Eureka (Urban Novelist) Oliver is the author of “Vixxen: Taking Chi-town by Storm,” “Concoction: A Deadly Mix,” and her latest, “Concoction 2: The Ties that Bind” - with a few more slated to be released later this year. Alongside having a full time job as a mother and wife, Eureka has placed her love of music and teaching into her new passion for writing. Using her life growing up in Chicago as a backdrop in all of her books, descriptively displaying the fact that It was not easy, having been a witness to violence and often times poverty, broken homes and misguided children and the devastation of child molestation all with countless situations that affected her urban community, Eureka decided to take what was a bad situation and turned it into a good in her life.

Survival and perseverance have always been a driving force for her to success.

About “Concoction 2”

“Concoction 2: Ties that Bind” is a sequel to the first out of the ordinary urban drama.

This time Concoction is faced with the fact that there are two men in her life whom she loves. Her twins’ father, Sa'ron 'Siren' Ferguson and Darell 'Spade' Hughes lay in the hospital with gunshot wounds. An end result of an ambush meant to end their lives. They both are fighting for their life and this has Concoction not only faced with the possibility of losing one or both of them. In search of answers, the who and the why leads Concoction and her sister Rasheemah open to answers they were not ready for.

Betrayal, lust, and murder from enemies known and unknown drive this story home. Who will live? Who will die? So many questions and all the answers to this concocted mix are all inside of Concoction.

DP: When did you first decide you wanted to become an author?

Eureka: I was an avid reader with many stories of my own. When I started reading urban fiction, I could picture my story in some of the urban novels I read. I said to myself I have some out of the ordinary real and fiction experiences that I feel would fit well into the urban lit world. I grew up with drama, betrayal and a list of other juicy things that are inside of urban lit. I read a book by an author and that got me wanting to learn the craft and study some books so I can put my own words down.

DP: How did you decide on the idea for your first book?

Eureka: My first book was a no brainier for me. I looked around my life and saw a need to concoct a tail of suspense, an out of the ordinary story. Having read numerous books with almost the same storyline proved really hard for me to just ignore. I took sexy and mixed it with suspense, drama, and some real life experience.

DP: How long did it take you to write your first book?

Eureka: I would have to say a little shy of a year

DP: Did you self-publish or are you signed to a publishing company?

Eureka: Self -Publish

DP: How did you decide on the cover for your most recent book?

Eureka: I always choose a cover that will give my story a great visual

DP: Tell us about your writing style. Do you write on a schedule?

Eureka: I try to write on a self-made schedule. I want to be fair to myself and my readers. I will not rush or skip on anything I put out. I want quality more than quantity.

DP: What makes your writing unique?

Eureka: I try my best not to write your typical tale. I am versatile. I can write anywhere from an erotic tale to a tale of pure gangster life tone.

DP: As a writer, what motivates you?

Eureka: What motivates me is my readers, but more so my passion for the craft

DP: How do you balance your writing and various responsibilities that come along with being an independent author?

Eureka: So far I have been able to set myself on some sort of time management. I have to devote myself to so many things that I have a chart set up for what activities will come and what order I will address them.

DP: When you’re not writing what are you doing?

Eureka: Working and being a wife and mother

DP: What’s a typical day like for you?

Eureka: First I’m a mommy and then my wifely duties kick in; then I try to write at least 3 chapters in whichever book I am writing in on my list for the day.

 DP: Tell us about your last book signing.

Eureka: I have yet to experience a book signing but will experience one real soon

DP: Do you have contests or giveaways?

Eureka: Yes I do. I will gift my books and other authors work as well. Sometimes I offer free gift cards.

DP: Many independent authors find it hard to get readers to buy their books. How did you handle the challenges that come along with being a first-time author in a competitive and ever-changing market?

Eureka: I must be real, some days it is saddening and frustrating but I keep researching and improving on every outlet that I can to get my work out to the readers

DP: What did you do on your 2nd book that you did not do in your first one?

Eureka: I learned more on the craft, like scene and character development to enhance the story that I was telling. I wanted to give the reader the feeling like they were right in the moment.

DP: If you could give one piece of advice to an up and coming author, what would it be?

