Author Spotlight: Lakisha Johnson

Daily double today!!

Another Author Spotlight from Delphine Publications, please read more about the talented Lakisha Johnson below:

LaKisha Johnson is a girl after God’s own heart; doing what she believes to be her purpose..writing.  In addition to being a self-publised author, she’s also a wife of 15 years, mother of 2 and native of Memphis, TN. She comes from a huge family and has always been the go to girl whenever someone needed a poem written or read, an acknowledgement that would convey just what they were thinking or even an occassion written for that special day. She’s an all-around talented lady that makes everything she touches turn to gold. She has 2 degrees from Southwest TN Community College both in Information Technology and has worked in the corporate field for over 15 years. She is also a dedicated blogger, delivering a devotional blog 5 days per week entitled ”Kisha’s Daily Devotionals.”

LaKisha wants readers of her books to step outside the box and read with imagination.  She wants them reeled in from the front cover to the last word, enjoying every second in between, asking for more.  She doesn’t proclaim to be the best writer or even author in the world..she just proclaims to be blessed because her motto is ”God’s purpose is bigger than any problem!”

Check out her Q&A with yours truly below!!

What inspires you to write the books you write? What motivates you?

I am inspired to write simply because I've been given this gift. I've always had the ability to write different things but I never dreamed that it would eventually lead to me being called an author. This alone is motivation enough for me to make sure I don't disappoint all those who read my work.

Do you research anything prior to starting a new project? Take us through a normal day with a new project that needs to be handed in.

No, not before but during because I want to make sure the things I write about are realistic. Writing or beginning a project for me is usually grabbing my laptop and allowing my thoughts to turn into words. I don't schedule time because it normally never works out like I plan so whenever I find time, I write or I jot down notes on my phone. However, I always work in enough time to ensure that anything I work on is turned in before time.

 What is hardest part about writing for you? The easiest part?

For me, as a writer, the hardest and easiest part is writing but that's because I want everything to be great. I have to make sure the storyline flows right, make sure there is just enough drama to keep the pages turning and then end it right to make the readers want more. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE writing but it is hard work.

What new projects are you working on now? 

I am currently working on A Secret Worth Keeping part 2 and I am also finishing a young adult devotional book that I started earlier in the year.

 Any advice for aspiring writers that you wish somebody had shared with you? 

Not to give up! However, I have learned that it's easier to jump down off the mountain that's has your dream, at the top, because the ground is closer to you but I am a witness that if you keep going, it'll be worth it once you've reached it. Now, please understand, the closer you get the more work you have to do but it's still worth it and once it's within reach you get this extra dose of adrenaline that won't let you quit. Don't ever allow someone to snatch your dream from your hands. Don't allow someone to tell you that you can't do it, make it or become this because you're capable of doing whatever it is that you want to do. We're all gifted because God made us that way, all we have to do is use it.

Look for Lakisha's new project, A Secret Worth Keeping.

All of her books are available for sale at amazon.com.


You can visit her at

www.facebook.com/KishaDJohnson

www.twitter.com @_lakishajohnson

instagram.com/kishajohnson

authorlakishajohnson.wordpress.com

I thank LaKisha and all of the authors for allowing me to interview them.

I think we have a few more authors we are anxious to feature from Delphine Publications, so stay tuned..

Thanks for your time..

Until next time....

Author Spotlight: Johnie Jay

Continuing on with highlighting exceptional contributors to the literary world, let's introduce Johnie Jay!

If there was one word to describe Author Johnie Jay, it would be passionate. He has always been verbally passionate but it wasn't until his first creative writing class, in 9th grade, when he found that his passion, mixed with his vast and lucid imagination could create temporary getaways. That's all a book is really, a getaway from the world, an escape. "I want every word of every sentence to be evocative. If I can't make you feel, taste or smell every scene that I create then what's the point?" Romance and passion goes hand in hand but when you add to it detailed and vivid sex scenes you're left with an explosive concoction. He has blended all three harmoniously in his first romantic novel, Inevitable ActI (of II) released December 3. He looks forward to sharing his imagination with the world!

Check out his interview with me below!!

What inspires you to write the books you write? What motivates you?

My inspiration is love and everything that comes along with it.  From the passion, the emotions, the reactions, sex, intimacy and relationships, all these things excite me.  And when you add all these things together along with an interesting plot you will automatically get a great story

Do you research anything prior to starting a new project? Take us through a normal day with a new project that needs to be handed in.

I definitely do research when it comes to writing a novel.  Whether it’s asking multiple women what would they do, say or think in a particular scenario that I’m writing about or if I’m including a certain kind of car in a scene I may have to research or look up images to describe the interior exact.  I want my novels to mirror real life.  I want someone who actually drives the car that I’m including to read that scene and be able to visualize it clearly.  Even though I write fiction I want it to have a non-fiction feel.

