Tell us a little about yourself. I’m an award winning Northwest author and just completed my thirteenth manuscript. My stories are published by Books to Go Now. I write contemporary romance, historical romance, paranormal and romantica. My manuscript, Shot in the Dark, was a finalist in the Emerald City Opener, Cleveland, and Toronto RWA contests. I write for the news site, The Seattle Examiner, to help others accomplish their career goals in writing.

When you’re not writing, what do you do to relax and have fun? Spare time or not writing… I remember that. I support what I call my ‘boys in shorts’ my local professional football (or soccer, as some call it) teams. This does not make me a soccer mom! I also blow glass beads with a blow torch and keep up my vegetable garden.

Tell us something few know about you. I’m a little OCD about Phantom of the Opera. Love it! The ultimate angst hero.  And the new show/sequel Love Never Dies, the Phantom and Christine have a secret baby! How can any romance author not LOVE that?

What genre(s) do you like to read? I read everything. I think you need to if you want to be a rounded as an author. If you only read one thing, you won’t be able to add additional elements to your storytelling.

What is your favorite novel and why? The Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. She weaves such amazing characters with description and passion. It’s not just the hero and heroine, you remember ALL the characters. Even the dog, Rollo, has his place. I love her characters because they are vulnerable and human and do REALLY stupid, human things. Again, it adds that depth. Perfection is no fun to read about because it doesn’t exist.

What was the last novel you read that you enjoyed and why? Chris Karlsen’s Journey in Time. This is the second in a series, and both books are great. Chris has a knack for weaving history in with highly passionate characters. Two knights killed at the same moment, one accidently. Their souls are stuck as ghosts. Great concept. I read someone told her, “Ghosts can’t be sexy”… well they are very wrong.

When did you begin writing? In junior high I started a very exciting and intriguing Starsky and Hutch fan fiction series. I got out of writing with raising kids and then got serious about seven years ago.

What genre(s) do you write? Contemporary romance, historical romance, paranormal and erotica. Novels, novellas, but mainly short stories.

Where do your concepts for your novels come from? Many places. My historicals, hearing all the recent news about the soldiers, it started my wondering, what if soldiers returning from the Crimean war had PTSD a hundred years ago. There would be no name or cure for it. The Christmas Horse came from a newspaper article.

How long does it typically take you to write a book? The short stories a month. Novels four to six months. I have a VERY hard-core critique group. I love the pain they send! If it gets past them, I figure my work is good to go.

Are you consciously aware of the plot before you begin a novel, or do you discover it as you write? I am somewhere between a plotter and pantser. I have to know the beginning the middle and the end (especially the end!) I don’t write out a long plot outline, but do jot down the ideas. I have short attention span and forget the great ideas I came up with.

Tell us about your latest book? At Christmas, Kara Hayward makes a pack with her girlfriends She’s wearing a headband of mobile mistletoe until a man kisses her. The problem is it’s now Valentine’s Day.
Will Kara be stuck wearing the headband of shame the rest of the year, or will she find Mr. Right in a place she never expects?

If I can get it written, the next will be St. Patrick’s Day.

Tell us a little about your main and supporting characters of your current book? Kara’s working three jobs, one at the local mall for Make-me-a-bear. When a fight breaks out and spills into her store, she’s accidently sprayed in the face with pepper-spray by her ditsy co-worker.

Jack leaves his niece at Build-me-a-bear for a few hours of carefree shopping. He’s a busy police detective who doesn’t have time to date.

You just never know where you’ll find love.

Do you tend to base your characters on real people or are they totally from your imagination? A little of both. A friend gave me a shirt that said, ‘be careful or you’ll end up in one of my books’. So true.

Tell us who or what was the inspiration behind your latest book? The Mobile Mistletoe series I got the idea from a friend who bought a Christmas headband with the dangling mistletoe. She said, “Hey, this is mobile mistletoe!” I through, that’s a GREAT name for a series.

Does the setting play a major part in the development of your story? Depends. Probably more with the historicals. Settings are more a part of the story.

Where can readers purchase your latest book?

http://www.bookstogonow.com/sweetjenniferconner.html

http://www.amazon.com/Comes-Valentines-Mobile-Mistletoe-ebook/dp/B0077FRCNY/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_3

What other titles have you written? Valentine Surprise, Valentine Encounter, Cupcakes and Cupids, Do You Hear What I Hear?, New Year Resolution, The Duke and the Lost Night, The Reluctant Heir, Christmas with Carol, Auld Lang Sigh, Rush of Love, Fields of Gold, Christmas Chaos, The Christmas Horse, The Music of Christmas, All I Want for Christmas is You, Weddings First Chance, Kilt by Love

If you could change one thing about your writing career thus far, what would it be? I would have started writing seriously a long time before I did.

What do you find to be the best and worst part of being an author? Not enough time. It would be the perfect world to do it all day and stay up 24-7!

When you were published for the first time, which route did you go – mainstream, small press, vanity published or self-published and why or how did you choose this route? Small press.

How did it make you feel to become published for the first time and how did you celebrate?

It’s a great feeling. I was more serious than the press. They went out of business, but I’m still here. You need to make sure that your work is the best it can be, and that is why it’s good to go through a press with editing. The process is very important.

What was your reaction the first time you saw your book in the bookstore? A few weeks ago my eBook was in the top 40 Kindle books. I was ahead of Stieg Larsson. I was very excited. My husband said, “who’s Stieg Larsson.” He just doesn’t understand.

Since you’ve been published, how have you grown as a writer and now a published author? I’ve grown a million miles. I think if you don’t learn something new everyday, it’s a shame. I hope I grow and learn until the day I die.

What advice do you have for aspiring authors? Read, learn ask question, find mentors. Join a GOOD and supportive critique group. It is essential. You need others to read your work and tell you what is wrong with it and how it can be better. I think this is the problem with some self-publishing. You need to ask yourself, is this my BEST work? Is it ready for others to read? If you’ve only had your mom and your best friend read your work, it may not be ready.

What do you have on the burner for the next year? Many. I am still working on my historical series, The Regimental Heroes. The Wounded Nobleman is next to go up. The Mobile Mistletoe series. My full-length, Shot in the Dark.

