Couch Convos with Lisa W. Tetting – JJ Murray

Welcome to Couch Convos with Lisa W. Tetting, where we delve into the world of Author Interviews. Lisa’s convos with all types of authors will feel like you’re sitting on the couch chatting along. Find out about up and coming authors, their books and the business of writing all in one place. So grab some tea and a snack & get ready for a good time. Today we welcome Best- selling, award-winning interracial romance  author JJ Murray!

Part I

©JJ Murray used with permission

LL: Welcome to Couch Convos! Let’s get started. The Date is amazing! What inspired you to write it?

JJ: THE DATE is a departure for me because it’s not a typical HEA romance. I believe it is a more realistic view of what passes for romance in the new millennium.

LL: Why do you choose to write about interracial couples?

JJ: I have been writing interracial romance (BWWM) since I began courting my future wife in 1989. She inspired many of the heroines in my 38 novels.

LL: Your main character in The Date, William makes such a transition from push over to standing firm in his convictions. How did you come up with his personality and everything that came with it?

JJ: Like most of my heroes, William is not an alpha male. Though readers seem to prefer alphas in their romance novels, I believe they have a much better chance of meeting and snuggling up to a beta male in real life.

LL: How did you determine the places William would take Brittany to on their date?

JJ: I chose the “events” in their date based on what I thought would create the most fun and romance. Like all dates, some of what they do doesn’t quite work out.

Part II

LL: Who designs your book covers and how did you come up with the concept for them?

JJ: Zaji from Creative Ankh Designs; I provide the idea and the graphics, and she assembles the cover.

LL: Which social media platforms do you find most beneficial in getting the word out for your books?

JJ: Facebook and Instagram seem best for promoting my work.

LL: Tell us about your writing process. Do you need complete silence or do you work with music? Do you have a little drink while writing or is smoking your thing? Give us the skinny.

JJ: I keep a little spiral notebook with me at all times and write whenever and wherever I can—at work, while driving, at home. I transfer much of what I scratch down later to files in my laptop. I drink gallons of hot Irish tea and eat bags of pretzels mainly. (I don’t drink or smoke). Each of my novels has a soundtrack, and I include music (and food!) in every one.

LL: What does your writing nook look like? If you could make it into anything you wanted, what would that look like?

JJ: I write on an 1898 Campaign desk that has slots and shelves and a slide-out board for my laptop. I surround myself with pictures of my sons and have natural oils, watercolors, and lithographs on my walls. My dog, Lovie the Wonder Mutt (a 10-year-old boxer/Labrador), is usually at my feet.

LL: What was your editing process like?

JJ: When I was with Kensington Publishing, my agent, editor, and a copy editor hacked at my work. Now, only I edit my work, but I have a great deal of experience in editing after 33 years teaching college and high school English and editing 100+ novels, mostly from first-time authors.

 

LL: Please give other indie writers 3 tips/tricks that you learned and used during your writing career.

JJ: 1) Get it down on the page, and don’t expect perfection until much later. Spew. Vomit. Fill the page. Only then will you have anything to work with.

2) Make time to write and stick to a schedule.

3) Use pen and paper often. Writing is more visceral and real that way.

LL: Share one unique thing you’ve done to market your book?

JJ: I used to make ten dozen chocolate chip cookies for my signings. Folks like to eat and talk literature.

LL: Tell the readers the one resource you can’t live without as a writer?

JJ: In the old days, it was an old Roget’s thesaurus and a 1950 edition of the Oxford English Dictionary. Now, it’s the Internet, this generation electronic Library of Alexandria. I enjoy reading Yelp reviews!

LL: Do you use an outline when writing and do you stick to it?

JJ: I outline the entire novel first so I know how my book is going to end. It is general enough that I can deviate at will and go off on tangents.

LL: Will you be participating in any conferences this year? If so, which ones and when?

JJ: I will not be traveling any time soon. I exhausted myself last year with seven different events. 

LL: What are you currently working on?

JJ: SOMEBODY TO LOVE. (I’d give you more information, but it’s a work-in-progress)

Well, that brings us to the close of another episode of Couch Convos. Be sure to check out The Date and the rest of JJ’s catalog. For more information about JJ Murray hit him up on his social media accounts.

©JJ Murray used with permission

Amazon Author Page: JJ Murray 

Website: JohnJeffreyMurray.com

Facebook: @authorjjmurray

Instagram: @a3jmurray

Indie Shine – Mercedes Wilson

Welcome to another edition of Indie Shine, a place for Rebirthoflisa to shine the spotlight on indie artists. Today we welcome author Mercedes Wilson.

