Hanging Out With Nigeria Lockley

Today, I'm hanging out with Nigeria Lockley. Nigeria is the author of Born at Dawn. Nigeria, welcome to The Reading Life with Yolanda. Thank you for taking the time to visit.

Tell us about Born at Dawn. How did you come up with the story idea? Your main character, Cynthia Barclay, who is she? What are her characteristic features?

Well, the inspiration for Born at Dawn initially came from James Brown’s life story. I was watching a documentary about his life shortly after he died and I was fascinated by the fact that his mother left him. So much so that I began to wonder what would it take for a mother to abandon her children? The protagonist of Born at Dawn, Cynthia Barclay is like dynamite. She’s full of potential, but there’s no match around to set her off.  Her dynamic characteristic is she’s creative. She’s an excellent chef that turns dining into more than a meal, she makes it an experience.

Paperback: 288 pages

Publisher: Urban Books

Language: English

ISBN-13: 978-1601626752

Click here to purchase from Amazon

What or who brings you the most joy and why?

At this point in my life, not to sound cliché, but Jesus really is the joy and center of my life. I’ve spent a large portion of my life dealing with a variety of men, drinking, smoking, and abusing myself. I allowed my circumstances to dictate my situation and attitude, but since I allowed Jesus into my life regardless of my circumstance I can find joy in it because I am in it with him.

Tell the readers something about yourself that they would be surprised to know/your hobbies.

I don’t really have any hobbies, but one thing I think that would surprise readers about me is while I don’t love reality t.v. I love all things Kardashian—Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Kourtney and Khloe Take the Hamptons, I even purchased some of their cosmetics. I think this might be the opportunity for a fun challenge: the first reader to guess which sister is my favorite will receive a free autographed copy of Born at Dawn.

Contest time: Which sister is Nigeria's favorite? 
(Post your response in the comments section. Only one entry.
Winner will be announced March 2nd)

What is one tip you would give those who are trying to become a writer?

Don’t wait until you’re published to say you’re a writer. Own it now.

Did you always want to be a writer?

I absolutely did. However, I wanted to be a poet, fiction chose me I did not choose fiction.

What are you currently reading?

I’m doing double duty on the reading. I’m currently reading Shoulda Woulda Christmas by Michelle Stimpson (don’t judge me for reading holiday stories after the holiday; I downloaded a massive amount of them and I plan to make it through at least half of them) and Naked and Not Ashamed by T.D. Jakes as well.

Do you ever experience writer’s block?

No, I’ve have not experienced writer’s block. Life is too rich for you to run out of ideas and when my writing feels stagnate I write down a list of words from either some classic literature or poetry and challenge myself to include them in a chapter.

How do you market your work? What avenues have you found to work best for your genre? 

Of course, I do a lot of online marketing. I’ve also hosted some events here in the city and collaborated with a non-fiction author for an event.  Blog tours really helped with exposure. Breaking into the literary world is much like trying to make friends--people don’t trust you unless they know you. Sometimes people won’t support your work unless they know you, but you can’t get to know someone without talking to them right? So, you really can’t know an author until you give their work a try.

What are you currently working on?

I’m working on novella, Tempted to Touch. In which Kira Seagram, struggles with temptation when her ex-boyfriend reenters her life promising her all of the material, emotional, and physical comfort that is lacking from her current marriage. I’m hoping to release Tempted to Touch in April and my next full length novel, Seasoned with Grace will be released in July.

How can readers stay in contact with you?

Readers can keep up with me by following my blog, The Neophyte Author on my website, www.nigerialockley.com. I’m all over social media, however I must warn you I’m better with some sites than others. Any reader that wants to reach me can find me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/authornigerialockley; Twitter: www.twitter.com/NewNigeria; Instagram: www.instagram.com/NewNigeria

Thank you Nigeria for stopping by The Reading Life with Yolanda. 

Thanks for giving me this opportunity, Yolanda.