How can readers reach you? www.jenniferconnerbooks.com,

http://www.facebook.com/jennifer.conner2

http://www.amazon.com/Jennifer-Conner/e/B0042850FG/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Do you have anything else you’d like to add? Thanks so much for the opportunity!

Dee here. Thank you, Jennifer, for taking time out of your day to tell us a little about yourself and your books. We’re all read-aholics here and I look forward to your future works. Come on back any time.

DEA Agent Ashton Powell’s undercover assignment is to befriend Diana and find evidence to use against a powerful drug lord. From day one, Ashton is attracted to Diana, but he believes she is a drug lord’s ex-lover. Fearing she will choose to return to the drug world, he fights against his growing love for her.

Purchase the eBook from: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, coming soon to print.
Genre: Women’s Fiction

Back Story

Those of you who have been hanging out with me over the years know I’ve often said that my first published novel was originally a different book, but one of my characters kept trying to take over the novel. Ernesto wanted his story told and it wasn’t quite the story I was writing. Sooooo, I wrote Caught Up (my first published novel) to make Ernesto happy. But what happened to the original book? This is that book.

I knew publishing houses would not want this book because it is not a romance in the traditional sense, though romantic. To keep my characters from being placed in boxes, I knew I’d have to go it on my own someday if I wanted this published. So there you have it. I hope you enjoy.

If you’ve read Caught Up, you’ll notice similarities between the stories, yet they are still very different, so I suggest you let Caught Up go and read this for what it is: Operation White Rose. If you haven’t read Caught Up, wha’cha waiting for? Grab a copy. It’s a great book.

Please use the share links to help spread the word.

Happy Reading

Tell us a little about yourself. I have had to retire early because of a disability and now write full-time. I also spend a lot of time reading books written by new authors as well as my old favorites.

When you’re not writing, what do you do to relax and have fun? I love to read, and walk on the beach. I also make jewelry and spend a lot of time working on that as well as other crafts.

This will be worded as: Tell us something few know about you. I am a permanent make-up tech. I’m working on my degree in journalism, now that I have the time, after raising three children. I have ten grandchildren.

What genre(s) do you like to read? I read fiction, mysteries, stories about family or historical novels.

What is your favorite novel and why? THE ADVENTURERS by Harold Robbins is my all time favorite novel because there is a bit of everything in it. I was able to feel as though I was traveling the world.

What was the last novel you read that you enjoyed and why? TAPIOCA PUDDING NEXT DOOR by The Queen. The story was sexy, funny and over the top. The characters were amazing.

When did you begin writing? I began writing as a child. I’m a bit shy and wrote letters to people rather than speak eye-to-eye. These days I’ve overcome my shyness but I still write letters to loved ones. I like the idea of creating imaginary characters with lives and loves.

What genre(s) do you write? EVEN NUMBERS is a short narrative, but I prefer to write murder mysteries.

Where do your concepts for your novels come from? I think my concepts come from curiosity and a never-ending love for research.

How long does it typically take you to write a book? It has taken me about a year, but I’m sure I can write a book in less time… or more time. It depends on how much I’m willing to apply myself to the project.

Tell us about your latest book? My latest book, COLD SERIAL, is a murder mystery about a serial killer on the loose in the streets of Boston, MA.

Are you consciously aware of the plot before you begin a novel, or do you discover it as you write? I usually have an outline to begin with but it always takes a turn as the book evolves, sometimes into something entirely different.

Tell us a little about your main and supporting characters of your current book? The main character in COLD SERIAL is Harold Masterson, a wealthy jeweler. He has a driven obsession with women who think highly of themselves and is on a mission to rid the city of Boston of them. His parents play a key role in the story as they are at the root of his obsession.

Do you tend to base your characters on real people or are they totally from your imagination? A little of both, they may start out as a character built on a real person and then suddenly become someone I’ve never met.

Tell us who or what was the inspiration behind your latest book? The inspiration for COLD SERIAL comes from the first book COLD CRAZY, in the Cold Series, featuring Detective Barnes.

Does the setting play a major part in the development of your story? I chose Boston as the backdrop for the Cold Series because I am familiar with that story. My sister is a detective in Boston and helps with the authenticity of police protocol, as well as landmarks and restaurants in the city.

Where can readers purchase your latest book? Amazon, Barnes & Noble

What other titles have you written? COLD CRAZY, COLD SERIAL, and I am working on the third in that series COLD REVENGE.

If you could change one thing about your writing career thus far, what would it be? I wish I had started sooner in my life. I heard it said once, that an author’s only regret is that he/she didn’t start sooner.

What do you find to be the best and worst part of being an author? I don’t like the marketing and promotion part of it. I began writing because I love the written word and feel that it is a gift. Marketing to me, makes what I love to do, a job. I prefer it to be a pleasure. I realize it is a business and I have to do all I can to sell my books.

When you were published for the first time, which route did you go – mainstream, small press, vanity published or self-published and why or how did you choose this route? Self-published ebook, and traditional, as I do now.

How did it make you feel to become published for the first time and how did you celebrate? I don’t remember feeling anything but excitement, but it wasn’t the over-the-top feeling I thought I would feel. I think my family felt that over-the-top feeling. LOL!

What was your reaction the first time you saw your book in the bookstore? I felt a lot of pride, but again not the over-the-top excitement I thought I would feel.

Since you’ve been published, how have you grown as a writer and now a published author? I have learned so much about the business and yet I still have so much more to learn. I pass on what I can to others.

What advice do you have for aspiring authors? It’s difficult to turn a pleasure into work but in the literary world you have to do just that in order to become successful. Also there are many successes in being an author as with many other accomplishments in life. It’s not just making the bestseller’s list or a big screen movie with your novel. Continued work in your field is always success.

What do you have on the burner for the next year? I have been working on a children’s etiquette handbook for some years and have put it on a back burner. I’m hoping to get that finished. I would also like to write a historical novel at some point.

How can readers reach you? As of yet I don’t have a website but hope to have one soon, in the meantime anyone can find me on Facebook or email at bgrovner@hotmail.com

Do you have anything else you’d like to add? Thank you so much for this opportunity to share part of my life with others. Your support is awesome!

Dee here: Thank you for stopping by and PLEASE come back when your future titles come out.

When you’re not writing, what do you do to relax and have fun? Videogames – I love them, in particular role-playing games. Right now, I’m playing Skyrim which is the BEST. RPG. EVER.

