Chatting it up with Loureva Watson-Slade

Today I’m chatting with Loureva Watson-Slade. Another contributing author for the anthology, The Dating Game published by Brown Girls Books. I hope you enjoy. Don’t forget to purchase a copy or copies of The Dating Game.

 

Paperback: 334

Publisher: Brown Girls Books

Language: English

ISBN-13: 978-1625176745

Click here to purchase from Amazon

Clickhere to purchase from BN

Briefly, introduce yourself to the readers.

My name is Loureva Slade. I’m a P.K. who was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. If anyone understands the story of the prodigal son, it’s me. Thankfully God’s hand was on my life and from my young adult struggles I am now able to write stories that inspire and uplift readers.

Please tell us what your story; Holiday Party is all about?
Holiday Party is about a secret that a husband chose to keep from his wife while they were dating. The secret rears its head once they are married and expecting their first child. “Holiday Party” tackles the question of full disclosure in the dating relationship. Is it fair to withhold important information while dating? And if one chooses to withhold information, is there ever a right time to reveal it? It’s a story, that I believe, most readers will relate to. 
You’re at the night club with your date, what’s that one song that will get you up on the dance floor? That’s a good question and I don’t think I could pick just one song. I LOVE music and I LOVE to dance. So if you give me an old school West Coast beat or a “Durty Durty” Down South beat, I’m the first one on the dance floor…and I can dance all night! 
If your short story was turned into a made for TV movie, who would you want to play the roles? 
I could see Lance Gross as Greg, Keshia Knight Pulliam as Kelly, and Meagan Good and Rhonda. 
Is this your first published work? If no, please tell us your other works. How does it feel to be a published author? 
I also have another short story featured in an anthology presented by Essence Bestselling Author Vanessa Miller titled LOVE. HOPE. FAITH.  It came out around the same time as THE DATING GAME. These two pieces are my first published works. It feels soooo great to finally see my dreams coming true. I feel blessed beyond measure for these opportunities and I look forward to what God has in store for my future. 

 Click here to purchase from Amazon

Click here to purchase from Barnes & Noble

What are you currently reading? 
I just finished reading Vanessa Miller’s Tears Fall At Night. 
Are you working on anything new? 
I recently finished writing my first full collection of inspirational short stories and I am currently tackling my first screen play. 
How can readers stay connected to you? 
Readers can connect with me on my website: LourevaSlade.com or through social media. Facebook: Loureva Watson-Slade

Twitter: Loureva

Instagram: Loureva1

Chatting it up with Cheryl Daniels

Currently one of the hottest books out is The Dating Game, The Dating Game is an anthology written by seventeen amazing new authors. A collection of short stories about finding Mr. Right.  I was able to sit down and interview a few of the authors. I hope after reading each interview, you'll purchase a copy or copies of The Dating Game. First up is Cheryl Daniels.

Briefly, introduce yourself to the readers.  

My name is Cheryl Ashford Daniels. I am a wife and mother of 4.

Please tell us what your story, A Beautiful Letter is all about? I love the title by the way.  

Thank you Yolanda. My story is about a widow who receives an invitation to go on a blind date. She decides to go, but once she gets to the arrangement place for the date, she’s given a letter from a very unlikely person that sends her on an emotional rollercoaster.

 

 Paperback: 334

Publisher: Brown Girls Books

Language: English

ISBN-13: 978-1625176745

Click here to purchase from Amazon

Click here to purchase from BN

You’re at the night club with your date, what’s that one song that will get you up on the dance floor?  

Just Fine by Mary J. Blige

If your short story was turned into a made for TV movie, who would you want to play the roles? For the main character Elle, I’d like to see a friend of mine named Jasmine Campbell play her. She’s an unknown but is very talented. I believe in paying it forward. Ethan – I’d love to see Chris Hemsworth play Ethan. I love his work. Most times his characters are reserved, distant and intense just like Ethan. And he just looks great on the camera. Drew – Ian Somerhalder from the Vampire Diaries. He is funny, handsome and charismatic just like Drew.

Is this your first published work? No, it’s not. If no, please tell us your other works. Two years ago I published a novella called White Tulips, The Flower of Forgiveness, with a boutique publishing company. How does it feel to be a published author? This is going to sound bad coming from an author, but there’s not an accurate adjective in the dictionary. The feeling is indescribable, and I absolutely love it!

 Click here to purchase on Amazon

What are you currently reading?  

Right now, nothing. My last book was Reshonda Tate Billingsley’s What’s Done in the Dark. But I’m working on 3 novels right now, which is taking up a lot of my time.