Eureka: I would say surround yourself with true and avid readers and authors not just ‘yes’ men. You have to know the truth in order to improve and make the story better for every reader who chooses to support you. Not just for them but for yourself. If you re-read your work will you get caught up in that moment? Not because you wrote it but because it truly grabbed your attention and had you engulfed as if you never read it before. Don't think because you drop a few F bombs here and there, it makes your story. Keep the passion in what you are writing. All of your stories should come from inside. Let your passion speak through you. No matter what, invest and believe in yourself

DP: Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?

Eureka: Amazon.com and Paperback

DP: Please list any literary awards, honors, and book club affiliations.

Eureka: I am a member of many book clubs but New SWAGGA book club is one that is closet to me.

Natisha is a hard working person. She graduated from Continental Academy Home School and is on her way to receive he bachelor’s degree in business. Natisha is a new Christian author who writes short novellas. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband and 4 kids. She loves the Lord and believes that her work is not done yet. She is the author of “This Journey of Life has just

Begun”

About “This Journey of Life has just Begun”

“This Journey of Life has just Begun” is about a young girl who is trying to make it in life.  She had a baby at a very young age. When her baby grows up, she is raped and tortured by her teacher. The daughter starts acting loose after what happens to her, but God takes a hold on her life.

DP: When did you first decide you wanted to become an author?

Natisha: When I was about 8 years old, I wanted to become an author. I have always had a passion for writing.

DP: How did you decide on the idea for your first book?

Natisha: I was thinking about the time when I was a little girl, how so many things could happen to me. I decided that it was time to tell my story to others.

DP: How long did it take you to write your first book?

Natisha: 2 full months.

DP: Did you self-publish or are you signed to a publishing company?

Natisha: Yes I got my book published by a publishing company.

DP: How did you decide on the cover for your most recent book?

Natisha: I pray a lot in my room. That’s what made me choose my front cover.

DP: Tell us about your writing style. Do you write on a schedule?

Natisha: I balance my writing.

DP: What makes your writing unique?

Natisha: Because God gave me a gift to write.

DP: As a writer, what motivates you?

Natisha: I am motivated by my desire to be successful and accomplish my goals. And my kids motivate me as well. They made me the person I am today. I want to see better things in life besides poverty.

DP: How do you balance your writing and various responsibilities that come along with being an independent author?

Natisha: I usually write in the nighttime, because during the day I am very busy with my home-based business. My kids are in college. I do ministry work and enjoy being a wife as well. So everything I do is part-time.

DP: When you’re not writing what are you doing?

Natisha: I go to church, I work on my home-based business, and I also take mini vacations. I spend time with my family and I do what I love to do.

DP: What’s a typical day like for you?

Natisha: Life itself has its ups and downs, so I take each day, one time day at a time.

DP: Tell us about your last book signing.

Natisha: I did not do a book signing due to the late arrival on my books. But I am planning to have a book signing in the future.

DP: Do you have contests or giveaways?

Natisha: No not yet! But I’m gonna start in early march 2013.

DP: Many independent authors find it hard to get readers to buy their books. How did you handle the challenges that come along with being a first-time author in a competitive and ever-changing market?

Natisha: I had my publishing company help me sell my books. My friends help me as well.

DP: What did you do on your 2nd book that you did not do in your first one?

Natisha: I did a better job on my book cover.

DP: If you could give one piece of advice to an up and coming author, what would it be?

Natisha: Make sure you pick a good editor because I had problems with my book being edited the right way. Now my book is being edited by a great editor.

DP: Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?

Natisha: www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, and at www.authorhouse.com

Date:   2/5/2013
Writers Name:  Rosey Denise White
Title:  Presenting to some and Re-introducing to others… Reading!

 

No matter how much I try to understand it, for the life of me I cannot comprehend why people refuse to read.  For starters, people generally have the wrong idea about reading entirely.  Many assume that reading is reduced to a boring book, or novel or… that it is a task that consumes too much of your time.  Nothing could be further from the truth.   If you have time to browse Facebook, watch ESPN or play XBOX then you do have time to read.   I often engage both my friends and co-workers about their interest in reading.  Every chance I get I pester them about the need to read on a consistent basis.  I am constantly pointing out real-life examples of how reading does impact life.   By now, I am certain that I am getting on their last nerves but nonetheless, my message is delivering a punch!  Many of them are beginning to read more often or at least acknowledge the importance of reading regularly.