Reading. I’m a ‘book slut’ so I read practically everything – right now, I’m reading a Lab 157 (Plum Island and biowarfare), In the Garden of Beasts (Ambassador Dodd in Nazi Germany) and Before I Forget (Dad with Alzheimer’s and son travel cross-country). I tend towards darker material, stories that may not have happy endings and sweetness and light.

I love watching movies, especially favorites that I’ve seen over and over again. Like Jaws, Alien and The Lord of the Rings. Great characters, great writing, and Ilose myself in them.

When did you begin writing? I was a shy child and didn’t really share with anyone how I felt about things and kept all my angst and worry to myself. And then, my GAT (Gifted and Talented) teacher Ms. Anderson bought me a fabric-covered journal when I was in third grade. And that was that. I haven’t stopped writing since. My first story was called “Blue Monday” and I still have it! I was telling dark, sad stories even as a third-grader.

Tell us about your latest book? Three weeks out of cancer surgery, crime reporter Syeeda McKay is in the pursuit of Los Angeles’s most active serial killer. Over the last twenty years, the Phantom Slayer has hunted African-American prostitutes working in one of the worst parts of South Los Angeles, killing eight victims in the alleys off Western Avenue, and then disappearing into the shadows. But Syeeda doesn’t know that the killer has turned his sights on her.

Detective Adam Sherwood, a hotshot investigator with the Robbery-Homicide Division of the LAPD, has been handed the Phantom Slayer cases, and together, he and Syeeda must figure out who is doing the killing . . . before Syeeda becomes his next victim.

Tell us who or what was the inspiration behind your latest book? The story was inspired by the Grim Sleeper murder cases – unfortunately, it is not aunique tale: Evil men hunting the most vulnerable in dark places. Also, much of Syeeda’s experiences with her friends come from my own experiences – sorority life, child of The Church, martinis, men problems, decades old grudges, flat-irons burning your ear… I put a lot of myself into the characters I write about.

The title “No One Knows You’re Here” came out of my learning about the real Grim Sleeper murder case in which the suspect killed prostitutes. In the real case, no one knew these murders were occurring until a reporter broke the story – like twenty years after the first murder. The case didn’t get much attention – from the national media, from the LAPD – since these women were on the margins of society.

In my story, the victims are also prostitutes and so again, ‘no one knows you’re here.’ But the title also relates even to Syeeda, who goes in between worlds, and to women of color, who tend to be ignored when they disappear or die.

Where can readers purchase your latest book? Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes

What other titles have you written? My first novel was A Quiet Storm and was published by Scribner. It received great reviews including those from Publishers Weekly and Oprah Magazine. It’s paperback and can be purchased on Amazon.

My second novel is The View from Here and it’s my first digital-only title. The View from Here focuses on the beauties and hardships of marriage; the betrayals and promises made between husbands and wives; and the grief of one woman haunted by secrets. Nicole Baxter has always tried to control every element of her life, but that control is slipping away. She has issues. Abandonment issues. Marital issues. Conception issues. And she thinks her house in the hills is haunted. It doesn’t help that her husband Truman spleunks and climbs, making her worry more with each adventure he takes. As the two grow apart, Nicole makes decisions that may ultimately shatter her fragile marriage.

Her life changes on the afternoon she receives a phone call from the harbor. During a scuba dive, Truman disappears. No one — not his diving instructor, not the Coast Guard — can find him. Is he still alive? Or is grief making her believe the impossible?

Amazon

What do you find to be the best and worst part of being an author? Believing that your work is good. That cliché about being unable to see the forest because of the trees? Yeah, that’s writing. You’re in there every day, writing and thinking that your words suck and that you’re a fraud and realizing that you’re not a good plotter but do great character development and dwelling upon your shortcomings and on and on… Add to this that you’re reading (or have read) great books by incredible authors and your work will never, ever, ever be that good. Just put down the pen and find something else to do. But writing is what you do so you go on, hoping somehow that it will all work out.

What do you have on the burner for the next year?

Right now, I’m working on another LOLA (Ladies of Los Angeles) mystery titled A Girl is Like a Shadow. This one is from the point-of-view of Syeeda’s cop friend Elouise Norton. ‘Lou’ finds a dead girl hanging in a closet. On first glance, this seems to be a suicide but is it…?

How can readers reach you?

Please visit my blog Writing in My Car http://writinginmycar.blogspot.com. Also visit the Facebook page for No One Knows You’re Here. And follow me on Twitter @RachelHowzell.

Dee Here: Thanks, Rachel, for taking time out of your day to visit with us. I truly appreciate it.

Tell us a little about yourself. My Name is Mack Mama I am an Entertainer/Author/Motivational Speaker/Radio Host. I am a mother of an eleven year old, darling daughter named Velvet, who is my pride and joy. Umm lets see?? I did a considerable amount of time incarcerated due to an unsavory lifestyle that I regret but it made me who I am today. I had to go thru the storm to realize the beauty of calm skies.

When you’re not writing, what do you do to relax and have fun? I love to rap and sing I make music that I include in my books for the soundtrack. I host parties and perform. I also adore vacationing on tropical islands. I want to one day own a club in a five star resort.

Tell us something few know about you. I am incredibly reclusive. I have the capacity to become very large and am obsessed with my weight. It kills me because I enjoy eating gourmet meals. I am a great chef but don’t have a clue how to make southern food. I cook like a Caucasian.

What genre(s) do you like to read? Non fiction-Biographies and self-help, and Suspense thrillers, trashy novels like anything Jackie Collins, also whatever Sydney Sheldon wrote before his demise. Of course I love Urban Lit-Noire, Miz, Dashawn Taylor, Alfred Adams Jr, Fabiola Joseph and Caroline McGill are some of my favorite Urban Lit Authors.

What is your favorite novel and why? “Master of the Game” by Sydney Sheldon, you haven’t read to you read that book. I get chills just thinking of the genius of that novel. I didn’t just read that book I envisioned it. I cried, I cheered, I marveled and I vowed to one day be a third of a writer that Sydney was.

What was the last novel you read that you enjoyed and why? “Raised by Wolves inside the mind of a guerrilla hustler” by Cavario H. It is an autobiography that is brutally honest like my autobiography “Tales of an Original Bad Girl” I am really into truth and keeping it real and Raised by Wolves is the truth!

