Week With An Author - Daddy Rich - Interview - October 19, 2011

Daddy Rich Interview

About Your Book - Mack’s Revenge:

Cheryl: Describe your book in one sentence.

Daddy Rich: Dang, that’ s a hard one. “A fun and entertaining read—graphic and raw!”



Cheryl: How did you come up with the title?

Daddy Rich: The book, well at the end was all about Mack getting revenge. I had originally called it “All Hell Breaks Loose”. Winter Giovanni came up with the title for me.



Cheryl: Is there a message in the book that you want readers to get?

Daddy Rich: Yeah, there’s a couple. I want the youngstas to understand there’s only two ways out of the dope game—death or prison. I haven’t experienced death, but prison is lonely. It’s bullshit. The second message is for law enforcement. Everybody ain’t gonna just lay down and go to prison. Police plant evidence and lie on the stand all across the country. The shit I depict in my book be on people’s mind. Keep on. It will start happenin’ for real.



Cheryl: Are any parts of Mack’s Revenge realistic?

Daddy Rich: Yes, damn near all of it. Mack’s Revenge is based on my life. I take you from 2003 when I got my realtor’s license and was sellin’ cocaine to fund my real estate career all the way to 2005 when I was set up by the task force.



Cheryl: Did you have a favorite character in Mack’s Revenge, and why did you like that character?

Daddy Rich: Big Mack of course. He’s the narrator, and dude is funny as hell



Cheryl: If Mack’s Revenge had a theme song, what would it be and why?

Daddy Rich: Another hard one. “Hustlin” by Rick Ross because 90 percent of the book is about Big Mack getting’ his hustle on.



About Writing In General:



Cheryl: How do you begin writing a book? Do you start with an outline? Do you hand write anything or type it out?

Daddy Rich: I just go. I write down the characters and their roles. A couple key points and I roll out! I don’t want it to be too structured. I don’t want to be a predictable writer. When I begin to write, I don’t know the end yet. So, if I don’t know the outcome while I’m writing, the reader won’t know while they’re reading.



Cheryl: Do you have a certain writing style?

Daddy Rich: Yes, I write Gangsta-lit. It’s a style I created. I write in a Midwest slang. My narrator sounds like a regular dude off the street. I can’t stand those “up tight, uppity” narrators.

Cheryl: Are any of your books based on things that you have experienced in your life or the life of someone you know?

Daddy Rich: All of ‘em are. It’s either things I’ve experienced or witnessed. I base my characters off people I know. That’s why they’re so real. I mean, when people discuss my books, they speak about my characters like they’re real people. It’s because they are. That lets me know that I’m a good writer. People actually hate Beck Sue (one of the characters in Mack’s Revenge). To have the readers emotionally involved is a good thing.



Cheryl: Do you have any rituals that you use when you are writing or a certain place you go to get inspired?

Daddy Rich: Yep. When possible, I make sure I’m high as hell. And I bounce between the T.V. and the radio. If there’s nothin’ good on the radio, I’ll listen to the T.V. I just need some good background noise.



Cheryl: How many books have you written?

Daddy Rich: I’ve written 5 full length novels and 2 short stories. I just began working on my 6^th novel. I’m co-writing a book with a fellow inmate. His name is James Green.



Cheryl: Did you have to do much research when writing your books? If so, do you tend to write first or research first?

Daddy Rich: No. I try to write about what I know. But occasionally, I need to have my wife look up a few things. I just jump in. I just do the research on an as needed basis.



Cheryl: What advice would you give to those aspiring writers out there?

Daddy Rich: Do it! Quit procrastinating! Pick up your pen and go!





About Your Reading:

Cheryl: Are you reading anything right now?

Daddy Rich: As a matter of fact, I am. I’m reading a book called Thick Face, Black Heart. It’s by Chin-Ning Chu. It’s about doing what you need to do to succeed and not givin’ a FUCK what people think about you. People who take off and try to be successful fall victim to all kinds of ridicule from people who are lesser. It’s what it is. Fuck ‘em.


Cheryl: What are some of your favorite books and authors?

Daddy Rich: The Quran, written by none other than Allah. From the Browder File: 22 Essays on the African American Experience (From the Browder File Series) by T. Anthony Browder. Street Dreams: A Novel by K’wan. The whole collection of Donald Goines, and “Shh….” Written by me. I promise I’m not bein’ conceited. I just love the book. I had a lot of fun writing it. I’ve actually read it several times for entertainment. Not to proofread or edit, to just read. And it kept my attention. I couldn’t believe I wrote it.



Cheryl: Has writing your own book changed the way that you read?

Daddy Rich: Yes, and I hate it. It’s hard for me to read a book for enjoyment. I study every book I read now. I dissect it. I try to find what I need to do to step my game up and be better. I’ve actually read some of the best selling urban fiction to see what it is that the readers love about their books. I’m trying to learn and master my craft. I believe that I am a best seller. I just gotta get my promotion and marketing together. Once I do that, I’m a shut shit down! And I’m trying to reach out to the promoters and find me an agent.



Cheryl: Are you able to read when you’re writing and if so what books inspire you when you’re working on a novel?

Daddy Rich: Naw, I don’t want any outside influences, and I’m a sponge. So I’m extra careful. I want to make sure all my shit’s original, authentic, so I won’t read any urban fiction while I’m writing.



Cheryl: Are there other books you love or writers you admire that are from your local area?

Daddy Rich: I’m the only one from my local area. I’m layin’ the path down.





Personal Information:



Cheryl: If you have to describe yourself with one word, what would it be?

Daddy Rich: Diligent because I go after my goals tirelessly. I won’t stop. If I can’t knock down the obstacles in my way, I jump over them or go around them. How many inmates start their own publishing and magazine companies? I’m trying to get it!



Cheryl: Where are you from:

Daddy Rich: I’m from a small dot on the middle of the map-- Marion, Indiana.



Cheryl: What three music artists are your favorite?

Daddy Rich: I don’t really have a favorite artist, but I do have favorite albums. I’d say Jeezy’s Thug Motivation mix tape, “Adrenaline Rush” by Twista and “Get Rich or Die Tryin’” by 50 Cent. I know you only asked for 3 but I can’t forget about “Ghetto Dope” by Master P.








Cheryl: What is one food item that you can’t live without?

Daddy Rich: Pussy, mmm good. I haven’t ate any in years and it’s killin’ me. It has to be nutritional, a baby grows in there. For real. But if I have to choose a food that you can throw in some grease, I’d have to say chicken. I love chicken.