For those who do not know my friend, please allow me to introduce you to – READING!    Reading and I have been long acquainted since the early childhood days, and reading has continued to prove invaluable throughout my entire life.   As a small child, reading helped me to understand the workings of the world.  I learned what the meanings of words were, became familiar with history and found my creativity all through reading.   I even learned how to play board games through reading the words on the boards or the directions.  My passion for writing further enhanced my relationship with reading during elementary education. I cannot thank reading enough for helping to prepare me for my studies!  Some of the other kids found reading to be a bore, and would rather spend time hanging out with friends or doing other leisurely activities.  While this was understandable, I guess reading was my preferred friend.  Reading has kept me company and some would suggest it has helped earn me the title of ‘nerd.’   Reading by the way has also helped to earn me good grades in secondary post-secondary education. 

Reading is becoming even more invaluable during my adult life.  It has helped me to obtain gainful employment by researching the company – (yes this helps tremendously during the interview process).  I have also learned how to cook some very interesting recipes, train for a 5K marathon, and heighten my sex life all through the benefit of reading!   Reading is something that every person regardless of background, financial status or creed can do.  The only thing needed to read is literacy (knowing how to read) and having an interest to do so.   I personally believe the main reason why most do not read in the first place is because they do not have a sincere interest for it.  Only if they would open their minds and realize that reading doesn’t have to be a boring activity.   Reading like anything else can be a great friend.   There is not one single activity in the life of children or adults that is not elevated through reading.   Don’t believe me?  Dare yourself to sacrifice one hour of social activity, television and radio for the sake of reading.   Take time to read a story to your children or an elderly relative.  Notice how reading will become your friend too!  

Date: 02/05/2013
Writer’s Name: Ornitha Danielle
Title: Where Are You?
                                           
A lot of things run wildly throughout my mind - feelings of confusion, tiredness and mental abandonment. Only to know that I’ve called out to you with little to no response; my heart is longing to feel your love near me. My mind is full of trouble, as this world we live in becomes more and more chaotic. There are talks of the New World Order -everything becoming one. Standing on the wall looking as the world crumbles and falls. So much is happening and people don’t seem to mind at least one bit. As these tears that I try to hold back are in a race to see who will hit the floor first, there are many other people wondering the same thing, and asking where are you?

The love that you have for us as your children runs deeper than we can ever imagine, but we return much less than what you give.  Yet you still bless us one by one, it’s just those times when things don’t make since, I’m still looking around asking, where are you?

My logic knows what’s been said to me many times before, that you’re always with me. I feel so far away from your presence when I’m in distress. I can barely catch my breath. I don’t understand, why, why, why, why seeming how much time is flying bye.  The prayers I send you, somehow seems to be hitting the ceiling, and hitting me on the top of my head. I pray for strength, joy, peace and rest. Never looking for material things, I just want to be closer to you than ever before, as close as Heaven’s door.

My heart is bleeding and crying for the nations, the children are leaders of tomorrow. We need you right now, Father can you hear me? I’m listening for your voice and your people need you too. Where are you?  Swollen eyes, stopped up nose, head is pounding like drummer beating his drums. What do I need to do to hear a word from you? Reading my bible to know more of you, I want to feel your touch; all we need is just one touch. If you would just touch me, I know that my life will be changed forever.  Father, please hear my plea as I seek your face for direction in what I must do next. I have tried everything, sometimes nothing seems to work for me. What I thought that I knew that’s not it, anymore I seem to be losing it, father where are you? I need answers to all of what is going on around me and in this world, where are you? I know you hear me, but why am I not hearing you? Where are you? I love you, I adore you, you are the head of my life. What else can I do to be closer to you? Where are you?

Date: 02/03/2013
Name: Donnell Hicks
Title: Let the Past be the Past

A wise man once said and I quote, “Forgiveness is the greatest thing ever, because at the end you’ll have untold peace and happiness.” Before I became a writer, I didn’t realize what the mantra “Price of Fame” actually meant until two years ago when I became a victim of verbal assault from everybody from all different directions. The very people who claimed to be my friend, ended up departing, abusing my trust, love, and kindness to the point I became so bitter and angry and started building up these defensive walls around me so I won’t hurt anymore.

