Category Archives: african american book

5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Essence Best Seller Tracy Brown, author of Twisted

January 9, 2009 Joey Pinkney 1 Comment

JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Essence Best Seller Tracy Brown, author of Twisted
(St. Martin’s Press)

An extremely fed up Celeste Styles sets her beloved salon, Dime Piece, on fire in an attempt to head South and start her life anew, away from her married boyfriend Rah-lo, a dealer. Meanwhile, Ishmael, Rah-lo’s business partner, best friend and confidante, tries to forget his feelings for Celeste with a relationship with Nina-and a rekindled affair with Robin. Tracy Brown keeps the drama flowing and the pages turning as the love triangle converges explosively in Atlanta.

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

Tracy Brown: I wrote part one (Dime Piece) in 2003. The ending left many readers eager for a sequel. Everyone wanted to know who burned down the shop and what happened to all the characters. I penned the sequel in order to answer those questions.

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

TB: I think each of my novels adds something special to the genre of urban lit. I try each time to do something unique that sets my work apart from other novels. Twisted was no different. The main character, Celeste Styles, is a mistress for most of the storyline. Despite that negative label, readers cheer for her and like her character. I think that’s different. Usually the mistress is described us some cold, cruel bitch. Celeste is a likable character who makes some questionable decisions.

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

TB: I write mostly late at night. Once the house is quiet and the kids have left me alone, I can focus on being creative. Twisted took me three months to write. I changed the ending several times before deciding on the one we published.

JP: You have a huge following. What have your readers expressed that they like about your books that keep them coming back for more?

TB: My stories aren’t typical or predictable. The characters come to life in the story. I try to be different from all the other authors out there. Although I am a fan of several urban writers, I want my stories to be unique.

In my first novel Black, there is a teen pregnancy. Unlike the typical urban drama, the young male takes responsibility for his child and a saga unfolds as these two young lovers try to defy the odds. In Dime Piece and the sequel Twisted, Celeste Styles is a mistress with a heart. Again, this is different from the average story.

Criminal Minded was a story of friendship, and there was a focus on the grandfather, Papa, and the wisdom he imparts. In White Lines, I tried to tell the true story of the drug game from several different perspectives. In the end the story is about love and redemption, so the usual elements of urban lit are there with an unexpected twist in each novel.

JP: What’s next for Tracy Brown?

TB: I’m working on a novel called Snapped. I’m very excited about it! I think that the readers who loved the saga White Lines will adore Snapped. It’ll be released in early 2009, so stay tuned.

www.tracy-brown.com
http://www.myspace.com/blackbutterfly0608

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5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Antony Moussignac, author of Nothing But Drama

January 7, 2009 Joey Pinkney

JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Antony Moussignac, author of Nothing But Drama
(iUniverse)

Three best friends have their lives turned upside down when their hearts are put to the test.

Monica Stevens just turned thirty, has a great career, wonderful friends, but something was missing. A man! The problem is that she’s still in love with her ex-boyfriend Michael Edison aka “the womanizer”. Things begin to change when sexy twenty-two year old Sean Madison is interested in her. His passionate kisses sets her heart on fire. Can she look past his age and realize that he’s the real deal?

Shauna Knowles is getting married in couple of months to Keith Anderson – a handsome surgeon who swept her off her feet. He operated on her following a terrible car accident and proposed two years later. As her wedding approaches, her life is turned upside down when Peter Morris, a man from her past, resurfaces and stirs up old feelings.

Tina Sommers is a single mom filled with anger and resentment towards her son’s father Bryan Henderson. His abandonment during her pregnancy brought nothing but heartache and pain. Now that he’s back in her son’s life, she decides to set her stubbornness aside to give her son the family he deserves. It’s becoming harder for her to set aside the feelings that continue to burn for him.

These women rely on each other as they begin to learn the life lesson; Falling in love can bring nothing but drama.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Nothing But Drama?

Antony Moussignac: My inspiration derives from various conversations with family members and friends. The drama each one experienced in their relationships had my mind flowing with ideas. All I did was write down my thoughts and created a story readers could enjoy.