Cheryl: What is your favorite color?

Daddy Rich: White. I love to wear white, and I’ve had several white cars.



Cheryl: How much time do you spend writing each day?

Daddy Rich: Too much. When I’m writing a book, I write around the clock. I mean, I only stop for naps and to eat. Plus, I write letters. I’m gonna catch carpel tunnel! LOL!



Cheryl: What famous person do other people tell you that you most look like?

Daddy Rich: No one really. But the other day me and some of the homies were crackin’ jokes on each other and they said I look like the lil dog on the Doritos commercial. The one that ran and knocked the glass door down.





Cheryl: What is the one thing about yourself that others would be shocked to know?

Daddy Rich: That I’m really laid back and down to earth. My name is Daddy Rich and I get money. People have this “image” of me like I think I’m too much, but I’m really down to earth. I’m easy goin’, and I have a good heart. I’m always tryin’ to help people.





Cheryl: Choose a book title for the story of your life.

Daddy Rich: “I done dug myself a hole” subtitled “And I’m tryin’ to climb back out” because I stay in my own way. I’m always fuckin’ shit up for myself. I’m my own worst enemy. I get myself in a hole and dig myself deep trying to climb out. Every venture I’ve created I’ve backed wit drug money. I always get locked up tryin’ to make it happen. This time I was already locked up when I created Gangsta-Lit, so I’m interested to see how this shit turns out. LOL!



Cheryl: What is next for you in 2011?

Daddy Rich: Books and more books. I’m trying my hardest to get some type of movie deal. I write movies. My books are vivid. I’m searchin’ high and low to turn my books into motion pictures.





Contact Information:

Cheryl: How can your readers contact you?

Daddy Rich: They can contact me @ Gangstalit on twitter and Facebook: Author Daddy Rich - friend me or they can write me directly at:

Richarh Tyson, 105754

5124 W. Reformatory Rd.

Pendleton, Indiana 46064

 

SEND HIM SOME FAN MAIL! - CHERYL

 

 

I’d love that. I been waitin’ on my first piece of fan mail. If you write, please be sure to include a stamped envelope. In ink stamped envelope. If it’s the stick on kind I can’t have it. These people are scared somebody can sneak acid in like that.



Cheryl: Is there anything you would like to add?

Daddy Rich: Buy my book. It’s very entertaining and raw. It’s a breath of fresh air. I promise you ain’t read nothin’ like it before. Support my cause. I’m writing to raise money to fight my case. I was set up by the task force and a lot of my rights were violated. Freedom ain’t free. I gotta get me an aggressive ass lawyer.





Cheryl: Thank you very much for taking the time out to answer my interview questions!

Daddy Rich: And thank you for sending them.



You can visit his website at Gangsta-lit.com and buy his book!



© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamonds Book Reviews . All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, blackdiamondsbookrev.fatcow.com , Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

The Arranger by L.J. Sellers – Blog Tour – Review & Interview – October 15, 2011

About the Book:

The year is 2023 and ex-detective Lara Evans is working as a freelance paramedic in a bleak new world. She responds to an emergency call and is nearly killed when a shooter flees the home. Inside she finds the federal employment commissioner wounded, but she’s able to save his life.

The next day Lara leaves for the Gauntlet—a national competition of intense physical and mental challenges with high stakes for her home state. She spots the shooter lurking at the arena and soon after, she lands in deep trouble. Who is the mysterious assailant and what is motivating him kill? Can Lara stop him, stay alive, and win the Gauntlet?

My Review:

The Three Reasons Review is a simple way to get your thoughts out there about a book. The reasons are as follows complete with fancy button:

1.) Reasons you chose this book

I liked the cover. It looked like a mysterious book which I love!

2.) Reasons you liked or disliked this book

• I liked this book because it kind of reminded me of survivor and The Hunger Games (parts of the story). I don't really watch survivor that much, but I loved The Hunger Games.
• I liked this book because it was interesting to see how Paul was going to do the tasks that he set out to do. He was in another aspect of the story (not the one above).
• I liked how Paul was a memorable character. He did something that ended up going his way, but then he got a little greedy. I would have like to see a picture of the transformation that was described in this book.
• Based on my last like, I would say that this book would be a great movie. For some reason, I would say that the parts would be played by Steve Carell. I don't know why, but he is who I pictured for Paul. Maybe its the fact that he is a "frumpy programmer". Also between his character on The 40 Year Old Virgin and The Office, I just had him sticking in my mind. Although Paul in this book is devious and I don't really see that in Steve Carell, but you never know! I guess the reason I see him is because Paul seems nerdy and like a lost puppy. I feel bad for Paul because he just wants to be accepted. I am not sure who would play Lara. I'm seeing a redhead, maybe. I am going to Google redheaded actresses and see what I see. I found her: Julianne Moore. She is the one.
• Okay, this is supposed to be a book review, but now I am thinking movie. Obviously I liked the book enough think that people would pay to see this story on the big screen. There was enough action to it and I wanted to see if Lara would win the game and what was going to happen with Paul.
• I liked this book because there were no errors in it.
• I'm trying to think of why I disliked this book and I'm really not coming up with anything. It took me a while to read, but it's because of lack of time and not lack of interest in the book. Actually, I was supposed to post my review a few weeks ago and I missed it. I feel so bad, but I'm finally getting it up on here.

3.) Reasons you are recommending this book

• I recommend this book because it has two different stories within one and they tie in at the end.

Rating:

• Format: Kindle Edition
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0983213852
• Publisher: Spellbinder Press (August 12, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B005H7Q0AA
• Lending: Enabled
• Source: L.J. Sellers (Thank you!!!!!)

L.J. Sellers

L.J. Sellers is an award-winning journalist and the author of the bestselling Detective Jackson mystery/suspense series: The Sex Club, Secrets to Die For, Thrilled to Death, Passions of the Dead, and Dying for Justice. Her novels have been highly praised by Mystery Scene, Crimespree, and Spinetingler magazines, and the series is on Amazon Kindle’s bestselling police procedural list. L.J. also has three standalone thrillers: The Baby Thief, The Suicide Effect, and The Arranger. When not plotting murders, she enjoys performing standup comedy, cycling, social networking, and attending mystery conferences. She’s also been known to jump out of airplanes.

L.J. Sellers Interview

About THE ARRANGER:

Cheryl: How did you come up with the title THE ARRANGER?

