Interview with Russel Blake

Over the past 3 decades, Russel Blake has established himself as a professional musician, concert soloist, educator, and author. He carries on the musical legacy of his father, Latin musical great Alexander Blake, and his brother, world renowned jazz bassist, Alex Blake. At the foundation of all of his success is Russel’s impeccable composition, theoretical and musical arrangement skills; all of which are self-taught. As a public speaker, Mr. Blake eloquently conveys a message of personal empowerment and all-encompassing hope. In a remarkably refined manner he captivated crowds, young and old, by condensing his wealth of musical knowledge, his spiritual resolve, and a genuine love for humanity into a series of inspiring and insightful lecture topics. To date, he has shared his talents in 65 countries, on five continents, held the title of ‘Adjunct Professor’ at five universities across the country where he has shared his creation, “The Universal Language Music History & Cultural Program” with a variety of audiences from Elementary through High School, Colleges and Universities, Senior Centers, Prisons, Hospitals and Military Installations about the history of Music. Russel Blake currently holds over 432 pieces within his repertoire encompassing Classical, Spanish Classical, Traditional Jazz, Brazilian, Opera, Latin & Blues music idioms. He performs works from Mozart, Beethoven, Segovia, Albeniz, Cole Porter, Gershwin, Monk, Jobim, Stevie Wonder & Elton John. Mr. Blake has earned the opportunity to accompany and record with several music giants such as Sonny Rollins, Pharoah Sanders, Hugh Masakela, Cybil Shepherd, Chaka Khan, Harry Belafonte, El Gran Combo, Wynton Marsalis, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and has enjoyed playing as the exclusive bassist for The Lion King, Dream Girls, Angie Stone, Brenda Russell, Mary Mary, to name a few. Among his highest achievements was his appointment by the U.S. State Department to perform as an Ambassador of Goodwill to Eight West African Nation’s, and was also contracted by the U.S. Department of Defense to lecture on the symbiotic nature of Science and Music for DARPA’s (Defense Advanced Research Agency) International Conference. Most recently, Russel Blake authored Proverbs 31: The Virtuous Black Woman Volume 1, in which he communicates the precious and priceless value of Black Women, the right for all women to be treated with unwavering respect and dignity, and the seeds of reverence to be sown by virtue of changing perception one community at a time.

(1) Tell us about Proverbs 31: The Virtuous Black Woman.  What led you to write this book?

The book is the first installment of a three volume series with Volume 1 being authored in dedication to Black Women.

It is 50 pieces of non-fiction with several fictional stories included, composed in a Book Of Psalms/Song of Solomon love lettered form of writing. Each piece addresses an issue pertinent to Black Women. For example, the piece entitled “Masculinity”, addresses the plague of physical, emotional and psychological abuse our women are experiencing at the hands of men and subsequently builds them up with the encouraging truth of who they are and their better tomorrow.

In beholding an incessant barrage of negative portrayals and depictions of Black Women in the media here and abroad, I took up arms with pen in hand to refute the stereotypes, rebuke the lies and restore the rightful truths indigenous to the essence of Black Women. It is the inherent historical, present and future responsibility of every Black Man to defend the Women of his community regardless of what source her enemies originate from.

(2) Who are you trying to reach out to in Proverbs 31:VBW?

In addition to the target audience of Black Women, my hope is for all peoples, especially the Men of our community to reflect within themselves and re-evaluate the vital importance that Black Women have historically and significantly contributed to both our Family and to humanity.

In so doing, we raise our consciousness to be a catalyst for truth, thereby setting emotions to thoughts, thoughts to words and then words to action in challenging every identified threat to the perception of Black Women. As Men, we can then easily segue and share our earnest love and appreciation of God, our children and ourselves for our tomorrows, through loving the beautiful and virtuous Black Women in our lives today.

(3) What was the process like in writing Proverbs 31:VBW and in getting the book published?

No change of significance can ever take place without revolution. In my Spirit an uprising took place to confront the invisible regime of bigotry, misogyny and falsehoods oppressively perpetuated against the Women of our community via the media and institutionalized entities. I am a self-published author due to what amenities availed itself to me at the time of my completed manuscript.

(4) What kind of feedback have you received?

I am humbled by the national and international response and attention to this work. It has resonated with people from all walks of life, religions and ethnic groups. I was contacted recently by a Woman who happened to be white, and in praising the book stated that she wished a white man would have written a work that bestowed honor and uplifted the women of her community in such a positive way.