When did you begin writing? I began in prison, most predictable huh? lol

What genre(s) do you write? Non-Fiction, Self Help, Inspirational and Urban Lit

Where do your concepts for your novels come from? My life and the experiences I survived.

How long does it typically take you to write a book? Anywhere from 2 years to 30 days.

Tell us about your latest book? Daisy Jones is the title and it’s about a young, gorgeous temptress with alluring green eyes, who seduces men with her beauty. She is raised by her Mother to be a gold digger. Mama Jones instilled in her daughter the art of manipulation and how to scheme on her prey. Daisy had no idea that her heart would get in the way of business until she met her match in Young Chio the southern rapper and C.E.O of a multi-million dollar empire.

The story begins in Atlanta, Georgia and travels up north to New York City, as drama unfolds involving a wide range of colorful characters namely the notorious crew the O.B.G’s. These women are a gumbo of hustlers, killers and drug dealers who have earned a reputation in the streets for being beyond terrorist. Havoc ensues as the plot twists and turns. Deception, treachery and griminess threaten to swallow all the players connected to Daisy Jones.

The end result of Daisy Jones wild lifestyle will wake up all the sleeping young girls and women who are trying to get to the top by getting their “Daisy Jones” on. This book will take you thru a whirlwind of emotions and guaranteed to leave you gasping for a quick dose of reality because Daisy Jones lives in an insane world where nothing or nobody is what they seem!

Whew!! That just made me want to read my own book again, I know it is a winner because no lie I read it about four times after it was printed. I pick it up randomly just to admire the cover and feel my creation, glance thru a few pages and before you know it I’m stuck! Lol

Are you consciously aware of the plot before you begin a novel, or do you discover it as you write? I never know what is going to flow from my pen, but with the sequel to Daisy Jones I have an idea, because I want it to pick up right where I left off.

Tell us a little about your main and supporting characters of your current book? Daisy is sixteen and a hot mess, she is unnaturally mature and can hold her own among the elites. She has class and only wants the best out of life. She was molded by her shallow, bitter mother to use and manipulate men for their money.

Anjel is her best friend and she is devoted to Daisy for many reasons, she admires her friend for her style and ability to remain with her virginity intact while still milking men for their treasures. She is also very young and was orphaned when her mom died tragically from cancer. She has no family and Daisy helped her escape from foster care when the caretakers where trying to molest and abuse her. She was forced to survive by stripping away her pride and dignity, unfortunately she felt she had found her calling. She loved her profession and used the unsavory lifestyle to forget about her degrading family secret.

Young Chio was Daisy’s biggest conquest but his swagger and personality not to mention millionaire status had her falling for him. He is used to having whatever he wants and Daisy is not the only treat on his menu.

Ivy is one of the founders of the notorious crew the O.B.G’s and she is Poison, thus the nick name Poison Ivy. She is larceny hearted, cold and calculated and has a twisted mentality due in large from her mother’s sadistic past. She is hired to seek revenge on Daisy by Young Chio and wont stop trying to collect her blood money until the job is completed.

There a few more main supporting characters but I fear I may be giving away a little too much.

Do you tend to base your characters on real people or are they totally from your imagination? Everyone is based on people I knew from the street life I lived and parts of myself.

Tell us who or what was the inspiration behind your latest book? I want to get young people to read interesting stories that they can relate to, and the opportune word is “relate.” I write these stories for the girls and guys that are living the lifestyle portrayed in my books. “Street Lit” with a twist, the twist is the moral content that I always include in all my books. I don’t glorify the lifestyle there are dire consequences for every action my characters partake in.

Does the setting play a major part in the development of your story? Yes the story starts in the south and I did a great job of including southern culture, facts and accurate dialog for that setting. When the story progressed and the setting switched to the north I didn’t lose my accuracy.

Where can readers purchase your latest book? Amazon and for the print version go to http://www.starstatuspublishing.com/  I am currently doing a promotional deal for both of my books it’s called the “Mack Pack” 2 for 20.00 free shipping and handling.

What other titles have you written? My autobiography titled “Tales of an Original Bad Girl” which is about my tumultuous life. I survived the homicidal streets of Brooklyn, New York after giving the judicial system 13 years of time out of my life. My story will horrify you, touch you and may have some parts that you can relate to. I really love the fact that I was brutally honest in my accounts. I shared and bared my soul, in doing so there is nothing about me left to judge. I told it all, Ha Ha that is the greatest con in the world THE TRUTH!

If you could change one thing about your writing career thus far, what would it be? I wish I would’ve started writing when the Industry was booming, I came in at a bad time. The literary world is oversaturated with fly by night authors who can put out anything and upload it to amazon. So now it’s not special to be an author anybody can borrow that title. So the question is can they keep it? I am aiming to show my worth by being consistent with great product. The money will come if excel in that. The money was real good back when Urban Lit exploded but now it’s a struggle to see your initial investment. I self-published without using a middle man.   I incurred the production cost, manufacturing cost and advertising cost completely as a sole proprietor. It is a killer, this is my main gig, I have no other job, besides my music. So I have to go hard.

What do you find to be the best and worst part of being an author? The best is how my daughter glows with pride when she brags and says “My Mommy writes books”

The worst is the financial part the Publishing Business is very costly.

When you were published for the first time, which route did you go – mainstream, small press,

vanity published or self-published and why or how did you choose this route?

I am a boss from the bottom of my toes to the tip of my nose. I simply can not work for anybody I love create control and have brilliant ideas so there was no other option for me SELF-PUBLISHED! See, if I make a mistake I swallow it and start again with no one to blame but myself, however if I work for you and you make a mistake with my career, I am disgruntled, stressed and ready to kick some butt!

How did it make you feel to become published for the first time and how did you celebrate? I felt Proud and accomplished. I partied like a RockStar.

What was your reaction the first time you saw your book in the bookstore? Siked!! I love when my plans come together, I am a mover and a shaker, I make things happen and won’t stop until I see results.

Since you’ve been published, how have you grown as a writer and now a published author? I am more focused on the business end and not so attached to my writing. I realize you have to take certain steps for the success of your company as a whole not just the personal accomplishment of being an author.