What is the hardest part about writing for you? The easiest part?

The easy part of writing for me is coming up with the scenes.  My imagination is pretty vivid.  The problem with that is choosing what to include.  You don’t want to be too wordy or drag a scene out.  The quicker you get to the point the better so the process of being my own editor is the hardest part of writing to me.

What new projects are you working on now?

 Next up for me is Inevitable Act II set to be released early spring 2014 and then and erotic cookbook (more details to come).

Any advice for aspiring writers that you wish somebody had shared with you?

If you choose the traditional route and want to submit your manuscript to a publisher make sure you pay attention to the word count as a matter of fact this is more important to do even before you start writing to make sure you’re within the guidelines.  Publishers are very strict on this and all of their submission guidelines.  So make sure you do your research!

Check out the cover to Jonnie Jay's newest book below

All of Johnie Jay's work is available at Amazon.com

Stay tuned for more Author spotlights!!

Thanks for tuning in!!!

Until next time....

Author Spotlight - Saundra Jones

Continuing on with our author spotlights from Delphine Publications, today is dedicated to Saundra Jones.

Author Saundra Jones grew up in Cleveland, Mississippi and, as an adult, now resides in Indiana. Saundra works for a government assisted agency as a Property Manager in the Public Housing Sector. She is married with two daughters, ages 12 and 6 years old. Originally she started writing screen plays at the age of twelve and as an adult, the need to create intensified. This intensity produced her first self published novella titled “Owning Up” now renamed “Trick or Treat.” In December of 2011, Saundra was signed to Delphine Publications and by summer 2012 her debut novel “Her Sweetest Revenge” was released and reached Amazon Bestseller list at #2. In July, Black Expressions released “Her Sweetest Revenge” giving it new life to the world. Saundra feels a great opportunity on her journey to writing for the people. Delphine Publications released her first romance novel titled “Pieces of Justice” in the summer of 2013 which also landed a #2 spot on Amazon. Followed up was the Release of “Her Sweetest Revenge 2” in August 2013 that flourished with five star reviews from anticipated readers. 2014 will also start off with a bang with the release of “Forbidden” another urban drama. According to Saundra, “writing is my passion and simply my destiny there is so much more to come.”


What inspires you to write the books you write? What motivates you? 

The books I write are inspired by my love for urban material. It shows a character of individuals from a different lifestyle that real people sometime experience. It also shows truth that life is not always a fairy tale. Words of my readers asking for more motivates me. Their words and love my characters proves to me that my writing and time I put into it is not in vein. 

Do you research anything prior to starting a new project? Take us through a normal day with a new project that needs to be handed in. 

Research depends on what I’m writing especially if I’m using real cities, etc. Finishing up a project that I’m about to turn in for me means. Getting out of bed knowing this is the day I will officially submit it. Reading after I have already read it maybe twice before. Getting feedback from normally my sister who has read it maybe three times. Just to be sure it’s ready to go. Oh and then the nervousness. lol 

What is hardest part about writing for you? The easiest part?

 For me the hardest part of writing is getting too involved with my characters. The easiest part is creating my characters and delivering them just as I have imagined them to be. 

What new projects are you working on now? 

Right now I am working on Her Sweetest Revenge 3. 

Any advice for aspiring writers that you wish somebody had shared with you? 

Research and more research.

Feel free to check out Saundra Jones work, past and present, on Amazon.com.

Thanks for tuning in guys.....

Until next time.....

Author Spotlight: Shewanda Pugh of Delphine Publications

Today, we are doing another spotlight on an author from Delphine Publications, Ms. Shewanda Pugh.

Shewanda Pugh is a native of Boston's inner city, though she now calls Miami, Florida home. She has a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Alabama A&M University and a Master's in Writing from Nova Southeastern University. Fueled from a young age, her passion for crossing societal boundaries like race, class and culture, is the inspiration for both her cluttered bookshelf and her writing. When she's not busy obsessing over fiction, she can be found traveling, nursing her social networking addiction or enjoying the company of loved ones.

Recently, we sat down with Ms. Pugh to get more insight from her about her career. Check out the interview below:

What inspires you to write the books you write? What motivates you?

I'm fascinated by the things that come together to make us us, to forge our identity. I see those things as family, friends, religion and/or other beliefs, love, social and financial circumstances. I'm also drawn to stories that feature insurmountable odds. For me, it felt natural to write about love overcoming all. This concept is at the heart of every Shewanda Pugh novel. 

Do you research anything prior to starting a new project? Take us through a normal day with a new project  that needs to be handed in. 