L.J.: One of the main characters, Paul Madsen, is given access to federal personnel information that he can’t resist exploiting. He uses the information to arrange for clients to land new, better jobs and for some employees to lose theirs. I started thinking of him as the arranger and the name stuck. My husband loved the title too and encouraged me to use it.



Cheryl: Is there a message in the book that you want readers to get?

L.J.: The broad idea is that the United States could end up in a dark and ugly place if social and economic issues continue the way they’re going. The other theme is that there are people in this world we look right past, because they’re shy or unattractive, but those people have feelings and value, and they want attention just like the rest of us.



Cheryl: Are any parts of THE ARRANGER realistic?

L.J.: The entire story is realistic. It’s the only kind of fiction I write. It has elements that are imaginative, such as medical inventions that aren’t on the horizon yet and a national competition with jobs as the grand prize. But all of those things could easily come true. The story isn’t paranormal, sci-fi, or fantasy. It’s a gritty, realistic look at the future.



Cheryl: Did you have a favorite character in THE ARRANGER, and why did you like that character?

L.J.: The story is told predominantly from two characters’ perspectives, Lara Evans and Paul Madsen. Lara is a homicide investigator/paramedic from my Detective Jackson series, and she had a major role in my last novel, Dying for Justice. I had so much fun writing from her perspective that I knew she needed her own story, in which she could be as physical as she wanted to be. She’s definitely my favorite character in The Arranger.





About Writing In General:



Cheryl: How do you begin writing a book? Do you start with an outline? Do you hand write anything or type it out?

L.J.: I write exclusively on my computer, and I usually start each story with some broad ideas. I eventually develop and write out what I call the story logic—all the character motivations, connections, and events. (Lara responds to an emergency call, witnesses a crime, and meets the commissioner. She keeps his secret because he controls the Gauntlet, a contest she is scheduled to compete in.) I include incidents in the backstory and even the events that don’t happen on the page where the reader can see them. This process ensures my plot doesn’t have any gaping holes that make readers think: WTF? Next, I start outlining, usually by day of the week, because my stories all take place in a short period of time. About halfway through the outline, I start writing the first chapter because I’m eager to get started or because I come up with a good opening. I keep outlining the second half as I write .



Cheryl: Do you have a certain writing style?

L.J.: Because my background is in journalism, I tend to write lean and my prose is straightforward. I focus on clarity and immediacy rather than on creating lush or lyrical prose. Many readers have commented that my storytelling style is unique and compelling, but they haven’t really articulated what the style is.



Cheryl: Are any of your books based on things that you have experienced in your life or the life of someone you know?

L.J.: I draw from my life and my family members lives all the time. For example, Wade Jackson, from my detective series, has a trike-building hobby like my husband, and he also has a rare health issue like my husband. Both of those elements are unusual and make Jackson an interesting character. In Passions of the Dead, I wrote about unemployment and economic issues, and I drew from experiences that my extended family members were going through. So far, I haven’t written stories that focus on the most painful phases in my personal life because it would be too stressful. (Some day, when I’m old and medicated, I’ll probably write a memoir and tell everything.) Still, all of my female characters have elements of my personality and they share my life experiences, such as grief, addiction, food/weight issues, layoffs, etc.



Cheryl: Do you have any rituals that you use when you are writing or a certain place you go to get inspired?

L.J. I’m not a ritualistic person but I do exercise faithfully every day. During my workout sessions, I often brainstorm plots and usually get my best ideas while I’m in cardio mode. I’ve never really experienced writers block. I think it’s my journalism background that has trained me to get words on the page, no matter what. For me, writing is craft and my occupation. I don’t wait to be inspired. I work my brain until I have the right collection of ideas, then I sit down and do it.



Cheryl: How many books have you written?

L.J.: I’ve written ten and a half novels, with eight of them now on the market. My first two were practice novels, both about serial killers, and neither will ever be published. I also abandoned one novel halfway through when my agent said he didn’t like it. I may eventually dig it out and finish it. That agent didn’t like The Sex Club either, and it became a bestseller on Kindle. I also just released a nonfiction book that’s a collection of blogs, articles, and writing advice—called Write First, Clean Later, my personal motto. In addition, I’ve written five screenplays, three of which are comedies.



Cheryl: Did you have to do much research when writing your books? If so, do you tend to write first or research first?

L.J.: Before this one, my last five books were police procedurals, and over the years I’ve interviewed several homicide detectives, a crime scene technician, a medical examiner, and a SWAT sergeant. For the first two Jackson stories, I conducted the interviews before I started writing because I felt like I had to. For the last two in the series, I started writing and waited until I knew specifically what I needed to ask to make certain scenes authentic. For The Baby Thief, a standalone thriller, I did extensive research into fertility science throughout the writing of the story. My current release, The Arranger, is set in the future, so there wasn’t much I could research, except self-defense techniques.



Cheryl: What advice would you give to those aspiring writers out there?

L.J.: For writers just getting started, I advise them to study the craft. Read Writers Digest and take writing workshops. For writers who’ve been at it a while and know they have a professional product, I would advise them to take charge of their publishing career and get their work out there independently. For writers who have already published and are struggling to build a readership, be tenacious and patient. It will happen.





About Your Reading:



Cheryl: Are you reading anything right now?

L.J.: I’m reading a collection of short stories called Shaken. It’s written by a terrific group of authors, and the proceeds go to help the tsunami victims in Japan.



Cheryl: What are some of your favorite books and authors?

L.J.: Two of my all-time favorite books are futuristic thrillers: The Tomorrow File by Lawrence Sanders and The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. My current favorite authors are Michael Connelly, John Sandford, and Harlen Coben. Two of the best crime fiction books I’ve read recently are Beat the Reaper by Josh Bazell (about a hit man who becomes a doctor!) and The Lock Artist by Steve Hamilton (about a psychologically mute safecracker). Both were very compelling.



Cheryl: Has writing your own book changed the way that you read?

L.J.: Unfortunately, yes. The more I write the less I read. It’s the worst thing about being a novelist. I also worked as an editor for decades, and I trained my brain to read slowly and carefully, looking for errors. I have trouble turning that off, and it tends to ruin a lot of stories for me.



Cheryl: Are you able to read when you’re writing and if so what books inspire you when you’re working on a novel?

L.J.: When I’m writing a first draft, I tend to read short stories. Not only do I love the genre, they also work well with my limited attention span for reading. Because I write crime stories, I’m often inspired by what I see in the news. I’m a news junkie, and real crime is a great source of fodder for my work.



Cheryl: Are there other books you love or writers you admire that are from your local area?