Are you working on anything new?  

Yes, I’m working on a full length novel of A Beautiful Letter. Lots of readers have told me that they want to see that in a full novel. Also, I’m not a one genre author. I write romance, but also all subgenres. I’m working on a romantic suspense full length novel and also a romantic fantasy full length novel.

How can readers stay connected to you?  

My email is cheryladnls@aol.com 

Website is www.cherylashforddaniels.com 

Twitter - @cdlmo4

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/authorcherylashforddaniels

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. 

A CONVERSATION WITH MARISSA MONTEILH

Marissa Monteilh (pronounced Mon-tay) is absolutely one of my favorite authors. I always get excited when she releases a new book. Today, Marissa releases, Never Breathe Again, her 21st title. I had the pleasure of proofreading this book and y’all are in for a ride of your life! In honor of Marissa’s 21st release, she decided to give her readers a sneak peek into her literary journey that began in 1998 by allowing them to ask her questions. Below are some of them and her responses. I hope you enjoy and will support Marissa by purchasing Never Breathe Again. 

 Paperback: 308 pages

Publisher: 4D Publishing (December 2, 2014)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0970414161

ISBN-13: 978-0970414168

 Click here to purchase from Amazon

Click here to purchase from Books-A-Million

Carla Curtis: What keeps you motivated to continue on your writing journey? My love of writing keeps me motivated. I can’t think of anything I’d rather do for a living than write books. Writing is my passion, and I am living my dream. 

Mashawn Mickels: Are there times when you start out writing as Marissa Monteilh and it ends up as PYNK (your erotica alias), or vice-versa?  Not really, as the boundaries for erotica are so broad that I know going into a Marissa Monteilh story that I don’t have that broad of a license. It’s like driving a vehicle differently from a motorcycle. They are two different types of rides, and I don’t want my readers to expect a motorcycle ride with Marissa Monteilh and find themselves in the backseat of a car with PYNK, so to speak. 

Sheryl Lister: What are you favorite and least favorite parts of publishing? My favorite part of publishing is receiving feedback from readers after my book has been released. My least favorite part of publishing is figuring out how to access the elusive recipe for word of mouth. Spreading the word is not an easy task at all. 

Kim Denmark Lewis: How did you know you were meant to be a writer? When did you know? When I was in junior high school, my English teacher called me up in front of the class and praised me for a play that I had written, telling me that I should become a writer. It wasn’t until I turned 40 (umpteen years later) and sat down to complete my first book, loving the process, that I recalled her compliment. That was a defining moment in my life. It was then that I knew I had found my calling. It just felt right. 

Jennifer Copeland: How do you come up with your story lines? Certain things will get my attention, like I might I hear a news topic, or see a situation on a talk show, or maybe even something on social media, but also, an idea will pop into my head from out of the blue, like with Turnabout Is Fair Play – two best friends, one dates her friend’s son, and the other secretly dates her friend’s father. If I get a burning feeling that I want to expound on it, I’ll come up with a short outline. If I get excited about it, I write it. 

Shabrika Mitchell: Do you have a favorite author? I wouldn’t say that I have one favorite, but I do enjoy Eric Jerome Dickey, mainly because of his dedication to the craft. When I read his books, I learn so much. You can tell that Eric works very hard. I call him the craft-master. 

Vulyncia Poindexter: What are your thoughts in the literary world now, versus when you started? In your opinion, is it oversaturated? When I started in 1998, there were fewer authors and fewer publishing avenues. It’s very good that today there are so many publishing options, and that also means that readers have many more options when it comes to authors, formats, prices, etc. Oversaturated, not so sure, though they say there are enough readers to go around. I think the jury is out on that one. 

Linda Smith: Do you write your first drafts by hand or on your computer? I write 95% of my drafts on the computer, and I don’t mean iPad. I have to write on a laptop of desktop. The only time I write longhand is when I’m on an airplane and I don’t feel like pulling out my laptop. 

Bert Monteilh Roche: Did you first set out to find an agent, or did you first write a book and an agent found you? I sent so many queries of my printed manuscript to agents in 1998 and 1999, that it was ridiculous. It wasn’t until I self-pubbed my first book in 2000 and then sent the actual printed version to agents, that one contacted me and promised that we could get a book deal in 30 days, and we did. 