©Mercedes E. WIlson used with permission

Bio 

Mercedes Wilson, a wife, mother of four, breast cancer survivor, and proud Western New York native, is no doubt on a mission to help young women across the region. Mercedes founded For Our Daughters Incorporated with the mission of educating young women on how to advocate for their own health and wellness. Mercedes is also an author with first book titled “Hope” coming out June 15th, 2018. She hosts a bi-weekly podcast called “The Mercedes Wilson Show” that addresses the topics of today’s church from all angles. Mercedes is a board member of the YWCA of the Niagara Frontier, a volunteer in the Buffalo Community, and a very proud student of 2018 Leadership Buffalo Class! “18 Great Team”!

 

Q&A:

What do you do and Why do you do it? 

I am a new author. I do it because if I don’t, I can’t sleep! It doesn’t give me rest!

Tell us about your most recent work. 

“Hope: How Faith Carried Me Through My Darkest Hours” -This book gives you a glimpse into some of the hardest points of my life while allowing you to see Gods magnificent hand at work. We serve a triumphant God, and he can work in situations where we think there is no way out.

Who inspires you?

My family

What do you consider your “Masterpiece” at this time? 

My new book and my 4 children

What is your motto in life? 

Do it!

Name your wildest dream. The one you can not imagine achieving, but would love for it to come true. 

workshops worldwide

What is your favorite quote? 

“A man with an experience is never at the mercy of a man with an argument” 

When it is all said and done, what would you like to be remembered for? 

My giving to those in need and my crazy laugh

Tell us about your next project and when will it be available to the public? 

The Healing Power of Faith Workshop on June 22nd in Williamsville, NY – $33 adv $39 at the door.  For tickets call: (716)930-5011 or email grandie26@yahoo.com

Where can fans purchase your work? 

amazon, westbowpress.com, local bookstores, Barnes and Noble on line, Ingram

Social Media

Author Website: mercedesewilson.com

Amazon Author Page:  Mercedes E. Wilson

Instagram: @mercedesewilson

Facebook: @mercedesewilson

Twitter: @mercedesewilson

Indie Shine – Lorenzo Dozier

Welcome to another edition of Indie Shine, a place for Rebirthoflisa to shine the spotlight on indie artists. Today we welcome author Lorenzo Dozier.

 

©Lorenzo Dozier used with permission

Bio

Lorenzo Dozier is an upcoming novelist who focuses on stories about growth. As a Brooklyn native, growing up in New York, he persevered through obstacles and managed to live life to the best of his ability.

His passion for writing speaks volumes and continues to evolve through time. His journey as a writer started in 2004. Where he dedicated his time to creating a world circling around growth and character development. Lorenzo is a graduate from St. Francis College. He holds a Bachelors in English and Mass Communication. Class of 2013.

Outside of writing, Lorenzo helps the youth in their Education. He has worked with Elementary and Middle school students as an After school teacher and Literacy Tutor. Before working with children, Lorenzo started as a computer specialist called T4. T4 stands for Today’s Teens Tomorrow Techies. His duties in the Brooklyn Public Library were to assist patrons by troubleshooting more advanced technology problems, applying skills learned in training workshops. His ability giving back to the Brooklyn community opened doors for him in literature. Lorenzo shows positive vibes, gives advice and helps those in need of support. He has mentored many people over the years and continues to spread positive vibes wherever he goes.

On April 18, 2011. Lorenzo took his skills of graphic designing from High school to create a page called Team Awesome. From 2011-2013, Team Awesome focused on professional wrestling and Sports Entertainment. His platforms provided news, media, coverage, videos and photos related to WWE, Ring of Honor, Impact Wrestling, New Japan Pro Wrestling and several other independent promotions.

After 10 years of creating a novel, a book called “31 Days to Live” was published November 11, 2015. Lorenzo decided to take a path on self promoting Mystery & Suspense. Which started as a notebook in High school, now available in paperback & kindle.

On February 6, 2018. Apollo Communications republished 31 Days to Live. Remastered for the public.

Q & A

What do you do and Why do you do it? 

I originally worked in the educational system for seven years. Helping many people from elementary school to Middle school. Today I work with the intellectual disability community and raising awareness in mental health. I write for a living because it is a talent I have. To be able to create a fictional world with scenarios and challenges is amazing. I do it because it is a passion i have.