L.J.: Locally, I’m friends with Carola Dunn, who writes the Daisy Dalrymple mysteries. She writes historical fiction, which I don’t read, but I admire her productivity and skill, and I know she has fans around the world. I’m also friends with Marva Dasef, a terrific Eugene writer, who I have read and enjoyed.







Personal Information:



Cheryl: If you have to describe yourself with one word, what would it be?

L.J.: Energetic.



Cheryl: I see that you were born in California, also lived in Phoenix, but spent most of your life in Oregon. What is it like there? Is that your favorite place to live?

L.J.: I love Eugene, Oregon. It’s beautiful (green), and is both intellectually stimulating and laid back at the same time. I wish it were warmer, but you can’t have everything. Phoenix, on the other hand, was quite warm, but it’s an ugly city that extends for 70 miles in the desert. After living most of my life in Oregon, Phoenix never felt like home. I hope to someday have a winter home in Maui. J

Cheryl: What is a typical day in your life like?

L.J.: Busy! I get up around six, read some news online, do a little promotion, then do an hour workout. After that, I may do more promotion (blogs, emails, press releases), or if I’m working on a first draft, I’ll start writing around ten. I usually write until five, with a break for lunch and maybe an afternoon bike ride or walk. After dinner I go back to work and do whatever is most pressing on my to-do list. It could be answering emails, working on my webs: ite, writing a guest blog, or a zillion other things. I’m usually at my computer until nine-thirty or ten. Then I read or watch TV for an hour or so. Many days are interrupted by “rescue calls” from my extended family, and I always make time for them.



Cheryl: What three artists would I find in your Ipod or CD player?

L.J.: I like just about any music that makes me want to dance. But my favorites are an eclectic mix: Queen, Steve Winwood, Nickelback, KC and the Sunshine Band, James Brown, and Kid Rock, to name a few.



Cheryl: If I came to your home and looked in your refrigerator what would I find?

L.J.: Lots of fruits and vegetables, with lean protein in the freezer. I eat very little processed food, almost no wheat, and very little dairy. My two weaknesses are peppermint patties and popcorn, but I try to limit sugar too.



Cheryl: What is one food item that you can’t live without?

L.J.: Beef. I’m a protein burner and I feel best when I eat red meat, so I listen to my body. But my weight and my cholesterol counts are very healthy.



Cheryl: What is your favorite color?

L.J.: Purple!



Cheryl: What do you like to do when you are not writing (hobbies, etc.)?

L.J.: I love to ride my bike, and I also go bowling with my brothers quite often. I love comedy too, so we watch standup whenever we can. I’ve also performed standup comedy several times, and it’s great fun.

Cheryl: What is the one thing about yourself that others would be shocked to know?

L.J.: I’m very open, and readers can learn almost anything about me on my website. Sometimes people who have known me for a while are surprised to discover I have several small tattoos near my ankles. Some people might be surprised to learn that my first husband tried to kill me, and his dog saved my life. And others would be surprised to know that public speaking terrifies me. This surprises me as well, because I’m an extrovert.



Cheryl: What is next for you in 2011?

L.J.: I’m working on the sixth book in my Detective Jackson series, and it may be released as early as December.



Contact Information:



How can your readers contact you?

ljsellers.novelist@gmail.com

http://ljsellers.com



Cheryl: Is there anything you would like to add?

L.J.: Thank you very much for taking the time out to answer my interview questions!

Cheryl: Thank you very much for the interview!





Disclaimer: I was provided a review copy from the author (THANK YOU!) I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MYexperience while reading this novel.

© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond’s Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than Black Diamond's Book Reviews, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl’s feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Week With An Author - Carolyn Moncel - Interview - September 7, 2011

WEEK WITH AN AUTHOR - Carolyn Moncel!

I am happy to have Carolyn Moncel, author of 5 Reasons to Leave a Lover, on Black Diamond's Book Reviews for the entire week!

I am also glad to share my interview with her today!

Carolyn Moncel Interview

About Your Book:

5 Reasons to Leave a Lover – A Novella and Other Short Stories:

How did you come up with the title?

CDM: I have told this story before but it is true. One day I was walking down the street in Lausanne and I heard Paul Simon’s song, “50 Ways to Leave a Lover,” blasting from someone’s care radio. I thought, “That song only gets it half right: there are many ways to leave a lover but the reasons for leaving in the first place are pretty finite. A person leaves (voluntary or involuntary) because circumstances make it impossible to stay. The most notable reasons are deceit, infidelity, abuse, indifference and death. All five of these reasons are represented in the book; three are found in the novella and one in each short story.



Is there a message in the book that you want readers to get?

CDM: Relationships cannot be taken for granted because you never know how long they will last.



Are any parts of 5 Reasons to Leave a Lover – A Novella and Other Short Stories realistic?

CDM: It’s a very realistic collection but not necessarily based on my personal life. I take my inspiration from everywhere -- including the media, stories that I have heard from friends, even situations that I have observed. For example, former North Carolina governor Mark Sanford’s story was a huge inspiration, especially the idea that his Argentinian mistress was his soul mate. Also Paris is a great place to people watch. A lot of this collection is based on a conversation that I overheard between two strangers. Apparently, the man had just learned of his wife’s infidelity and he wanted everyone in that restaurant to know about it!



Did you have a favorite character in 5 Reasons to Leave a Lover – A Novella and Other Short Stories, and why did you like that character?

CDM: Despite his very bad behavior at times, I have to say that I still have a crush on Julien. He is not based on my husband at all, but the way that Julien speaks and rationalizes his decisions is quintessentially French. When I first arrived in France, one of the first things that I noticed was the French seem to have three responses to almost any situation: 1) No; 2) Impossible; and 3) It’s not my fault! The last is my favorite because it is used the most! There is a passage in the novella where Ellery must confront Julien. They are sitting in beautiful Parc Monceau and Ellery says something to the effect, “I will not love you again, Julien.” Julien’s response, “I don’t believe you because ‘will’ implies that you ‘could’ if you wanted to.” When I read that aloud to one of my French friends, she laughed so hard. She said, “Now, that is a spot on response from a French guy.”



My other favorite character is Lola Sanchez. Her appearance in this novella is small but impactful. Readers will get better acquainted with her soon in my first novel, Geneva Nights. Half French and Spanish, she is Ellery’s best friend in Paris, and she is so feisty. I will not reveal who it is, but she is based upon a real friend from Chicago. She’s one of those "ride or die" girlfriends. These girlfriends are the type of women who will rush to your side, in the middle of the night carrying a pint of ice cream, tissues and a crowbar! They also are the women who will be there for you when your boyfriend breaks up with you, or you lose your job, or when your husband leaves! While experiencing heartbreak, every girl needs a friend like Lola!