What advice do you have for aspiring authors? Self-Publish if you can, take up a collection if need be to get the funds but it will be less headaches in the long run. I am so anti-stress I don’t even want to sign other authors to my imprint yet. I just want to build my catalog and not have to try to please and cater to others. It is so much better to not have to deal with attitudes and ugly dispositions. I also advise them to get a great editor. I am using you, Deatri for my next book and advise new authors to follow my lead. You are super qualified, you really know your shit! lol

What do you have on the burner for the next year? I am currently writing my follow up to my autobiography titled “Lessons from an Original Bad Girl” which will be an inspirational self help guide for troubled teens. I want it to be used as a workbook within certain curriculums. I speak to at risk youth frequently and they relate to me, and actually listen. We connect because I am apart of their Hip Hop culture. I spit the real and they can feel me.

I also am working on “Mistress” the sequel to Daisy Jones, which is fiction and will be even better than Daisy.

I plan to book more celebrity guest for my blog talk radio show called “Mack Mama’s World Radio” I already interviewed some of the Literary World’s finest Authors, such as Treasure E. Blue, Miz, Dashawn Taylor, J.M Benjamin, Caroline McGill, Cavario H.(Senior editor of HipHop Weekly) and that’s just to name a few.

How can readers reach you?  http://www.mackmamaworld.com/

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/profile3.aspx?userurl=mackmama

http://www.facebook.com/pages/MACKMAMA/113456952004344

https://twitter.com/#!/mackmama

Do you have anything else you’d like to add? Thank you so much for having me on your blog this is one of the best print interviews I have ever had the pleasure of being apart of. Awesome questions, I feel like you really allowed me to open up and share myself, opposed to just promoting my books.

I want to thank Treasure E.Blue for adding me to an unbelievable group on facebook called ALL4One Authors helping Authors. I have met and networked with some gems including you Mrs. Deatri King-Bey. I wish all of us major success! To all of my supporters I truly appreciate the love, I am a Valentines Baby and I survive off of it! Aquarius babies stand up!

I owe all that I am to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and although I am a long way from being worthy I am nearer today than I was yesterday!  With that being said I bow, walk away and pause, turn back and blow a kiss to my fans all while I am humbled by their thunderous applause.

END SCENE.

Dee Here: It was a true pleasure having you and I thank you for all you do and hope you come on back.

Kisha Green

I met Kisha a few months ago on Facebook when she co-created a group for authors to support authors. I joined the group even though most of the authors were street and urban lit because you know I’m all about authors supporting each other instead of treating each other like competition. Check out the All4One link in the menu to learn more about Kisha’s group, but first, let’s meet author Kisha Green.

Tell us a little about yourself. Who is Kisha Green? Well, I’m a mother, sister,friend ,author,publisher,online radio host,book reviewer, avid reader, literary jewel dropper, Indie artist supporter, reality tv show junkie and Twitter addict.

I’m also a work in progress so I know I am destined for greatness because failure is NOT an option.

What genre(s) do you like to read? Mystery and Suspense

What is your favorite novel and why? That’s a hard question… I like so many but I enjoyed E.Lynn Harris books.

What was the last novel you read that you enjoyed and why? A Beautiful Satan by RJ Champ. I enjoyed it because it was a suspenseful thriller and kept me engrossed all the way until the ending, while having you want to read more.

When did you begin writing? I started writing at the age of eleven when I received a journal for a birthday gift. I wrote daily and as I would often reflect on my entries, they were like mini stories with an anticipated happy ending.

What genre(s) do you write? Contemporary Fiction

Where do your concepts for your novels come from? From my friends and family but mostly life issues.

How long does it typically take you to write a book? Anywhere from two weeks to nine months depending on what type of mood I am in.

Tell us about your latest book? And Even If I Did is a story of three women who all had a past but were trying to turn negatives into positives. This book dealt with real life issues such as addiction, HIV, death, rape and abandonment issues.

Are you consciously aware of the plot before you begin a novel, or do you discover it as you write? I know the plot beforehand and write an outline around that.

Tell us a little about your main and supporting characters of your current book? Simone from “And Even If I Did” just wanted love but at what cost? Marrying the son of the man who raped her or sleeping with her best friend’s man? She believed all of her actions were justified because she played the “victim” role all the time.

Do you tend to base your characters on real people or are they totally from your imagination? My stories all come from life issues that my friends and family have went through.

Tell us who or what was the inspiration behind your latest book? My kids are always my inspiration and motivation for writing. I want leave them a legacy.

Where can readers purchase your latest book? You can purchase my books through my website, www.divabooksinconline.com

When you were published for the first time, which route did you go – mainstream, small press, vanity published or self-published and why or how did you choose this route? I was originally going to go with a small publishing house but after extensive investigation it was revealed that the company was a fraud. From that moment I said I was going to be in charge of my literary fate and self-published.

How did it make you feel to become published for the first time and how did you celebrate? It was a great feeling knowing I had achieved my goal and to celebrate I had dinner and drinks.

What was your reaction the first time you saw your book in the bookstore? I was very excited. Took a picture and made it my computer’s screen saver for a while ( corny I know ) .

Since you’ve been published, how have you grown as a writer and now a published author? I am writing better and not just writing as an author but also the ability to read it from a readers point of view as well.

What advice do you have for aspiring authors? Research… Research… Research did I mention… Research. In this day and time the Internet is a gift and a curse. For the most part social media is an effective way to market your book but the bad side is that there are so many CON artists claiming to be editors, proof readers, reviewers, graphic designers, publishers and other literary personnel. I can’t stress the point enough that you MUST research and conduct your OWN thorough investigation when getting referrals from other authors claiming they are “helping” you. People lie and fabricate a lot to appear what they really aren’t.

What do you have on the burner for the next year? DivaBooksInc will be accepting manuscripts starting February 2012, I will be re- releasing my self-help/ inspirational book “Dear Mommy.” The launching of a sexy new late night online radio show “Kiss & Tell”

How can readers reach you?

Twitter- @KishaGreen

Facebook – www.facebook.com/1KishaGreen

Website- www.divabooksinconline.com

Writer’s Life Chats- www.writerslifechats.com

Do you have anything else you’d like to add? Failure is NOT an option…Ever!

