Marie, a jack of many trades, is a fairly new face in the literary world, bursting onto the scene, ready and willing to share her stories. Since she was a young child, writing became a significant factor in her life, often her escape from the reality of the real world. As life’s obstacles began to take their positions and the hurdles became harder to jump over, Marie’s love for writing slowly died.

But at the tender age of 22, having been through many trials & tribulations in her young life, from abusive relationships, teen pregnancy, homelessness and prostitution to finding love, getting married and starting a family, Marie picked up her pen again. Writing a memoir like story with an urban fictional twist, Marie entitled her book “This Game Called Life”.

The title came from an expression Marie heard a lot while growing up “Life is like a card game, either you play the hand you were dealt or you fold.” Immediately upon finishing the story and reading it over, Marie made the conscious decision to share her heartfelt tale and broadcast her refueled passion for writing to the world. She independently released her debut title on April 30th 2012, selling over a thousand copies and landing on a few of Amazon’s Best Seller’s List in a short three month span. With the success of her book, Marie decided to submit her story to, G Street Chronicles, a major publishing house in Urban Literature. She signed a contract with them in July of 2012.

A decision was collectively made to pull the book from its online retailers. “This “Game Called Life” was revised and re-released on August 25th 2012. Due to irreconcilable differences, G Street Chronicles and Marie parted ways in December of 2012. Marie has since, started her own publishing company, called Game Changing Publications. She has five dedicated authors signed to her house and together they have hopes of bringing a different flavor to the literature world in a whole. Marie, with the help of Marcus Wroten (one of her signed authors) also has started up her own digital magazine, entitled The Game Changer’s Lounge.

Marie’s titles include:

SHORTS

Undercover Lovers: Getting Lost in the Sheets

Take Me As I Am

The Power Of Money

Her Husband Is My Man

NOVELLAS

Playing For Keeps

Looking For Love In All The Wrong Places

A Love Like His

The Morning After

A Scorned Heart Knows No Limits

NOVELS

This Game Called Life

This Game Called Life 2: Vengeance

This Game Called Life 3: The Last Of A Dying Breed

Diva: The Female Version Of A True Hustler

The Weeping Heart

My Dirty Little Secrets

B.A.D( Beautiful And Deadly)

Natural Born Murders

About “Undercover Lovers: Getting Lost in the Sheets”

Stacy Northington is a savvy, young and talented upcoming authoress in the literary world. With her debut novel topping charts, Stacy should feel like she's on top of the world yet she is filled with a deep emptiness. All she ever wanted in life was to be loved, so when she met her husband she thought of him to be her dream come true. A few years in and her fairy tale life is shattered by the ugly reality of hidden secrets. Seeking comfort in her writing lands Stacy in the path of the arrogant Vincent Acosta. 

Vincent Acosta is a well-known "veteran" in the literature industry, having published multiple "Best Sellers" over the years. During the hype of one his most anticipated releases, he stumbles upon the "newbie" Stacy Northington. She's an upcoming authoress with a decent buzz but it isn't her writing skills that has peaked his interest. Fresh meat and unscathed, being the playboy he is, he decides he's got to have her.

A few online interactions and the chemistry between the two, attracts them like magnets. Weeks of back and forth chatting and phone conversations ultimately lead to the face to face meeting of the sexually charged pair.

What will happen when these two creative minds who are paid for their abilities to craft stories become entangled in a bed of passion, lust, lies, and betrayal? Stay tuned and get lost in the sheets with these two Undercover Lovers.

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

Marie: I first began writing in a journal, like most young girls. Writing was an outlet for me, an escape from the reality of life. I continued writing until I was in the seventh grade where I began to pen my first story. I didn't get very far though; I made it to chapter three and stopped. Over the last few years, I have been through, seen, heard and done things that have given me the experiences necessary to tell my stories. Thus, refueling my passion for writing.

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

Marie: My first book came easy to me because it was primarily based on my life. In my novel, I touched on some serious yet sensitive matters such as child abuse, domestic violence, teenage pregnancy, and infidelity. When I wrote this novel, I intended to open people’s eyes to serious issues that are sometimes “swept under the rug or turned a blind eye” towards. By making people aware of these tragic situations, I hoped to shed light on the possible life that an abused child could live, if the situation wasn't handled or addressed properly.

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

Marie: It took me fifteen days to write the first completed draft. But it wasn't until August that the book was fully edited, formatted and revised for sale

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

Marie: When I released my debut, I was a self-published author. But after three months, I signed with publishing company G Street Chronicles. After a short tour with them, I ventured back into self-publishing. I now operate my own publishing company, Game Changing Publications.

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

Marie: The cover was a pre-designed cover and when I saw it, I knew it was for me. It fit perfectly with my storyline and title.

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

Marie: I often make jokes that I suffer from Creative ADHD because I am always working on 4-5 projects at one time. I am a freestyle writer; I tried using outlines and they didn't work for me. I found myself treading away from the outline towards another bright idea. I became frustrated and stopped writing outlines all together.

DP: What makes your writing unique?

Marie: What makes my writing unique is my ability to craft an entire story off the top of my head without having an outline or structure for story. Also, my writing tends to have an unpredictability factor, which leaves the reader with the sense of suspense with every page turned.

DP: As a writer, what motivates you?

Marie: My previous failures motivate me. I look at all the times I started on the path of a goal that had potential and gave up before trying. With writing, I feel like I have found my purpose in life. This is one goal I have started and plan to see all the way through.

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

Marie: I honestly don't know. I am always on the run, always on the go. It's the only way I see things getting done so I am always pushing myself beyond my limits because this is something I want.

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

Marie: 50% of my day is spent writing or proofreading one of my author's projects. The little time that I am not writing, I am with my children, being the best mom I can be while installing life gems in them.

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

Marie: Write, Proofread, Write again, Proofread some more…It's has been my pattern ever since I decided to turn my passion into a reality.

DP: Tell us about your last book signing.

Marie: I have not had a book signing yet, but you never know what the future may hold.

DP: Do you have contests or giveaways?

Marie: I am always hosting random giveaways. Some days, I just pop up in the Facebook groups and give away $20- $50 away in books and gift cards. No previous support of my work needed. I do it to give back to the readers because without them, there would be no us (authors). Just in the month of December, I gave away over $350 in books and 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?