If 5 Reasons to Leave a Lover – A Novella and Other Short Stories had a theme song, what would it be and why?

CDM: Well, it already does but there are so many perfect songs! In the beginning of the book, I quote some lyrics from a Ryan Adams song, “Everybody Knows.” When I was writing this book, I was listening to a lot of alt country music. The Wreckers song, ‘Leave the Pieces When You Go,” comes to mind and was so appropriate for Ellery. “It’s all right, Yeah, I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about this heart of mine. Just take your love and hit the road!’ Julien’s perfect theme song is the acoustic version of “9 Crimes” by Damien Rice. If I were to put an old school soul twist on it, Gladys Knight’s “I Don’t Want to Do Wrong,” is also fitting. Also Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes’ “The Love I Lost.” Repeatedly while writing, I remember hearing in my head the line, “We loved each other; we just couldn’t get along.”





About Writing In General:

How do you begin writing a book? Do you start with an outline? Do you hand write anything or type it out?

CDM: I start out as a true “pantser.” Different parts of stories come to mind. I write them all down and then I turn into a “plotter.” I begin the hard work of figuring out what parts actually can work together. I edit the work to refine the story. I pass it out to friends to get feedback and make corrections. Once I have what I think is the final draft, I send the manuscript to my editor. Often I set aside the current manuscript for a few days so I can think about the changes clearly. Then, I read the manuscript again, make more corrections until I am happy. I send the manuscript back to the editor so she can proofread it one last time. I also send a copy back to friends to do the same. I incorporate any final changes needed. From there I send to the publisher. My inspiration comes from everywhere and as a result I have both handwritten notes as well as files on the computer. I have been known to write on anything, including the back of my children’s report cards, napkins and credit card statements.



Do you have a certain writing style?

CDM: I am realist to be sure. I really believe in presenting the world as I see it. I think the real world can present situations that are every bit as compelling as a fantasy world. I enjoy examining complex relationships. I like making my readers think because there are always lessons to be learned. However, I am not preachy or judgmental. I like creating empathetic characters, people for which readers easily can identify with their circumstances.

Being in Europe has definitely had an influence on my style of writing in that I don’t necessarily believe stories have to end happily. Nor do I believe stories must always have a definitive conclusion. I worry about this last point at times. I never want my readers to think that the open-ended conclusion is a deliberate attempt at using a cliffhanger as a literary device because actually, it’s not. To me, life can be messy, extremely complicated, and the answers to our problems don’t always present themselves in neat little packages. Sometimes there is never a satisfactory answer to life’s trickier questions and that’s okay.

Are any of your books based on things that you have experienced in your life or the life of someone you know?

CDM: In the first collection of short stories, Encounters in Paris, there are two stories that are based on real life. “A Haunting in Courbevoie” is based on what happened when my own mother passed away a few years ago. The story, “Some Birds of a Feather,” is based on two real pigeons that have set up a home on my kitchen window sill here in Lausanne. In 5 Reasons to Leave a Lover, the short story, “Or, Maybe Just Leave, Steve,” is based on a couple my husband and I knew back in Chicago. They were about to break up and they had to decide how to divide up their possessions. This story is told from the point of view of one of those possessions.



Do you have any rituals that you use when you are writing or a certain place you go to get inspired?

CDM: I don’t have any rituals however, I do find that it is incredibly easy for me to write on trains. Because of my day job, I am constantly crossing Switzerland by train for meetings. Just traveling from Lausanne to Zurich takes two hours so the commute provides me with a lot of free time, and I often use it in order to write.



How many books have you written?

CDM: I have written two books so far. The first book was called Encounters in Paris – A Collection of Short Stories which was published in 2010. If readers want to better understand my character Ellery Roulet that is a good place to start because it is here that readers are introduced to her through five connected short stories. The first story in the collection, “Pandora’s Box Revisited,” is the precursor to the novella in my current collection, 5 Reasons to Leave a Lover.



Did you have to do much research when writing your books? If so, do you tend to write first or research first?

CDM: Yes and no. Incidences of infidelity, which is the primary focus of the novella, were all around. All I had to do was read the tabloid news! A radio host in Canada was interviewing me for Encounters in Paris and she stated it perfectly when she said, ‘If you live long enough either you have done it or it has been done to you,’ and that is what makes these stories so universal. Whether it was due to infidelity or not, we all have had relationships go horribly wrong. We’ve all known love and loss.



Do you consider the work as a whole or any of the stories true love stories?

CDM: Yes, of all the stories presented the last short story, “Or, Maybe in Death, Beth,” is my favorite because it's a true love story. I've been married for nearly 15 years and I know we’ve had our ups and downs. As part of my research on this book, I've met couples who have been committed for more than 40 or 50 years. This story shows how a relationship can endure for a lifetime. It's the perfect bookend to the love triangle that plays out in the novella because a love like Herman and Beth's makes Ellery and Julien's marital problems almost seem trivial by comparison. During my interview one woman told me that her and her husband had been through everything together and had weathered the storms. She said ‘When you get as old as we are and death is near, you are not thinking about who cheated on whom. It’s more about did you really enjoy one another while you still had the chance. Everything else is irrelevant.’

Some would argue that this point of view makes sense because women of that generation had limited opportunities so leaving was not an option for them. Women of today can leave any time they want but that doesn’t make the decision to do so any easier. This story still makes you wonder if today's society gives up too soon on the marital institution. Other stories in the book make us question whether or not we stay too long in bad relationships. How do you find ways of truly loving someone when you know eventually they will disappoint or even hurt you deeply. These are some of the topics I try to explore throughout the work. If they could grow up and find a way to reach common ground, maybe someday Ellery and Julien could have a love like Herman and Beth's. However, that remains to be seen.



About Your Reading:

Are you reading anything right now?

CDM: I am reading some fantastic books right now: Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones; 32 Candles by Ernessa T. Carter; and the short story collection, Before You Suffocate Your Fool Self by Danielle Evans. I just finished a terrific book called Husband and Wives by Leah Stewart and I am awe of the talent that each of these ladies possess.



What are some of your favorite books and authors?