(5) With “Volume 1″ in the title, what can we expect in your next book?

The next work in the series will be titled, “Proverbs 31:The Virtuous Woman Volume II.” Just as a Rose is not the singular flower in every garden, the quality of virtue is not limited solely to Black Women. Therefore in honoring Women of all ethnic groups, volume II expounds upon the theme to encourage the love, appreciation and reverence of their blessed existence and significant contribution to humanity.

Press Release: Eclectic Life Books Exhibiting at the Los Angeles Black Book Exposition Saturday, August 20, 2011

Press Release — Book Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: (August 12, 2011)

Eclectic Life Books Exhibiting at the Los Angeles Black Book Exposition Saturday, August 20, 2011

Los Angeles, CA– Author Cherise Charleswell, President of Eclectic Life Books will be exhibiting at the annual Los Angeles Black Book Expo. Ms. Charleswell will be there to debut her book, Real Talk TIPS: Laugh-Out-Loud Pointers & Suggestions For The Morally Challenged, Socially Inept, & The People Who Love Them.

The Los Angeles Black Book Expo is being held on Saturday August 20, 2011 from 10AM to 6PM, inside the Los Angeles Convention Center #403. The LA Convention Center is located at 1201 S. Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015.

The book, just published in May 2011, is a non-traditional, sassy, tongue-in-cheek, and painfully honest self help guide and workbook for the morally challenged and socially inept members of society; as well as those who want to improve on their quality of life. The Adinkra image that graces the book’s cover is called “Mate masie” and it loosely translates to “What I hear, I keep”. The book draws on my experience as a West Indian child, where wisdom was often imparted as a series of “old time” sayings, tips, and proverbs; leaving one to interpret the true meaning and come to their own conclusion and understanding.

The book has always garnered the following praises and reviews:

“Cherise Charleswell is a fresh and funny young voice with wisdom for the ages. The author takes aim at the morally challenged, the socially inept and everyone else and skewers them to hilarious new heights. Highly recommend. ”
Robyn McGee
 Author and Educator at California State University Dominguez Hills

“Bug in your ear wisdom, you have lint in your hair or you missed a

button. A good read intent on being more cautious of our attitudes

behavior and Appearence. Whimsical light hearted Examanation

of pop culture from a concerned sister prospective. Real Talk Tips

Is full of timeless tips, Critiques, and Compliments. Noteworthy

Thoughtful solutions , tuff love with a hug. Its Funny Bitterly

Honest The way family is. A must read for all ages that actually

builds self esteem and self worth.”

Yawo Watts

Writer, Poet, Spoken Word Artist

CONTACT:
Contact Person: Cherise Charleswell
Company Name: Eclectic Life
Voice Phone# 818-521-8422
Email Address: eclecticlifediva@yahoo.com
Website: www.createspace.com/3550362

Interview with Lutishia Lovely

Lutishia Lovely will be appearing at the Leimert Park Village Book Fair on Saturday, June 25. Lutishia Lovely is the bestselling author of the popular Hallelujah Love Series which includes Sex In The Sanctuary, Reverend Feelgood and Heaven Forbid. A professional writer for more than a decade, she made the leap from stage and screenplays with a children’s book before writing her first full-length novel of contemporary fiction. The first book in her new series, All Up In My Business, is out now and she’s just completed her fourteenth work. Six are romances penned by her alter-ego, Zuri Day. Lutishia resides in wine country, between LA and San Diego, and in her spare time loves to create delicious, vegetarian cuisine for family and friends. She also enjoys sports, the arts, travel, and most of all hearing from readers. Contact her at www.LutishiaLovely.com.

(1) How does it feel to be a full-time writer? Are you living the dream?

Every day I get to wake up and do what I love! I set my own schedule, work from the comforts of my home office, and basically have only due lines as my taskmasters. I work hard, but then I get to play hard. Which means that while I’m working today, Sunday, and will be working through all weekends in July and most of August, I’ll also be taking a month off at the end of the year and heading to Costa Rica! Add to that a fabulous team that includes editor Selena James and agent Natasha Kern and what you get is a woman who doesn’t take any of this for granted and who feels blessed to be living the dream!

(2) What have you learned since your first novel was published? How about after you had your first taste of success?

