Morenike` M. (Jackson, MS)
Morenike` is a native of Jackson, Mississippi. She attended Provine High School and graduated from Jackson State University with a Bachelor's in English. Continuing her education, Morenike’ is currently a graduate student at Jackson State University pursuing a M.A. in English. Morenike’ has been writing short stories and poems since she was a young girl in elementary school. Her passion for reading and writing stemmed from her early introduction to reading from her parents. She states that, "reading was very important in my home; my parents’ relationship started from the discussion of a book. Reading created my family."
Morenike` goals are to one day become a world-renowned novelist, focusing on African American fiction, poems, and short stories that reflect the African American community. Her latest work includes the poem and short film, "Shoeicide" (http://t.co/wtVs5iv), a poetry mixtape for poets and writers in Mississippi., on which she is also featured (http://t.co/xinRznIi), entitled Taboo Vividry: The Cassette, and the anticipated release of two novels, Taste of Insanity and Loose Ends from La Femme Fatale Publishing and Pulse Publishing, respectively.
About “Taste of Insanity”
Egypt Roberts is privileged, spoiled, and living the good life afforded to her by her parents and fiancée. Still living with her mother and father at the age of 24, Egypt wants for nothing and is cared for by her childhood nanny and her father's wealth. But after the death of her nanny, the lies that crafted her perfect life unravel and cause Egypt's mental and emotional breakdown.
Meet Andrea Atkins, a young girl with a bright future; although her life is a living hell thanks to a mother with substance abuse issues she has hopes of escaping her life after her high school graduation. But before she can make her escape, Andrea's world comes crashing down after a business transaction gone wrong is interrupted by her mother. Andrea's life is flipped upside down and she retreats into silence; protecting the secret of the night her mother was killed.
Blakely Hammond is a lost and confused soul with no knowledge of her past or who she is due to suppressed memories. A graduate student with dreams of becoming an author and college professor, she is never able to stay on the straight and narrow because of her best friends' schemes. After a scheme gone wrong Blakely is landed in jail for a crime she doesn't remember committing and a best friend that has gone M.I.A. Tragic events lead Egypt, Andrea, and Blakely to the Rose Program at the Rosa Lee Institution for Women and Children where they discover things about themselves and their lives that they never knew were possible. Through individual and group sessions in the Rose Ward, Egypt, Andrea, and Blakely create bonds with one another and the staff while getting a sample of what crazy tastes like...
DP: When did you first decide you wanted to become an author?
Morenike`: In the second grade we were given an assignment to create a book out of manila paper about nature. Not only did I enjoy putting my book together but I also enjoyed the reaction from my classmates, the faculty, and the staff. I had always been an avid reader, even at a young age; compiling that book inspired me to become an author.
DP: How did you decide on the idea for your first book?
Morenike`: The idea for my first book has been with me for years. The characters have come and gone and when all of them were finally close to me I decided it was time to write their story out. I waited for the characters to decide that they were ready to tell their story.
DP: How long did it take you to write your first book?
Morenike`: Because the idea for my first book had been with me for some years, it only took two and a half months to get everything out on paper.
DP: Did you self-publish or are you signed to a publishing company?
Morenike`: I am signed with two publishers - Pulse Publishing and La Femme Fatale Publishing.
DP: How did you decide on the cover for your most recent book?
Morenike`: The title of the story made it pretty clear; I didn't decide, the characters and title of my book decided so it was a fairly easy decision.
DP: Tell us about your writing style. Do you write on a schedule?
Morenike`: I set short and long term goals for myself. I have put myself on a schedule to successfully meet those goals. I make myself write 1,000 to 1,500 words a day until my work is finished.
DP: What makes your writing unique?
Morenike`: I think my background in English and literature is what makes my writing unique. I have studied many authors of all genres and periods and that translates in my writing. I believe it has given me the opportunity to appeal to any audience, no matter what their preference.
DP: As a writer, what motivates you?
Morenike`: My readers and characters motivate me. I have the ability to create a voice for the voiceless and that makes me feel great about my work and my purpose in life.
DP: How do you balance your writing and various responsibilities that come along with being an independent author?
Morenike`: I take things one day at a time and try to constantly set goals for myself; staying organized always keeps me focused.
DP: When you’re not writing what are you doing?
Morenike`: When I'm not writing, I'm usually spending time with family and friends or sleeping! I rarely get out but when I do I'm a blast in a glass. I'm honestly a homebody; there's no place I'd rather be. I guess it's the Emily Dickinson in me.
DP: What’s a typical day like for you?
Morenike`: A typical day in my life would involve work, writing, a shot before I go to grad class, and back home to sleep so I start back over! I live for the weekend!
DP: Tell us about your last book signing.
Morenike`: My first book isn't set to release until April 1, 2013 but I am nervous about my first signing. I've heard some great stories and some horror stories from other seasoned authors; I just pray my first is smooth sailing.
DP: Do you have contests or giveaways?
Morenike` In the future, when I build a bigger audience, contests and giveaways are definitely in order to give back to my fans and supporters. They need to know how much they are appreciated.
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?
Morenike`: I remained faithful that I would hit the ground running when my book releases and that once the right person gets my book into their hands, word of mouth and great social media promotion will carry me the rest of the way.
DP: What did you do on your 2nd book that you did not do in your first one?
Morenike`: In my second book, the dynamic of the friendship between the characters is drastically different. I think it's important to show that everyone is different in their own way.
DP: If you could give one piece of advice to an up and coming author, what would it be?
Morenike`: Stay positive, don't address or entertain negativity, and stay prayed up. And, promote, promote, promote!
DP: Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?
Morenike`: My first book, Taste of Insanity by Morenike' is available on Amazon.com for pre-order and it is set to release April 1, 2013.
