Also, when it's time to let go, let go. Move toward your dream even if you are afraid.

Where can readers learn more about you and your books?

Visit me at www.avahlareaux.com

www.myspace.com/avahlareaux

www.shelfari.com/avahlareaux

I also have a Yahoo! group called AvahLaReauxBooks and a FaceBook page.

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

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

half.com