From me to you!

www.divabooksinconline.com

Dee here: Thanks for dropping by Kisha

When you’re not writing, what do you do to relax and have fun? When I’m not writing, I like to curl up with my Kindle and read. Reading is both relaxing and fun. I also like to go out with my girls, but I’m really a home body.

What is your favorite novel and why? I don’t have a favorite novel since I like so many novels for so many reasons. Omar Tyree’s “Flyy Girl” inspired me to write urban fiction.

What was the last novel you read that you enjoyed and why? The last novels that I read and enjoyed were the Bankroll Squad trilogy by David Weaver. It had all of the elements of a hot, juicy street trilogy. It was very addictive and I didn’t want the story to end. All three books were page turners. I love his plot twists.

When did you begin writing? I started writing short stories at a really young age. I was probably about seven years old.

What genre(s) do you write? I write Urban or Street Lit. At least that’s what genre my writing is considered. I just think what I write is realistic and people can relate to it.

Where do your concepts for your novels come from? The concepts for my novels come from many sources. It could be a song, or a dream. In the case of “Forbidden Fruit,” the characters came to me in a dream. The concept from the story came later. I’m inspired by my imagination, and real life situations.

Tell us about your latest book? My latest, and first published novel is titled “Forbidden Fruit.” The main characters Ayanna and Diablo came to me in a dream. I wanted to write a romance, but I wanted it to be an urban or street romance. Ayanna has a good life until her mother becomes addicted to drugs and her hustling father gets locked up for murder. Her sister Amaya is all that she has left, and she does whatever she has to do to take care of her. In the process she gets arrested for stealing. After the system steps in Ayanna and her sister are separated briefly before a family member takes them in. This introduces their cousin Princess who has her own share of issues. Ayanna meets the infamous Diablo Perez, who runs Atlanta drug trade. Their romance is an emotional rollercoaster. It’s a fast paced street tale with all of the elements of a page turner. There’s plenty of drama, and a plot twist that will blow your mind. The subplots are all just as interesting. The characters are real, and very believable. I don’t want to give the story away. It is available now on Nook, Kindle and iTunes. Print copies are available at www.anexanderbooks.com.

Are you consciously aware of the plot before you begin a novel, or do you discover it as you write? I go against the grain and freestyle when I write. I am a spontaneous person, and I like to allow the characters and plot to evolve as I write. Sometimes I am at awe at what I come up with. I may have a general idea of what I want to happen, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. It’s almost as if the characters take on a life of their own.

Tell us a little about your main and supporting characters of your current book? Ayanna, the main character of the story, is very strong willed and street wise. She is a faithful, loyal person who will do anything for those she loves. She has a heart of gold that can turn into stone if you cross her the wrong way. Diablo, Ayanna’s boyfriend, runs the streets of Atlanta. He is sexy, and has a swag that attracts the ladies. He loves Ayanna, but he’s a lady’s man. He’s very confident, and cool, but can be venomous like a black cobra. Amaya, Ayanna’s little sister, is often lost in Ayanna’s shadow. Throughout the story she is on a quest to find herself, but makes lots of mistakes along the way. Princess, Ayanna’s cousin, is only after her own pleasures and does not care who she hurts in the process. She loves money and gets it however from whomever.

Do you tend to base your characters on real people or are they totally from your imagination? I would say that my characters are based on real people and my imagination. Sometimes I don’t realize that I’ve based a character on someone I know until I go back and read.

Where can readers purchase your latest book? “Forbidden Fruit” is available on Kindle, Nook  ($.99 through January) or the print version from www.anexanderbooks.com

What do you have on the burner for the next year? A sequel and prequel to Forbidden Fruit will be released this year. The final installment in the series will be out soon after. After the Forbidden Fruit trilogy I will be releasing more novels.

How can readers reach you? I am on Facebook and Twitter as @urbanlitress. You can also email me at urbanlitress79@gmail.com or visit www.anexanderbooks.com

Dee here: Thanks for dropping by and telling us a little about your self and Forbidden Fruit.

When you’re not writing, what do you do to relax and have fun? I love to watch movies and read books. I’m an avid reader.

Tell us something few know about you. I weighed one pound when I was born and dropped down to thirteen ounces, I wrote a full novel in 2 weeks, and my editor is my past high school teacher. Isn’t that great?

What genre(s) do you like to read? Drama, street lit, erotica, and mysteries

What is your favorite novel and why? Where would I be by Laura T. Johnson, because it shows that love can happen for a woman who has been abused. She did not give up on love. A must read.

What was the last novel you read that you enjoyed and why? The last novel I read is Jaded by Envy Red. I enjoyed this novel because it was so different from the usual. Most books you know what’s going to happened and the ending of this book, caught me so off guard!

When did you begin writing? I began writing when I was a sophomore in high school. Writing was always an escape for me because I was often teased in school. I wrote poetry and short stories.

What genre(s) do you write? I write mainstream fiction and some erotica.

Where do your concepts for your novels come from? I don’t know, that’s a good question. My last novel came from me watching the news about a girl being raped and they couldn’t find the killer. I thought maybe I will write a novel where the girl gets revenge on being abused.

How long does it typically take you to write a book? I’d say about a month to two months.

Tell us about your latest book? My latest novel is called Sweet Innocence. It’s about a girl who was sexually abused by her father, and she grows up to get revenge on what happened to her. Although her father passed away, she is still reminded of her past.

Aurica Daniels is an award winning author from Delaware. She’s best known for her thriller novels. She is loved by her friends and cherished by her fans; Aurica has a secret past that she never told, until now. Abused by her father as a child Aurica wonders if she will move on from her past and have a prominent future. Aurica and her publicist go on a five day book tour, but Aurica just doesn’t go on any tour, she goes on a revenge spree that will shock all! Will Mrs. Daniels get the Sweet Innocence she deserves or will her past continue to crowd her future?

Are you consciously aware of the plot before you begin a novel, or do you discover it as you write? I am consciously aware. I get an idea and then I just go with it.

Do you tend to base your characters on real people or are they totally from your imagination? They are typically from my imagination but people are able to relate to them.

Can you tell us who or what was the inspiration behind your latest book? I’d have to say that my fans inspired me to write this book. I was always asked are you going to write something that has some mystery in it and I did. I hope that I made them proud of my work.

Does the setting play a major part in the development of your story?