Tell us about your most recent work. 

In 2015, I released book one of a trilogy. The story focuses on a teenager named Kamel Johnson. He receives a phone call from an unidentified number who is revealed to being a serial Killer. The two characters cross paths and thus begins the epic story of good vs. evil, right vs. wrong and doing whatever it takes to save the day, plus solve a mystery. This is my most recent work because I’ve invested over 10 years working on this story. And till this day, it remains one of my focuses along with a future sequel and trilogy.

Who inspires you? 

My mother and God inspired me every day. In the writing world, I look to Stephen King, James Patterson and Maya Angelou. My late English teacher, Richard Notice plays a huge role in my path as a writer.

What do you consider your “Masterpiece” at this time?

The poems I have written and the prequel/sequel to the 31 Days to Live series.

What is your motto in life? 

Live by faith, not by sight.

Name your wildest dream. The one you can not imagine achieving, but would love for it to come true. 

Hoping someone picks up my story and says to themselves, “Let’s turn this into a movie or show on Netflix.”

What is your favorite quote?

Don’t be the problem, be the solution.

When it is all said and done, what would you like to be remembered for? 

I would like to be remembered for being an optimistic person. I have tried to put smiles on faces and make the best of life. Despite my flaws and setbacks. I have done some extraordinary things and it has brightened up my day. Hopefully others too.

Tell us about your next project and when will it be available to the public? 

The Kill All Project is the prequel of 31 Days to Live taking three to four years before the events of the current book that has recently been revamped. Date to be announced. Would love to do a summer release.

Where can fans purchase your work? 

You can visit Amazon, Barnes and noble websites or several other platforms where books are sold. Just type in 31 Days to Live or Lorenzo Dozier. Be on the look out for a updated version for 2018. Stay tuned for the sequel coming soon.

©Lorenzo Dozier used with permission

Social Media

Instagram: @teamawesome418

Twitter: @teamawesome418

Facebook: @31daystolive

Indie Shine – Wenda Bien-Aime

In this edition of Indie Shine, a place for rebirthoflisa to ‘Shine’ the spotlight on indie artists, we welcome author Wenda Bein-Aime.

©Wenda Bein-Aime used with permission

Bio:

Wenda Bien-Aime was born on September 9th, 1982 in Miami, FL to Haitian immigrants. She is the eldest of 3 girls and has one daughter. Wenda began her writing journey at the age of 11. She writes under pen name, Bien-Aime Wenda to honor her late father who had no sons to carry on his last name.Her erotic work can be found under pen name, Candy B. Vixen. Wenda enjoys dabbling in different genres including science fiction, fantasy, contemporary fiction, poetry, children’s literature, and erotica.

Q & A:

What do you do and Why do you do it?

I am independent author of fiction literature and interactive self-help journals. Like many authors, I can remember writing from as early as 11. I can even remember using on of those old typewriters (I’m telling my age LOL) to write a short story about best friends on a shopping adventure at the mall.

I write because it is my calling and there is no way I can escape it. My purpose on this journey is to help others heal and to enlighten through story-telling or journaling. Even when I have tried to walk away from writing, I am led right back to it. For example, I remember working at a call center as a customer service representative. Somehow, I ended up as a recurring contributing writer for the company’s monthly newsletter.

Tell us about your most recent work. 

My most recent novel is Koko: A Novel. Koko is loosely based on a few friends of mine. The main character is twenty-seven-year-old Koreen Wilson, a reality star and video vixen who loves her fiancé but can’t stop cheating on him because she’s into spontaneity and kinky sex and he isn’t. She claims to love him but continuously cheats on him with both men and women.

The book also featured her 2 of her best friends: Ivonka Roux and Desiree Loren (No relation to L. Loren! LOL) Ivonka is a 38-year-old woman who feels as if time is running out for her to get married and have children. She continuously bypass red flags in relationships just to get to the altar. Desiree Loren is the baby of the trio at 24-year-old. Being married to a wealthy man nearly three times her age isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, as she deal with infidelity, depression, and raising six children.

Who inspires you? 