Marie: I was just myself. I requested entry to a few of the Facebook groups, once accepted I introduced myself to the group and became an ACTIVE member. When it was time for my book to be released I had gained friendships with a lot of my readers prior and they supported me behind that. I'd say the key to a successful writing career is interaction. Whether it's online or in person, readers like to make connections with authors and are more likely to support your work if you sell them on more than just your books.

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

Marie: I took my time. I got proper editing for this book and a professional format designer so that the layout of my book was in order. With the huge unexpected success of book one, I didn't want to rush my second release because I felt I now had a standard to live up to.

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

Marie: Stay true to your craft and it will be true to you. Don't let anyone or anything deter you from your destiny.

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

Marie: For my first title,  Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords. I'd recommend checking your local bookstores and libraries as well. My new release can be found on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords and Kobo after 01.28.13

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

Marie: Best New Female Author - awarded by Future Bestselling Authors (Facebook Book Club)

LaDonna M. Smith was born and raised in Maryland. However, it was not until she had to survive on her own, going from house to house or “house hopping” until she ultimately ended up in Philadelphia, PA and heard the voice of God indicating she had grown wiser and more mature in her own walk of life. She was 19 years old.

Despite her being raised in church and serving as a church musician since age 12, LaDonna accepted the Lord Jesus Christ into her life at age 13 at the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church (Washington DC). She soon found that becoming a new creature in Christ was difficult especially without the proper encouragement and general “growing pains” - not to mention the peer pressure of being a teenager.

Coincidentally in her adult hood, most of the situations that she hears young people discuss cause her to blurt out words like “I have been there” and “trust me I know.”

Ms. Smith is a native of Fairmont Heights MD (Prince George’s County) and graduated from Fairmont Heights High School (1996), Prince George’s Community College (Associate of Arts in General Studies 2001) and is only 26 credits away from graduating from Bowie State University with a 3.41 GPA. She is persuing a Bachelor of Science in Communications concentrating on Broadcast Technology.

LaDonna has experienced situations in several realms of her life to include but not limited to: physical, mental, sexual, spiritual and emotional abuse; homelessness; hunger; depression, and suicidal thoughts, to name a few. All of this by the age of 29 years old. If you ever hear her testimony you would not believe that she is still able to smile in spite of and just because. And she believes that she has to smile because there is nothing left to do after all that she has experienced and endured.

LaDonna has worked with The Dr. Michael Eric Dyson Show (WEAA), The Bernie McCain Show (WOL/WOLB), Justine Love Sex Talk and Slow Jams (WPGC), Community Affairs with David Haynes (WPGC). She is also the Events Coordinator and Board Member on the Board of Directors for the Black Writer’s Guild of Maryland, Inc.; and a member of the Maryland Business Roundtable Speaker’s Bureau. Her book has also been listed on Essence Magazine’s www.essence.com. She is also the Editor and Founder of G.R.A.Y. Magazine and G.R.A.Y. TV Show –returning soon!

On March 15, 2013 LaDonna will be releasing the exciting info-tainment follow up to “I Married Satan” called “Oh! Is That Why I am Still Single?” She also hopes to release her children’s book “Hannah’s Song: A Musical Approach to Potty Training” in 2013 as well.

About “Oh! Is That Why I'm Still SIngle?”

At age 33, LaDonna M. Smith wondered why she was still single and unmarried. Could it be that she has some deep down hidden issues masked by a smile? Or could she really be that jacked up when it comes to dealing with a man in a relationship? Then again could it be that her issues were because of her past experiences with males in and around her life? Well whatever it may be, one day a light bulb came on in her mind. “Why don’t you ask some of the men who actually mattered in your life?” Some left a memorable and long lasting impact. Others assisted with the experience and/or lesson. Some she really valued and fantasized about marrying. Some just took up space and time in her life. But oh my! Who would have known? Some of the things that she discovered made her look at, respect, and understand men with a totally different perspective.

This time a man who finds me will have a platinum lady by his side and not just on his ring finger! Ladies, this book will answer many of the questions that we have about men and why we can’t seem to secure our Mr. Right and Knights in Shining Armor. Why is that we see others in happy and successful relationships but we are still alone, despite us being able to handle our business financially, and on the home front? Men, this is the most non-male bashing, female-educating book that has ever been written. You will truly approve!

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

LaDonna: Becoming an author wasn’t a decision but moreso something that I fell in with. I've always loved to write and can remember getting in trouble for staying up at night to write poetry and long drawn out diary entries.

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

LaDonna: I Married Satan started as a revenge tactic. I was going to write an article in a magazine to expose the fact that my ex-husband was able to obtain an illegal annulment. But as I wrote the article about him and his issues, God began to deal with me about me and mine. And the 1-2 page magazine article quickly trickled down to a book.

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

LaDonna: The first time a few days to a few weeks. I don’t recall exactly. But then the worst thing happened to this project. I had completed the draft and then the computer crashed with no back up of my files. On one hand it was a good thing but on the other it was a horrible thing. Here's why: the second draft included more details. And then I didn’t have the money to get the books produced anyway do to a job lose so the entire process took almost 2 years to go from conception to print.

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

LaDonna: I had quite a few vanity press publishing companies offer me "deals." But at the advice of my cousin who is also an author to "never pay for publishing" I declined their deals. Then I had Publish America offer me a 7 year publishing deal and I was excited. HOWEVER, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson himself told me to walk away from it. I wasn’t sure how I was going to do it, but I soon after received a letter from Publish America stating that they didn’t want to publish my book. That was awesome because after I researched them even more that was the best thing that could ever happened to me.

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

LaDonna: All of my covers come from my love and knowledge of graphic art and design. Typically I draft a few layouts and then post on Facebook and via emails to colleagues and friends for their input.

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

LaDonna: I only write when motivated. I never force it or schedule it. However, I need noise to function lol. May sound strange but I need music, TV, or ambiance to do it. Peace and quiet rarely works for me - even though late night is my favorite time to write and I seem to be most creative at night. The only schedule I make surrounds my editorial and publishing calendar and deadlines.

DP: What makes your writing unique?

LaDonna: My writing is unique because it contains my voice and definitely shows my personality, character and thoughts. A lot of times my writing expresses the questions and thoughts that people have or want to say/ask but haven’t or are afraid to.

DP: As a writer, what motivates you?

LaDonna: The people who read my books and give me their stories. I write from experiences, things that I see or more importantly whatever God drops in my spirit. I get an adrenaline rush when I'm working on a project and it is close to be completed.