I’ve learned so many things and the lessons continue! Like many industries, publishing is continually changing and one has to absorb as much information as possible to stay at the top of their game. But specifically since publishing my first novel I’ve learned that the “high class hustle” continues; that just because you’ve got five, ten, fifteen books out there doesn’t mean you can sit back and relax. You’ve got to network, promote, and interact with fans to stay visible in a sea swimming with thousands of authors. Most importantly, you’ve got to keep putting out great product. You can’t depend on last year’s well-reviewed book for tomorrow’s sales. When people ask me what’s my favorite book I always answer, “my next one!”

For me, I felt successful from the time I held my first novel, Sex In The Sanctuary, in my hands. I published it independently and as anyone in this biz will tell you, self-publishing is hard work…not for the faint of heart! But all of the blood, sweat and tears was well worth it, especially when publishing that novel led to a book deal the following year.

(3) How have your readers supported your works, especially when you cross church and romance together?

From the beginning, I knew that mixing spirituality and sexuality would be controversial, but I also knew it would be “real talk.” I’m a PK (preacher’s kid), grew up in church, and for many years was intimately involved in various denominations and congregations – from the small town, 50-member church to mega-churches boasting 15,000 members. While these novels are works of fiction, most of the storylines are pulled from real life situations that I’ve witnessed first-hand. That said, I didn’t write this series to make any type of statement. I just want to tell great stories about relationships that involve real characters and real situations. And that’s what I’ve done.

Fortunately, I am blessed to have a large, strong core of readers for the Hallelujah Love series; it’s one of the reasons I’m still a major part of this game. Many of these supporters are pastors, elders, first ladies, and leaders of women’s fellowships, and many don’t go to church at all. The readership is a mix: Black, White, gay, straight, Christian, other. They’ve all kept reading this somewhat controversial combo and that has allowed me to keep writing about these fabulously flawed characters and congregations. So much so that book number seven, Divine Intervention, drops next year with plans for more to follow!

An unexpected blessing has come from this series also. Women and men are feeling free to talk about topics in a more real, less religious way – to discuss in church settings what we’re talking about on the phone! The outline from the Sanctity of Sisterhood (SOS) Summit, a conference that’s put on by the ladies of SITS (Sex In The Sanctuary) has been used by several women’s groups throughout the country and I just found out that several SOS Conferences have sprung up as well!

(4) New novels, new themes? Tell us about your latest book series, and your short stories.

I’m very excited about the Business Trilogy: three books about a hard-working, close-knit soul food dynasty where sizzling scandal and delicious loving is always on the menu. Again, I’m writing what I know, having come from a line of southern cooks whose meals make you want to slap somebody! All Up In My Business is the first novel and is available now. The second, Mind Your Own Business, drops in September and book three, Taking Care Of Business, comes out in the spring of next year. My first novella, Wanted: You, appeared in the anthology CRUSH, with Michele Grant and Cydney Rax. I love writing short stories and networking with other authors. It’s a fantastic way to cross-promote and gain new readers.

My romance writing alter-ego, Zuri Day, is busy as well. Her first novella, Too Hot To Handle, dropped last month alongside veteran writers Donna Hill and Niobia Bryant in a book called Heat Wave. Her newest release, Lovin’ Blue, is out now. It’s about a tree-hugging, peace-loving vegan who falls for a meat-and-potatoes badass cop. Her last release of the year, Love In Play, drops in December.

(5) Of the characters that you have given us, are there any favorites?

I must say that I’m in love with several of my male leads, yes, even the married ones! I love Derrick Montgomery’s love and loyalty, King Brooks’ swagger, everything about heartthrob Cy Taylor and about the fantastically flawed but utterly lovable Reverend Feelgood, otherwise known as Nate Thicke. We don’t read much about “seasoned” citizens and I’ve really enjoyed writing in the voice of 70-something Mama Max, her husband, Obadiah Brook, and their long-time nemesis, Dorothea Bates. Old folks need love too, and often have drama to go along with it!

(6) How can readers contact you, and get more information about your work?

I LOVE hearing from readers and respond personally to every email. Hit me up at LutishiaLovely.com and check Zuri out at ZuriDay.com. Please, and thank you! And Eric, thanks so much for the chat. I really enjoyed it.

Interview with Mercedes Brown

Mercedes Brown will be appearing at the Leimert Park Village Book Fair on Saturday, June 25.