Other writers and authors inspire me. As a matter of fact, in 2011, I had a chance to sign with a publishing company and passed on it due to a very dark and challenging time in my life. I had written a short sci-fi for my English professor and she liked it so much, she encouraged me to find a publisher. I did but the timing was wrong. I was going through so much at during that time, I stopped writing. I never thought I would write again until I joined a Facebook group for Black writers in 2016 (Shout out to W.B.A.C.). A lot of those writers in that group are undiscovered gems.They inspired me to pick up my pen and start writing again. As far as well-known writers, Eric Jerome Dickey (my mentor in my head LOL), Terri McMillan, and Daaimah S. Poole are my inspirations.

What do you consider your “Masterpiece” at this time?

My masterpiece has yet to be written. With every book I write, I put in effort to be better than the last. I study the work of vets in the industry to try to perfect imagery and dialogue.

What is your motto in life? 

Nothing happens overnight, you have to put in that work. Think of it as planting seeds. Eventually, it’ll be time to harvest and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Name your wildest dream. The one you can not imagine achieving, but would love for it to come true. 

My wildest dream would be to collaborate with Eric Jerome Dickey or even be mentored by him 🙂

What is your favorite quote?

“Be careful how you treat people. What you do to others has a funny way of coming back on you.” Not sure who said it first.

When it is all said and done, what would you like to be remembered for? 

I would love to be remembered for creating a classic novel with a life changing message.

Tell us about your next project and when will it be available to the public? 

I am currently working on Pick Me Blues, which will be book 5 of the Koko series. That should be available, hopefully, by the end of this month.

Where can fans purchase your work? 

My work is available on Amazon, Audible, iTunes, and on my website at www.myindiebooks.com.

Social Media:

©Wenda Bein-Aime used with permission

Facebook: MyIndieBooks

 Instagram: @myindiebooks

Indie Shine – Charles R. Butts Jr.

In this edition of Indie Shine, a place for rebirthoflisa to ‘Shine’ the spotlight on indie artists, we welcome author Charles R. Butts Jr.

©Charles R. Butts Jr. used with permission

 

Bio: 

 In addition to being an author, blogger and speaker, Atlanta native Charles R. Butts Jr. is an Army veteran and a retired postal service employee with over thirty-three years of service. When he’s not reading, writing or working out, Charles enjoys spending time with Shawanda, his wife of twenty-two years, his children, Amber and Charles III and his beloved grandson Noah. Influenced by James Baldwin, Walter Mosley and Langston Hughes, he hopes to align myriad, exciting and relatable characters into a single thread.

Q & A:

What do you do and Why do you do it?

I write compelling and thought-provoking fiction about the real life issues we face today using flawed and relatable characters. I write about racism, violence, temptation, mental illness, rejection because of albinism. I do so because problems can’t be resolved until they’re addressed.

Tell us about your most recent work.

 My most recent work is a compelling, diverse and thought-provoking collection of short stories entitled Running In Plain Sight & Other Stories. Four stories dealing with murder, temptation, rejection and mental illness (Bipolar Disorder)

Who inspires you?

Numerous writers like James Baldwin, Walter Mosley, Toni Morrison, Dr. Maya Angelou, Nikki Giovanni and Paulo Coelho (The Alchemist) among others.

What do you consider your “Masterpiece” at this time?

 While I’m proud of my works, I’m not going to call them “ Masterpieces” Because of the positive reviews and feedback I’ve received, I’m encouraged to create greater works.

What is your motto in life? 

 The golden rule. Treat everyone the way you’d like to be treated regardless of how you’re treated.

Name your wildest dream. The one you can not imagine achieving, but would love for it to come true. 

 I would love for my novel, For Only A Season to be made into a movie.

What is your favorite quote? 

 “ To thine own self be true, and it must follow as the night does the day. Thou canst be false to any man.” William Shakespeare

When it is all said and done, what would you like to be remembered for? 

 Being a good person, husband and father.

Tell us about your next project and when will it be available to the public? 

 My next project is the sequel to For Only A Season. It’s entitled The Storm Is Passing Over. I’m hoping to release it at the end of the year.

Where can fans purchase your work? 

My work is available on Amazon and Amazon Kindle. You can also order through my website, www.charlesrbuttsjr.com

Social  Media:

©Charles R. Butts Jr. used with permission

Facebook: Charles R. Butts Jr.

Twitter: @Charlesrbuttsjr

Instagram: charlesr.butts

Website: www.charlesrbuttsjr.com

Couch Convos w/ Lisa W. Tetting – LAS

Welcome to the November episode of Couch Convos! Today we welcome new author LAS to talk about her book Chocolate Solstice. Let’s get started.

