Category Archives: african american author

5 minutes 5 questions with, african american author, african american authors, african american book, african american books, amazon.com

5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Madison, author of Scattered Lies

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JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Madison, author of Scattered Lies
(Influential Writers Publishing)

(One of the first ten people to comment on Madison’s author interview will win a FREE copy of Scattered Lies from JoeyPinkney.com)

Scattered Lies grabs your attention with its cover. The shattered glass and the reflected images are representative the stories plot. It presents a different approach from the regular contemporary hood dramas.

Denise, Gabrielle, Morgan and Tony are four characters on different life paths that deceit brings together through a complicated chain of unpredictable events. Their decisions will sometimes prove we will do anything for self preservation. When it comes to personal happiness, nothing is sacred.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Scattered Lies?

Madison: A few years back I was on a trip with a group of friends. One night we decided to have an “interventional dinner”. A lot of things were revealed, some were hurtful and others were shocking.

That’s when I realized we live in a world full of “scattered lies”. Many of us have been lied to all of our lives, some were intentional and some weren’t.

JP: What sets Scattered Lies apart from other novels in its genre?

Madison: Three of the main characters are people of substance who have accomplished many things but still struggle with the same problems that we all face in their pursuit of ultimate happiness.

In addition, it also exposes how the people we love and trust are the ones that will hurt us the most. The people in Scattered Lies all have so much more living and growing up to do. Readers will want to see how these characters eventually prevail.

JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to Scattered Lies getting out to the public?

Madison: One thing I’ve learned in order to be successful: you can’t do it alone. Anything you do in life, you must give it a hundred percent. Also, you must be able to accept constructive criticism.

We are so passionate about our work that it’s hard for us to see something through someone else’s eyes. It is the only way to get an unbiased perspective. Most of all, you must believe in yourself and allow your work to speak for itself.

When I decided to go public with Scattered Lies, I made sure I had a “real” people around me. I sent my manuscript to several people of different ages and races and asked them to give me there honest opinion.

I must be honest, most of them thought it was a “good read” while one or two suggested I tone down the profanity. I had to ponder the suggestions regarding profanity, however, once I saw it through their eyes I toned it down.

Although I’m still learning the key to success, once thing is certain, you must have patience, motivation and support system.

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish Scattered Lies?

Madison: I started developing the story years ago. At first, I brushed if off because I wasn’t sure if I could develop a good read. As time went on, I started jotting down ideas. I incorporated things that were around me into a story.

Then a friend of mine, Antoine Inch Thomas told me I needed to develop an alter-ego. He instructed me to go deep into my, thoughts.

JP: What’s next for Madison?

Madison: To be honest with you, I really don’t know what’s next for Madison. In addition, to writing the sequel to Scattered Lies and another novel, I’m currently working on achieving my Master’s in Public Administration. I just try to take it one day at a time and count my blessings.

http://www.influentialwriterspublishing.com/

iammadison27@yahoo.com
www.manageme@one2nvmanagement.vpweb.com

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5 minutes 5 questions with, african american author, african american authors, african american book, african american books, amazon.com

5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Rhonda McKnight, author of Secrets and Lies

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JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Rhonda McKnight, author of Secrets and Lies
(Kensington Publishers)

(One of the first ten people to comment on Rhonda McKnight’s author interview will win a FREE copy of Secrets and Lies from JoeyPinkney.com)

Secrets and Lies is the story of a couple struggling to keep their troubled marriage together after the husband’s coworker accuses him of the unthinkable.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Secrets and Lies?

Rhonda McKnight: I was deep in marital woes when the pain of this couple came to me. I would say that helped with the realistic, emotional struggle that unravels as you turn the pages, but it’s not my story. That would be boring.

I did the “what if” thing. What if a marriage was bad and then something happened to make it worse? And that something was out of their control? And it not only affected the marriage, but a career? The career of a work-a-holic? I just rolled with the “what ifs” from there until I had the twist and turns.

JP: Marriage is simply complex. What are some of the lessons that can be drawn from Secrets and Lies that can make navigating the difficulties of marriage less of a blind journey?

RM: Communicate. Know that marriage is a union where emotional intimacy is critical to the success of the relationship. Trust your partner with all of you, all of your hurts and pains. Don’t turn secrets into lies. It’s a betrayal of trust.

JP: How were you able to get so many in depth reviews of Secrets and Lies before it was released?

RM: I think being with a mainstream publisher helped with the credibility of my writing, but I didn’t rely on that. I developed relationships with reviewers. I mean they’re book lovers just like me, so I introduced myself to them on their blogs and in chat rooms and message boards.