I am a research junkie. I check and triple check things I'm even certain about. I squint at maps before I have characters walk down a street just to ensure they're traveling in the right direction. I research cultural nuances and the how and why behind their development, before deciding the character either will embrace or reject these norms. For me, a new novel starts with a scene that's been burning a hole in my head. At this point, I know nothing of my characters, their goals, their obstacles or their setting. I don't even know their names. Still, I gear up the laptop and let the scene pour out. Usually, two or three follow. At this point, I may do "spot research," which is basically me Googling something or otherwise double checking it quickly. Later, when I've exhausted whatever inspiration gave me the initial idea, I go back and flesh out the backgrounds of my hero and heroine. I begin with whatever it is I've learned about them through these initial scenes and use that as a skeletal structure to flesh them out further. I get to know them and the people most important in their lives. I figure out their career and what character traits led to this career. I figure out their pet peeves and shortcomings. For me, it's a constant cycle of learning and applying what I've learned as I work through the novel.  

What is hardest part about writing for you? The easiest part?

The hardest part is letting go of a project. I am obsessed with the perfect book, all the while knowing that it can't exist. Still, I'm forever caught in this vortex of "one more round of edits" and "one more set of rewrites" and letting go is almost never part of the equation. On the opposite end of that is the writing itself. I rarely get writer's block, find it easy to jump from one project to the next, and I am always working on something. 

What new projects are you working on now?

 Right now I am working on a young adult romance series titled Love, Edy. It features an Asian Indian guy with dreams of the NFL and the ballerina next door that he adores. Tradition says that they can never be together, but it appears that the two may have other plans. 

Any advice for aspiring writers that you wish somebody had shared with you?

Keep at it. Quitting is the easiest thing you can do. The option will be there every single day. Reject it and be true to yourself.  

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Be sure to check out Ms. Pugh's latest release, Crimson Footprints III, which will be released January 7, 2014 on Amazon.com.

Thanks for checking us out and be sure to stay tuned for much more.

Until next time..

Spotlight on Lashanta Charles of Delphine Publications

Today, our blog is featuring Lashanta Charles, best selling author from Delphine Publications.

LaShanta Charles was born and raised in the small town of Orangeburg, SC. She has always been an avid reader of all genres, but Urban / African American Fiction has always been her true love and is what inspired her to pursue a writing career. In high school, she began letting her classmates read the short stories that she would write and based off of their feedback, her passion for writing pushed her to become a published author. She published her debut novel, Lovely Lies, in 2013 and is currently working on the sequel, Lovely Lies 2, along with other projects. In recognition of her work, LaShanta was recently named National Black Book Festival's 2013 Best New Author and has been nominated for 2013 Breakout Author of the Year through the African American Literary Awards Show.

Currently she lives in Killeen, TX, with her husband and two children. She is pursuing a degree in English at Drury University and also serving in the US Army. Her hobbies include spending time with family, traveling, eating, and of course, writing. Her motto is “strive to excel, not to equal.”

We got some questions answered by Ms. Charles that some of her fans have been dying to know. Check out the Q and A session below:


1. What inspires you to write the books you write? What motivates you?

My motivation and inspiration comes from the same thing, my emotions. I thrive off of them. Whatever emotion I'm feeling is usually the type of scene I go for. Anger or sadness usually garners the bet results though. It's always good when you can "kill" someone and get away with it LOL.

2. Do you research anything prior to starting a new project? Take us through a normal day with a new project  that needs to be handed in.

I research a lot, but I use my imagination just as much. I try to set realistic scenes, but at the same time, I want to have the reader questioning the likelihood of the situation. I try to deliver scenes that are relatable, but also push the limits. On a normal day, Google is my best friend. I have no set boundaries that I stick to. I just go with the flow of whatever hits me.

3. What is hardest part about writing for you? The easiest part?

The hardest part about writing is finishing. Writing is actually the easy part, but the hard part comes when you're done and waiting. Waiting for edits, waiting for reviews and critique, waiting to see what will actually happen when your book is released. That's the part that I dread the most. Oh, and writing the synopsis. You have to squeeze 200+ pages into one or two paragraphs…brutal torture.

4. What new projects are you working on now?

Right now I'm working on my third novel. The basic concept of this novel is karma. Whether it's good karma or bad karma, we all have to deal with it. I'm exploring what could actually constitute the old saying "what goes around, comes around." I'm playing around with titles, but I think I want to call it Splitting Karma.

5. Any advice for aspiring writers that you wish somebody had shared with you?

Writing only becomes hard and is not enjoyable when you stop writing for the pleasure of it; not everyone will like your work and that's okay. Write something that you know you would love to read and take pride in what you intend to put out. 

Lashanta's new novel, Lovely Lies 2, is available for pre-order on Amazon.com at the link below:

http://www.amazon.com/Lovely-Lies-Delphine-Publications-Presents/dp/0991022874/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1387294204&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=lovely+lies+2

Please support her work. We thank Lashanta for her time!!!!