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

LaDonna: I make an effort to market and promote every day. It doesn’t always work that way but I try. I try to work on a variety of projects and time-taking periodic brain breaks also help me to avoid writing blocks.

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

LaDonna: Promoting and marketing. It may sound cliché but I am and I do. I try to schedule media appearances, keep my websites up to date and oh I can’t forget about posting on Facebook and various other places around the web, and passing out flyers to keep my name and works fresh on people's mind and in their conversations.

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

LaDonna: I really do not have a typical day.

DP: Tell us about your last book signing.

LaDonna: It was in October at Amayah Entertainment books stand at the Patapsco Flea Market in Baltimore MD. Because of the overall slow pace of the Flea Market as a whole that day, I did more networking than book sales. I think I only sold around 6-11 copies.

DP: Do you have contests or giveaways?

LaDonna: Periodically and from time to time. I do giveaways for eBooks and advance reading copies.

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?

LaDonna: I do a lot of research and out of the box marketing strategies and tactics. I do not accept no as the final answer. Also from time to time I'll play around with the prices meaning I may sell it for less than the retail price. The wonderful thing is that I have such a great printer that my profits are not affected.

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

LaDonna: I included work from two other up and coming authors Matthew Bacchus and Darrell Freeman Jr,

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

LaDonna: If God gave you a story stay encouraged because if he gave you a story that means he has someone to read it.

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

LaDonna:

Barnes and Nobles.com

Amazon.com

Directly from me: http://ladonna.wix.com/102010

The best thing to do is to Google or Bing search my name and links to the various places where my books are available will come up.

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

LaDonna: I am the Events Coordinator and on the Board of Directors for the Black Writer's Guild of Maryland.

Date: 01/28 /2013
Writer’s Name: Angela Duirden-Galbreth
Title: Do you understand the words that are coming out of YOUR mouth?

In the 1988 movie Rush Hour, Detective Carter (Chris Tucker) seeming to mock him, asks Detective Lee (Jackie Chan) a question upon his arrival to America, “Do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth?”

I tell you times have really changed! Sadly, children today can say just about anything and get away with it. Frankly, I’m appalled at the disrespectful ways and dismissive tone some kids take when speaking to their parents. That certainly wasn’t the case when I was growing up. I was raised during an era when the whole village was responsible for raising a child. If a child was disrespectful, sassed off at the mouth, or said something that was considered out of line, their mother, father, grandmother, uncles, aunts, and any other adult for that matter would rise up. Of course, after smacking the child in their mouth, adults wouldn’t hesitate to strongly advise in that stern, ‘I mean business’ tone, “YOU BETTA WATCH YO’ MOUTH!” Believe me, most of the time that was all it took. Lesson learned!

As times have changed and our values have become more relaxed, it seems that the “watch yo’ mouth” scolding shouldn’t be reserved only for children. In fact, some adults may require the chastisement more so than their children. I know…I know… you’re grown! Yeah, I get it. You own your mouth! And, you may certainly exercise your freedom of speech. But, don’t get it twisted; “watching your mouth” isn’t solely about reframing from “grown folk talk”: the use of profanity, racially charged language, or offensive sexually explicit lingo; that’s true in part, but not the whole deal. “Watching your mouth” means being responsible and conscientious of the words we speak as well as understanding the impact our words have on others. It means being fully aware that the words we speak can literally shape the world we live in.

Words carry a commanding authority. Loaded with energy and passion; words are powerful, extremely influential, and most definitely change situations, circumstances, and people. They can give hope or discouragement, begin anew or bring to a screeching halt a life-long friendship. Wars, fights, gang riots, estrangements and divorces have all been started with mere words. A white, black, green or red lie, an accusation, gossip or the wrong words spoken at the wrong time can sabotage family ties, put sister against sister, brother against brother, breakup homes and completely ruin lives forever. With that said, let me rephrase Tucker’s question, “Do you understand the words that are coming out of YOUR mouth?”

As a culture, we speak so freely and loose until I don’t believe we fully appreciate or grasp the fact that our words have the power to indeed build or destroy. There is no denying the life altering impact of the spoken word. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” so says the scripture, Prov. 18:21. Simply put, you can murder someone without ever resorting to the violence of a knife, or bullets and a gun, but with the utterance of destructive words. In addition, James warns that the “unruly tongue” is a small member and it boasts a lot of things. It is deadly, evil, full of poison, and no man can tame it except by the power of God (James 3:5-8). The tongue is armed with the ability to slice and dice and completely strip a person of their internal worth. As a child I remember saying in defense, if another child teased me or talked about me, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” Nothing could be further from the truth. Words do hurt; sometimes worse than sticks and stones. Scars left from sticks and stones eventually heal and fade away but destructive, humiliating, and painful words can hurt just as much at age 44 as they did at age 4 and often stay with a person for a lifetime.

Today, grown men and women walk around believing that they are worthless, no good, and good for nothing, based on the words spoken over them as children; words that molded their self-esteem, shaped their reality and perception of themselves. And largely, many of the detrimental choices they’ve made in life were based on that perception. That’s why it is so important that we be conscientious of the words we speak and “watch our mouths!”  

Think about the words you declare in your life and the life of your loved ones. If your words were your reality, then what would your life be? How often have you, out of anger, foolishly said things like, “These kids are driving me crazy!” “You make me sick!” or “I wish you were dead!” You spoke the words, and loosed them in the atmosphere. What if your words actually did manifest and you went crazy, got sick or somebody died based on your confession? What would your life look like if every word you spoke came to pass? I believe when we haphazardly speak foolish or detrimental things we actually set in motion the process of those things occurring.

Confession brings possession, right. Instead, speak life. Add to your vocabulary words that have to power to build, uplift and encourage. Scrutinize them, judge them, and gage them to see whether they heal and not hinder. Command blessings over your spouse, your children, and your children’s children. Open up your mouth and start calling forth blessings in every aspect of your life. Believe it, speak it, declare it, proclaim it and watch those words come to pass Speak Life!  

Self-Improvement and motivational speaker MzDeeVa, author of "Love the Skin You're In" will be in the Killeen area soon.

N.S. Ugezene is the author of the upcoming novel, The Church Show and Horny As Hell: The Pete Maggs Story. He is also a contributor to Saving Lives through Lit's anthology, "Voices behind the Tears." In the future, he would like to have short stories and poems placed in numerous anthologies and would also like to branch out by starting up a small business and non-profit organization.