My heart grew shallow, my love grew cold. So many pundits whispered behind my back they even conspired to destroy me in any way they knew how; for the reason that I didn’t do what they wanted me to do for them. Each time I had lent out a helping hand or did any favors, it always came to slap me in the face with full force. It got to the point where I started to hate myself for being such a nice person to my fellow brethren.

Recently, it came down to the point where I couldn’t stand the concept of being nice anymore for the sake of being hurt again and taken advantage by “friends.”

I turned into a monster, trying to hurt the very pundits who struck at me ten times and committed treason. Although I attempted to keep a smile on my face, inside my soul, a raging monster would grow devouring everything in sight. I did my best praying often to the heavens, yet none of it worked but only for a short period of time. The same people who hurt me, I wanted to make them feel my pain. My mother would tell me some times “God honors a person who has humility when he/she has been constantly hurt.” Though I was filled up with rage, I didn’t really care.

So many reasons played a significant factor in why I couldn’t let the past go; for starters I befriended this guy in 2011. This person claimed to be a cool, down to earth guy. Truthfully, I was naïve to see underneath the surface of all the glitter wasn’t purely gold. He made me feel comfortable around him and then he vanished into thin air without a trace. From that point on and with every other situation, I lashed out at anyone who came in my way. I held onto the anguish, the defeat so that I can allow the demon to be revealed.

Every now and again, I kept holding onto the past when someone tried to show me love I pushed the person away. I kept on pretending to be at peace when in fact I wasn’t in peace. One day it came down to the wire where I had to recognize that what I was doing wasn’t hurting the individuals, I was downright hurting myself in the process. I just had to leave everything in God hands and I did. I regret that I had lost my faith; I regret allowing the past to pull me away from the many blessings God had blessed me with regarding my writing career. Likewise, I didn’t know my own strength to rise above the smoke.  

To conclude, life is too short to hold onto a grudge. The past will be the past and there’s nothing we can do about it except live.

As parents, teachers and counselors, we spend most of our waking hours caring for our children. We dedicate ourselves to making sure that they are supplied with the proper knowledge and skills to carry them on throughout adulthood. Oftentimes these tasks are not as joyous or fulfilling as we hope for and seem more like a burden every day. The days that you remember as a child; playing outside with friends after finishing up homework or staying after school to practice for the talent show are long gone. It’s been replaced with teens that could care less about playing outside or even going to school. They rather spend time creating an uprising within the community by skipping school, stealing, doing drugs, etc. There are more children that are running away from home, truant, exhibiting aggressive behavior and filling up the jails and prisons rather than there are those eager to fill the classroom and obey their parents.

He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes. Prov.13:24KJV

Have you ever sat down with your elders and listened to them talk about how times have changed? My grandmother would always say “in my day if I even thought about trying the things that today’s generation is getting away with, not only would momma and papa beat me until I roke like okra, but the whole community would be on me like white on rice.” I would laugh so hard until my stomach hurt when she would tell me that. Me being an adult now and observing how children carry themselves compared to when I was a child, I see that things are getting worse and what she said makes more sense now.

The media, low self-esteem, family issues, poverty and government intervention all play a significant role in the lives our children. Youth are being confronted with all sorts of distorted messages and ideations about life. The lack of stability in some children’s lives causes many to become what some consider unruly. In cases where there is an absence of a male figure in the home or even financial instability, it creates an atmosphere where children feel the need to fend for themselves. Maybe they even feel unwanted or unloved and acting out is the only way of getting the attention they crave for.

Chasten thy son while there is hope and let not thy soul spare for his crying. Prov.19:18KJV

Discipline seems like a thing of the past, when it was once enforced without a second thought. There is that saying “it takes a village to raise a child” and once upon a time that saying was put into action. Now with all of the legalities associated with disciplining children, a parent cannot correct their child’s behavior without fear of certain authorities intervening. Some parents rather deal with the issues in fear of losing their child, while others choose to wash their hands of the child and the problem.