 

Part I

©LAS used with permission

LWT: Welcome to Couch Convos! Let’s get started. How did you get the idea to write
“Chocolate Solstice”?

LAS: The idea for Chocolate Solstice came from the concept of how we sometimes get in our own way of finding love, especially when dealing with issues from our past.

LWT: That is certainly what happened with this couple. In this book Daniel is such a complicated, but relatable guy. Can you take us through the process you went through to develop his character?

LAS: I wanted Daniel to be almost too good to be true. An attractive, educated, business minded, young man with commitment to family and his community. But I also wanted his secret to always be just under the surface, gnawing at him periodically. I wanted him to be attractive, someone that readers could visualize, smell and feel. After his aesthetic, I began to work on his love for his family (his mom and grandmother). I also wanted to show ways in which these women coddled him to some degree. Lastly, I focused on how his secret, which ties into his expectation of women, caused a conflict in his pursuit of Asha.

LWT: You certainly did a nice job of relaying your message. When I read the book, I felt as if each Asha struggled with intimacy issues. Why was this such an important element in the story line? 

LAS: I thought Asha’s struggle was important to expose, because as black women I think we yearn for intimacy at our core level. I feel like we need it. When you’re trying to be a strong, independent and fearless woman, sometimes intimacy doesn’t have a place there. Asha avoided vulnerability and intimacy, as many of us do. In doing that, she risked her opportunity at a meaningful relationship.

LWT: When I write I have a picture in my head of who I want my characters to look like. Who were the muses for Daniel and Asha?

LAS: For Daniel, a muse that comes to mind is model/actor Travis Cure. My visualization for Asha was a curly haired Elle Varner. I just added light eyes for Asha.

LWT: I absolutely loved Daniel! What is your favorite thing about him? 

LAS: My favorite thing about Daniel was his sweet relationship with his grandmother.

LWT: Do you identify with one character more than the others in the book?

LAS: I identified mostly with Maw, the grandmother. She did not play when it came to her Daniel. I see myself, my mom and aunts in her in terms of how we handle our sons.

LWT: Why was it important for Daniel to be so close to the women in his life?

LAS: Daniel had difficulty with issues of abandonment, though he tried his hardest to keep it under wraps. Because of this, he needed the women in his life to belong to him. He never really pursued this feeling outside of his mother and grandmother until he met Asha.

LWT: The book focuses on a couple, who in my opinion, ride hard for each other. They may have a tiff or two, but in the end they know they can depend on each other. Why do you feel it is important, especially for black women to read about these types of relationships?

LAS: I feel its important because women can become hopeless when looking for or waiting on a good man. It may seem unrealistic at times. Even though they were both flawed, as we all are, it is possible to have a loving and supportive relationship. The road may be a little bumpy getting there, but it is possible.

LWT: I love that. Now, tell me who are some of your favorite writers and why?

LAS: Some of my favorite writers include Margaret Johnson Hodge, Bernice McFadden, Carl Weber and RM Johnson.

Part II

LWT: How do you choose your book covers and who does them?

LAS: This was my first novel and I was stuck for some time when trying to decide on a book cover. Once I got the colors and idea into my head, I sent some mock-ups to a photographer friend who agreed to shoot the cover. Then I bribed another friend with free lunch to pose for the cover. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to create the cover which I still get compliments on.

LWT: Well kudos to both. They did an amazing job.  Do you use social media and does it help with sales?

LAS: I don’t know how I would have gotten over 10 books sold without social media. It has helped me immensely with sales and marketing. Social media has also helped me to network with other authors and readers such as yourself. I think social media is a
Godsend for indie authors.

LWT: Tell us about your writing process. Do you need complete silence or do you listen to music? Do you have a drink or write sober? Etc. Inquiring minds want to know.

LAS: I enjoy writing to music it helps the flow of the story. Many times when I’m stuck I like to play music that I feel reflects the scene. Sometimes I’ll even take a dance break to clear my head and then sit back down to write. I’ve written while sipping and also while sober. But there’s always a drink involved whether its water, coffee, wine or liquor. I remember writing confrontational scenes while sipping on some wine, when I went back to read through, I had a good laugh.

LWT: What challenges have you faced as a new indie writer?

LAS: As a new indie author, I’m often hesitant about promoting my work. I want people to know about it, read and enjoy it, review it, tell a friend – all that good stuff. But, I never want to shove my work down someone’s throat. So, I’m trying to not to cross that fine line.