About “Horny as Hell: The Pete Maggs Story"

Abandoned by his father at the age of two, Pete is left wondering who and where his father is. Curiosity and bad influence open the door for Pete to head down a perverse path. He identifies the first two objects of his desire in the fourth grade and in middle school when he meets Rhonda, the first girl to fully mesmerize him. He goes years without telling Rhonda he had a crush on her.

Battling against urges, he finds that he has a few fetishes. Although he never wants to disrespect woman, his erotic thoughts keep him from being able to think about women he's attracted to in a wholesome manner. It even gets to the point that he has a sexual encounter with someone tied to a part of his past he still knows nothing about. But that is far from the end of his sexual adventures. What will happen when family ties are broken and his past ends up looking him in the face? Pete Maggs is in for a shocker!

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

N.S. I honestly started wanting to write novels after reading "Hood Rat" by K'Wan. I'd been experimenting with creative writing in high school but it wasn't until 2006 that I really started trying to hone my creative writing ability.

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

NS: My first book had the premise of having a central character woven into social, political and personal insights into a collection of short stories. I wanted to bring something out that isn't usually attempted. I believed it would change the manner in which fiction was executed, viewed, and interpreted.

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

NS: My first book took eight months to complete.

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

NS: I self-publish every book I release.

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

NS: The book cover for Horny as Heel will be changed. The cover designer for is Sarah Jane-Lehoux. I recommend her to other authors and it will soon be seen why I do. For the next release I have, I went to Amelia Hackworth, who I went to high school with. She definitely helped me go in a direction that I haven't seen with other covers in AA fiction.

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

NS: I used to outline the content but I think I will start going on the fly for every book and then making edits. I try not to put my writing on schedule because I'd take longer to finish a project that way.

DP: What makes your writing unique?

NS: I would say my writing is unique because I'm not looking to go by a formula. I want my work to be read differently instead of seeming like too much of the same. Right now, I am focused on writing novels that indirectly have a message that the reader has to think about. I want my work to have somewhat of an entertainment value but resonate with the reader in a way that causes them to take something from my books

DP: As a writer, what motivates you?

NS: I am motivated by the fact that I can use my voice as a writer to influence people. I also would like to do my part to show bookstores and big time book review departments that indie authors deserve just as much respect as major authors.

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

NS: I try to write as much as possible. I've actually been taking things step-by-step. Once I get "Horny As Hell: The Pete Maggs Story" where it needs to be, I am going to be contacting bookstores real heavy and seeing how it will do in the competitive market. I do believe the responsibilities that come with being an indie author become the most important when you're trying to get your book the exposure you feel it deserves.

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

NS: I spend time with my wife and son, I play NBA 2K13 as well as other games and I watch a whole lot of TV. I do need to start watching my DVD movies again so I can derive more ideas from them, which I make my own.

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

NS: Honestly, I try to do whatever keeps me the least stressed. I am currently pursuing a Master's degree in Non-profit Management so I make time to get assignments in at least three days out the week.

DP: Tell us about your last book signing.

NS: I haven't yet done any book signings.

DP: Do you have contests or giveaways?

NS: I did have a giveaway last month for HAH (Horny as Hell).

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?

NS: I can't say that I have figured it all out. I am going to see if the things I plan to do pan out this year. I feel they will because I have a system in mind.

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

NS: I don't think I did anything differently. I have to start doing things different now.

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

NS: I'd tell them to make sure they have the patience for this line of work because if not, they are not going to want to stay employed in the publishing industry. Be sure that you're passionate about the business of selling books and learn from every mistake you make.

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

NS: It's on Amazon. I am guessing it will be revamped within the next two weeks.

Meet Kristi Grimm (Gilbert, AZ)

Kristi Grimm and her husband Dave work as a team. She writes and he draws. Both are natives of AZ and currently reside in Gilbert, AZ. Dave has three sons from a previous marriage and together they have one son that is highlighted in the books. Along with her love of writing, Kristi also enjoys participating in 5K's with her son, hand-cycling, camping, church activities, and spending time with friends and family. Kristi has been a paraplegic for 26 years and used to compete and coach wheelchair tennis while she attended Biola University in CA. Her favorite part about being an author is reading her books to schools and other children's groups. Kristi and Dave have really enjoyed publishing her first three books and look forward to adding more to the series in the future.

Kristi’s titles include:

Mommy, Tell Me a Story about What Daddy Does

Mommy, Tell Me a Story about a Plane

Mommy, Tell Me a Story about a Car

About “Mommy, Tell me a Story about What Daddy Does”

‘Mommy, Tell Me a Story about What Daddy Does’ is a story about recycling. Waiting for Daddy to come for a play-date is hard so while you wait, why not ask Mommy about what Daddy does? Soon Mommy is telling a story about Charlie the Chimp because Charlie and Daddy work together as a team to keep our world clean. Learning that recycling is very important and why it is important is what this book explains in a fun way to children.

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

Kristi: May years ago I started writing short stories for my 3-4th grade Sunday School class. I just didn't have the confidence yet to do something with my love of writing. A little over a year ago my husband did some artwork for the city he works for and I was suddenly hit with the idea that he could draw for me. The rest is history.

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

Kristi: I used to homeschool my son. In order to make sure he still had PE we would go running every morning. (Yes, I would wheel next to him, but it just sounds strange to say wheeling.) Every time we would go he would get bored and say..."Mommy, can you tell me a story." I have told him hundreds of stories because of this so I decided that was a perfect title for a book. What child hasn't asked someone to tell them a story? All kids can relate to this idea. It also left it open for me to write about a huge variety of topics. My son's favorite thing is cars. In honor of his passion, my first book is Mommy, Tell Me a Story about a Car.

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

Kristi: Well, keep in mind that these are children's books so they are not very long. Every story I wrote only took me a day to finish the actual writing. It took several days after that to get all the editing done. I am terrible at grammar and spelling. The art work for the books took my husband many months to do. The first book took him a lot longer because he was trying to figure out what style he wanted to use.

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

Kristi: We self-published these first three, but we are hoping to get picked up by a larger publishing company for our future books.

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

Kristi: That is my husband’s department. Because it is a book series some things stay the same for each book. We mostly make sure that the main character, in this case Charlie the Chimp, is big and colorful so children and parents can see the idea for the book at a glance.