Mercedes Tidmore Brown is a California native, born and reared in Long Beach, California. She attended Long Beach City College and California State University Dominquez Hills, where she received a B.A. degree in philosophy and a certificate in Alcohol and Drug Counseling.. She received a Master of Science degree in Community Counseling Psychology from Springfield College of Los Angeles, California. She is currently attending California State University Dominquez Hills, studying to become a licensed marriage and family therapist.

Mercedes, turns her pain into passion, and ultimately to freedom. The freedom from the shames that mothers feel when their child is incarceration. The author becomes transparent as she pens her memoir, sharing the pain of three generations of women in her own family who had a child behind the prison wall.

Mercedes desire is to help others whose soul is incarcerated when their loved ones are incarcerated. She wants to teach other women how to get their life back and triumph over all adversities. Mercedes is utilizing her education in marriage, family and therapy to help others to seek their purpose while pushing beyond their pain. She is available for workshops and seminars on the subject matter.

For more information, review copies, or interviews please contact the author at:
Email: mrcdswllms@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.asoulincarcerated.com

(1) How did you go about writing and producing A Soul Incarcerated? Who are your target readers?

For the past three years I have been a student in the marriage and family therapy program at CSUDH. Some of the chapters in the book are actually assignments (vignettes) that I had to write on my relationships. The poetry and prayers were written years ago during stages of my souls’ incarceration. As a family member who has been impacted by incarceration this memiors was compiled to encourage others who are facing simular challenges and situations, and to erase the stigma of the shame and guilt associated with the incarceration of a loved one. The targeted readers are the communities who have family members incarcerated, individuals who have been abused and/or who have felt isolated, and the constituents and shareholders of the incarcerated.

(2) What did you do to get help in producing the book? Did you get help from readers and colleagues?

I went to Dr. Rosie Milligan for consultation and advice. She worked very closely with me in helping me to compile the contents of the book, as well as the publishing of the book.

(3) What are your plans for A Soul Incarcerated?

My plans for A Soul Incarcerated is to share my story with the global communities and to let them know they are not alone. There are 2.4 million families who are impacted by incarceration and we need to have an open dialogue about the subject, especially in the churches. My desire is to help others whose soul is incarcerated and teach others how to triump over adversities. I also have plans to write a series of “A Soul Incarcerated” on different subjects and issues.

(4) What is on your bookshelf? What have you read lately that you’d like to share?

I have a wide variety of books on the shelves. From ancient civilization to art, psychology, religion and much more. I’m currently reading “The Value In The Valley” by Iyanla Vanzant.

Interview with Pretty Tony

Pretty Tony offers an urban perspective to the age-old quest of men trying to understand women by first examining themselves with honesty. His first two novels, “Playaology” and “Playa Step Your Game Up” sent ripples throughout the community as his ‘keep it real’ street logic laid it bare. With “Who is she & What is she to you?,” Pretty Tony emerges as a seasoned street master decoding ultimate truths, bring hip hop flavor to the never ending questions men really have about women. He lends great insight from the mindset of a self professed “womanizer” with a perspective that is still relevant to everyday relationships.

Interview with Shakara Cannon

Shakara Cannon will be appearing at the Leimert Park Village Book Fair on Saturday, June 25.

Shakara Cannon developed her love for writing during her childhood years, writing stories to read to her family at bed time. As she honed her skills, Shakara steadily gained notoriety in high school writing stories that surprised her teachers. She further developed her passion for writing at California State University, Northridge, double majoring in English and Business with a minor in Psychology. Later, writing fiction grew from hobby to therapy after the loss of her daughter’s father.

Shakara’s talent for creating colorful, sexy, and humorous characters, coupled with relative, relatable, and controversial topics brings her novels to life. Each page has you thirsting to know what happens next!

More information can be found at www.shakaracannon.com.

Interview with Dr. Lottie Perkins

Dr. Lottie Perkins will be appearing at the Leimert Park Village Book Fair on Saturday, June 25.

Dr. Lottie Perkins is a registered nurse, Certified Natural Wellness consultant, author, and a motivational speaker with over 40 years being a prominent voice in the field of health. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in nursing, a master’s degree in Health Administration, and a Doctorate Degree in Alternative Healing.

A successful entrepreneur of 30 years, Dr. Lottie is the CEO/President of Perkins Enterprises, Health Consultation and training which provides: healthy lifestyle consultation and coaching, continuing education for health professionals, and consultation to health care agencies.