Where can readers purchase your latest book? Amazon

What other titles have you written? I have written two other titles. A novel called Through Her Eyes that will be re-released soon, and a short story for an anthology called Rendezvous that will be out in April 2012.

If you could change one thing about your writing career thus far, what would it be? I wouldn’t change anything. I think that my work speaks for itself and that I have a different style.

What do you find to be the best and worst part of being an author? The best part of being an author is having people read your work and enjoy it, the worst part is when people often bash authors when they don’t know what blood, sweat, and tears, and hard work we have put into our craft.

How did it make you feel to become published for the first time and how did you celebrate? Wow, it felt amazing. I cried, did my church shout dance, lol, and I thanked God. To celebrate I went out to dinner with a few friends.

What was your reaction the first time you saw your book in the bookstore? I was happy. I couldn’t believe that my hard work had finally paid off.

What advice do you have for aspiring authors? I would like for aspiring authors to just go for it. Be the best that you can be even when people will say that you won’t amount to anything. The best revenge to get on someone is to prove them wrong. Let people see your craft and read your stories. Everyone has a story to tell.

How can readers reach you? http://www.facebook.com/#!/krystold , www.twitter.com/@Krystol1

Do you have anything else you’d like to add? Leave a review on amazon.com to let people know how you liked Sweet Innocence!

Thank you for dropping by Krystol. Good luck and I look forward to seeing more from you.

What genre(s) do you write? Hi, Deatri! Thank you so much for inviting me to chat with your community. I’m thrilled and honored to be here.

Regarding in which genres I write, I write romantic suspense as Patricia Sargeant and contemporary romance as Regina Hart. My previous titles include You Belong to Me (November 2006) and On Fire (September 2007) as Patricia Sargeant. I’ve also written Sweet Deception (June 2009) and Heated Rivalry (April 2010) – two contemporary romances – as Patricia Sargeant before switching to Regina Hart for my contemporaries. My first Regina Hart book was Fast Break (June 2011). My second Regina Hart title, Smooth Play, is a January 2012, release.

Tell us about your latest book. Thank you for asking, Deatri.

Smooth Play is the second book in my Regina Hart Brooklyn Monarchs contemporary romance trilogy. The Brooklyn Monarchs is a fictional National Basketball Association team based in – you’ve guessed it! – Brooklyn, New York. (Brooklyn’s in the house!) The trilogy – Fast Break, Smooth Play and the soon-to-be-released Keeping Score – follows the Monarchs’ Cinderella season. Readers are introduced to the team in Fast Break, the first book of the trilogy. Fast Break features the team’s fearless owner and former Women’s National Basketball Association superstar, Jaclyn Jones, and the team’s rookie head coach and future NBA Hall of Famer DeMarcus Guinn.

In Smooth Play, the once-basement-dweller Monarchs have made it into the playoffs. Now the franchise’s marketing executive, Troy Marshall, must ensure the media coverage doesn’t overwhelm the suddenly successful ballers. But that goal puts him at odds with sports reporter Andrea Benson, who needs a big story to revive her career.

Are you consciously aware of the plot before you begin a novel, or do you discover it as you write?

This is a great question, Deatri. Thank you for asking it. I’m very aware of my story’s plot before I type, “Chapter One.” I’m an obsessive compulsive plotter. I outline my characters, the plot, the subplots and turning points before starting the story. For me, plotting is a defense mechanism. I’m afraid that if I don’t plot in that much detail, it will turn out that I don’t have a story. Wouldn’t that be a shame?

The Romance Slam Jam organizers were kind enough to allow me to present my workshop, Fun with Plotting, during the 17^th Romance Slam Jam in Little Rock, Arkansas, Romance in the Rock. Has everyone signed up for the Romance Slam Jam? If not, run – don’t walk – to the Romance Slam Jam website and register now. It’s going to be another wonderful event!

Where can readers purchase your latest book? Smooth Play, my January 2012 release, is available in book stores. It also can be purchased online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Indie bound and Powells. Links to these online sites are on my Regina Hart website at www.AuthorReginaHart.com. If you do get a copy of Smooth Play, I’d love to know what you think of the story. You can email me at BooksByPatricia@yahoo.com.

What advice do you have for aspiring authors? The most important advice I could give aspiring authors is to never, ever give up your dream of becoming a published author. But the fact is this is not an easy career, is it, Dee? Aspiring authors have to make the decision with their eyes wide open as to whether they’re suited to a publishing career.

Continue to study the craft of writing. But equally important is keeping abreast of changes in the publishing industry. What changes are trending in publishing contracts? How’s technology impacting the industry? What’s the buzz on specific publishers and their relationships with their authors? Knowledge is power.

How can readers reach you? I love to hear from readers and I always respond. My email address is BooksByPatricia@yahoo.com. My Regina Hart website is www.AuthorReginaHart.com. My Patricia Sargeant website is www.PatriciaSargeant.com. Readers can sign up for my e-newsletter via either website. I’m also on Twitter at @BooksByPatricia.

Before saying goodbye, I’d like to thank all of my readers very sincerely for their interest in and support of my stories. You’ve helped my dream come true.

I’d also like to offer two readers one copy of Fast Break each, the first book in my Regina Hart Brooklyn Monarchs trilogy. For the chance to get a copy of Fast Break, be the first to correctly answer this trivia question, what is the name of the Brooklyn Monarchs’ arena? The answer’s on my Regina Hart website, www.AuthorReginaHart.com. Please send your answer to BooksByPatricia@yahoo.com and put “Brooklyn Monarchs arena” in the subject heading. Thanks in advance!

And, Deatri, thank you again for inviting me to visit. I’ve had a great time!

Dee here: Everyone, Patricia is one of the sweetest people you will ever meet and her books are FANTASTIC! We’ll be discussion her Regina Hart titles Fast Break and Smooth Play in the Black Romance Online Bookclub the last Saturday in January (Jan 28, 2012) and you are invited. It’s on Shelfari, so if you don’t have an account, you’ll need to set up a free one. It’s an all day event. Just pop in when you can. http://www.shelfari.com/groups/12038/discussions  Patricia, thanks for taking time out of your busy day to hang with us. Come on back and let us know about future books.

