Chatting it up with Tania Zayid

Today, Tania Zayid, another contributing author of The Dating Game has the hot seat. As you read Tania’s interview, I hope you’ll head over to Amazon or BN and purchase a copy for yourself. Welcome to The Reading Life with Yolanda, Tania.

Briefly, introduce yourself to the readers.

Hello, My name is Tania. I am a poet and now a fiction writer! I have been an RN for 26 years, but writing is my passion! Writing is my calling.

Please tell us what your story; A Good Woman is all about?

My Story, which is entitled "A Good Woman" is about an attractive, accomplished single woman who meets the man that she has been waiting for through an online dating service. Once Kayla realizes that she has fallen for Jeff, she is determined to be a good woman and keep him.

 

Paperback: 334

Publisher: Brown Girls Books

Language: English

ISBN-13: 978-1625176745

Click here to purchase from Amazon

Click hereto 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?

The one club that can get me on the floor is "Wobble" by V.I.C.!! "Wobble baby wobble baby wobble baby wobble"!

If your short story was turned into a made for TV movie, who would you want to play the roles?

If my story was a made-for-tv movie, I would want Nia Long as "Kayla" and Malik Yoba to play Jeff.

Is this your first published work? If no, please tell us your other works. How does it feel to be a published author?

I have had poetry published in a local newspaper here in Memphis. This is only the 2nd short story that I have ever written and my first publication of fiction! It feels wonderful to be published. It also makes me feel a bit of self-imposed pressure. I can't stop because I have been published once. I have to keep moving and become an even better writer.

What are you currently reading?

I am currently reading "What Alice Forgot" by Liane Moriarty and "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho.

Are you working on anything new?

I am working on my first book of fiction about the interconnectedness of women who are searching for love, peace, and happiness. I am also working on a non-fiction book related to Nursing.

How can readers stay connected to you?

I am on Twitter @niazayid15, and Facebook as Tania Renee Zayid.

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.