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

Kristi: All of my books rhyme so I really have to get in a certain mode of thinking to get it on paper. If I get an idea I have to write it down as fast as possible so I don't forget. Then the family knows to leave Mom alone until she is done!

DP: What makes your writing unique?

Kristi: I like to make sure every story has a lesson. Because I have been disabled for 26yrs, sometimes I see things from a little different perspective than most people. I like to bring that into my stories. That perspective comes out the most in the book we are working on right now...Mommy, Tell Me a Story about a Fish.

DP: As a writer, what motivates you?

Kristi: Kids! I love children very much. My favorite part about being an author is reading my books to children and seeing the looks on their faces as they get into the story.

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

Kristi: That has been very hard for me. I had to put my son in a small private school because I didn't have time to homeschool him anymore. In some ways it was good because we were planning on doing that at some point anyway, so it pushed the decision a little sooner. Social media is very time consuming. This is mostly because I am not much of a computer person. I would much rather do things the old fashioned way. I just have to watch the clock a lot to make sure I am not spending too much time on any one thing.

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

Kristi: I am being a Mom and House Wife. That pretty much covers it. I volunteer at church and participate in various sports events as well, but my family is my main priority.

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

Kristi: I get up at 6:30 and get my son ready for school. He is at school by 8. I come home and get started on house work. It depends on the day as to what that might be. Because I am in a wheelchair some things take me a little longer than other people. Then I start my work on social media. I check email, twitter, facebook, blog and then I respond to anything that needs it. I might try and read some articles that would be helpful as well. Then I play ball with my dog Bobby or take him for a walk. Then comes lunch and then I finish up anything around the house or yard before I go and pick up my son from school. Then I have to make dinner. After dinner I am usually back on the computer again checking social media while my son does his home-work. That is what I am doing right now. Then I spend some time with the family before bed. I wish there were more hours in the day!

DP: Tell us about your last book signing.

Kristi: I had my first Barnes and Noble book signing in TX in October. I have a cousin in TX so she made the contact for me. It was really fun because I was able to mix business with pleasure. We stayed with my cousin so I got to see family and do the book signing at the same time. I was also able to make a school visit at the local elementary school as a bonus. It is always so nice to make personal contact with readers at a book signing. I met some really wonderful people in TX.

DP: Do you have contests or giveaways?

Kristi: I had my first book giveaway for the 1yr anniversary of our first book Jan 16th. If anyone wrote a comment on my blog site they could win a copy of our first book. For a first effort it really went well. I might try it again in May for the 1yr anniversary of our second book ‘Mommy, Tell Me a Story about a Plane.’ I have also done two radio shows. If people called in they would win a free book as well.

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?

Kristi: Are you kidding? I am still having trouble with this. The market is so full of new children's books that it is so hard to get people to know about you and your work. That is why I am on social media so much. I am really working at it.

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

Kristi: I think my husband did a better job on the art work in the second book. The second book is also a little longer than the first.

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

Kristi: The one thing we would have done differently if we could do it again is start spreading the news about the books even before they were published. I started on social media a little late. We also would have done a little more research on our publisher before we spent the money. We are in the middle of changing publishers because of this.

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

Kristi: Readers can go to my blog site in 2 ways

Mommytellmeastory.com

kristigrimm.authorsxpress.com

The first 2 books are on barnesandnoble.com, but all three are on amazon.com. All three books are also in ebook format as well. You can also buy them from me personally if you want them autographed. Just send me your address to my email kristigrimm@ymail.com (they are $9 a book with $2 for shipping in US or three for $25 with $2 shipping). You can also pay me through Dave Grimm on paypal.

Veronica Marshall is a single mother of three, an author, and a woman on a mission. A native of Boston, Massachusetts, Veronica was a shy child growing up in the seventies and even though her childhood was hard, she had a vivid, colorful imagination, as well as a love for making up stories that entertained others.

After being in an abusive relationship, losing all of her material goods, and ending up in a homeless shelter, Veronica found the will, courage and strength to turn her life around for her children and herself. Her debut novel, “I Know” was released in 2011 and is a memoir of her struggle and her journey to self-empowerment.

A woman who prefers one rose instead of a dozen, Veronica has blossomed into a wonderful, caring spirit with a desire to inspire everyone who crosses her path. Her goal in life is to inspire her children and the rest of the world by being an example of how, with faith and hard work, all things are possible.

Her titles include:

Heed

I Know

About “Heed”

Baggage is a requirement for every journey we take in life. The important thing to remember is to unpack once you reach your destination. Veronica Marshall carried her fair share of baggage with her throughout her life, ultimately overcoming struggles that would crumble - some with less strength and faith. But now she has a testimony of recognition that only the strong can surpass test after test. Her story is one of victory. A message of sharing the lessons we learn in life with others so that those in similar situations will have tools for releasing the baggage of their struggle as well.

“Heed” is a story of triumph. It’s a tool for those that need to embrace self-empowerment. Through personal reflections of a life less than perfect and remedies for all that ails, Veronica Marshall pens a manual of self-growth. It is a road map to inspire others to rise above their situations and their circumstances.

You’ll see yourself through her struggle. You’ll understand her journey. And in the end you will receive tools to equip yourself with in order to move beyond your own personal pain. Life is a destination, we all take baggage with us as we travel, Heed is a means to help you unpack all the things that are weighing you down.

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

Veronica: 8 years ago, but I did not have the courage until 2011 to become one. I knew in my heart how bad my story had to be told; to help others get out their own way.

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

Veronica: It is a memoir of my story, and after inspiring people with my words; I knew it was time to inspire them with my story.

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

Veronica: About 4 years!

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

Veronica: I self-published in the hopes that publishing company would pick it up.

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

Veronica: Well, when self-publishing online, you can use their tools; or pay to make one. I used my imagination and was lucky enough to get designs that match my stories.

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

Veronica: My first book, I was not on schedule; it was whenever I could find free time. With my second book, I was laid off from work; so I could write all day, while the children were in school.

DP: What makes your writing unique?

Veronica: I write from the heart. I didn't write my books to become rich with money; I wrote them to become rich by heart. Helping others is my destiny. Everyone needs help, even if they are the strongest person you know.

DP: As a writer, what motivates you?