Tell us a little about yourself. I am A’ndrea J. Wilson, author of six books (five currently in print). I write fiction and nonfiction books, my most recent being a novel entitled Wife 101. I am also a college professor, teaching psychology, sociology, and health and human services courses. I have a Bachelor’s in Psychology, a Master’s in Counseling Psychology, and a Ph.D. in Global Leadership. I am the founder of a new publishing company, Divine Garden Press, which specializes in books on marriage and family issues. I am the current chairperson for the Ladies of the Dove Literary Festival which takes place every March in Hinesville, Georgia. Additionally, I conduct workshops and seminars on topics related to writing, education, marriage, and families.

When you’re not writing, what do you do to relax and have fun? I love to travel both domestically and internationally. I read all of the time. I enjoy shopping, watching movies, going out to eat with friends, and listening to music.

Tell us something few know about you. I watch cartoons and children’s TV programs even when no kids are around. I love and collect Christmas music. Back in the day, I got into a fist fight with a friend because she said that I couldn’t do “The Alf” (an old 80’s dance).

What genre(s) do you like to read? I read almost everything! I love reading and books are one of my favorite things! I read fiction and nonfiction, romance, general fiction, mystery, thrillers, self-help, religious, autobiographies, etc. The only genres that I don’t really read are science fiction and fantasy.

When did you begin writing? I started writing when I was in the ninth grade. I would come home from school every day and work on stories about teenagers. My sophomore year in high school, I transferred from my vocational high school to a school for performing arts. It was there that I began to develop my art. After high school, I abandoned creative writing and focused on going to college for psychology. It wasn’t until a few years before I finished my doctorate that I returned to creative writing and actually finished writing my first book.

What genre(s) do you write? Too many! I write Christian fiction/Romance, General Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, Self-Help, Christian Nonfiction/Inspirational, and Thriller/Suspense.

Tell us about your latest book? My most recent book is Wife 101, a novel about a successful and overly independent woman who wants marriage, but is hardly marriage material. Through the course of the book, she enrolls in a wife training course, hoping to figure out how make her relationships work. Readers get the opportunity to watch her as she learns important lessons about womanhood/wifehood and attempts to apply these lessons to her life and relationships. Wife 101 is a great book for any woman, married or single, who wants to improve their relationship, but be entertained by a witty novel in the process.

Are you consciously aware of the plot before you begin a novel, or do you discover it as you write? I know the general idea when I start. I also have an idea of the kind of ending I want, but that is really it. I allow the story to unfold as I write and most times the ending is not exactly what I had in mind when I began, but I am okay with it. The most important aspect for me is the message in the story. I am intentional about the message that I want to convey before I start writing and I try to make sure that message is brought forth at some point in the book.

Can you tell us a little about your main and supporting characters? Amber Ross is the main character of Wife 101. She is a self-made woman who knows what she wants and knows how to get it–with the exception of a good man. Amber is feisty and used to playing hardball with men in the work world, so when it comes to her personal life, she has no clue of how to positively interact with men. She is afraid of becoming like her mother, like many women are, so she rejects any behavior that even hints at submissiveness. She has a single, best friend, Tisha, who encourages her self-sabotaging actions and loves to give bad advice. Her ex-boyfriend, Chris, is that guy who knows he had a decent woman, but was looking for a woman who would play a more feminine role in their relationships and just didn’t know how to be honest with her about his needs. There are other characters, but to tell you who they are would be ruining the story. You will just have to read it to find out…

Can you tell us who or what was the inspiration behind your latest book? Two things inspired Wife 101. First, seeing the struggle women, especially successful black women, have in relationships. Women complain that finding a mate is difficult (which it may be at times), but don’t recognize the behaviors that they demonstrate that keep them away from the love and commitment they crave. Second, reading and studying Proverbs 31. After a month of study and divine revelation, I found so much wisdom in the verses that still applies to the role of women within society and families. I knew I wanted to write about what I had learned, but I wanted to do it creatively so that more women would be inclined to read it. Learning doesn’t have to be boring; it can be fun and exciting. I believe Wife 101 is the perfect balance between an educational tool and a laugh-out-loud, page-turning, juicy novel.

Where can readers purchase your latest book?  Softcover and Kindle. Book is also available on Nook

What other titles have you written?
Nonfiction
My Business His Way: Wisdom & Inspiration for Entrepreneurs
Kiss & Tell: Releasing Expectations

Fiction
The Things We Said We Would Never Do
Ready & ABLE Teens: Ebony’s Bad Habit

If you could change one thing about your writing career thus far, what would it be? I would have started much earlier. I sat on my gift for 13 years before publishing my first book. I always had the talent and knew it was something that I was supposed to do, but I was so caught up in having the career that I thought I should have rather than the one that was truly what God had in mind for me. It took me a while to really accept the calling to write as a profession and purpose. I always wonder if I would have accepted my purpose earlier on, where I would be as an author now.

What do you find to be the best and worst part of being an author? The best part is hearing that something I wrote positively impacted another person. Just knowing that what I write has the power to help, heal, and provide hope is priceless. The worst part is the money. It’s hard out here for a pimp–I mean an author!

Since you’ve been published, how have you grown as a writer and now a published author? I believe that my writing is better. I read a lot and am constantly learning new ways to improve upon my style and delivery. I also have come to learn much more about the industry than when I began which helps me to write better books and know more about how to market them.

What advice do you have for aspiring authors? Learn to write every day. Be willing to develop your craft. The real work comes after the book is published so be ready to work like a Hebrew Slave. Learn to accept criticism because it is coming. Don’t do it for the money because it will most likely never be as profitable as it should be.

What do you have on the burner for the next year? I have a short story that will appear in an anthology edited by Kendra Norman-Bellamy. The second book in my Young Adult Series, Ready & ABLE Teens: Desiree Dishes the Dirt will be released in March 2012. The sequel to Wife 101, Husband 101, will be released in the winter of 2012. And I plan to do a lot of book events and media throughout the year, including the Ladies of the Dove Literary Festival in March of 2012 which my sorority chapter hosts.

How can readers reach you?
Website: www.andreawilsononline.com
Email: drajwilson@gmail.com
Facebook: Author A’ndrea J. Wilson
Blog www.drawilson.wordpress.com

Dee here. A’ndrea, thank you so much for giving us a little insight into your work and you. I hope you come back again and let us know when your future books are released. I look forward to meeting you in person at the Slam Jam.