©LAS used with permission

LWT: Have you or do you plan to attend any book fairs, conventions or signings? If so, which ones?

LAS: I attended Well Read Black Girl Fest in September and it was such a fulfilling experience. The energy of the brilliant beautiful women there and the gems they shared were incredible.

LWT: How did you choose your pen name?

LAS: My initials make up my pen name and is pronounced L. A. S. Some people have referred to me as LAS, I don’t mind.

LWT: Please give other indie writers 3 tips that you learned that help you to be successful?

LAS: 1)Push through that first draft. It will not be perfect but don’t give up.
2) Write anywhere and any time you can. Its hard to set aside time with life, family, etc. Keep a small notebook with you, write on your phone, tablet, whatever.
3) Invest in an editor. An editor is necessary, period. It will be the best money you spend in your journey to becoming published.

LWT: Those are all good tips. Share one unique thing you’ve done to market your

©LAS used with permission

book?

LAS: I’ve invested in promo items such as t-shirts, hats, tote bags, etc. to market the book. I wear them and I’ve given them to friends and family to wear and it sparks interest. When someone asks “What is Chocolate Solstice?” it opens up opportunity to promote the book.

LWT: Tell the readers the one resource you can’t live without as a writer?

LAS: Google Docs. Poor docs, its overloaded with drafts, rewrites, fallen plot twists, every and any thing pertaining to the story line. I wrote most of my first draft on my phone using Google Docs. It was easy to have my work saved and accessible to me once I had the time to actually sit at a computer and write.

LWT: What does success look like for you?

LAS: Success to me is someone saying to me (in reviewing, commenting, inboxing, DMing, texting, etc.) “Oh my God, this book!”

LWT: Well, please consider this book a success! What’s up next for you?

LAS: A prequel or sequel but its still brewing.

Well, I for one can’t wait! That brings us to the close of another episode of Couch Convos. Be sure to check out Chocolate Solstice. For more information about LAS hit her up on her social media accounts.

Facebook: @authorlas

Instagram: @author.las

Twitter: @theauthorlas

Indie Shine – Author Kay Blake

In this edition of Indie Shine, a place for rebirthoflisa to ‘Shine’ the spotlight on indie artists, we welcome author Kay Blake!

©Kay Blake used with permission

Bio:

Kay writes sassy, sexy and sweet contemporary and interracial romance. She is from arguably the greatest city in the world. (New York). She is a sarcastic sweetheart who prefers snuggling at home with a good book. She is a mom to three cubs. Kay indulges in strawberry cheesecake, horror movies, Harry Potter, The Walking Dead, wrestling and of course a happily ever after.

Q & A

What do you do and Why do you do it? 

I’m an indie author. There is something to be said about books. Books are so much. They are portals. I love the written word and it brings me peace. For that reason I write. I write also because there are stories inside that I want to get out. Stories that I want to read. So I write. And I hope that someone in the book world can read it, love it or relate to it.

Tell us about your most recent work. 

My most recent work is called Catch Me If I Fall. It is book one in a three book series called The Kim Brothers. My story is about Kasi who is a woman who has to wear a below the knee prosthetic and deal with much from her past. My hero Jae Kim is the oldest of the brothers and he is Korean American. They build a friendship before falling in love. I think it was different from my last works and it was my best that I’ve written so far.

Who inspires you? 

Stephen King, J.K. Rowling, Toni Morrison and Beverly Jenkins.

What do you consider your “Masterpiece” at this time?

My current masterpiece is Catch Me If I Fall as it is because of the subject matter. I do think that because I am working on Book 2, that would probably be tied or this anthology piece I’m working on as it deals with the very real issue of what it’s like to be a black teenage girl in America currently.

What is your motto in life? 

Give your best every time. No matter what the situation is. Because at the end you can say that you did try your hardest and that it something to be proud of.

Name your wildest dream. The one you can not imagine achieving, but would love for it to come true. 

 

Ha ha. I wanted to be an singer growing up. I have a very good voice. I knew how to go from soprano to alto, but I really don’t like singing in front of people. The ones who heard me sing is a small group. I just get in front of people and shut down. Even though I’ve been told I should do something with my voice, I know it won’t happen with my stage fright, but if it could that would be so awesome.

What is your favorite quote?

I have so many. But I’ll choose one. “Today I will behave, as if this is the day I will be remembered.”

When it is all said and done, what would you like to be remembered for?