The Underbelly by Gary Phillips

Interview with G. M. Cummings

G. M. Cummings is a divorced mother of four beautiful, children. A nurse for over 25 years, she is an anointed singer , songwriter, and worship leader. She enjoys anything artistic such as cooking, interior decorating, and fashion design. Currently she is busy promoting her book and CD “Stay”. She resides in Inglewood, CA.

A work that was 10 years in the making, A Promise of Fidelity is G. M. Cummngs‘ first novel.

1. Tell us about A Promise of Fidelity and the inspirations behind it.
   

   A Promise Of Fidelity is about the power of God to deliver from the grips of witchcraft. It was inspired by a dream that I had one night about a millionaire playboy who suddenly awakens in a New Orleans hospital following a freak accident. He soon discovers someone is out to get him. He is aided by 5 beautiful nurses who become his friends. He vows to change his scandalous ways but finds out his only hope of survival is in God, who he really does not care to know.

    

2. From those inspirations, how do you go about creating and developing your characters and your plot? Was it difficult?
   The characters and plot were based on my dream. I simply expanded it. Some of the situations were inspired by real life as well. The characters came to life after I lived with them for 4 months. That’s how long it took to finish the book.
    
3. Is writing easy for you? Have you published other items before?
   This book was very easy to write and so much fun! My friends inspired me by reading along as I wrote. This is my first novel.
   
    
4. What was the process like in preparing the book to be published?
   

   I wrote this book 10 years ago. Six months ago, a friend found the script and started reading it to me. It came alive again inside me. I knew in my spirit, God was saying “Publish it now! No more excuses!” He led me to people who took interest and helped me out. Dr. Rosie Milligan, a black publisher, told me to self-publish and she would guide me along. Then, God miraculously provided the funds for me to do so. I had to do a lot of proofreading and corrections. Then the book was evaluated by Dr. Milligan. Once she okay’ed all the changes then it was edited. The cover design was suggested by a friend who thought that picture of me would give it “shelf appeal.” Then, it was off to the formatting and printing. This all took about 5 months.

    

5. What has the feedback been like?
   Most people say they can’t put the book down! At least ten have told me that they read it in 2 days. Some are suggesting that there should be a sequel. The book is very sexy, intriguing and exciting (if I say so myself.) (smile)
   
    
6. What are you doing to market and promote your books?
   I am doing a commercial for radio as well as web-commercials. I am hitting the warm market assisted by friends — book clubs, book signings, passing out postcards, Facebook. I am also doing a website which is still under construction.
   
    
7. Any plans for a next project?
   I am on chapter eight of my next book, Destiny Delayed. This is the story of a middle-aged woman who is asking herself the question, have I missed my chance to make it big because of so many mistakes and wrong choices? She feels God is saying it’s not too late, and then watches in awe as God performs the impossible in her life.

   There will be a sequel to A Promise of Fidelity — I’m naming it St. Vincents Place. All of the main characters will appear in this book. It will be just as sultry and sexy. Katrina Collins will be dealing with the issue of temptation in the work place when the doctor she works with falls madly in love with her.
   
    

8. What are your favorite reads? What books are your shelves?
   Favorite reads? Inspirational books like “A Purpose Driven Life.” Honestly, I do not consider myself an avid reader. I am a hopeless romantic so when I choose a novel it usually because of the romance aspect. I am a very spiritual person, gifted you might say. I have dreams that come true and on occasion I see visions so spiritual books are particularly interesting.

   I consider the book A Promise of Fidelity to be inspiring because it deals with real issues about sex infidelity and Gods power to deliver from witchcraft.

Interview with Hall-Crews

Hall-Crews, a native of Tampa, Florida, began writing short stories as a hobby in 1975. Ms. Crews was recently inspired to write GFB Grown Fokes Bidniss in her mother’s memory, thus commemorating her mom’s knack for making lemonade from life’s lemons. This is Hall-Crews’ first published work. Her future plans include publishing her second novel, Tea With Aunt Lizzie.

The author has earned several degrees at University of Florida and University of South Florida. Although she enjoyed a long and rewarding career as a public school educator and administrator, Hall-Crews now devotes her time to the writing profession. She is happily married to Douglas Crews.

1. You have been writing short stories for some time. What led you to write a novel?
   After hearing little bits and pieces of some ancient family GFB (grown folks business), a story began to churn inside my belly–at times, it was downright distracting! The longer I toyed with the idea of actually putting together the plots and developing the characters, the more I yearned to put my thoughts down on paper. It was clear from the beginning that a short story would never do justice to the kind of tale I wanted to write.
    
