Interview with Author Linda R. Herman

Joins us as we chat with Linda R. Herman author of COST OF OUR AFFAIRS and one of Sexy Ebony Book Club's January 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 Linda's book. Contest ends February 7, 2010

http://www.sexyebonybbwaabookclub.com/

1. Tell us about yourself? My name is Linda R. Herman and I’m a native of South Georgia where I still reside with my husband and our three kids. I work full-time as an emergency 911 dispatcher and have held that job for the past 15 years. My true passion is reading and writing.

2. How long have you been writing? I don’t remember a time I wasn’t writing. As far back as elementary school I’ve been making up stories and penning them. After submitting chapter 1 of my novel, Cost of Our Affairs into the Black Expressions Annual Fiction Writing Contest and winning first place honors, I decided to pursue writing professionally. My first book, Consequences When Love Is Blind was published in 2008 by Xpress Yourself Publishing. That publication came after 3 of my short stories were accepted for publication. Zane accepted my short story “Almost Identica” for publication in Succulent: Chocolate Flava II; Jessica Tilles accepted my short story, “My Dream Come True” for publication in Erogenous Zone: A Sexual Voyage, and Elissa Gabrielle accepted my short story, “One Woman’s Journey” for publication in The Triumph of My Soul. I was truly honored and blessed to have the approval of three extremely talented authors. I also had a novella published as an ebook. A Time for Love was published by Lavender Isis Press in July 2007 by the extraordinary Melissa Wathington and Rae Lindley.

3. What drove you to pick up that pen for the first time? It was my love of writing combined with my passion for raising awareness. Even in my works of fiction there are underlying messages that address social issues we face in our lives. In my novel Consequences and my short story, “The Darker Side of Love”, the issue is HIV/AIDS. That’s one we definitely need to focus on.

4. How did you get your first publishing deal? I was fortunate enough to meet my publisher, Jessica Tilles (Xpress Yourself Publishing) in the Writers RX, an online yahoo writing group. I answered the submission call for the anthology, Erogenous Zone and soon after was signed to a book deal for my novella, Consequences When Love Is Blind.

5. This Month we will be giving away a copy of Cost of Our Affairs. Tell us a little about this book. How can readers get a copy of your book? Drama, drama, drama…that’s Cost of Our Affairs, lol. However, it is believable drama that occurs in the lives of so many. The story is centered around a married couple and the problems they’re enduring in their marriage. It’s no easy task parenting and when you add being a step-parent to the mix, there’s sure to be drama.

In the case of India & Antoine Joiner, they’re dealing with a meddling birth mother and two-wicked sisters who are hell-bent on turning an innocent 8 year-old girl against her stepmom and eventually destroying the Joiner union.

Tired of fighting with hubby, India turns to the arms of another man, foolishly opening the door to more drama because Mario Thomas comes with his own set of problems. He slowly unravels and India realizes she’s sleeping with the enemy. Now, it’s up to Antoine to save his wife, the woman who betrayed him, from her deranged lover!

This book is a roller coaster ride from page one and its available online at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Xpress Yourself Publishing, and my website, www.LindaRHerman.org. It can be requested in any bookstore.

6. Please give us a brief listing of your other titles and where readers can purchase copies of these titles. I’m also the author of Consequences, co-author of Somebody Prayed for Me, and the novella Consequences When Love Is Blind. All these titles are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Borders, as well as Xpress Yourself Publishing, and my personal website, www.LindaRHerman.org.

7. What is in works for Linda Herman in 2010? Fans of Cost Our Affairs are in for a real treat. The sequel, Our Truths Be Told releases in 2010 from Xpress Yourself Publishing. Be sure to subscribe to my website for updates. www.LindaRHerman.org

8. What are you reading now? What types of books (genres) do you read in general? Who are your favorite authors? I’m reading Wikked by LMBlakely, Too Good To Be True by Ndea B., and Bruised Love by Nanette Buchanan. I read all types of books. I recently read a Science Fiction book (Red Moon by Chris Berman) that blew my socks off! It was packed with action and an underlying romance. I enjoy Christian fiction, Contemporary, Thriller/Mystery/Suspense, Erotica, etc. As long as the story is strong and the plot is believable, I’ll read it.