For my perseverance. I had a lot of things happen in my life and I set out to do things that I wanted to make sure that I would’ve been able to do despite the many challenges. Most people know that I’m sensitive, caring and empathetic. But my perseverance is something I admire about myself.

Tell us about your next project and when will it be available to the public?

My next project is a novella called I Knew You Were Trouble. It is an interracial contemporary romance. It will be available on September 22, 2017.

Where can fans purchase your work? 

 

Amazon

 

Social Media

 

©Kay Blake used with permission

Amazon Author Page:  Kay-Blake

Twitter: @authorkayblake

Instagram: @authorkayblake

Facebook Author Page: authorkayblake

Facebook: kayblakewrites

Indie Shine – My Chérie Amour

In this edition of Indie Shine, a place for rebirthoflisa to ‘Shine’ the spotlight on indie artists, we welcome author My Chérie Amour.

Bio 

Chérie is a writer, an author, a Early Childhood Educator and a Adjunct Instructor. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, she currently resides in Southern California.

Q&A

Tell us about your most recent work. 

My most recent work is posting about love (people, places and things) on my blog. I am also currently working on writing the third book in the series of my dating experiences. It a work-in-progress. So, stay tuned!

Who inspires you? 

It’s not who inspires me, but what inspires me. Everything anywhere anytime can inspire me on any given day. It’s called life.

What do you consider your “Masterpiece” at this time? 

My masterpiece is my first book entitled YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME?!; Stop Playin’ or Play Right. I consider it my masterpiece because it was originally just something to check off from my bucket list and now it’s become a number one best seller! YESSS. Lol I think it will always be my masterpiece! Wink. Wink.

What is your motto in life?

My motto in life is “Take care of YOU.” YOU are the most important person in your life, so take care of YOU.

Name your wildest dream. The one you can not imagine

achieving, but would love for it to come true. 

Ooooh! My wildest dream?! The one thing I cannot imagine achieving, but would LOVE to come true is my books becoming a huge play!!! I see me having a huge book signing from my favorite restaurant, Killer Shrimp, serving my favorites during the cocktail hour. Then, serving popcornopolus, my favorite snack!, during the premiere of opening night of the play. During the Meet&Greet afterwards I would sell and sign autographed copies of my first book and pose for pictures until dawn. Lol That would be surreal!!!!

What is your favorite quote? 

My favorite quote is from Ru Paul. “If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell can you love somebody else?!”, or something along those lines.

When it is all said and done, what would you like to be remembered for?

I just want to be remembered. The good, the bad and everything in between! The fact that my name is on your mind or spoken out of your mouth, well then mission accomplished. You remembered me!!

Tell us about your next project and when will it be available to the public?

The book series is what I am currently working on writing. To be continued. So, please keep in touch with me through social media!!!

Where can fans purchase your work?

You can purchase my work at Amazon.com

Social Media

Author Websites: www.mycherieamour.me

www.allinthenameoflove.com 

Blogs:

mycherieamourblog

www.bloglovin.com/@cheriemiamour

Facebook: @Chérie MiAmour 

Pinterest: @authorcherie

Please reach out to me! I would love to hear from you!

Indie Shine – Abbie Johnson Taylor

In this edition of Indie Shine, a place for rebirthoflisa to ‘Shine’ the spotlight on indie artists, we welcome author Abbie Johnson Taylor.

©Abbie Taylor used with permission

Bio:

Abbie Johnson Taylor is the author of a romance novel, two poetry collections, and a memoir. Her fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction appear in The Avocet, Magnets and Ladders, SageScript, and other publications. She has a visual impairment and lives in Sheridan, Wyoming, where for six years, she cared for her late husband, totally blind and partially paralyzed by two strokes.

Q & A

What do you do and Why do you do it? 

I write because, I, like everyone else, have an imagination, and I enjoy putting my thoughts on paper.

Tell us about your most recent work. 

‘My Ideal Partner’ describes how I met, married, and cared for my late husband at home for six years after he suffered two strokes that paralyzed his left side.

Who inspires you?

I’m inspired by many things, places, and events.

What do you consider your “Masterpiece” at this time? 

I don’t call any one work a masterpiece. Almost everything I’ve written is brilliant, in its own way.

What is your motto in life? 

Don’t sweat the small stuff.

Name your wildest dream. The one you can not imagine achieving, but would love for it to come true. 

I would love to be a guest on A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor hosting.

What is your favorite quote? 

“Be well. Do good work, and keep in touch.” Garrison Keillor in The Writer’s Almanac

When it is all said and done, what would you like to be remembered for?