When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man I put away childish things. 1Corin. 13:11KJV

Children like to belong to something and when there is something that they are intrigued by they tend to follow. It could be a music artist on television; to an adult they may be clearly exhibiting ignorant behavior, but a child may want to be just like them regardless of what their parents think. Some teens start to abuse drugs and alcohol based on the same factors; maybe a song they have heard whose lyrics imply the fun of being negligent with drugs, has them wanting to try it out. It is important that we stay firm with children in our community. The need for more positive activities and role models for our children is needed now than ever before. Our children are creating a pit for themselves and we as parents, community leaders and even the law enforcement need to find ways to deter them from the negative behaviors they are mimicking.

Jail or prison is no place for a child and is not the new teen daycare. When we stop taking action, the law picks up where we leave off. It is not morally wrong to discipline your child, but sometimes being a good role model is not enough. Let’s find solutions to turn today’s youth into aspiring leaders of tomorrow.  Give the youth in your community something worth following after. Show them the right way in the beginning, so they will follow those principles throughout life.

Date:  January 29, 2013
Name:  Nanette Buchanan
Title: There’s a Thorn in Social Media

Any of us who grew up using the library, resource books from home and in our schools, can find both the pros and cons in the world created by Social Media and the infamous web.  The speed of technology, the worldwide connections, its resources and rapid growth are overwhelming when compared to the methods we used thirty to forty years ago.  However, with the advantages we must become more responsible in our homes, schools and jobs.  Social Media has invaded our lives and exposed us to the world, both good and bad. As we browse the internet there are many websites that connect us to others.  Fulfilling our needs, we can find any and everything – from business and education to resources, social networking, and a list that has no limit. As we satisfy our needs we often forget that any and all our information of that which we provide becomes available to others.  

The average individual who enters this world or is curious may find just by putting their name in the Google browser there is basic information about them on the internet.  They don’t have to have a website. Simply putting in the name, the city or job they hold you can find information on a person.  Employers use this method for prospective employees and it has also been used to check potential renters or home owners.  How one uses the internet can have an impact on how they are evaluated by others.  Salaries, location, history, who you’ve lived with, where you’ve work and the ability to zoom in on your home and neighborhood is all on the internet.  Your accounts can be searched, sought and hacked.  Your safety can be jeopardized without you being a “Social Media Junkie.”

The internet has brought shopping into the homes of many. For merchants it’s an opportunity to put products in the homes of their consumers who many not venture to the store.  There are many merchants who don’t have a physical location and the web is their platform for retail sales.  Advertisements, coupons, discounts and more are extended to the buyer, and most take advantage of what is offered daily.  Payments can be made directly, a convenience but with each purchase there is the possibility of exposing yourself to the hackers that lurk through the waves of the internet.  Any public information is available to them, but with your purchase so is your credit information.  Yes, every online merchant vows they don’t sell or distribute your information but how else do we receive those promotional ads from others.  The pop-ups that appear have found our likes and make offers for us to view their products.  This is all done through the sharing of our purchases and our information.  From a consumer’s point of view, purchasing through the sites of merchants brings joy and pain.  One has the luxury of buying from their home, avoiding traffic on the roads and in the stores, getting discounts not offered in the stores, the excitement of the delivery.  On the other hand there is the missed delivery dates, not being able to touch or inspect the purchase before buying and yes, the exposure of your personal information on the web.

Many have found business opportunities and employment on the internet.  There are search engines that will direct jobs to your e-mail address.  You can post your resume’ and the employer can view it and contact you with a job offer.  Entrepreneurs can build a business and reach thousands through social media exposure.  Creating a website, joining media groups, and attaching links a new business can advance.  One can learn by networking and advance themselves in their business by connecting to a network of people in the same business.  A relationship can be built with clientele, something that is hardly done when one goes to the store to purchase. 

Entrepreneurs can send out information to the masses, to those they don’t know and would never reach using snail mail or promotion tactics from years ago.  However, just as the consumer has to worry about the negatives of the web so does the person who wishes to build their business through web use and networking.  Again, one has to fish through the scams and fraudulent websites, worry about being hacked and the bogus postings made in their name.  The spam, the constant posts that keep the business vibrant and so much more keeps the business moving also can cause it to fall.  It doesn’t push aside the responsibility of the entrepreneur to keep their information and the information of their clients safe. 

