Interview With Author Sean Gardner, December 2009 Featured Author

Joins us as we chat with Sean Gardener author of Excess Baggage and one of Sexy Ebony Book Club's December featured authors. Please feel free to comment on the interview. And don't forget to visit the Sexy Ebony BBW African American Book Club website for a chance to win a copy of Excess Baggage. contest ends January 4th http://www.sexyebonybbwaabookclub.com/

1. Tell us about yourself? I’m pretty much the brotha’ next door. The one your mom wanted you to hang out with. As you can imagine, that hasn’t always served me well.

2. How long have you been writing? My moms kicked off my interest in the written word. I first started thinking about the possibility of being a writer in middle school, but put the idea on the back burner. As the grandson of a sharecropper, a man in my family was taught that he only had time for something that would provide for his family.

3. What drove you to pick up that pen for the first time? Writing was an escape for me. It allowed me to rise above the difficult circumstances of my life. I started writing the current novel, Excess Baggage, as an outlet during a turbulent relationship.

4. In your bio you say you are a free-lance writer? Why did you start your writing career as a free lance writer? What type of work do you usually do as a free lance writer? For most of my corporate life, I did field sales (pharmaceutical, wound care, implants, etc.). “Freelance” was the best way to describe my leap of faith because, especially at that point, no one was going to pay me for writing. Just like with other occupations, lack of experience sometimes prevents others from having a vision about your skill.

5. What made you decide to self-publish your first full length novel? I really liked the idea of having control over my content, especially my cover. It has received a lot of buzz because of its uniqueness. When I discussed the concept with a few publishing “authorities” prior to production, they suggested that I might not be able to go with this cover.

6. Tell us about your novel Excess Baggage? Why should readers go out and purchase your book? An attorney falls in love with a witness during a high profile trial in which the opposing side has vowed to win at all costs, including murder, in one story. In the other, an advertising director falls in love with a record exec only to have their relationship interrupted by the appearance of a mysterious and dangerous person from their past. The stories are linked by the guys, who are long-term friends and share a common childhood tragedy. The ladies also have more in common than they would like to share. Before the tale ends, the quartet must re-examine their priorities in order to save their love & their lives. The story is “edutainment” because the reader will be educated and entertained the same time. It is a tale that will touch your heart, make laugh and cause you to shed a tear or two.

7. Is there another novel in the works? Do we have a release date yet? Yes, Hi Speed Connection will be out in April 2010.

8. What are you reading now? Quiet Strength by Tony Dungy. I’m big fan of the coach.

9. Who are your favorite authors? James Baldwin, Bebe Campbell Moore, Diane Whetstone, Sandra Kitt, Jill Nelson, Nathan McCall. Lol. There’s actually too many to list.

10. Tell us about the online and offline personal appearances you have planned over the next couple of months. Where can readers connect with you up close and personal? The best way to keep up with the latest is to check out my calendar on my website, http://www.excessbaggagethenovel.com. During the upcoming holidays, though, I’m going to utilize the time to re-connect with family and to finish my next novel, Hi Speed Connection.

11. How can readers get in contact with you? Do you have a website? Yes, they can reach me http://www.excessbaggagethenovel.com.

12. What is the one thing you would like all of your readers to know about you? The reason that I offer the “no questions asked” money-back satisfaction guarantee is because I want readers to be confident that if they invest their time & money with me, they will get a great story and have a good time.

Interview with Author, Poet, & Entrepreneur Sonja Wilson aka Lady Illusions, December 2009 Featured Author

Join us as we chat with Sonja Wilson aka Lady Illusions one of our December Featured authors. And don't forget to visit the Sexy Ebony BBW AA Book Club website for a chance to win the Lady Illusions Prize Packets. Contest ends January 4, 2010.

1) Tell us about yourself? I’m a mother, an Author, a Poet and Entrepreneur. I set my goals high so achieving them is worth the hard work and effort.

2) How long have you been writing? I have been writing for most of my life but as an Author almost 5 years. What drove you to pick up that pen for the first time? It was the best way to describe what I was feeling at the time. It was a lot easier to write than to talk about it.

3) What genre(s) do you typically write in? I would have to say Erotic Poetry

4) This month we will be giving away a copy of your book Euphoric Elevations. Tell us a little about the book. Euphoric will definitely get your attention with my signature style of poetry. It’s a sultry look into the erogenous zones, that daring unclaimed flutter in one’s mind just before the climax is set to begin. Why should readers go out and buy your book? It’s something women and men can relate to be it poetry lovers, spoken word artist, or grown individuals with creative minds.