I would like to be known for my stylish prose and poetry and lovely singing voice.

Tell us about your next project and when will it be available to the public? 

I plan to publish a collection of short stories set in Wyoming, my home state. I started working on this last year before My Ideal Partner was published ahead of schedule. Since I haven’t had time to get back to it, I don’t know when it will be available. Meanwhile, you can read many of my poems and short stories on my website.

Where can fans purchase your work?

My books can be purchased from Amazon, Createspace, Smashwords, and other sources. On my website, you’ll find a page for each of my books that contains ordering links.

Social Media

Blog: abbiescorner.com

Website: abbiejohnsontaylor.com

Facebook: Abbies Corner of the World

Amazon Author Page: Abbie Johnson Taylor

Indie Shine – Author L. Loren

In this edition of Indie Shine, a place for rebirthoflisa to ‘Shine’ the spotlight on indie artists, we welcome author L. Loren!

Bio:

L. Loren is a former call center supervisor currently based in Upstate, SC with her loving and supportive husband. Growing up the youngest of seven in a small town in North Carolina, she embraced her love of reading which helped to develop her imagination. Her desire to write lay dormant for years until she found the courage to look within and her passion could no longer be ignored.

Q & A

What do you do and Why do you do it?

I am the writer of LoveRotica, love stories with an edge of sexy. I write sexy stories because I am compelled to change people’s way of thinking. My main characters are strong, women of color who have the capacity to love and are not afraid to be soft and vulnerable within their relationships.

Tell us about your most recent work.

My latest novel is a sexy adult contemporary fairy tale called Egyptian Nights. The main character Egypt Wilson is a young woman who was cursed by her other’s dying declaration that she was unworthy of love, labeling her a whore. Her life since then was spent avoiding relationships with men, only using them for one thing.

Then she meets Harper Beckmann who has the ability to see through her mask and heal her heart. He refuses her offer for a one night stand and instead offers her a relationship. Only problem is Egypt doesn’t do relationships. Egypt, aided by her Naughty Fairy Godmother, soon finds that Beckmann may be the one man who can break her curse, should she decide to let him in.

The story is like most fairy tales and ends with a happily ever after, but you’ll have to read it to see just what that is. This is a stand-alone novel – the first in the Triple Threat Series about triplet sisters and their journey to self discovery. I am currently working on Book 2, which will be out this summer and Book 3 is scheduled for a fall release.

Who inspires you? 

I am inspired by many people. As a writer I sit and observe. I keep an eye out for odd ball people who are outside of the realm of what society considers “normal”. I like to root for the underdog and that inspires me.

What do you consider your “Masterpiece” at this time?

I don’t think my masterpiece has been written yet. I am constantly improving as a writer so will there ever be one? I don’t know. I love all of my book babies, but I have a special place in my heart for The Layover, which is my first LoveRotica book.

What is your motto in life?

“Love is my religion”

Name your wildest dream. The one you can not imagine achieving, but would love for it to come true. 

My wildest dream would be turning my books into blockbuster movies staring A-list celebrities and riding that wave of success to lead to owning my own lingerie line.

What is your favorite quote?

My favorite quote is by my favorite poet, Maya Angelou –

That quote speaks to me each day, reminding me to be humble and see people individually for who they are and treat them as I would like to be treated. Though I never had the privilege of meeting her, her words made me feel proud of who I am and loved!

When it is all said and done, what would you like to be remembered for? 

I would like to be remembered for making people feel loved.

Tell us about your next project and when will it be available to the public?

My next project is Book 2 in the Triple Threat Series, Model Behavior. It is a stand – alone sexy contemporary adult fairy tale all about Kenya Wilson and her journey to discover who she really is. She spent most of her life being the referee between her sisters and as Brian’s girlfriend. She finally starts living for herself and finds that things are not always as they seem and sometimes the people you thought were on your side, are the ones you can’t trust. I am still writing it, but I plan to release it this summer.

Where can fans purchase your work? 

My books are available on Amazon.

Social Media

Author Website/Blog: http://llorenwriter.wordpress.com

Facebook: l.lorenwriter

Twitter: @rebirthoflisa

Instagram: @rebirthoflisa

Pinterest: @rebirthoflisa

Goodreads: lloren

Amazon Author Page: L. Loren

If you are an indie artist, writer, photographer, etc and would like us to shine a light on your work, drop us a line here.