Resources, education, research, networking, chats, games, and so much more can cause one to become addicted to the web.  The interaction with others across the world or next door has become a vital part of our daily lives.  Education, research and resources at your fingertips have outweighed the problems of invasion into our personal lives.  Some say they stay off the internet not wanting to subject their privacy to be invaded.  However, they search sites, research information or simply look up information; they’re connected and don’t realize it.  If you own a home, your records are there; if you’re a public employee or servant; if you are involved in community works or organizations, receive an award from an organization; and government records about you are on record.  You are a part of this revolving world of technology.

There is protection for your computer, an effort to keep spy-ware, and hackers from getting into your PC or laptop.  However, there is no protection from Joe Blow, checking your name, stealing your identity which he can find by digging through the information stored on the web.  In most states, identity theft via electronics or technology is now being looked at as an indictable crime.  This has been pushed through legislature due to crimes on the internet, ATM transactions in the bank, and cell phone fraud.   We have a long way to go and with the expansion of the internet and what it provides for society, it is imperative that we protect ourselves.

Establish one card you use for purchases on the net.  Pay-pal a secure payment source is great for security of payment and provides options for you to pay.  Monitor the sites your family members are a part of or visit; this is especially a necessity when you have children who use your computer.  Change your passwords often and avoid using the same password for all your sites.  Monitor your purchases and downloads.  Be careful when opening e-mails or links sent to you by unknown addresses.  Read the terms and conditions of your purchases.  Some of them link to deactivation of your cell phones and services.  Monitor your bank deductions to ensure when making online purchases the right amount has been deducted once and not multiple times.  Do not share accounts with others, if they get hacked you will be too.  Be alert to post on your site.  You can and will be held accountable for postings on your site.  Hackers will send mail in your name, postings in your name and when or if they are investigating you will be responsible for the content.  Any criminal activity should be reported immediately.  Each legitimate site will have contact information.  They should be made aware of illegal activity done in their name.  There are blocks for sites, people and pop ups, however monitoring all other interaction is the responsibility of anyone who uses the luxury of the web.

As we grow in this ever evolving world of technology we have to accept the pros and the cons and be responsible. We owe ourselves and our family protection from invaders of our privacy.  Limiting our usage of the internet is not the answer, being responsible while using it is what we must instill in our minds.  We can’t be hostages to such a beautiful experience and one where we should be free to gain knowledge on so many levels. Technology has opened our life to the world, but there are some things they just shouldn’t see. 

Colleen "Warrior Empress" Williams was born in the beautiful twin island of Trinidad and Tobago in 1972 and always had a passion for writing poetry and short stories. Her first book was written out of the painful experiences she had to endure in life. Coming from a rough past, it was hard to trust and forgive again after years of abuse. It is her heartfelt wish to educate individuals of all ages using this book, which is filled with poetry, short stories and dedications.

"What won't kill me only makes me stronger," she likes to say. “However, I know for a fact if I had not gone through the things I went through I would not be where I am today.” She is the author of “WHO FEELS IT KNOWS IT”

About “WHO FEELS IT KNOWS IT”

“WHO FEELS IT KNOWS IT” is many things. It’s a saying I have, meaning, “If you’ve not experienced it, you don’t really understand it.” It is also the title of my first book. This book is a journey through the seasons of my life: from descent into pain in the fall through the winter, where I endured constant abuse and neglect, and where I emerged stronger, entering into the glories of spring.

 This book is a celebration of strength – of coming out stronger after years of sexual, emotional and physical abuse and neglect. It is a compilation of poems and paragraphs that I wrote over the years to help me process some of the negative things that happened to me. Some of the poems are in my natural way of speaking – not strictly Standard English – as a result. So, don’t be alarmed!

But it is not all doom and gloom! It has been described as a modern day “Cinderella” story; in the middle of my pain, I met my Prince Charming – my “Mr. Undefeated” – who was instrumental in bringing me out of winter and into spring.

DP: When did you first decide you wanted to become an author?

Colleen: To be honest I never set out to write a book, but after hearing different women share similar stories to mine, I decided to share mine as well.

DP: How did you decide on the idea for your first book?

Colleen: The experiences of my life - being abused physically, emotionally and sexually - were the foundation for this book. It came out of the journals I wrote while I was going through these horrible experiences; as I started to finally come out of the cycle of pain I found myself compiling all of the most painful experiences into a book so that other women will know they don't have to stay in abusive relationships and that true love is possible.