5) Please give us a list of your other titles and where they can be purchased. Erotic Illusions and Soulful Secrets, Xtacee Factor (Being Re-released Soon) all books are available at Amazon.com.

6) What will we see book wise from Lady Illusions in 2010? A lot I’m working on three different projects all of them are new approaches for me so I’m excited. The first is coming in the spring of 2010, the second in the summer of 2010, and lastly the third in the fall of 2010.

7) Tell us a little about your company SolFul ILLusions. SoFul ILLusions is a small business that caters to the romance in everyone we bring to life the fantasies of our mature yet sexy clientele. What do you sell? Gift Baskets, Blankets, T-shirts, Mugs, Key chains, and my Books. Why did you decide to start your own business? It was a dream that needed to be fulfilled I know what I like and what was missing from my perspective.

8) What are you reading now? The 8th Habit by Stephen Covey, Can You Stand to Be Blessed by TD Jakes and The Courage to be Rich Suze Orman.

9) What types of books (genres) do you read in general? I don’t have a specific genre. Who are your favorite authors? Dr. Maya Angelou, TD Jakes, Stephen Covey. Steve Harvey.

10) How can readers get in contact with you? Do you have a website?
Website: http://www.sofulillusions.net/,

Email: ladyillusions09@aol.com

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/lady.illusions

11) What is the one thing you would like all of your readers to know about you? I wasn’t afraid to ask an important question so I emailed it in and got help from Michael Baisden he did two series entitled Self Published Authors & Living Your Dream. I made sure to listen incorporate it into my life and I’m still grateful he to the time to help me and others like me.

Interview with Nicole S Rouse, November 2009 Featured Author

Join us as we chat with award winning Christian Fiction author, Nicole S Rouse. And don't forget to visit the Sexy Ebony BBW AA Book Club website for a chance to win one of the Nicole S Rouse prize packets. Contest ends December 5, 2009

1) Tell us about yourself? My name is Nicole Rouse and I am the author of two novels, Happily Ever Now and Someone to Love Me. Born and raised in West Philadelphia, I currently reside in Chicago where I am an editor at one of the largest education publishing companies.

2) How long have you been writing? I have been writing stories since elementary school, but more seriously during my junior years in college.

3) What drove you to pick up that pen for the first time? Growing up, I lived with a very loving, protective, and strict grandmother. As a child, I couldn’t stay outside as long as the other children, I couldn’t talk on the phone past a certain hour, and I wasn’t allowed to have a boyfriend until I graduated from high school. Although I understand my grandmother’s rules now, it bothered me at a young age. So instead of rebelling, I picked up a pencil and wrote stories about all the places I wished I could be, and about all the fun I believed the other children were having without me. So, I guess in many ways, my grandmother gave me motivation and a reason to write.

4) How did you get your first publishing deal? When I made the decision to follow my dream, I had no clue about where to begin or how to start. I had written a love story, but wasn’t sure where to go from there. I did some research in the library and discovered how to send query letters. After a few rejections, I felt God pushing me to do something different. I took several writing classes, became a part of a small writer’s group, became an intern for a local newspaper, and taught teachers how to incorporate writing into all subject areas.

While I was busy with all these activities, a co-worker stopped me one day and told me, “It’s never too late to follow your dream.” She had no idea what my dream was, or that I was becoming discouraged and frustrated in my pursuit of becoming published. Once again I felt God’s presence, and after praying for direction, I was led to Chicago.I didn’t know what was ahead, but I moved to Chicago and several doors opened. Again, I took classes, organized and taught workshop for parents, and worked for a small magazine. I also met someone who had self-published her first novel. We became very good friends and eventually I became, in a sense, her assistant. Eventually, we started doing workshops together. And, it was at a book fair with my friend, that I met the executive editor at Urban Christian. As I listened to her talk about shifting from mainstream writing into Christian fiction, my spirit jumped. I was struggling with the same thing at the time. When she was finished speaking, something inside me said, “Go talk to her.”

I didn’t know what I was going to say, but I rambled on about my novel while she patiently listened. When I was done, she said, “Send me your first three chapters.” I cannot tell you how excited I was when I left that building. Less than two months later, I was offered a book deal.

5) Tell us a little about your most recent release Someone To Love Me? What is it about? Why should readers go out and buy this book? Someone to Love Me tells a story about a two people trying to move on with their lives after an affair. Although years have past and they both have moved on with their lives, a secret is exposed that challenges their current marriages and relationship with God. For Jerome Thomas, he must deal not only with the lies he told his wife, but also with the teenage daughter he abandoned. Left to raise her firstborn without Jerome, Taylor Belle struggles through a strained relationship with her daughter. She must also deal with her in-laws, who hold her responsible for the affair.