Jawanna Cook: Have you ever started writing and stumbled on another author’s work and it was so close to your work that you felt compelled to start over, but were torn in doing so? For this very reason, I don’t read while I’m writing. I don’t want an angle to be similar or to discover that a scene is too close for comfort. I know a lot of authors read while writing, but I don’t. Also, I haven’t felt compelled to start a storyline over, but I did change a title due to a fellow author having an upcoming book of the same title. 

AUTHOR’S NOTE

 

 As a writer, obviously I have a true love of words. And as a former cable TV relationship talk show host, I love the topic of relationships. And so I decided to marry the two into one fictional project and write about a tough aspect of relationships: the breakup.

Years ago, I was in a long term, break up-to-make up relationship that I was only able to end after attending relationship seminars in Los Angeles conducted by Dr. Pat Allen, a relationship psychotherapist. What Dr. Allen taught me, and others, was that we must learn to de-bond after a breakup. I realized that I was addicted to being with this person, hormonally and emotionally. Once we were unplugged after a breakup, I went into a tough, intense zone of mourning. I missed the way we were, and even though there were times after one of our breakups that I was strong and ready to move on, he would always come back before long, and I would always take him back, which was on me, not him. It wasn’t until I understood the need to totally forbid myself from seeing, touching, tasting, smelling or hearing him that I was able to fully detox.

Years later, I wrote my first novel, May December Souls, which is semi-autobiographical, and many women reached out to me because of the relationship seminar scenes that mentioned the eight-week rule of breakups. They wanted to know how they too could move on and detox.

And so with this, my latest title, I decided to show what it looks like and what it feels like for my fictional character, Mahogany Black Cooper, who is a wife and mother, to experience the pain of trying to get over losing her husband to another woman. The struggle is real! And so, I present to you, Never Breathe Again, my twenty-first title. Enjoy!

CONTEST TIME: Visit Marissa’s Facebook Author Page for all the details.

https://www.facebook.com/marissamonteilhauthorpage

An Afternoon With Ava O'Shay Part 2

Today is part 2 of my interview with author Ava O’Shay. I really enjoyed the conversation. I hope you’ll go out and purchase her books.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk? I don’t think I really have one…except I have written three books on vacation while driving in the car.  Long road trips are great for writing.

What projects do you have lined up?Currently I am in edits with Serenity and am busting my hump to get that out at the end of June.  I am also working on the sequel to a military romance I wrote under another my other name (Connie Michael)  and I have two more New Adult books in the wings, one having a Zombie theme and the other following a group of college friends.

Can you tell us in one sentence, why we should read your new book? Serenity is a bundle of emotional turmoil as two people deal with the lives they've been given while trying to start a new one they don’t think they deserve.

What would be the best piece of advice you would offer a new author? Write because you have to.  Because there is a story in you that needs to come out.  Don’t get caught up in reviews or other people’s critiques.  Write what you have a heart for.  But also…be a supporter of your fellow authors and never burn bridges.

How can readers find you & where can they purchase your books? My blog avaoshayromance.blogspot.com  has many updates and readers can sign up for my newsletter where I post deleted chapters and alternate POV scenes.   My Facebook author page www.facebook.com/pages/Ava-OShay/1401273226752376  and my personal page where readers are always welcome www.facebook.com/ava.oshay. 

My books are on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
www.amazon.com/Entrusted-Ava-OShay-ebook/dp/B00KBYESQ2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1402245847&sr=8-1&keywords=ava+o%27shay

www.amazon.com/Main-Attraction-Ava-OShay/dp/1499760477/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1402245847&sr=8-2&keywords=ava+o%27shay

I will be on a Barnes and Noble Summer Book tour in Washington State starting in June, the dates will be posted on my blog. 

Any final words? I love to interact with my readers.  I will respond to messages and really like hearing opinions and discussing story arcs.  I think most authors do…so don’t ever feel like we are not just normal lovers of books like everyone else.

About Serenity

All it takes is one moment for their lives to change forever.  One bad hit and a head injury destroys Jolin’s football dream and leaves him with a stutter.  Knocked from his pedestal he struggles to keep a hold on a popularity he isn’t sure he even wants.  When Serenity’s strung out mom returns, the money Serenity saved for her escape disappears.  To keep her life together, Serenity is forced to make a deal with the guy who wants to take Jolin’s spot on the top. With their futures in the balance can two people on opposite sides of the social circle find a common ground and help each other survive their present and heal from their past?

About Main Attraction

Jessica Hunter lost her heart and her husband at the same time. He died, and she discovered his infidelities, leaving her a shattered mess.