2. How was the process of writing a novel? What were the most rewarding and difficult elements?
   Metaphorically speaking, writing a novel is like taking the l-o-n-g scenic route to a destination. The author gets to take his or her own sweet time to build the main plot as well as develop the supporting plots that make up the story.

   Somewhat difficult, yet tremendously rewarding was the process of folding into the story a number of obvious and subtle historical elements. While writing GFB, many long gone historical treasures were discovered as I excavated pertinent information from the internet, interviews, old newspaper articles, and books. The main reasons for including these facts in GFB were manifold: To add a measure of authenticity; to capture nuances of African-American life in the south at that time; to write a story with a message relevant for today, though contained within the developmental constraints of the 1950’s time period; and to portray lifestyles and backdrops specific to the Tampa Bay area.

   I found the most difficult part of the writing process to be remembering to keep consistent the little elements of the story . . . like peculiar traits and sayings of some of the characters, names of places where things happened, and small, but important, details disclosed in previous chapters. For example, over the eighteen months of writing GFB, every time the action of the storyline took me to the church house, I inadvertently switched the name from Mount Zion Church to New Zion Church or First Community Church. It was almost as if that particular house of worship was going through an identity crisis of sorts. Likewise, Betty Jo Lawrence, one of the supporting characters, was sometimes Betty Lee Johnson, and the local newspaper, the Tampa Courier, was occasionally dubbed the Tampa Bulletin. Of course, these name variations were corrected through the editing process, but remaining consistent with names and small details is one of the trickier aspects of the lengthy novel writing process.
    

3. As a former educator, did you call upon any experiences?  How much do your personal experiences reflect in your books?
   As an administrator of an elementary performing arts school, I authored many musical dramas for various student performances. Without a doubt, this ongoing experience helped me to become very proficient at writing believable characters and interesting storylines.

   In regards to personal experiences, the prologue of GFB is nothin’ but truth. The plots are indeed grown from crumbs of hot gossip I picked up while eavesdropping during my childhood. So, throughout this novel, much liberty was taken with a few dollops of hearsay. I admittedly blurred so many lines and embellished the truth to such an extent, it’s hard to say where facts end and fiction begins.
    

4. Is writing easy for you?  Or, do you have to enforce a discipline to write, to review, to re-write?
   Writing a novel takes a lot more discipline than writing a short story or one act play. For years, I thought about writing a book, I talked about it, but I didn’t actually start writing until my brother gave me a wonderful piece of advice. He said, “Write a little bit everyday…even if it’s only one word.” Now that was certainly doable. So, with that wise counsel, I set out writing a little bit of GFB each day. Sometimes two or three chapters were written, sometimes two or three words. But, without fail, for eighteen months, every single day, something was put in black and white.
    
5. How do you go about creating your characters and your plots?  What inspires you — Do you start with characters or with a plot?
   

   Once I have a sketchy plan for the A storyline, the characters are next. To make the tale convincing and appealing, I believe characters should have distinct personalities with somewhat predictable behaviors. When I write, oftentimes my characters are modeled after interesting people I grew up with or folks I have met here and there. One of my majors in college was psychology, so I’ve spent years observing people’s quirks—you know, the uncle who chews his tongue when he’s worried or the aunt who giggles even when she’s thirty-eight hot. Some people have signature dialect or phraseology. In GFB Grown Fokes Bidniss, Gramma Mae frequently emphasizes her opinion by adding, “B’lieb dat!”

   Surprisingly enough, many people fall into very apparent personality types—sassy, timid, boisterous, bossy, edgy, fun-loving, obsessive, spontaneous, easygoing, etc. I like to take personality traits such as these, and then add a few oddities and habits, to create a very colorful cast of characters. Consequently, most people reading my stories or plays will “know somebody just like” this or that character in my writings.

   I’m inspired by dreams, slivers of gossip, interesting incidences, or make believe scenarios in my head. Once I’m primed with one of these, my imagination takes off by pulling together a primary plot. The little side plots take much more mental energy.
    