Someone to Love Me is a realistic story that will take readers on an emotional journey as they follow each character. Filled with intrigue, readers will discover if Jerome and Taylor allow God to mend old wounds and restore the love in their lives, or if they are destined to suffer the consequences of their past sins for years to come. This story will help readers understand that there are consequences for every action. Although Jerome and Taylor’s affair ended years ago, the repercussions of their actions eventually came to light.

6) When will your next book be released? Tell us a little about your next book? Be Careful What You Pray For is tentatively scheduled to release in November 2010.

7) What are you reading now? Til Debt DO Us Part by Michelle Larks

8) Who are your favorite authors? Kimberla Lawson Roby, Pearl Cleage, Terri McMillan

9) You are a very busy woman. Between book signings, interviews, workshops you have a lot going on? What is a typical day like for you? How do you keep it all together? I love my Blackberry! I use it to schedule and remind me of all events, personal and professional. I still work as a full-time editor, so Monday through Friday, I begin my day in the office, managing and editing numerous book-related projects. After work, I begin my “other job.” :) Typically, I split the evening between writing and preparing for workshops and interviews. I work until my eyes grow weary. This year, I had to seek additional help from a virtual assistant. Thanks to Pamela King, I am able to schedule and keep track of possible and upcoming events. She has also helped to draft letters, create a press kit, and send out email blasts to readers. Most of my weekends are filled with book signings and/or workshops. I am able to write during the weekend as well. So that I am not completely disconnected from family and friends, I schedule a few days each month just for fun. :)

10) Tell us about the online and offline personal appearances you have planned over the next couple of months. Where can readers connect with you up close and personal?
November 7, 2009: Book signing & Authors Workshop sponsored by CMB Virtual Assistants (Smitty's Place)
November 22, 2009: featured on AAMBC radio
November 29, 2009: Book signing @ Walden books (Aurora, IL)
December 5, 2009: Book signing @ Walden books (Aurora, IL)
December 13, 2009: book signing @ Walden books (Aurora, IL)

11) How can readers get in contact with you? Do you have a website? I can be reached through my assistant Pamela Swearengen-King: phone: 206-376.0735, email: pamela@cmbvirtualassistants.com. I can also be reached by email: nsrouse@yahoo.com, or through my website: http://www.nicolerouse.com/.

12) What is the one thing you would like all of your readers to know about you? On this journey, I have met a number of people who have invested their time and talents into my dream. As such, I enjoy helping others develop their literary talents and set goals to reach their dream.

***Don't forget to visit the Sexy Ebony BBW AA Book Club website for a chance to win one of the Nicole S Rouse prize packet.***

Interview with Elissa Gabrielle, November 2009 Featured Author

Join us as we chat with Elissa Gabrielle, author, publisher, literary entrepreneur, and November 2009 Featured Author. And after you have read the interview don't forget to visit the Sexy Ebony BBW African American Book Club website for a chance to win the Elissa Gabrielle Prize Packet. Contest ends December 5, 2009.

1) Tell us about yourself? Elissa Gabrielle: I am Elissa Gabrielle, Author and Publisher. Author of two books of poetry and three novels and contributor to several anthologies. I am the Publisher of Peace In The Storm Publishing, at http://www.peaceinthestormpublishing.com/

2) How long have you been writing? I have been writing since the age of 10.

3) What drove you to pick up that pen for the first time? I was inspired to write, by my Dad, Jazz-musician, Joe Thomas. He is an awesome writer, and his words compelled me.

4) Tell us about your literary journey from author to publisher? When I started the Triumph series. http://www.thetriumphofmysoul.com/. I enjoyed working with the contributors. A few of the contributors approached me about publishing their work. I always wanted to be a publisher, so it all fell into place from there.
What has the journey been like for you? The journey has been awesome, because I am a humble giver, I really enjoy helping others, so this journey has been personally fulfilling because I get to help make authors dreams come true.
What drove you to the self publishing for the first time? I wanted to challenge myself to see if I could do it. I didn't like the feeling of being rejected, so when those doors shut in my face, I didn't stand there and knock on them, I moved to another goal and that was to do it myself.
What literary awards have you received? Peace In The Storm just received 5 awards on September 24, 2009 from the African American Literary Award Show. We won for Independent Publisher of the Year, Breakout Author of the Year, Romance Book of the Year, Non-Fiction Book of the Year, and Best Anthology of the Year. I've also won Publisher of the Year from AAMBC Book Club and Disilgold Soul Magazine.
What made you decide to go a step further and establish your own publishing company not only publishing your own work but the works of other talented authors? It's always been a dream of mine to be a publisher. I love the process of taking an idea and making it into something so much more. For me, publishing is my way of reaching out and helping others. I'm very good at what I do, so to share my wisdom with others is a true blessing.