Five years later, Jessica still isn’t interested in a relationship. That is, until she meets sexy, lead actor Penn Jackson on the set of a popular tween movie—and her life gets turned upside down. Swept away by Penn’s carefree attitude, she lets him into her heart—and her bed—even though Penn warns her that being with him will change her life.

Penn’s warning doesn’t mean much to her. But when his publicist begins a campaign to get rid of her, and a trip to the emergency room turns into a tabloid explosion, she doesn’t just lose her anonymity, but also her job. Now, Jessica will have to choose between the man she loves and the life she’s always known. 

An Afternoon With Ava O'Shay

Today, I had the privilege of interviewing author Ava O’Shay. I really enjoyed speaking with her. I hope after reading her interview, you’ll go out and purchase her books. (Please note: The first part of the interview will post today and the remainder tomorrow).

Hello Ava O’Shay! Thank you for going me today on the couch! Let’s begin…please give my followers a little background about yourself. I was born in raised in the Seattle area and after many years trudging through the social awkwardness of high school and the whirl wind of college romances on the rolling wheat fields of Pullman, I finally landed in the Seattle area writing about the hell, horror, and don't forget hot romance of youth.  I love all things outdoors and can be found hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, or doing anything that will work up a good sweat and get my characters to open up to  me and keep the story moving.  I have two college age boys that are very useful at providing me insight into the world of Young Adult.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? I have always been an avid writer and reader.  I have notebooks full of silly stories of youth and altered endings of books I wasn’t satisfied with and rewrote in to fulfill my need for a happy ending.  I began to think I could actually write a book when my son’s hit high school and I had more time to myself.  It became a therapeutic thing at first.  Dealing with demons of the past in a way I that provided me with closure.

What genre do you write and why did you choose that genre? I write a variety of genres.  YA paranormal was the first book I wrote, but I don’t see another paranormal coming anytime soon.  I have written Two New Adult Contemporary and an Adult Erotica.  I think the New Adult is my favorite and definitely in the realm of Contemporary Romance.  I am a hopeless romantic and didn’t have much romance in those wonderful years from college to semi adulthood and love to write about the trials and tribulations of that time.

How long does it take you to write a book? I am a fast writer if the characters are cooperating.  I can whip out a first draft in a few months if my schedule works for me even faster. 

What is your work schedule like when you're writing? Since I work full time I try to schedule my writing time from 7-10 pm every night.  If I get extra time I will certainly whip out my laptop and jot a few lines down.  If I am not working I try to schedule some time in the morning and then later in the evening for writing. 

How can readers find you & where can they purchase your books? My blog http://avaoshayroance.blogspot.com  has many updates and readers can sign up for my newsletter where I post deleted chapters and alternate POV scenes.   Here is my Facebook author page    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ava-OShay/1401273226752376  and my personal page where readers are always welcome https://www.facebook.com/ava.oshay.

My books are on Amazon and Barnes and Noble
http://www.amazon.com/Entrusted-Ava-OShay-ebook/dp/B00KBYESQ2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1402245847&sr=8-1&keywords=ava+o%27shay

http://www.amazon.com/Main-Attraction-Ava-OShay/dp/1499760477/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1402245847&sr=8-2&keywords=ava+o%27shay

I will be on a Barnes and Noble Summer Book tour in Washington State starting in June, the dates will be posted on my blog.  

Any final words? I love to interact with my readers.  I will respond to messages and really like hearing opinions and discussing story arcs.  I think most authors do…so don’t ever feel like we are not just normal lovers of books like everyone else.

About Entrusted

Thrust into a world of Native American legends about Skinwalkers and Ancient Ones, Emma Hunter finds herself in the middle of a battle for a heart holding great powers – A heart hidden within her. 
Seventeen-year-old Emma wants what every teenage girl wants: a life that revolves around school, her friends, and a boyfriend who only has eyes for her. Little does she know that in order to get one, she must sacrifice the other two.  After a series of events put into motion by Luke, the boy she thought loved her, Emma is kicked out of her group home and her school. Her best friend mysteriously vanishes and now she’s forced to move to a secluded coastal town, where she hopes to escape Luke’s obsessive control. Instead, she finds her dreams invaded not only by Luke, but Solomon, a mysterious Native American warrior sent to protect her. 
But when Solomon shows up in her reality to explain he’s her protector, she soon learns that he’s so much more. As Emma struggles to understand what’s happening to her, she must also deal with her undeniable attraction to Solomon. Their connection is stronger than anything Emma has ever experienced before and now she must decide: can she trust him with her heart? And just how far will she go to protect it?