Veronica: As a writer, what motivates me is my past, and all the hate in the world. I been through a lot and seen a lot; and I had no one to lean on. People that need help motivate me; my children motivate me. To see someone who came to me in tears and walk away with a smile....that motivates me.

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

Veronica: I don't think about writing. If I thought about what I do as a single mother that works, I probably couldn't do it. I get asked that question all the time, "How do you do it?" I just do it, when you love what you do; you just do it.

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

Veronica: When I am not writing I am thinking of ways I can turn my books into a movie. I am thinking of other projects. My mind doesn't shut down; and sometimes that’s a bad thing. My goal is to open up my own homeless shelter; but to do that I have to keep on working on my dreams.

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

Veronica: Get the kids off to school and then off to work. Now that I am laid off, I drop the kids off, go walking and then home. I go home and promote my books and work on other ways to get people's attention on helping others. I volunteer at homeless shelters as well.

DP: Tell us about your last book signing.

Veronica: I honestly never had a book signing, but I am working on that now!

DP: Do you have contests or giveaways?

Veronica: I will when that day comes.

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?

Veronica: I think it was easier for me because my books had all my business in my books. Who doesn't want to know someone else's business? I have followers for years, and they all told me: "you should write a book."(I am always posting inspirational quotes, about day to day life experiences). You have to have a platform; I have a platform in the making.

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

Veronica: What I did with my 2nd book that I didn’t do with my first book is that I hired a REAL editor. A friend linked me to my first book editor. He hit spell check and that was it. Don't just take someone’s word on their editing skills.

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

Veronica: Just do it. Write and worry about errors when you’re done. After you are done, find an experienced editor. Some editors will do payment plans with you. Ask to see the editors past work, resume etc. If no one buys your books, don't be discouraged; keep writing. Never stop doing what you are meant to do because of others. Always be original and promote with your heart.

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

Veronica: http://www.lulu.com/shop/veronica-marshall/heed/hardcover/product-20392655.html?showPreview=true

Date: 01/26/2013
Name: Donnell Hicks
Title: Strength & Power

When a person has indulged into drugs or alcohol and has become addicted to the paraphernalia, it becomes difficult for him/her to overcome the addiction, to live a clean decent lifestyle and to get rid of the demons that has been holding him/her back from progressing and breaking loose from the chains to be free of the addiction of alcohol or any other drugs. With the right support group and constant love and strength from family and close friends, a person can strive to make the effort against all odds to overcome the hardships.

If a person isn’t given a chance to redeem his or her faults and clean up his/her past sins, he/she will see there’s no way out of the addiction and he/she will began to relapse. Although I haven’t come in close contact with a person who has been a former drug addict, I have experienced the withdrawals plus the setbacks of my own family members who want to rise above the smoke, but are taken down by the lure as well as the temptations of indulging into the same drugs and alcohol all over again.

For any individual to overcome being a drug addict or an alcoholic, he/she must take the responsibilities to confess his/her sins, to acknowledge that he/she has a drug problem that needs to be dealt with, for the reason that it is not only hurting them personally but it is also hurting family members in the process. 

Nonetheless, it takes a strong, resilient person to find the courage to overcome an addiction. Some people may think easing out of being a drug addict is quite easy. A person who has gone through the ups and downs will automatically tell you one on one, becoming clean steering away from drugs or alcohol can be at times difficult. The symptoms are still around; the temptation of indulging back into the old lifestyle can be overwhelming. However, he/she can stay determined to the point he/she won’t give up the fight knowing there will be family and a few friends being with them on the road to recovery. 

Another step in the right direction for a drug addict or an alcoholic is when he/she turns to religion in order to seek divine intervention bestowed upon their lives hoping it will help turn their lives around for the better of everybody involved. To some individuals who have been addicted to drugs or alcohol, strength and power to overcome the odds comes from attending various AA meetings where there are other people who are also in the same boat sharing similar stories of their drug and alcohol addictions which caused them to lose their families. Having a strong support system, talking to a counselor, writing down on a piece of paper how they feel also help. Strength and power come from having divine intervention knowing that there is only thing which will keep him/her alive in the process to progress further and rise above the smoke – that is their faith in God.

     

   

01/28/13
Felecia Williams
Title: Loosed without amnesty

 

Choosing between maintaining one’s freedom verses returning to confinement may seem like an obvious choice. For some ex-offenders it is more than just picking one over the other, it can be a tough obstacle which requires strong will to overcome.

When we think of prison, we think of a separate society developed to keep criminals out of ours. There are some who we don’t ever want to step foot back in our communities, but this does not change the fact that all ex-offenders are not murderers, rapists or psychopaths. Some are people just like you and I. They have made mistakes that unfortunately had consequences that caused them time in prison. These things can happen to anyone and it takes a strong individual to overcome some of the setbacks of being labeled an ex-offender.

People refuse to acknowledge or understand the trials and tribulations associated with being an ex-offender and returning back into society. The loss of support from loved ones, changes in society since incarceration, and the struggles in finding employment and residence are just a few of the challenges that some may face. Both during and after the required sentence, there may have been a lack of job training and placement assistance available to them. Even if it were, the number of job and housing markets that are willing to accept them is small. Employers and housing communities require background checks and for felons, this means the dreaded “door slam in the face”.

Not only are their rights taken and their chances slim on finding work that is legit, but the family they’ve left behind may not want to have anything at all to do with them. Maybe it’s due to the crime they’ve committed or that the family is content with the fact that their lives can continue without them.

Upon “touching down” (what some refer to as returning to the free world) ex-offenders must try to adapt to the changed world they’ve left behind. Our ever changing society may be far from what they remember and depending on the length of the sentence and connection to the outside, they may be welcomed by many drastic changes. For example: someone sentenced in 1950 and now being released in 2013 will have a lot of catching up to do.

Ex-offenders mostly come back to a community that clearly states “you are not welcome!” and this causes all types of thoughts and actions as a result, such as finding comfort in drugs or alcohol, resorting to crime, taking their own life and even looking for ways to return to what they know best -prison.