CDM: Another Country by James Baldwin. I first read it when I was 19 and it was the book that fueled my dreams of visiting Paris some day. This is one of the few books that I have read multiple times. I try to read it again every ten years because each time that I do, I understand the book a little differently. This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald, I also love On Beauty by Zadie Smith and the Human Stain by Philip Roth.



Has writing your own book changed the way that you read?

CDM: Now, I realize how hard it is to write. I pay a lot more attention to the literary devices used in order to better understand them in action and to continue improving my own writing.



Are you able to read when you’re writing and if so what books inspire you when you’re working on a novel?

CDM: Absolutely, but I will not read anything closely related to my own work because I don’t want to be influenced subconsciously. For instance, while writing my books, I read a lot of political nonfiction and historical biographies. Even before I started writing fiction, my consulting work requires me to write all the time. This is when I will read a great deal of fiction because it opens my mind and allows me to write easier.




Personal Information:

If you have to describe yourself with one word, what would it be?

CDM: Eclectic. I like a lot of different things. It’s dangerous to look at me and make assumptions about my tastes because most people would be mistaken!



You have lived in a variety of places from Chicago to Paris to Switzerland. What is it like in Paris and Switzerland? Which is your favorite?

CDM: I call Chicago my home city; Paris my adopted city and Lausanne my host city and each place remains special for me.

Chicago is my home and that will ALWAYS be the case. Next to President Obama and actor John Cusack, I am probably the city’s greatest ambassador because everyone I meet in Europe knows I am a proud Chicagoan! It is equally tough and beautiful to live.

Paris, hands down, is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. There is always something to do. The first time I visited Paris was in 1997. My husband and I had come to France for Christmas in order to visit his family in Lyon. We took a side trip to Paris for a couple of days and it was so perfect. What many tourists don’t realize is the best times in which to visit Paris is around the New Year and in the month of August because the city is virtually empty. We got a chance to enjoy the city alone; it was snowing hard (a fairly rare occurrence); lights were twinkling everywhere; and it was really romantic. However, fast forward five years and I learned that visiting the city and actually living there were two very different things. By the time I arrived there to live in 2001, I had two very small children (ages 5 and two weeks), a dog and cat, and I felt really lost. I didn’t speak French and it was really hard to adjust. My five-year-old daughter was my pocket interpreter! After about six months, I started to find my way, and I knew my way around the city better than my husband. I enjoyed living there a great deal by the time I left. On the days when I was ready to leave, I would wake up and see a beautiful pink sunrise and think, “Nope, I can stay another day!”

We moved to Lausanne, Switzerland in 2007 because my husband’s job transfer. This time the transition from France to Switzerland was much easier because I knew what to expect. Lausanne is like the Swiss San Francisco. It is funky and has an interesting vibe for such a small city. It is environmentally beautiful and green. It is a great place to raise children because it so safe. However, it is so expensive to live here and at times, a little too quiet for my big city tastes.




What is a typical day in your life like?

CDM: Most days are pretty chaotic. I get my girls up and out the door for school. I hit the gym for an hour. What I do the rest of the day depends on the day. I own my consulting firm so three days out of the week, I work from my home office. The other two days I write. I pick up my girls in the afternoons, help with homework and get dinner done. Then I try to unwind a little by watching TV with my family. I read a lot before going to bed. The weekends are reserved for shopping and just hanging out. I think the stress also comes from the fact that everything closes so early in Europe. Stores shut their doors by 7 pm weekdays and 5 pm on Saturdays. Stores are closed on Sunday. I totally miss shopping at a super K-mart at midnight!




What three artists would I find in your IPod or CD player?

CDM: Because I am a indie rock chick at heart, I have Phoenix, Foster the People and Yo La Tengo in my IPod. However, I also have Sade, Luther Vandross, Jill Scott, and The Roots in there too. It is a very weird and eclectic mix that matches my ever-changing moods!



If I came to your home and looked in your refrigerator what would I find?

CDM: Liters of Coke Zero. I cannot survive without caffeine.



What is one food item that you can’t live without?

CDM: Pop Tarts (Unfrosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon). Unfortunately, Pop Tarts do not exist in France or Switzerland so my family and friends send me regular care packages.




What is your favorite color?

CDM: Green




What do you like to do when you are not writing (hobbies, etc.)?

CDM: I love shopping for all types of music. I love looking for vinyl records and also downloading great music as well. I love reading. I can spend the entire day in a book store or library. I like traveling but I hate preparing to travel. I spend a crazy amount of time on my computer. I also spend a lot of time working on my family genealogy. I love baseball. Once while living in Paris in 2005, I missed baseball so much that my husband found the only dive bar in town that was transmitting the World Series between my beloved Chicago White Sox and the Houston Astros over satellite. There we were, watching the game at 2 am in a South African bar with the Paris baseball team, comprised of players from Canada and Australia!



What is the one thing about yourself that others would be shocked to know?

CDM: That I slept in the bed with my mother until I was 17 and almost ready to leave for college! There, I said it and no, I am not ashamed of myself! lol I had my own bedroom but I just refused to sleep there unless I was having a sleep over. Then one day I realized I really needed my privacy and my room became my sanctuary. So people can well imagine how shocking it was for someone like me to suddenly leave my family and set up a home 4,000 miles away in another country.




What is next for you in 2011?

CDM: I am working on a project called Geneva Nights which will be my first real novel. Everyone thinks of Geneva, Switzerland as being a very quiet and calm place. There is a dark side, too. I want to explore some of those elements. It will be the last time (for a while) that Ellery Roulet appears and some new characters will emerge. I am also working on a new collection as part of the Encounters in Chicago series. All that I can say about this project is that there are five stories that are set in a neighborhood pharmacy and affect four generations of women. Two non-fiction projects are pending as well.



Contact Information:

How can your readers contact you?

CM:

Visit my website at: http://www.carolynmoncel.com/

Email me at: mondaveinc@gmail.com

Follow me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/carolyn.moncel

Join the 5 Reasons Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/5-Reasons-to-Leave-a-Lover/117805208297817

Join the Encounters in Paris Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/Encounters.in.Paris

Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/carolynmoncel

Thank you very much for taking the time out to answer my interview questions!



CDM: Thank you so much, Cheryl. The pleasure is all mine and I appreciate the opportunity to share my story with your readers!



© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamonds Book Reviews . All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, blackdiamondsbookrev.fatcow.com , Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Week With An Author - Hope Lynette - Interview With Hope Lynette - September 1, 2011

WEEK WITH AN AUTHOR  -   Hope Lynette!

