Meet Tomeka Davis (New Castle, DE)
Tomeka Rocquelle Davis graduated from William Penn High School in Delaware. She then went on to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Management and graduated from Point Park College in Pittsburgh. During her junior year, she was handpicked by a director to be in two scenes, with Michael Douglas, and worked as a featured actor in the movie, “Wonder Boys.” Although Tomeka has worked in film and television, she has turned to her true passion - writing poetry. She is the author of three books: Lost and Found, Canvas White, and Cactus Gems published by Publish America. Tomeka later went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Public Administration from South University and is now pursuing her PhD at Walden University.
About “Cactus Gems”
Come see the tales of the stones, Sapphire, Jasper, and Moonstone where Tomeka reveals action, suspense, and characters you’ll be intrigued by. Cactus Gems proves that Tomeka isn’t just a poet but a great writer as well. She started writing fiction at a mere six years old, then went on to writing articles for her high school newspaper and for MTV in college. She continues her talent in her latest fiction work, Cactus Gems.
DP: When did you first decide you wanted to become an author?
Tomeka: I decided that I wanted to be an author when I wrote my first book in 1st grade and won a school book contest.
DP: How did you decide on the idea for your first book?
Tomeka: I was a closet Poet. Therefore, it seemed only natural to let people know about my poetry by writing my first poetry book, Lost and Found.
DP: How long did it take you to write your first book?
Tomeka: My first book, Lost and Found, is a compilation of poetry that I've written over the years.
DP: Did you self-publish or are you signed to a publishing company?
Tomeka: I published through Publish America.
DP: How did you decide on the cover for your most recent book?
Tomeka: I actually came up with the cover for my 1st book. I wanted something really simple but eye-catching at the same time.
DP: Tell us about your writing style. Do you write on a schedule?
Tomeka: When I write, it's sporadic and randomly done. Believe it or not, I write when I feel like it. I approach it in a very relaxed way.
DP: What makes your writing unique?
Tomeka: I pretty much stuck with what worked for me as a kid when I won the book contest. Basically, that was writing down whatever came to mind--no matter what it was. That was unusual and funny for my readers, so I continued doing it that way.
DP: As a writer, what motivates you?
Tomeka: Music and art inspire me in ways that allows me to come up with new material.
DP: How do you balance your writing and various responsibilities that come along with being an independent author?
Tomeka: I am not an independent author, so my responsibilities are few when it comes to my books. I can rely on my publisher to do the tasks that I necessarily do not have to do.
DP: When you’re not writing what are you doing?
Tomeka: I am a lifelong student. Therefore, I am constantly learning and growing. I am a big believer of educating one’s self.
DP: What’s a typical day life for you?
Tomeka: My degree is in Public Administration, so I am essentially a Public Servant because I help those in need in my community.
DP: Tell us about your last book signing.
Tomeka: My last book signing was in 2004 when my 1st book was published, and it really wasn't a book signing because I was a brand new author. No one heard of me.
DP: Do you have contests or giveaways?
Tomeka: I would be happy to do giveaways. Just let me know.
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?
Tomeka: I support my dreams through my other employment. My book sales never paid my bills, and I really didn't expect it to. Poetry is a very small market, and it is extremely difficult to get people to buy poetry books. I don't complain. I am just happy that someone wanted to publish my works.
DP: What did you do on your 2nd book that you did not do in your first one?
Tomeka: The direction of my first book was towards a religious slant. However, I allowed my 2nd book to cover subjects that I wouldn't have done in my 1st book.
DP: If you could give one piece of advice to an up and coming author, what would it be?
Tomeka: Always have a back-up plan. In these days and times, we all have to be multi-talented and multi-taskers.
DP: Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?
Tomeka: Readers can purchase my books at: www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnobles.com
Tomeka Rocquelle Davis graduated from William Penn High School in Delaware. She then went on to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Management and graduated from Point Park College in Pittsburgh. During her junior year, she was handpicked by a director to be in two scenes, with Michael Douglas, and worked as a featured actor in the movie, “Wonder Boys.” Although Tomeka has worked in film and television, she has turned to her true passion - writing poetry. She is the author of three books: Lost and Found, Canvas White, and Cactus Gems published by Publish America. Tomeka later went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Public Administration from South University and is now pursuing her PhD at Walden University.
About “Cactus Gems”
Come see the tales of the stones, Sapphire, Jasper, and Moonstone where Tomeka reveals action, suspense, and characters you’ll be intrigued by. Cactus Gems proves that Tomeka isn’t just a poet but a great writer as well. She started writing fiction at a mere six years old, then went on to writing articles for her high school newspaper and for MTV in college. She continues her talent in her latest fiction work, Cactus Gems.
DP: When did you first decide you wanted to become an author?
Tomeka: I decided that I wanted to be an author when I wrote my first book in 1st grade and won a school book contest.
DP: How did you decide on the idea for your first book?
Tomeka: I was a closet Poet. Therefore, it seemed only natural to let people know about my poetry by writing my first poetry book, Lost and Found.
DP: How long did it take you to write your first book?
Tomeka: My first book, Lost and Found, is a compilation of poetry that I've written over the years.
DP: Did you self-publish or are you signed to a publishing company?
Tomeka: I published through Publish America.
DP: How did you decide on the cover for your most recent book?
Tomeka: I actually came up with the cover for my 1st book. I wanted something really simple but eye-catching at the same time.
DP: Tell us about your writing style. Do you write on a schedule?
Tomeka: When I write, it's sporadic and randomly done. Believe it or not, I write when I feel like it. I approach it in a very relaxed way.
DP: What makes your writing unique?
Tomeka: I pretty much stuck with what worked for me as a kid when I won the book contest. Basically, that was writing down whatever came to mind--no matter what it was. That was unusual and funny for my readers, so I continued doing it that way.
DP: As a writer, what motivates you?
Tomeka: Music and art inspire me in ways that allows me to come up with new material.
DP: How do you balance your writing and various responsibilities that come along with being an independent author?
Tomeka: I am not an independent author, so my responsibilities are few when it comes to my books. I can rely on my publisher to do the tasks that I necessarily do not have to do.
DP: When you’re not writing what are you doing?
Tomeka: I am a lifelong student. Therefore, I am constantly learning and growing. I am a big believer of educating one’s self.
DP: What’s a typical day life for you?
Tomeka: My degree is in Public Administration, so I am essentially a Public Servant because I help those in need in my community.
DP: Tell us about your last book signing.
Tomeka: My last book signing was in 2004 when my 1st book was published, and it really wasn't a book signing because I was a brand new author. No one heard of me.
DP: Do you have contests or giveaways?
Tomeka: I would be happy to do giveaways. Just let me know.
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?
Tomeka: I support my dreams through my other employment. My book sales never paid my bills, and I really didn't expect it to. Poetry is a very small market, and it is extremely difficult to get people to buy poetry books. I don't complain. I am just happy that someone wanted to publish my works.
DP: What did you do on your 2nd book that you did not do in your first one?
Tomeka: The direction of my first book was towards a religious slant. However, I allowed my 2nd book to cover subjects that I wouldn't have done in my 1st book.
DP: If you could give one piece of advice to an up and coming author, what would it be?
Tomeka: Always have a back-up plan. In these days and times, we all have to be multi-talented and multi-taskers.
DP: Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?
Tomeka: Readers can purchase my books at: www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnobles.com
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