Interview with Author Deondriea Cantrice, February 2010 Featured Author

Joins us as we chat with Deondriea Cantrice author of Rhythm Can’t Keep Time, Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough and one of Sexy Ebony Book Club's February 2010 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 Deondriea's book. Contest ends March 6, 2010. http://www.sexyebonybbwaabookclub.com/author.htm

1.Tell us about yourself? Deondriea Cantrice, is a fun-loving, ambitious, individual that enjoys meeting people and learning about their lives. As an author, I use a fiction platform to address relationship issues as a result of ineffective communication. My down to earth writing style is designed to entertain, educate, and inspire readers with tales of true life. I greet everyone with a smile and aspire to have a positive impact on everyone I encounter, through effective communication, veracity, and affirmative interaction. My motto is, “with direction and discipline, accomplishment is attainable.”

2.How long have you been writing? What drove you to pick up that pen for the first time? I began writing as a child. I used to spend hours writing to improve my penmanship. In high school, I developed my writing skills by competing in debate, writing contests, and oratorical competitions for DECA, The Veteran’s of Foreign Wars, and the National Speakers Association. As an adult, I sharpened my literary ability by writing poetry, short stories, newsletters, program curriculum and press releases.

3.This month we are giving away a copy of your book Rhythm Can't Keep Time. Please tell us a little about your books. Why should readers get a copy of your book today? Rhythm Can’t Keep Time is an exploration of a relationship through an erotic lens. The sex scenes are steamy, with nuggets of wisdom carefully wrapped into the storyline. I suggest readers pick up their copy today not just because the story is entertaining, but it addresses the consequences of haphazardly loving in an undefined relationship. Rhythm Can’t Keep Time is not a sappy love story or male bashing narrative so I am positive both men and women will find it as a great read.

4.Is there another book in the works. If so tell us about it. Do you have a release date for your next book? When Emotions Lie is my next book that is scheduled for release before the end of February. This work of fiction will address the pitfalls of acting out of emotion, rather than responding with reason. I also explore how bad counsel from friends fuel negative emotions resulting in bad decisions.

5.Outside of your literary career your a student, your a personal consultant, and a teacher/program facilitator. Please tell us a little about your work as both a consultant and a facilitator. What exactly do you do when you are wearing these hats. How can those interested in your skill get in contact with you for more information? If you would have asked me 10 years ago was I interested in being a trainer or facilitator, the answer would have been NO. Those were hats given to me while I wasn’t looking. I have always had a knack for public speaking, so I was often asked to lead a workshop, give a speech, or train new hires. Before I knew it, I was developing program curriculum at work and facilitating at church. I am passionate about learning and enjoy teaching others.

I have always been a consultant in one aspect or another. Co-workers, family, friends, and strangers has always sought my opinion with their look, relationship, or marketing strategy. What I soon discovered was people valued my input because I gave feedback not an opinion. As a consultant, I ask questions to narrow the scope of a marketing plan. I believe the target market will determine the implantation of the plan including but not limited to personal persona, promotional material, and advertising objectives. Whether it’s a personal image or corporate branding, the way we look and present ourselves is a vital part of success. If anyone is interest in my services I can be reached at info@deondriea.com.

6.You are a active professional woman wearing many hats as many of us do? How do you juggle your many roles and manage to have some type of a personal life? Where do you find time for self? I’m very active in my community and at church. I hold a board position; I’m a single mother, and a business professional. Juggling all the hats at times is difficult. However, time management, multi-tasking and prioritization are the secrets of my success. I set daily goals and I start each day with purpose and structure. For example, I return calls and emails first thing in the morning, schedule as many meetings as I can in one day, leaving evenings and weekends reserved for family and friends. I usually write at night or before dawn. I begin and end my day with “me” time. My me time ranges from a hot bath to a shopping trip alone. Someone once told me, “People make time for the things they feel are important.” I believe those words are true, so I adjust my schedule as needed.

7.What is the biggest challenge you have faced as a writer? The biggest challenge that I have faced as a writer is maintaining my balance as a writer and in promoting my book. A lot of my time and effort is spent determining which events, shows, and opportunities are advantageous for me. Which means, sometimes I loose focus on my works in progress and have to refocus my energy.

8.Where do you see yourself a year from now? A year from now I will have found my niche in the literary world and have fully established my business as a consultant.

9.What are you reading now? Who are your favorite authors? I have taken a brief hiatus from reading because of my schedule this month. However, Every Women Needs a Wife is my next scheduled read. My favorite non-fiction author is Debbie Ford, I own every one of her books. My fiction library is very diverse which makes it difficult to choose a fiction author as my favorite.

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? My next major appearance will be at the Allstar Author Showcase on February 13th in Dallas , TX with other appearances being added to my schedule regularly. For my most current news, information, and events, I encourage readers to visit my website. And, emails are always welcomed.

11.How can readers get in contact with you? Do you have a website? Readers can connect with me on Facebook, Myspace, and most major social networks with screen name Deondriea. My websites are www.deondriea.com and www.rhythmcantkeeptime.com.

12.What is the one thing you would like all of your readers to know about you? One thing that I would like readers to know about me is that I’m very personable, I never take things personally and I find a reason to laugh everyday.