Kimberla Lawson Roby remains my favorite author but I have certainly developed a love for the intense writing styles of Jessica Tilles, Wanda B. Campbell, Caramel Vixen, Hazel Mills, Elissa Gabrielle, Tamara Angela Grant, SD Denny, Tinisha Nicole Johnson, and the list goes on. Before I was published, I thought the only AA authors in existence were those in the Black Expressions catalog. I’m glad I was wrong. There are so many unknown authors out there, many of whom are very talented.

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. The best way to stay abreast of my events is through my website, www.LindaRHerman.org. As of right now, I’m making two final appearances at Waldenbooks in Valdosta, GA. Sadly, that store closes in January 2010. I will appear there December 12 and December 20, 11am-4pm EST.

In 2010, I’m working on scheduling speaking engagements at colleges throughout Georgia and surrounding states. I want to talk to our youth about HIV awareness.

10. How can readers get in contact with you? Do you have a website? Yes, my website is www.LindaRHerman.org. I’m also on Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, and several social networking sites. My email is writerlin2003@yahoo.com.

11. What is the one thing you would like all of your readers to know about you? I am passionate about my work and the causes I support. You don’t have to be HIV-positive to be affected by AIDS. AIDS affects all of us in one way or another. That’s why I’m determined to raise awareness and eradicate the spread of HIV. Please join me.

ABOUT LINDA R. HERMAN: A native of South Georgia, Linda R. Herman is an author who writes to raise awareness of social issues that we incur in our day-to-day lives. The author introduces characters who are as real as the people next door and storylines that pull readers into a familiar and very realistic world.

Interview with Dr. William Martin

Joins us as we chat with Dr. William Martin author of SPEAK POWER, SPEAK WEALTH, and SPEAK FREEDOM: PARADIGM PROCESSING - TEARING DOWN THE WALLS and one of Sexy Ebony Book Club's January 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 Dr. Martin's book. Contest ends February 7, 2010

http://www.sexyebonybbwaabookclub.com/

1)Tell us about yourself? I earned my Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees from Chicago State University (CSU) and my Doctorate for Northern Illinois University (NIU). At CSU, my educational concentrations were in Geography and Economics. My Master’s Degree is in Geography with a concentration in Economic Development and Geographical Information Systems. I completed my formal education at NIU, earning my Doctorate of Education, concentrating in Adult, Counseling, and Higher Education. I have owned businesses, investment stocks, and investment property. All of the things, I have done and accomplished, started with one thing and one thing only and that was a mental vision, followed by faith, and then the willingness to take risks.

2)Tell us a little about your book Speak Power, Speak Wealth, and Speak Freedom: Paradigm Processing - Tearing Down the Walls. What lessons do you want the readers to take with them as they read this book? The goal of this book is to teach its readers how they can use their mental senses to create a paradigm where needed to better their lives and the lives of those around them. The philosophy is that many human beings do not use their spirit, faith, sense of worth, emotions, and feelings to control their circumstances. They do not take the time to map their future from their visions of who they should and want to be over-time.

3)What made you decide to self-publish? If I did not self-publish, it would be contradictory to my philosophy of paradigm processing with true faith. When you read the book, you will find a model that I developed to help people realize their dreams. The model is the 4r Model - Reflection, Reciprocal Learning, Research, and Responsibility to the community. My wife and I reflected on all of our accomplishments to draw out our faith, talked to others about publishing (reciprocal learning), researched how to publish ourselves to cut out the intermediary and useless costs, and then added to the body of knowledge by producing multiple forms of literature.

4)Is there another motivational book in the works for those who have read Speak Freedom: Paradigm Processing - Tearing Down the Wall and were put on the road to achieving a life of joy and victory? Yes, there is another book in the works. My book Serving People with Synergy in Mind: Paradigm Processing an Attitude of Philanthropy is a book that looks at how people can build relationships by giving and adding value to another person’s life. Paradigm Processing an attitude of philanthropy or giving to achieve personal greatness and acknowledge thankfulness.