6. Do you have a favorite character?  Will we be seeing more of that character in your books?
   Hands down, my favorite character in GFB Grown Fokes Bidniss is Gramma Mae. She is a classic—everybody’s big mouth, opinionated, Ebonics talkin’, “Big Mamma” . . . the one who says what’s on her mind and yours, too! Of course, Gramma Mae, aka Mae Mason, will have an opinion or two to be heard in my upcoming novel, Tea with Aunt Lizzie.
    
7. What are your plans for your next project?
   My next project, Tea with Aunt Lizzie, is about the evolution of an unlikely companionship which begins when a cantankerous old aunt extends an invitation for tea to a niece with a troublesome angst of the elderly. To the niece’s surprise, the episodic tea parties with her aunt are more than occasions to sip flavored teas and eat crustless sandwiches. Indeed, it is during these times that Aunt Lizzie meticulously spins a most revealing tale of her life and her frowned upon relationship with a man more than ten years her junior.
    
8. What are you doing to market and promote your books?
   
   Promoting my book has been a venture in and of itself. GFB Grown Fokes Bidniss, my first novel, was launched in late June 2009 with my publishing company sending almost 300 personalized emails to announce my new book and to direct potential buyers to my website. A couple of months later, I hosted a book signing party in an old cigar factory here in Tampa’s historic Ybor City. This was an effective catalyst for interviews, photos, and articles in the largest Black newspaper in the Tampa Bay area, the Florida Sentinel Bulletin. A local bookstore hookup has also been an upshot from the party.

   The internet has been a great source for stirring up interest in my book, too. My niece and my brother, who are both tech and business savvy, have helped me set up a Twitter account, another website (Hallcrews.com), You Tube recordings, and a blog (which was used mostly to chronicle my book signing event). I have also written a couple of e-articles to promote interest in GFB Grown Fokes Bidniss.

   My publisher, Eloquent Books, will be promoting my book in upcoming book fairs. There’s one soon in London and another in New York in the springtime.

   Then, there’s good old fashioned word of mouth! It’s amazing how word travels when it comes to a good book with relatable characters and an engaging plot.
    

9. How much input do you get from your fans and critics? Do they influence your writing?
   My fans have helped out tremendously. As a matter of fact, a couple of trusted and brutally frank friends, who are also avid fiction fans, agreed to read GFB as I pumped it out, chapter by chapter. This was helpful on many levels. First, it gave me immediate feedback along the way. Second, if after reading a couple of chapters, my friends were left scratching their heads in confusion, an immediate assessment was done before moving forward. Lastly, having these readers gave me a chance to participate in book chats which sometimes impacted a few aspects of the action in the story.

   GFB’s primary storyline is a love triangle between Ben Cash (eligible bachelor and local entrepreneur), who cunningly uses his charm to pursue Gerry Withers (a gullible, young, married woman) while her husband, Sergeant John Withers, is away fighting in the Korean War. After reading the novel, GFB fans have voiced opinions that are strong, but very diverse. These views confirm that I have successfully written characters who “feel” like real people and a storyline that seems authentic to the readers. Also, the most frequent comment made by GFB fans is, “I can’t wait for the sequel!
    

10. Tell us about some of your favorite experiences from your signings and interviews.  (We’re hoping this one will rank up there, too!)
    The book signing party in the old cigar factory gave me a chance to introduce GFB to the Tampa Bay Area, get together with fans and friends, and to bring in a nice harvest of sales. The ambiance cast by the venue, the 50’s style entertainment, GFB themed decor, and the scrumptious spread of soul food, made it a night to remember.

    Likewise, I’m extremely appreciative and excited to have this chance to interview with a quality website like Books of Soul. The questions set forth by the interviewer are certainly provocative enough to make me lay a finger against my brow and go, “Hmmm . . .,” with deep reflection about my writing. This definitely hits the top spot as my favorite interview experience.
     

11. What are your favorite reads or authors?  What books are on your shelves?
    Amazingly enough,although I write fiction, my general reading preferences have been professional, non-fiction, and motivational books. A blast from the past on my bookshelf is Richard Wright’s, Black Boy. Most recently, writings of President Barack Obama, like The Audacity of Hope, have been a great inspiration.

    I’m also a big fan of old classics like Theodore Dreiser’s human drama, An American Tragedy. The plot of this work, with its twists, turns, suspense, and surprises is masterful.

    As a book collector, I like to scour used book stores and antique shops for first edition and author signed books. This practice has brought to my shelves a wide range of authors and books of every kind—from brightly illustrated pop-up books to 19th century poetry books.