I am happy to have Hope Lynette, author of Tha Bottom Line, on Black Diamond's Book Reviews for the entire week!  

I am also glad to share my interview with her today!

Hope Lynette Interview

About Your Book - The Bottom Line:


Describe your book in one sentence.

Tha Bottom Line is what happens after the pain.


How did you come up with the title?
I was taking walk. I had another title that I had been toying with, but it wasn't working. It just came to me on this particular day, while I was walking.


Is there a message in the book that you want readers to get?
That with God, you can get through anything.


Are any parts of The Bottom Line realistic?
No. It's all imagination.

Did you have a favorite character in The Bottom Line, and why did you like that character?
 Trevor. He's almost everything I want in a man.


If The Bottom Line had a theme song, what would it be and why?
Movin On. An R&B group Changing Faces recorded this song. It's just for the ladies in the novella, because they, moved on and found happiness after the pain.




About Writing In General:


How do you begin writing a book?  Do you start with an outline?  Do you hand write anything or type it out?
I just start writing. Almost always it's by hand. Then I'll type it off. My characters create themselves.


Do you have a certain writing style?
Not in particular

Are any of your books based on things that you have experienced in your life or the life of someone you know?
Well, yes and no. I'd say more on how I'd like to see situations turn out.


Do you have any rituals that you use when you are writing or a certain place you go to get inspired?
I love the sun. Any warm atmosphere that's peaceful and quiet. I never write on rainy days.

How many books have you written?
This is my first completed work.


Did you have to do much research when writing your books?  If so, do you tend to write first or research first?
Some research was done. I wrote first and then went back and did the research.


What advice would you give to those aspiring writers out there?
Know that you can do it!!! Just start writing. Even if you stop, keep what you've wrote, and you can always go back to it. With self publishing so mainstream now, you're really in control of your own destiny.



About Your Reading:


Are you reading anything right now?
Yes, it's not a new release. Permission Slips by Sherry Shepard.

What are some of your favorite books and authors?
Lovin Donovan by Bernice McFadden


Has writing your own book changed the way that you read?
Yes. I'm observing styles more.


Are you able to read when you’re writing and if so what books inspire you when you’re working on a novel?
Sometimes, but I try not to. I don't want any outside influences wiyth my plots.


Are there other books you love or writers you admire that are from your local area?
Walter Mosley. He's awesome. I'll read anything with his name on it.



Personal Information:

If you have to describe yourself with one word, what would it be?
Passionate

Where are you from?
Southern California


What is a typical day in your life like?
It varies from work, to spending time with my children, to doing class work for my graduate program


What three artists would I find in your Ipod or CD player?
Monica, Ginuwine, and Jagged Edge


If I came to your home and looked in your refrigerator what would I find?
Mayo, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Yogurt, among other foods.


What is one food item that you can’t live without?
Fish


What is your favorite color?
I have two purple and brown


What do you like to do when you are not writing (hobbies, etc.)?
Concerts, shopping, and enjoying my family


What famous person do other people tell you that you most look like?
Umm. No one…..

What is the one thing about yourself that others would be shocked to know?
That I'm a goofball.

Choose a book title for the story of your life.
E Like Evolution

What is next for you in 2011?
Promoting my novella, Tha Bottom Line




Contact Information:


How can your readers contact you?
My face book fan page @http://www.facebook.com/pages/HopeLynette/204249256283933


Is there anything you would like to add?
Nope. Cheryl, the best. I appreciate all of your support.

Thank you very much for taking the time out to answer my interview questions!  You and I have a lot in common Hope!  From your refrigerator contents, it sounds like you must like BLT's!  I love them!  You sound like a fun and very down to earth person and I am so glad to have the chance to feature you on Black Diamond's Book Reviews for a week!

Visit the author's website: http://hopelynette.com/

Purchase the Book at:

hopelynette.com

Amazon

Barnes & Noble 

Don't forget to enter the giveaway that I posted yesterday!  Here is the link: http://www.blackdiamondsbookreviews.com/2011/08/week-with-author-hope-lynette-giveaway.html

© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book Reviews, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Reena Jacobs Interview - August 24, 2011

Reena Jacobs Interview

Reena Jacobs is just your typical writer who loves to see her words in print. As an avid reader, she’s known to hoard books and begs her husband regularly for “just one more purchase.” Her home life is filled with days chasing her preschooler and nights harassing her husband. Between it all, she squeezes in time for writing and growling at the dog. You can find Reena on Ramblings of an Amateur Writer, Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Nobles, and Smashwords.

First of all Reena, I would like to thank you for taking the time out for this interview and being on Black Diamond's Book Reviews!

If you had to describe yourself with one word, what would it be?
Defiant

Could you tell me a little about yourself?
My all time favorite video game is Knights of theOldRepublic. A decade later, and my journey to becoming Darth Raven still brings a smile to my face.

When did you start writing and how did you get started?
 I started writing on a whim. I’d just gotten out of school and hadn’t found a job yet. I thought writing would be an excellent way to be productive and perhaps make a bit of cash on the side. It never occurred to me the road would be so arduous. I hate losing, and I’ve never been one to give up, so I keep trekking. I WILL conquer this game!

Do you have any rituals that you use when you are writing?
Not really. I’m one of those people who sits down and says just do it. Of course, some days, the just do it turns out to be a mere 100 words or so.

How many books have you written?
I Loved You First is my second published work I’d say is long enough to be called a book, though in reality, it’s in the novella category. Unpublished, I have two books sitting on the shelves waiting for some editing attention. Did I mention I absolutely HATE polishing and editing? Getting the words down isn’t the problem. It’s what to do with the words afterward.

What is the main source of inspiration for your writing?
Life. I’m the opposite of the big bang with the universe spreading outward, if that’s the theory still these days; I’ve never been one to keep up with physics. I grab anything in reach, suck it in, and warp it to fit my fantasy worlds.

Is there a place you go for inspiration to write?
The shower. Whenever I hit a wall, I hop in the shower and let the water relax the solution into me. That’s my big thing. Secondary to a shower, I’ll crawl into bed and let my mind wander. Only problem with that, laziness becomes me, and I find myself lacking the motivation to get up and write down the goodies I’ve conjured.

Are you reading anything right now?
I’m ALWAYS reading something. I’m participating in the Goodreads Reading Challenge this year. My goal is 60 books. Since I started writing, I’ve tried to finish a book a week, so the 60 books is a slight boost from normal. I just finished reading All Different Kinds of Free by Jessica McCann. Right now I’m working on Rage by Jackie Morse Kessler.