5) Tell us about Peace In The Storm Publishing.
What your main goal as an independent publisher. The goal of Peace In The Storm Publishing is to produce quality books to reach a reader's soul.
How many books have you published so far? We have over ten titles in publication right now.
What types of books do you publish? Peace In The Storm Publishing publishes books in diverse genres, including contemporary fiction, romance, inspirational and non-fiction.
Are you open for submissions? Due to the overwhelming submissions we're currently considering, we are closed for submissions at the present time.
How can writers contact Peace In The Storm Publishing? http://www.peaceinthestormpublishing.com/ and click on the contact page.

6) Tell us about your most recent novel? What is the book about? Where can interested readers get a copy? A Whisper to a Scream is the story of Queen Thomas, is a successful defense attorney who is very passionate about defending the African American male. She has seen that the justice system has not been so fair and kind to them, so it is her mission to save as many of these men as she possibly can. A speed bump comes along in the form of Dr. Quincy Hughes which makes her question everything she’s believed in and has fought for, for so long. The interracial element of the book was the most difficult part to write effectively. I had to do a lot of research, because I had no direct knowledge or experience with interracial relationships, so in order to make it authentic, I had to really work hard. The book can be purchased at Borders, online at http://www.amazon.com/ and at http://www.peaceinthestormpublishing.com/.

7) What are you reading now? Who are your favorite authors? Right now, I'm reading DO YOU by Russell Simmons, and submissions to Peace In The Storm Publishing. I love so many authors, I can't say that I have a favorite.

8) You are a busy woman in the literary community. You juggle a number of literary hats and still have to live your own day to day life. What is a typical day for you like for Elissa Gabrielle? How to you keep it all together? My day starts around 4am. I write from about 4am to 6am and then I'm getting my children ready for school. I also pray every morning which lasts about 30 minutes. From about 9am to 5pm I'm working, then its off to be Mother and Wife.

9) Tell us about the online and offline personal appearances you have planned over the next couple of months. Where can readers connect with you up close and personal. I'll be making appearance throughout the tri-state area in November and December, in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

10) How can readers get in contact with you? Do you have a website? Sure, http://www.elissagabrielle.com/ and http://www.peaceinthestormpublishing.com/

11) What is the one thing you would like all of your readers to know about you? I am a walking testimony of God's goodness and grace.

12) If you could tell one thing to every aspiring writer what would it be? Never give up.



***Don't forget to visit the Sexy Ebony BBW AA Book Club website for a chance to win the Elissa Gabrielle prize packet.***

Interview With Tina Brooks McKinney, October 2009 Featured Author

Join us as we chat with Tina Brooks McKinney, The Reigning Queen of Drama and Sexy Ebony BBW African American Book Club's October Featured Author. Sit back as Tina talks about her literary journey and her new book Deep Deception. And don't forget to visit the Sexy Ebony BBW African American Book Club website for a chance to win a copy of Deep Deception.


SE Book Club: Tell us about yourself?

Tina Brooks McKinney: Well, I’m a mother of two wonderful children, a wife to a fantastic husband, and child of Ivor and Luetta Brooks who have been married for over fifty years. I try to juggle working a full time job, this family thang and this thing I do on the side, writing. I am also a host to a radio show where I interview other authors both new and old. I absolutely love books and I love to talk about them.


SE Book Club: How long have you been writing? What drove you to pick up that pen for the first time?

Tina Brooks McKinney: I've written since as far back as I can remember. My first piece was a poem about my dad LOL, my mother still has it for black mail. I called him a big black grizzly bear! (He had just whipped my behind.)

I started my first book back in the late nineties while I was going through a messy divorce. My ex stole those tablets that I had written thinking he could use them against me in our divorce. He assumed what I wrote was the truth, silly him. That was the original version of All That Drama, I had to start all over back in 2002.

I used to come to work and read to my co-worker or tell her stories of what my ex did. She said I should write a book and that planted the seed.


SE Book Club: Tell us a little about your literary journey from All That Drama to Deep Deception. You have come so far. How does it feel to be a well known best selling author with 5 books under your belt?

Tina Brooks McKinney: Nothing I ever dreamed of could have prepared me for this roller coaster ride. Most days, I can’t believe I wrote one book let alone five. It doesn't hit me until I see someone reading my book on the train or at the library and I swell with pride. I am so humbled by the love and support that I get from my fans and the emails keep me going. I can’t tell you how many times I've said I was going to quit. Then I get an email that brings me to tears thanking me for telling their story or making them laugh.