George also known as Raheem is a 42 year old black male. Since the age of 16 he has spent most of his life behind bars. Even after being released twice during his adult life, he has found his way back once again. While in prison he managed to obtain his G.E.D. and take up a trade in plumbing, but that alone was not good enough. This caused him to become discouraged. Besides his constant job trouble, he found himself staying from place to place, having little money, and dealing with his family doubting his every move. After about a year of trying to do right, he felt it was time to do what he had to. His only thoughts at this time were that in order to survive this cold world, he would have to resort to crime. Crime was the only source that would mean money for rent, food, clothes, shelter and whatever else he wanted. It also meant a make shift family (crime family) to belong to. Selling crack cocaine, check fraud, lying, stealing and whatever it took to make his money Raheem did in attempts to live the so called American dream. He never would have thought that a mistake made during his adolescent years would cause a chain reaction leading straight into a dead end.

To Raheem things like trust, forgiveness, and love do not exist. In a world that would not even give him a chance to do it right, he chose crime to overcome his struggle. Even with crime being his main benefactor, he found himself back in the “chain gang” and not because of those crimes, it’s because he violated his probation by failing a urinalysis.

Raheem is not a so called bad guy. His actions are based on how he was categorized and denied fair rights along with every other ex-offender that has served time. It’s like someone stamps their foreheads in bold letters “NOT WORTHY!” Society does not want to accept ex-offenders any longer and the only chance given to them is their release from prison. They are never really free to work and live where they please or even have a normal life. Society makes sure that they will never really be free from the mental and emotional chains they will carry for the rest of their lives. So prison for them may become a revolving door.

The moment criminals are loosed from the walls of prison in an attempt to live as free men is the moment they realize that they were never forgiven for their crimes, only locked away to have been forgotten in time.

Kiexiza, (pronounced ki-eek-sa or just say Kie, like pie), was born and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts. She is the engaged, eldest sibling of ten children and a mother of four of her own, 2 that are currently enrolled in college. She currently resides in Virginia with her fiancé and her two youngest children. Known as a creative soul from a very young age, Kie embraced and developed her love for music, performing arts, cooking and poetry early on. Taking charge of her multicultural heritage, she has honed her many different talents, excelling her creative ideas to endless possibilities.

After years of friends and associates insisting she should share the trials she had endured, she finally sat down and began to try to express her life story in written words. The final product was not as she intended, but her debut novel Beautiful was born none the less. The Beautiful Mess Series is a collection of 5 novels that will touch on different aspects of Kiexiza's life in a fictional, yet realistic way.

Kiexiza is the Executive Director of DiamondStar Entertainment & Publishing, a company who aids new entrepreneurs in branding their name and it to the public through various avenues. She is also co-founder of Saving Lives Through Lit, an organization that desires to, though donations and the creation of anthologies, assist the many foundations that give aid to families and persons affected by abuse and violence. Along with a board of 5, she is currently in the process of opening a bookstore/restaurant, where entrepreneurs of all genres will have an opportunity to shine.

Kie writes for, has contributed to, and conducts reviews for many online magazines and blogs, including So Fyh Magazine, CEOMama, SorMag, and DiamondStar Entertainment

Kiexiza’s debut literary novel is a series of 5 novels entitled the Beautiful Mess Series. Volume 1 is simply entitled, Beautiful, which was released August of 2011. The second volume Beautiful Seduction, was released January 2013. Kie also has stories in two anthologies, Voices Behind the Tears and Untapped: a Collection of Erotic Firsts.

About “Beautiful Seduction”

"Beautiful Seduction” is the 2nd novel in the BEAUTIFUL Mess series. This novel brings with it more twists, drama, issues of faith, and some characters you’re sure to love to hate. But just like in Beautiful Volume 1, it will equally make you think hard about some of the life choices you make for yourself.

Sean &Shireece Willis is the married couple everyone has grown to love and aspire to emulate. Sean vowed to be the loving husband and provider his father never was. While Shireece was primped to be a submissive, loving, dotting wife, just like her mother. When Sean's unexpected job promotion takes him out of town for weeks on end, he’s thrust into confined quarters with a new Personal Assistant, Sasha M. Jones who is not shy about her desire to carry on more than a professional relationship with him. While he eagerly tries to impress his boss, he ignores his instincts about just how far Sasha will go to bed him. Will that decision cost him more than he’s willing to pay?

Meanwhile, a bored Shireece is exhausted simply twiddling her thumbs, playing housewife to an empty home. She decides to embark on a long set aside goal of her own. She hopes to prove beyond a shadow of doubt, that giving up her dream of a music career was the biggest mistake she ever allowed herself to be talked into. She begins secretly recording an album with the help of a longtime friend, Vito, while Sean is away on business trips. Will a mix of a late night recording session, a lonely wife’s confession and one too many glasses of wine shared between good friends turn into more than a love triangle?

Don't forget Qu and Tierra as she takes in the role of CEO of BaxwellEnterprisez per the late Mr. Baxwell request. Qu is in a quandary all of his own trying to decide how he will take his relationship with Tierra to the next level and show her how dear she truly is to him, without pushing her over the edge and back behind the shelter of her wall. All the while, this new duo is desperately on the hunt to discover who it is that is sending them videos of Qu’s accident. Does this mean it wasn’t an accident after all?

Find out who wakes up to a mystery house guest, who goes to jail, and who finds out they made a life-saving choice, in the sophomore novel of The Beautiful Mess Series, “Beautiful Seduction.”

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

Kie: I first decided I wanted to become an author in 2003. I was a poet and singer at the time. But there was a part of me that wanted to share the trials I had encountered in my youth and adult life. So one day I sat down and decided to try my hand at writing.

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

Kie: Initially my first book was supposed to be my autobiography. But I found it more difficult than I had imagined to re-live those events in writing. So I kept writing and came out with Beautiful, which has bits and pieces of me and my life in every character.

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

Kie: It took me a long time to complete the first draft of Beautiful. It was about 2004 when I began writing, 2006 when it was first dropped. Then it was revised many, many times and lastly in 2011 under DiamondStar Entertainment it was re-released.

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

Kie: I self-published. I am now with DiamondStar Entertainment, which is owned by my fiancée. At the time it was a music management company, but when I joined the company as A&R he also took me on as a client.

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

Kie: I wanted a cover that was unique and didn’t want to use stock art. So I talked to people back home and asked them to be the models for my novel. I wanted to represent the characters in the book, as well as get a visual of the synopsis. Beautiful Seduction is about desires, so I think I did well.

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

Kie: I do not write on a schedule. I work full time, as well as promote for others, and work part time as a Tracilynn consultant. I have a special needs child at home so I write whenever I have a spare moment - usually when I get home from work around 11 pm. This also means there’s a lot of re-writing, as that time of night after a long day of work doesn't leave the mind its most clear. But I’m able to also go to work early, since my main job is in the mall so I write there as well.