DP: How long did it take you to write your first book?

Colleen: Compiling all of the experiences that I went through from my journals into a manuscript took about three years or so.

DP: Did you self-publish or are you signed to a publishing company?

Colleen: I am self-published with Amazon.

DP: How did you decide on the cover for your most recent book?

Colleen: I used Amazon's templates for book covers to design my cover.

DP: Tell us about your writing style. Do you write on a schedule?

Colleen: When inspiration hits is when I write. My writing style is very simplistic; anyone should be able to relate to what I write.

DP: What makes your writing unique?

Colleen: I write as I feel and I am very real. The people in my life tell me that I am extremely blunt and direct; it comes out in my writing as well.

DP: As a writer, what motivates you?

Colleen: Helping others through my book is my main motivation. I want women to know that it is not okay to stay in a relationship that makes you uncomfortable or is dangerous to you or your children. You have the option to get out.

DP: How do you balance your writing and various responsibilities that come along with being an independent author?

Colleen: My book is complete, and I have not yet started working on another, so all my time is focused on promoting: interviews, reviews, and pushing the book on social media sites.

DP: When you’re not writing what are you doing?

Colleen: Planning and focusing on my next goal in life.

DP: What’s a typical day like for you?

Colleen: Getting phone calls, checking emails, autographing purchased copies and responding to requests to appear at different book events.

DP: Tell us about your last book signing.

Colleen: My last book signing was in Barbados at the CITRUS BOOK & POETRY night, hosted by the Book Source. I read excerpts from the book and sold a few copies. The response was great, and I am planning for my formal book launch later in 2013.

DP: Do you have contests or giveaways?

Colleen: Not at this time.

DP: Many independent authors find it hard to get readers to buy their books. How did you handle the challenges that come along with being a first-time author in a competitive and ever-changing market?

Colleen: Getting people to buy the book online has been difficult, however many people who hear about the book by word of mouth near where I live have been inquiring about how they can purchase copies. I have been ordering my books and selling them by hand, and word continues to spread as the people who buy them tell others.

DP: What did you do on your 2nd book that you did not do in your first one?

Colleen: I'm not working on a second one at the moment. I am focused on promoting this one for now.

DP: If you could give one piece of advice to an up and coming author, what would it be?

Colleen: Don't give up and go for your goals. If you have a story you want to tell, there will be someone who will listen. Tell your story.

DP: Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?

Colleen: My book is available as a paperback and on Kindle for purchase on Amazon's website.

http://www.amazon.com/Who-feels-knows-Colleen-Williams/dp/1475151020

Nicety, 29, was born and raised on the southside of Chicago. Her love of writing began in the 3rd grade. Many teachers pushed her to expand her knowledge of words and taught her how to put them together to make them flow like melted butter. During her teen years she put her love of writing on hold and fell in love with another passion, graphic design. It wasn't until college that she began writing again, taking advanced creative Writing and English classes. One professor caught on to her gift and began to motivate her to publish her work and share her gift with the world.

Upon graduating from Kennedy King College in 2010 with an Associate’s degree in Arts, that's what Nicety did. Now she's written short series and four full length novels and is working on countless more. She is now married with three beautiful children still living in Chicago. She spends a vast majority of her time writing the books she loves with the support of her family. All of her books have topped the charts of one or more Amazon Bestsellers Lists at one point in time. Her goal is to bring that accomplishment over to the New York Times List as well.

Her titles include:

Killing Me Softly

Beautiful Nightmare

Juicy: Pandora's Box

Candy Shop

Like Flies to Honey 2

Like Flies to Honey 1

About “Killing Me Softly”

Goddess Young is devastated when her husband Spliff disappears kidnapped by some crooked cops on a power trip. When she finds out he's dead, she has a hard time picking up the pieces of her life and finds it spiraling out of control. She loses her home and almost her sanity, torn by grief as she wonders how she'll survive without him. She's unable to find a job and found herself in the middle of her friend, Quetta's problems. It looked like the end of the road for her until she received a phone call that gets her out of the heat, for now. A new town brings about a newfound happiness and love that she didn't believe was possible. Goddess tries to keep her head above water but it's nearly impossible with fresh dripping wet blood on her hands.