5) You mentioned in your bio that you are the founder of Srewolf & Nitram Hearts Foundation, helping Ex-offenders and Addicts Return To Society. Please tell us a little about this organization and the work they are doing with and for ex-offenders and addicts. The first thing I tell ex-offenders is that in many respects they are freer than most people because now they have to think differently about their resources and chances of becoming wealthy. Most people work dead-end jobs with low pay, they earned those jobs because they did not do time in prison or committed a felony; therefore, they do not have to take risk in faith to start their own businesses. The point is that I teach ex-offenders and ex-addicts how to restore relationships, open their own businesses, to become self-employed and self-sufficient. My goal is to show them that they can recover those relationships that were lost when they were involved in a sub-culture of crime, drugs, and alcohol addiction. I teach ex-offenders and addicts how to build and maintain positive relationships. I teach them philanthropy as a means of adding value to another person’s life. In other words, I want them to know that giving back to others in times of need is an acknowledgement of thankfulness and gratitude for the relationship, and that they are a valuable asset in their life. I teach them that they add value to another person’s life by giving freely of their time and money, and by doing this, wealth, health, and success will surely follow.

5)What are you reading now? I am not reading any books right now. I am writing. What types of books (genres) do you read in general? I like to read spiritual and motivational books, and books written by successful people. I read the type of books that teaches new strategies and methods of writing and teaching.

6)Who are your favorite authors? I enjoy reading my wife’s books. Also, I read anything by Robert Allen, the author of Creating Wealth, T.D. Jakes, Robert Kiyosaki, author of Rich Dad Poor Dad, Joel Osteen author of Your Best Life Now.

7)How can readers get in contact with you? Readers can contact me via my email addresses, wa_martin@hotmail.com and wamartin01@yahoo.com or through Facebook. Do you have a website? Yes, my website is http://wamartin.services.officelive.com/

8)What is the one thing you would like all of your readers to know about you?
I want readers to know that I have a vision of helping people, whether that means writing, speaking, and giving to change the life of everyone that I know that wants and believes he or she could change.

Interview with Author Stefanie Newell

Joins us as we chat with Stefanie Newell author of The Buzz and one of Sexy Ebony Book Club's January 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 The Buzz. Contest ends February 7, 2010

http://www.sexyebonybbwaabookclub.com/


1) Tell us about yourself? I'm a fiction writer. I also freelance write for an online entertainment magazine as well as my own blog The Music Hot Spot. I enjoy anything creative. I love shopping for shoes and boots. I'm a business owner and a mom.

2) How long have you been writing? My mom recently gifted me with two books I wrote in grammar school. The first book I had to have been about eight. It was completely illustrated, cover and all, and it was called The Two Inch Boy. It's the story of a little boy who was only two inches tall and the struggles he faced. LOL. I wrote another book about a year later called The Idea. The Babysitter's Club series was really popular at that time and my book was a spin on it. So I've been writing quite a long time.

3)What drove you to pick up that pen for the first time? I realized at a very early age that I enjoyed writing. I remember being very excited when I learned to read. I have always had a very vivid imagination so I enjoyed reading. When I was a child there were book clubs you could join and they'd send a shipment of books in the mail. I would read the whole shipment in one night.

I encourage parents to purchase books for their kids and encourage them to read. Aside from being stimulating, it allows them to use their imagination. As a result of my mom encouraging me to read; I've written poems, short stories, songs, articles and now my novel The Buzz. It planted a seed.

4) This month we will be giving away a copy of your novel, The Buzz, When Celebrity Gossip Goes Wrong... Please tell us a little about your novel?

The Buzz is really a fun story and very apropos.

It's the story of Ebony Jenkins an Internet addict and celebrity gossiper. She's opinionated and very in your face. From the outside it appears she has it all; a successful thriving hair salon, a daughter, and a devoted boyfriend but she's become so immersed in celebrity culture, she'll do anything to maintain her faux celebrity lifestyle.

She despises the celebrities she tries to emulate and when her life crosses path with an up and coming R&B singer, she sets out to ruin her career by any means necessary. The Buzz is a page turner full of drama, scandal and revenge and little bit of gossip thrown in.