Currently I am working on my next novel called Snapped. I’m at the half way point and I've got to get more focused and finish it before my tour begins.


SE Book Club: How did you get your first publishing deal?

Tina Brooks McKinney: I lucked up, there is no other way to explain it. Before I’d even finished All That Drama, I sent an email to Zane (who I’d known from over the Internet in one of the Internet groups) and asked her if she read submissions from Joe Blow Public. At the time I didn't know she was a publisher, I just wanted her opinion. She answered and said when the book was finished send her the synopsis (I had no clue what that was) and the first three chapters. I did it and the rest is history.


SE Book Club: Tell us the story behind Dubious. Why did you decided to self-publish Dubious via Taboo Publishing? How was your experience holding the dual role of writer and publisher. Do you plan on releasing more books under Taboo Publishing?

Tina Brooks McKinney: Dubious started in my mind while at the African braiding salon. Three chicks were working me over, they had a sista’s weave so tight I could not close my eyes. A man came in and stood behind me, he was the only person in the shop that spoke a semblance of English so I listened to him. He still had a French accent but I could understand him. He spoke about this huge dog he saw that stood as tall as a man. From there the story was born.
When I first pitched the idea to my publisher they said I would make a million so I finished the book. However it does cover a touchy subject that I don’t want to give away and they did not want to publish it even though they said it was my best book. So I was left with scrapping the book or putting it out myself. That’s when I decided to create my own publishing company Taboo Publishing.

Right now I am the only title on Taboo but I do intend to publish other titles. But I don’t want the typical novels. I want Taboo to be a show case for books that push the envelope. Books that talk about things that are happening in the world that no one wants to acknowledge. You know … the white elephant in the room type of thing.

My biggest problem is time. I like putting things together myself but there is so much to learn. I relied on someone else to do my typesetting but I need to know how to do that myself. I’m learning but again that takes time. When I’m confident that I can do that like second nature and not spend weeks working on one project, I’ll open the doors to others.


SE Book Club: Tell us about your most recent release Deep Deception? How is this book different from the novels you have out so far?

Tina Brooks McKinney: Deep Deception is a story of betrayal to the tenth power. When I first submitted it to my editor he couldn't believe I wrote it because it is so different from my other books. It still brings the drama but it’s the mystery more than anything. Deep Deception is my first novel that is completely fabricated. In my other works, I drew on real life experiences and people – in Deep Deception I let my mind run free and I hope you will enjoy the ride especially the jaw dropping ending.


SE Book Club: What are you reading now? Who are your favorite authors?

Tina Brooks McKinney: I’m reading several novels at this present time. I’m reading Sinning in My Bed by Pat G’Orge-Walker (for my radio show), The Eyes of March by Gregory Townes (a manuscript) and How to Adapt Anything Into a Screenplay (my next venture).
My favorite authors, lawd that is a very long list but to name a few, Mary Monroe, Allison Hobbs, Carl Weber, Moses Miller, Gregory Townes, umph you trying to get me into trouble so I’m going to stop LOL.


SE Book Club: Do you have any public appearances in the near future?

Tina Brooks McKinney: I’m at a down point right now because I’m gearing up for the release of Deep Deception scheduled for early November. I am however doing a Screen Writing Event in Atlanta where I will be one of two featured authors. Myself and Lee Hayes. Details will be on my website shortly. I’m also doing an event called Books & Brunch which is also posted on my tour page.


SE Book Club: How can readers get in contact with you? Do you have a website?

Tina Brooks McKinney: I’m so accessible. I can be reached at tybrooks2@yahoo.com (that’s my prime email account that I check every day.) My website is http://www.tinamckinney.com/ and also http://www.taboopublishing.com/. I’m also on Facebook, Myspace and Twitter just do a search for Tina McKinney. Also, make sure you check out my blog talk radio show on Tuesday night to learn about some exciting books. www.blogtalkradio.com/tinamckinney.


SE Book Club: What is the one thing you would like all of your readers to know about you?

Tina Brooks McKinney: I write from my heart about real life situations. People sometimes say that I am blunt and to the point. That’s how my characters talk, saying things that you think in your head but have enough sense to keep in your mouth. I’m beginning to think my characters are sneaking to work with me LOL. I’m going to have to put them in time out before I get in trouble.


SE Book Club: If you could tell one thing to every aspiring writer what would it be?

Tina Brooks McKinney: Be careful of whom you trust. This is a ruthless industry. I’m keeping it real when I say that. There are many of us out here that legitimately want to help you but there are others that just want to use you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and listen to the answers. Don’t just hear what you want to hear, hear what is actually being said.