Leave any comments below... Until next time guys...

Can a chick "wife" a dude up?

Good Afternoon Y'all!

Anybody that knows me knows that I LOVE me some reality tv shows. RHOA is my Sunday addiction. If you watch the show, you know a little bit about Phaedra and Apollo. Phaedra is a college educated attorney w/her own firm who is married to Apollo, a man that she grew up with who has a criminal record. For the sake of time, I won't get into detail into his past, which is nonviolent. Anyway, after Apollo got out of prison, him and Phaedra got married and began working on their family; they currently have two boys, a newborn and toddler.

Anyway, I gave you the background for this couple because it relates to my blog topic for the day:

 

CAN YOU "WIFE" A DUDE?????

 

 

Me and my friends used to joke about about 'wife'-ing a dude when we were younger. Basically, we meant in the context of "I would be in a committed relationship with him. I would pursue him. He may not be on my level (ie financially, educationally, mentally, etc..) and I can take on the task of getting him on my level." Not necessarily saying, "I will be a sugar mama" but basically guiding him to upgrade himself on his dollar, not ours.

 

Back to Phae-Phae and her hubby....

 

She is the breadwinner, she makes the decisions, she pays the bills, she has her career, husband and family (as it appears on tv), however, it looks like she does/says a lot to emasculate him as a man to "keep him in line", which is NOT COOL, no matter what the situation. Apollo is still trying to find his professional niche (again, as it appears on tv). Phaedra constantly makes reference that Apollo "knows what side his bread is buttered on", on national tv to the millions (and millions!) of at home viewers. Granted, she makes more money, but she makes NO QUALMS in making it known that Apollo is a "kept" man. People consistently point out the "upperhand" she has in her marriage...
 
..... but is it a fair title?

In a sense, is Phaedra supporting her husband,  being a sugah mama or "wife"ing a dude?

However, on the other side of the coin.....

When dudes "wife" a chick, he is admirable. He is "looking out" or "holding her down". Yes, some women get a bad rep if she jumps from peen to peen for financial support, but does the guy get a bad rep? Not often and we can attribute this to the popular saying "It ain't trickin' if you got it!"...
 
................I suppose..

Ladies, have you "wifed" a dude? Dudes, have you been "wifed"? Would you or would you be down for the cause?

Weigh in if you want...

Unti next ime....

 

Luckily, I grew up and realized you should never add pressure for a man to change himself; a man (or a person in general) changes themselves for the better or "upgrades" on their own free will. Also, I am BLESSED that my fiancé came as a TOTAL AND COMPLETE package that complements me. 

Good afternoon everybody!

I know I haven't posted in awhile, but it's a good reason, so let me catch y'all up :-)

1- I left Nashville, TN to come back to MI (I'm in Lansing, instead of Detroit)

     I'm excited to be back home. I can go see my family and friends when I want to. I don't have to deal with a superior who DENIES bereavement and tries to get me to do her work (no shade- just facts!)

2- My loving boyfriend is now my loving fiancé (yesssss- we were engaged September 18, 2013)

      He took a lot of things into consideration while planning how he would propose. All I will say for now is that I will NEVER forget that day.

3- Wedding Planning is EXCITED, now that it is no longer stressful and confusing!

     I am loving every second of planning the ceremony w/the man of my dreams. However, I would marry Will in a cardboard box, dressed in potato sack- that's how much I love him. I'm marriage minded, not wedding-obsessed. There is a difference.

4- Lansing isn't that bad lol

    P Sqaured. Deluca's. College tailgating. What more can I say?

5- I got a new job that's better than my last job in TN (no shade at all!)

     More money, better opportunity, in MI and better, more disciplined leadership in place. No place is perfect, but I am happy.

6- My hair is THRIVING and GROWING like a weed!!

    My hair is now at the top of collarbone when stretched. I still am scared to put heat on it, but whateves.... Im glad my hair is healthy.

7- It feels good to be back home near friends, family and loved ones, esp during the holidays #HoneyBoom

     I am excited to be back w/my family during the holidays and not having to use my PTO to travel so I am not alone on the holidays.

8- As of yesterday, I was recruited to start blogging for Delphine Publications.

     I will be doing book reviews, Author Q&As, GIVEAWAYS (ie products, books, CASH, etc...) SO IF YOU ARE NOT SUBSCRIBED - PLEASE SUBSCRIBE SO YOU DON'T MISS OUT!!!!!

9- Weight has been down

     Still in the gym. 4 days a week consistently. Eating better, cooking better.... getting FINE and healthy, okayyyy?

More blog posts to come later..... you can be sure of it..

STAY TUNED Y'ALL!