5) How much was this book influenced by your work with your Entertainment Blog The Music Hot Spot and as an entertainment writer for Unrated Magazine? Most of it is directly related to my work in the entertainment industry. When I first started writing for my website themusichotspot.com and for Unrated Magazine I decided I wanted my first novel to be about the entertainment industry. But, I didn't want it to be the typical entertainment story. I wanted to tell the story in a new voice.

I would visit message boards and gossip blogs to gather story ideas and I would encounter some of the most hilarious people commenting on gossip. I then came up with the idea to tell The Buzz from the perspective of a celebrity gossiper. Someone who actually sends the gossip to the blogger. Why would they do that? What are their motives?

When the book opens, you're on the Internet and Ebony's chatting on a message board. You get a good feel for her as soon as the book opens.

6) Is there another novel in the works? Can you tell us a little about this book? I'm writing a novel called Rules of the Game. There's currently no release date but the story is written from the perspective of a young woman who has written her own rules for relationships.

7) You are a woman juggling lots of different roles and making it work for you. What is a typical day for you like when you are on a writing deadline? How do you manage the different hats you wear and still have time for self? Being balanced is very important to me. So I pamper myself often and sometimes that's as simple as being able to write a chapter in my upcoming novel.

In the latter part of 2008, I established my publishing company Write One Publications, Inc.

I released both my novel The Buzz and author Bernice Harris' book Pull Your Pants Up and be man! through my company. A typical day? I'm usually juggling many different projects. But I start my morning at about 7 am. After taking my son to school, I head to the gym and when I return from the gym I make sure I have breakfast. My day goes so much better with breakfast.

I check emails, return phone calls, and do social marketing (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube) in the morning. And the rest of my day is spent working on accounting, scheduling speaking engagements, blogging, writing, preparing proposals, coordinating with my author for signings and interviews, etc. It really is a balancing act. But the blessing is that it doesn't feel like work. I also just started doing workshops with the youth which I'm excited about.

In the evening, it's family time. I cook dinner and we watch DVR recordings and just hang out.

8)What has been the greatest challenge you have faced as a writer? As a new writer, you face the challenge of readers not recognizing your name. You have to start at ground level to create a fan base of readers. But the positive I've found is the Internet has been so helpful. It puts new writers such as myself in contact with the readers who enjoy our books. Readers that enjoy staying up all night because they have to know what's going to happen next. That's why I'm so thankful for sites such as yours and the support I've received. It's a challenge but it can be overcome.

9) What are you reading now? What types of books (genres) do you read in general? Right now I'm reading a lot of business books. I'm currently reading Guerilla Marketing by Jay Conrad Levinson. I really enjoy business and books on marketing and finance. I enjoy reading autobiographies. And of course I love fiction.

10) Who are your favorite authors? So many...Sophie Kinsella is a really good writer. I love her Shopaholic series. I enjoy her because she makes me laugh. It's not often you can read a book and literally laugh out loud. I've been in public reading her books and caught myself laughing hysterically.

I enjoy Sister Souljah and Kimberly Lawson Roby. I really like Carl Weber, I love the fact that his characters are women and he writes in their voice effortlessly. I could go on and on.

11) 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? Do you have a website? In addition to being a writer, I'm also a public speaker. In the coming months I will be visiting different schools speaking with the youth about setting goals, finding their passion, and achieving their dreams. Readers can visit http://www.writeonepublications.com/ for additional information on the workshops.

12) What is the one thing you would like all of your readers to know about you? I'm very passionate about writing. I'm doing what I absolutely love!


ABOUT STEFANIE NEWELL: Stefanie Newell was born and raised in Chicago, IL. She graduated from DePaul University with a B.A. in Finance. While finance has been her day job, she has been a writer for many years in different facets. Stefanie first co-wrote a song for Latin recording artist, Yohany and later began freelance writing for Unrated Magazine and her entertainment blog The Music Hot Spot. After observing the entertainment industry and lurking on various message boards and blogs over the years, Stefanie came up with the idea for her debut novel The Buzz. Published by Write One Publications, Inc., The Buzz has created an incredible buzz amongst book readers and fans of celebrity gossip. Stefanie is currently working on her second novel Rules of the Game.

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.***