What are some of your favorite books and authors?
The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan has been my favorite since forever. Okay… maybe not forever, but at least my senior year of high school. As a daughter, it was easy for me to relate to the idea of meeting the expectations of my mother. I never wanted to hurt my mom, always wanted to make her proud. I’m not perfect though and always felt like I was just short even after she praised me.

Now that I’m a mother, and my daughters are making life changing decisions, I understand the idea of having hopes and dreams for a child. I only want the best for them. I don’t want to control them or change them at the core. I just want to give them the little push that’ll help them get the best out of life.

On the lighter side of books, Kresley Cole’s Immortals after Dark is a current favorite of mine. Her stories are solid, and she’s yet to let me down. She’s the only author on my pre-order list.

Has writing your own book changed the way that you read?
Not so much writing, but entering the realm of critiquing has (both receiving and giving). I find myself more critical now, harder to please. Whereas before, I devoured EVERYTHING (there was no such thing as did not finish), these days I have no problem saying, “Thanks, but no thanks” or even shelving a book a third of the way in. Most authors I used to buy religiously, I forego or put in the if-I-ever-get-around-to-you-again list. Instead, I’m taking a chance on authors I’ve never tried, venturing outside my old comfort zones.

Are you able to read when you’re writing and if so what books inspire you when you’re working on a novel?
Definitely. If I’m not getting my reading fix, I have a hard time keeping my motivation to write. Books don’t so much as inspire me as keep me going. I was an avid reader long before I started writing. I’ve slowed down my consumption of books to make room for a writer’s lifestyle, but reading has always come before writing.

What is a typical day in your life like?
Sure you want the mundane? My preschooler wakes me up each morning. “Mommy, I’m hungry.” In between saving him from his daredevil stunts, I manage to work in administrative stuff (emails, blogging, critiquing), squeeze some time to write or edit my works, and a bit of housework if I’m REALLY motivated. When my husband checks in at the end of his workday, I put on my chef’s hat and pretend I’m the star of Hell’s Kitchen. After dinner, it’s back to kissing boo-boos, playing obnoxious jokes on my husband, more writing related stuff, and eventually spending some well-deserved time with a (hopefully) good book.

Are there other books you love or writers you admire that are from your local area?
I wish I could say yes, but my interactions with other writers are online. The web makes the world so small that I usually don’t even worry about location.

Who was your favorite character to write, and why did you like that character?
Of my current releases, I’m rather fond of Bryan from Shadow Cat. If he were a member of my family, he’d fit right in with his practical jokes.

Did you have to do much research when working on I Loved You First?  If so, do you tend to write first or research first?
Researching the writing portion of I Loved You First wasn’t too intensive. I’m not a sports fan, so I did spend some time looking up baseball, football, and even darts. Other than that, I did a few virtual tours of universities and web surfed quite a few fraternities.

As far as the chicken, I mean the writing coming before the research? I tend to research as I go. When I hit a point in my writing that’s unfamiliar, I’ll research and tend to get lost in trivial facts. I tend to learn a lot more about a subject then I’ll ever need for a work.

When deciding to write I Loved You First, did you know right away how the story was going to go, or did the story unfold as you were writing?
I wrote the initial outline long before I started writing. I didn’t expect to finish I Loved You First so soon, but it just kept nagging and nagging me. Eventually I caved, dropped my current project and jumped into the story.

I had the key points down but wasn’t exactly sure how everything would unfold until after writing each scene. Rather than letting the outline dictate the story, I used it as a GPS to keep me from getting stuck at a dead end. Any time I wanted, I could change the destination or take a turn not plotted. As long as my GPS was working, I never had to worry about getting lost.

What’s next for you?
The more I think about it, the more I’m leaning toward a flash fiction collection to accompany a free piece available at various online stores called Circulatory System.

What three artists would I find in your Ipod or CD player?
Cyndi Lauper
Dido
Bethany Dillon

If I came to your home and looked in your refrigerator what would I find?
A mess! No… I’m just kidding (kind of). You’d find too many sugary drinks; that’s for sure. Though I hydrate with water, my husband is big into keep himself and the kids stocked with soda and juices.

What is one food item that you can’t live without?
 Steak. I could eat steak EVERY night.


What do you like to do when you are not writing (hobbies, etc.)?
Reading… but that’s a given. Watching TV or diddling with some kind of arts & crafts. I love trying different projects but usually make a mess of things. It’s still fun trying to create something artistic though.


What famous person do other people tell you that you most look like?
I don’t recall anyone saying I look like a famous person. However, people have mentioned my hair in reference toTracyChapman from the late 80s and Angela Davis.

What is the one thing about yourself that others would be shocked to know?
Folks are always surprised when I mention I’ve written erotica.

What advice would you give to those aspiring writers out there?
Don’t let the odds discourage you. Don’t let the negativity folks spread about what you can and can’t do or should and shouldn’t do keep you from accomplishing your writing goals. There’s a lot of advice floating out there which sounds logical, but most folks are just guessing based on how the writing industry should work. When you start doing the research, you’ll find most successful authors live by their own set of rules and to heck with what anyone says otherwise.

I guess the main thing is to take a chance on yourself. If you screw up, you can always reinvent yourself with a new penname. :)

Choose a book title for the story of your life.
Shortly before I married my husband, I talked to my mother about his laid back demeanor. He’s quiet and at times moves like he has all the time in the world. Me, on the other hand, I’m the anxious type. When I make up my mind, I set out to accomplish a task… NOW! There is no time to smell the daisies.

I told my mother, he seems so easy going and set in his life while I feel like I’m still trying to claw my way out of the depths and into the light.

No matter how much I’ve accomplished, the experiences I’ve tucked under my belt, I still have that bit of fight in me to do more, be more than I am. So the title of my life would be: Where the Light Touches the Abyss.

What is next for you in 2011?
My youngest starts preschool tomorrow which I’m pretty excited about. With him occupied during the day, it’ll open up a bit of free time for me. I’ve been contemplating taking a few courses at the local community college. I’ve missed school these past three years.

How can your readers contact you?
Readers can find me online at twitter, facebook, Ramblings of an Amateur Author, and my website.

Thank you very much for taking the time out to answer my interview questions!



Thanks for having me, Cheryl.  Awesome interview.

leave a comment, then head over to Reena's blog for a chance to win a signed copy of 
I Loved You First.
follow the tour stops HERE 
*courtesy of aobibliophileTM  

Read my review of  I Loved You First

© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book Reviews, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.