Jealousy, deceit, and betrayal rear their ugly heads throughout this book especially when she realizes that the dead has secrets too.

DP: When did you first decide you wanted to become an author?

Nicety: I decided that I wanted to become an author after I wrote my first book. I sat there staring at the cursor blink on the screen at the end of my last sentence and thought to myself, "Now what?"

My professor suggested that I publish it on Amazon and gave me all the steps and tools to get started on my own. At the time, I wasn't sure if that was the right decision to make. One night my husband came home from work and asked me what I was waiting for. I knew then that my support system was in place.

DP: How did you decide on the idea for your first book?

Nicety: The idea for my first short story, Like Flies to Honey, came from a dream I had about a past relationship. Until I met my husband, every man that I ever had a relationship with cheated on me. I wanted to bring some of those feelings to life but also put my own spin on it as well.

DP: How long did it take you to write your first book?

Nicety: It took me about a week to write my first short story. I write all day everyday so it never really takes me any time at all to write if I focus.

DP: Did you self-publish or are you signed to a publishing company?

Nicety: I am a proud self-published author!

DP: How did you decide on the cover for your most recent book?

Nicety: My first love is writing but my second love is graphics. I design all of my own covers. I have done a few for other authors as well. I wanted the fast paced life of Chicago to be recognized with a serious female who had a lot to hide behind. That was the driving force behind the cover for Killing Me Softly.

DP: Tell us about your writing style. Do you write on a schedule?

Nicety: I need to make a certain word count every day before I can do anything else in my day. At minimum I write 2000 words a day and at maximum 10,000. When its crunch time for my deadlines I write 10,000. I like to keep my deadlines because it feels like a promise I've made to my readers and I always keep my word.

DP: What makes your writing unique?

Nicety: I think what makes my writing unique is the fact that my stories are innovative and fresh. I try my hardest not to copy anyone else's story lines because readers have read it all before. I want to bring something fresh and knew to the table while also giving them what they've come to love.

DP: As a writer, what motivates you?

Nicety: My family. I want to be able to show them that dreams can be achieved with hard work and dedication.

DP: How do you balance your writing and various responsibilities that come along with being an independent author?

Nicety: I usually try to knock my writing out in the morning after the kids go to school and that way I am free to take care of my responsibilities the rest of the day.

DP: When you’re not writing what are you doing?

Nicety: When I am not writing, I'm thinking about writing. Ideas never cease to pop up in my head. But otherwise, I'm either in mommy or wifey mode.

DP: What’s a typical day like for you?

Nicety: I get up at 7am to get the kids ready for school and get them there by 8:15am. Then I come back home and write until 11am when it's time to pick my preschoolers up from school, since they only go half days. Then I come home and write while they nap until 3:30pm when my teenager gets home. Then if I've finished my word count, I will cook dinner and chat with my children or clean until my husband gets home. If I hadn't finished my word count then I still do all of that and sit down at the computer in between time until I'm done.

DP: Tell us about your last book signing.

Nicety: Currently I haven't had any book signings, but I am planning them for the 2013 lineup.

DP: Do you have contests or giveaways?

Nicety: Check my Facebook or Twitter pages under the name Nicety Couture, for the latest on my contests or giveaways! They come and go so quickly but there is always something going on!

DP: Many independent authors find it hard to get readers to buy their books. How did you handle the challenges that come along with being a first-time author in a competitive and ever-changing market?

Nicety: I usually read and investigate what people want beforehand so I know exactly how to execute a plan. There weren't many challenges that I couldn't handle because I went into this business with confidence and a well thought out marketing plan.

DP: What did you do on your 2nd book that you did not do in your first one?

Nicety: I made it longer. People love short stories but there is nothing like a full length novel that you can cuddle up to.

DP: If you could give one piece of advice to an up and coming author, what would it be?

Nicety: RESEARCH! Please if you do nothing else, do your research on any and everything and everybody you can. Do not go into this business thinking there are rainbows waiting for you on the other side. Not everyone is your friend either. There are some people who would genuinely help you and others who look at you as impending competition and could care less about you; and there are others who only want to steal from you. I call them snakes in the grass. Beware!

DP: Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?

Nicety: My books can be purchased in eBook format or on paperback at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, & Books A Million!