When I put out the call for reviews, people were interested. I’m naturally out going, and I love to meet people, so that was easy for me. It might not be as easy for an introverted author. Suggestions for them would be to make sure they have a professionally developed press kit. Also, make an effort to publicize some samples of your writing.

I introduced some short stories on a blog way back in February and posted it everywhere. People knew ahead of time that I could tell a story, and they were probably fairly certain they wouldn’t want to throw the book against a wall.

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish Secrets and Lies?

RM: Secrets and Lies from start to finish – forever. Four years on and off. Maybe a good year or more of actual hands on the keyboard writing and editing time. I had a baby and finished grad school while I was pecking away at this story.

As for my process, I write the beginning of my story because it comes to me very visually; usually through two or three chapters. Then I do extensive character outlines, so I get to know the people. I follow that with plotting. I like a detailed outline.

I didn’t do one for Secrets and Lies, but I did for my second book and wrote the first draft in less than six weeks. I’ll never not outline again.

JP: What’s next for Rhonda McKnight?

RM: I’m promoting this novel and working on several writing projects. I have a book release party scheduled for Saturday, Dec 5th here in Atlanta and on Dec 13th in Manning, SC. (More about those on my website on the events page).

I have several Internet radio interviews and blog features (like this one) scheduled through the end of February. I’m participating in several local booksignings, and then in the March I’ll do some touring that will last through June. I’m working on an anthology project that will release Spring 2010.

My biggest event for 2010 will be the annual Faith and Fiction Retreat – June 18 and 19th in Atlanta. Details at www.faithandfictionretreat.com. I’ll be there with some awesome authors, like Kimberla Lawson Roby, Victoria Christopher Murray , Tiffany L. Warren and more, and then of course our beloved readers. Wouldn’t be any fun without them.

http://www.rhondamcknight.net/
http://www.twitter.com/rhondamcknight
http://www.facebook.com/rhondamcknight
http://www.urbanchristianfictiontoday.com/

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5 minutes 5 questions with, african american author, african american authors, african american book, african american books, amazon.com

5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Natasha Usher, author of The Hunts

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JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Natasha Usher, author of The Hunts
(2nd Avenue Publishing)

Victoria, Luther V, Tyler, Tyger, and DougRoss Hunt have a lot going for them. Despite their young ages, they are very resourceful. The Hunts have managed to live alone ever since their parents abandoned them. Their survival strategy is quite simple – if it is not given to them, they simply take it.

When the Hunts decide life is too boring in their small town of Acon, Georgia, they decide a trip to the big city of Atlanta is just what they need. Atlanta and the Hunts will never be the same again.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write The Hunts?

Natasha Usher: I actually have several nieces and nephews, eight of them, with two being girls and the rest boys. Whenever they all get together, it’s total chaos. They were/are my wonderful inspirations for The Hunts.

JP: What are some of the things you learned about yourself as an author while writing The Hunts?

NU: That I’m really old, and that my jokes are lame. When I was writing The Hunts, I wanted to make sure I was speaking in a voice to which young people can relate. As a result, I was constantly asking my children and my nieces and nephews what they thought about my work.

After listening to them and trying to pick up on all the things children are saying today, I did make my young family members laugh a few times with some of my dialogue. But they have informed me that I am still completely lame.

JP: The children will definitely love the zany characters of The Hunts. What has been the reactions of the parents who have bought and read this book with their children?

NU: The response to The Hunts has been great. The parents seem to be enjoying the book just as much as their children are enjoying it. Of course, I think most of the parents are praying my book doesn’t give their kids any ideas.

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish The Hunts?

NU: I don’t have a real writing process. An idea comes to my mind and I start typing. Then if it’s a good idea, the characters form, and they somehow tell their own stories. I know some people create outlines and plan everything out, but I never do that. My characters create their own lives.

Writing The Hunts was so much fun that I wrote it very quickly. I think I wrote the first draft in about three months. Now the editing and various drafts, that’s the time consumer. That took me over a year.

JP: What’s next for Natasha Usher?

NU: Well in between teaching every day, I’m always trying to find time to write. There is a definite plan for a sequel to The Hunts; then I want to work on a non-fiction book. Right now though, I really want to thank you and your readers for allowing me to visit this wonderful site. Happy reading and writing to all!

http://www.thehuntsstory.info
http://twitter.com/TheHuntsStory
http://www.myspace.com/runningwildacon

Cuni Award for Creative Writing 1988
GAYA Award Nominee 2008

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