JP: What sets Nothing But Drama apart from other novels in its genre?

AM: Nothing But Drama is unique because it indulges “real life” situations. Plus, the novel has three characters instead of one. Each storyline is meant to grab your attention and keep you wondering what’s going to happen next. From what my readers say, once you enter into their world of “drama”, you won’t want to put the book down.

JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to Nothing But Drama getting out to the public?

AM: My key to success is a great marketing plan. So far, word of mouth has helped me tremendously. I’ve also advertised through the internet, book clubs, book trailers and interviews. I plan to do more. The book industry is huge. Getting my book noticed is my main priority, and I’m determined to make that happen.

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish Nothing But Drama?

AM: Nothing But Drama took about three years to write. I don’t really have a writing process. My life is pretty hectic. At times, I had to focus by locking myself in my room just to gather my thoughts. I have supportive family and friends who continued to provide words of encouragement whenever I had writer’s block. Although there was a lot of sweat and tears, I’m ready to do it all over again. Writing is my passion.

JP: What’s next for Antony Moussignac?

AM: I’m in the process of completing my second novel The Choices We Make for young adult readers. I’m hoping to have it published early next year. I’m also currently working on the sequel to Nothing But Drama and a new title Fed Up. I’m also writing a screenplay based on Nothing But Drama then hopefully a motion picture.

Nothing But Drama is available at Amazon.com, Barnesandnobles.com, Borders.com or any bookstore near you. Check out my book trailer on Youtube by clicking on the link below. Please feel free to contact me on Facebook and Myspace under Antony Moussignac.

Thanks so much Joey,
Antony Moussignac

http://www.antonymoussignac.com
http://www.myspace/antonymoussignac
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwB0JYPL6EU

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P.S.S. If you want to be feature in a 5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… series, email me at joey.pinkney@gmail.com or myspace.com/joeyreviews

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5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Essence Best Seller Keisha Ervin, author of Finding Forever

December 30, 2008 Joey Pinkney

JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Keisha Ervin, author of Finding Forever
(Priority Books)

Once teenage sweethearts, Whitney and Koran are vastly different people now. Whitney’s working on her master’s degree and has a new lease on life, while Koran is a drug dealer riding around in expensive cars and living in a big house. Is it possible for Koran to change his lifestyle and for true love to return?

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Finding Forever?

Keisha Ervin: I’ve always wanted to write a tragic love story. I’m a huge soap opera fan, so I think that is where my flair for the dramatic comes from, lol. Also I love the movie A Walk to Remember. That movie also inspired this story.

JP: How is Finding Forever different from the other love stories you have composed over the years?

KE: This one doesn’t end with my typical happily ever after ending. Although my characters come full circle they are forced to kind of do it own their own and without the love and support of their significant other. Also, this story focuses on an illness that is plaguing us as women.

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

KE: My process for writing a story is first coming up with an idea. I then figure out my outline in my head. I rarely ever write anything down. All of my stories scenes and ideas from start to finish are stored in my mind. Due to the fact I was under a deadline it took me almost three months to write Finding Forever. I’m not a quick writer. I like to take my time with my stories. With this one I still felt rushed. Some of my readers felt the same way.

JP: This is your sixth novel, but your first book on Priority Books. Why did your switch from Triple Crown Publications?

KE: I did this book with Priority Books because it is a home based publishing company. I have to help and support my city St. Louis. Also Rose, the owner, is such a sweet and genuine woman. I would work with her anytime. To make things clear, I am not signed to Priority Books or TCP.

JP: What’s next for Keisha Ervin?

KE: I am currently working on my seventh novel and a short story for an anthology. To all of my fans and supporters you can contact me at www.myspace.com/keishaervin or http://www.webjam.com/grayrosez

P.S. Join the Joey Reviews Newsletter at http://joeypinkney.com/joey-reviews-newsletter.html

P.S.S. If you want to be feature in a 5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… series, email me at joey.pinkney@gmail.com or myspace.com/joeyreviews

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