DP: What makes your writing unique?

Kie: I think what makes my writing unique, is that I do my best NOT to read a lot of books and try to write like anyone else. I want my books to be both entertaining and educational. I like to mix the genres - mystery, romance, and spiritual. I want them to be something the reader whether male, female, African American, Caucasian, Hispanic, or Asian can all relate to. I want to bring them to tears, have them laughing and yelling at the characters all at the same time. I'm not satisfied until that happens.

DP: As a writer, what motivates you?

Kie: My children. I want to leave them a legacy of going after your dreams. NOT QUITTING. There are so many roadblocks out there; they come. But we have to teach and SHOW our children that they can be anything they want to be. It is hectic, it is stressful, but perseverance does pay off.

I don't want to see my children struggle and not be able to help. I yearn for the day when I can truly give to them what they NEED, when they need it!

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

Kie: It is very difficult to be self employed AND have a normal job. You can’t take a day off whenever you want. You have to work when you’re on the schedule. No matter if you have a big author show to go to, or an event where you would have maximum exposure. It’s very hard to balance, my creative needs and wants, with the bills that HAVE TO be paid. You have to do what you HAVE to do, until you can do what you WANT to do. My balance is in knowing one day SOON, I’ll be able to do those things I WANT to do, and they will take care of my family’s needs.

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

Kie: I am always thinking about a story or the next book, or the book I’m currently writing. When I’m not actually writing, I’m also working hard for clients, or trying to sell my jewelry, or Working on getting SweetReadzBookStore open.

My plate seems to be always running over, but I always find a way to add more to it. I'm the type of person that does not just sit and talk about doing – I make it happen.

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

Kie: I'm up at 6:30am Monday-Friday; sometimes earlier if my fiancé has to open at his job. 7:30 I wake up my son to get him ready for school. Some days I’m off to work at 7:30 and some days I’m home by 2pm. Some days I have to bring my niece to work at 9:30 then it’s back to home, or off to pick up my fiancée at noon. Our schedule is often ragged, as we have 1 vehicle and 4 people working plus one of those 4 are in school. It’s a lot of back and forth. Mondays are my “my boo day,” but I’m still up at 7 to get my son up and I still have to take my niece to work at 9:30. LOL yeah that’s my life, run run run!

DP: Tell us about your last book signing.

Kie: I have not done a book singing in a few years. My last one was in 2009, in Springfield, Massachusetts and included several poets, singers and was a huge success.

DP: Do you have contests or giveaways?

Kie: DSE (DiamondStar Entertainment) often runs contest for readers who send in the answers to the questions in the back of my novels. Readers who submit a picture of them with the book, or e-book cover, as well as those that submit reviews to amazon, my personal website, and FB page are often chosen to receive a free gift.

There are also giveaways at times, for answers to questions, or those who join our beta reading team (which is for people who review pre-edited manuscripts, for content flaws and story flow, before it goes to the editor)

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?

Kie: We ran A LOT of contests for Beautiful, and that seemed to get a lot of readers interested. When the book was available, they were eagerly awaiting it.

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

Kie: I wish we had done as many contests for the second book like we did with the first one. We also did the beta readers with book two, so hoping their input paid off.

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

Kie: Research, review, re-read, get help, ask questions, don't RUSH....edit, edit edit and forgive yourself when you still find flaws after all that. Acquire THICK skin, don’t take poor reviews personal, they are that reader’s opinion.

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

Kie: www.sweetreadzbookstore.webs.com

www.amazon.com/author/kiexizarodriquez

www.createspace.com/3640556 - Beautiful

www.createspace.com/3690574 - Beautiful Seduction

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

Kie: Latina Author of the Year - Word on the Street 2012

Nominated New Author of the year 2008

Nominated Radio show of the year 2011

Chandra West resides in her hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She received her Associate Degree in Paralegal and a Business Mid-Management Certificate from Milwaukee Area Technical College. She has been writing short stories since childhood and has always dreamed of becoming a published author.

Chandra’s titles include:

Vanilla Dream

Living Ghetto Fabulous

About “Vanilla Dream”

Sheila Jackson is married to Craig, but it’s been five years of mostly hell. Craig is emotionally and physically abusive. He refuses to keep a job to support his wife or his two boys from previous relationships. Out of the blue, Sheila meets Ryan Santoianni. He is the total opposite: educated, hard working, supportive and very giving. Before they both know it they begin a whirlwind sexually charged affair. Ryan’s ready to commit to her but there’s a problem and it’s not that she’s black and he’s white but the fact that Sheila fails to mention that she is already married.

When all of Sheila’s lies are exposed who will she turn to - her husband or Ryan? Will Ryan even have her once he finds out?

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

Chandra: Probably as early as eight years old. I received my first diary for a birthday or Christmas present and wrote in it religiously.

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

Chandra: Life. Being a young woman plus looking at what other young women dealt with while trying to not only mature but find love at the same time.

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

Chandra: It took a long time because I didn't write consistently. I would probably say five years.

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

Chandra: I am signed to a publishing company.

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

Chandra: I didn't, the publishing company did.

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

Chandra: Absolutely not. I write whenever I get an idea and time.

DP: What makes your writing unique?

Chandra: With the first book people thought it was unique that I wrote how people actually speak. But now I would just say that I'm writing erotic fiction but tying romance in. I am a hopeless romantic and want it conveyed in my plots.

DP: As a writer, what motivates you?

Chandra: Love and sex motivate me as a writer.

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

Chandra: It is extremely difficult. Working, school, marriage. I long for the day to come when I don't have to work and can be a full-time author.

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

Chandra: Working, studying, household duties and a little partying when I can squeeze it in.

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

Chandra: Work...work…work!

DP: Tell us about your last book signing.

Chandra: At my last book signing, I was super nervous but had much fun. I was amongst friends so it was different rather than being in front of a room full of strangers.

DP: Do you have contests or giveaways?

Chandra: At my last book signing I did 2 drawings.

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?

Chandra: I won't say I've handled it as I'm still dealing with those challenges. As with many other things in life, being a first time author is about living and learning.

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

Chandra: With the second book, I tried to do more research. The first book, I just sat down at the computer and wrote what I felt and thought.

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

Chandra: Don't settle.

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

Chandra: On www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com