Morenike` is a native of Jackson, Mississippi. She attended Provine High School and graduated from Jackson State University with a Bachelor's in English. Continuing her education, Morenike’ is currently a graduate student at Jackson State University pursuing a M.A. in English. Morenike’ has been writing short stories and poems since she was a young girl in elementary school. Her passion for reading and writing stemmed from her early introduction to reading from her parents. She states that, "reading was very important in my home; my parents’ relationship started from the discussion of a book. Reading created my family."
Morenike` goals are to one day become a world-renowned novelist, focusing on African American fiction, poems, and short stories that reflect the African American community. Her latest work includes the poem and short film, "Shoeicide" (http://t.co/wtVs5iv), a poetry mixtape for poets and writers in Mississippi., on which she is also featured (http://t.co/xinRznIi), entitled Taboo Vividry: The Cassette, and the anticipated release of two novels, Taste of Insanity and Loose Ends from La Femme Fatale Publishing and Pulse Publishing, respectively.
About “Taste of Insanity”
Egypt Roberts is privileged, spoiled, and living the good life afforded to her by her parents and fiancée. Still living with her mother and father at the age of 24, Egypt wants for nothing and is cared for by her childhood nanny and her father's wealth. But after the death of her nanny, the lies that crafted her perfect life unravel and cause Egypt's mental and emotional breakdown.
Meet Andrea Atkins, a young girl with a bright future; although her life is a living hell thanks to a mother with substance abuse issues she has hopes of escaping her life after her high school graduation. But before she can make her escape, Andrea's world comes crashing down after a business transaction gone wrong is interrupted by her mother. Andrea's life is flipped upside down and she retreats into silence; protecting the secret of the night her mother was killed.
Blakely Hammond is a lost and confused soul with no knowledge of her past or who she is due to suppressed memories. A graduate student with dreams of becoming an author and college professor, she is never able to stay on the straight and narrow because of her best friends' schemes. After a scheme gone wrong Blakely is landed in jail for a crime she doesn't remember committing and a best friend that has gone M.I.A. Tragic events lead Egypt, Andrea, and Blakely to the Rose Program at the Rosa Lee Institution for Women and Children where they discover things about themselves and their lives that they never knew were possible. Through individual and group sessions in the Rose Ward, Egypt, Andrea, and Blakely create bonds with one another and the staff while getting a sample of what crazy tastes like...
DP: When did you first decide you wanted to become an author?
Morenike`: In the second grade we were given an assignment to create a book out of manila paper about nature. Not only did I enjoy putting my book together but I also enjoyed the reaction from my classmates, the faculty, and the staff. I had always been an avid reader, even at a young age; compiling that book inspired me to become an author.
DP: How did you decide on the idea for your first book?
Morenike`: The idea for my first book has been with me for years. The characters have come and gone and when all of them were finally close to me I decided it was time to write their story out. I waited for the characters to decide that they were ready to tell their story.
DP: How long did it take you to write your first book?
Morenike`: Because the idea for my first book had been with me for some years, it only took two and a half months to get everything out on paper.
DP: Did you self-publish or are you signed to a publishing company?
Morenike`: I am signed with two publishers - Pulse Publishing and La Femme Fatale Publishing.
DP: How did you decide on the cover for your most recent book?
Morenike`: The title of the story made it pretty clear; I didn't decide, the characters and title of my book decided so it was a fairly easy decision.
DP: Tell us about your writing style. Do you write on a schedule?
Morenike`: I set short and long term goals for myself. I have put myself on a schedule to successfully meet those goals. I make myself write 1,000 to 1,500 words a day until my work is finished.
DP: What makes your writing unique?
Morenike`: I think my background in English and literature is what makes my writing unique. I have studied many authors of all genres and periods and that translates in my writing. I believe it has given me the opportunity to appeal to any audience, no matter what their preference.
DP: As a writer, what motivates you?
Morenike`: My readers and characters motivate me. I have the ability to create a voice for the voiceless and that makes me feel great about my work and my purpose in life.
DP: How do you balance your writing and various responsibilities that come along with being an independent author?
Morenike`: I take things one day at a time and try to constantly set goals for myself; staying organized always keeps me focused.
DP: When you’re not writing what are you doing?
Morenike`: When I'm not writing, I'm usually spending time with family and friends or sleeping! I rarely get out but when I do I'm a blast in a glass. I'm honestly a homebody; there's no place I'd rather be. I guess it's the Emily Dickinson in me.
DP: What’s a typical day like for you?
Morenike`: A typical day in my life would involve work, writing, a shot before I go to grad class, and back home to sleep so I start back over! I live for the weekend!
DP: Tell us about your last book signing.
Morenike`: My first book isn't set to release until April 1, 2013 but I am nervous about my first signing. I've heard some great stories and some horror stories from other seasoned authors; I just pray my first is smooth sailing.
DP: Do you have contests or giveaways?
Morenike` In the future, when I build a bigger audience, contests and giveaways are definitely in order to give back to my fans and supporters. They need to know how much they are appreciated.
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?
Morenike`: I remained faithful that I would hit the ground running when my book releases and that once the right person gets my book into their hands, word of mouth and great social media promotion will carry me the rest of the way.
DP: What did you do on your 2nd book that you did not do in your first one?
Morenike`: In my second book, the dynamic of the friendship between the characters is drastically different. I think it's important to show that everyone is different in their own way.
DP: If you could give one piece of advice to an up and coming author, what would it be?
Morenike`: Stay positive, don't address or entertain negativity, and stay prayed up. And, promote, promote, promote!
DP: Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?
Morenike`: My first book, Taste of Insanity by Morenike' is available on Amazon.com for pre-order and it is set to release April 1, 2013.
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