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Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Get to Know Michael McGrew


Bobbi Williams dreamed his way to the top not taking “No” for an answer. From street hustler to a successful conman, he finds himself lost and confused when his best friend/sister is murdered in cold blood.
Now doing a six year bid for a string of robberies he is friends with his late-sister’s boyfriend James. They plan their way back to the top together. When Bobbi is released from Atlanta State Penitentiary with a lot to prove and a legal hustling game plan, his life begins to take a successful turn for the worst.
Starting with James’ fiancĂ©, Jennifer, recognizing that she is his kind of girl. Bobbi has it all: the money, fame, a fantasy and a family until his past and a little karma catches up to him. My Kinda Girl is a tale that travels deep in the mind of a man with secrets that manifest into problems, too hard to live with, and death is the only way out!

Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write My Kinda Girl?

Michael McGrew: I got the idea for my novel one day when I was accompanied by a close friend of mine. He happened to invite me to the beach with some lady friends of his. After a couple of drinks and a lot of socializing, I became interested in one of the women whom seemed to be my buddy’s girl. It was something about her that captured me. With my standards, feelings like that were rare.
I am a man of principle. With that being said, I battled with myself temporarily because I was tempted to come on to her anyway. Fortunately, I chose to abide by my principles and decided to honor my friendship but always wondered how far could I have went with her before I got caught!

What sets My Kinda Girl apart from other novels in its genre?

MM: Well, a lot of male authors try to write from a woman’s perspective, and I think that’s great. On the other hand, women are captivated by a man’s point of view and need to understand that we are logical thinkers and not emotional. I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel but only elaborate extensively and creatively with my gripping and unique style of writing.


As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to My Kinda Girl getting out to the public?

MM: The keys to my success is the passion that I have for my lifestyle. I wouldn’t call what I do a hobby or craft but just what it is, and that’s a lifestyle. I understand that hard work is involved in every success story. I plan to continue my growth as a father, business man and role model in my own right. as a self published author, i market and promote my own work and it seems to work for me. I have my hands in a lot of ventures and consider myself a writer and not just an author.

As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish My Kinda Girl?

MM: It took me four months to write my first novel and three months to write my second. I also wrote a movie script in two months and I’m getting better as I come along. I would say that my estimated time to complete a novel would be two to three months.

What’s next for Michael McGrew?
MM: Next I plan to complete my third novel by the end of the year at least, if not earlier. i'm also a story editor for a reality show in Los Angeles and writing four teenage novels due to be released in the spring of '10. Networking with the right people will ultimately land me where I need to be. My only motivation is being a role model for my son. I have tremendous plans and my progress is very impressive.

Michael Mcgrew can be described in one word, “Visionary”. Naturally born with a storytelling gift, writing a gripping novel is a walk in the park for this Los Angeles native. When asked about his role models and inspiration growing up, he simply explained that “life itself and what it offers in every breath of fresh air that we inhale is worth being documented.” He is a very diverse individual with a mind that invites the reality in which we choose to either accept or ignore. We can’t ignore the world in which we live but reading about it is healthier than participating in it.

Born and raised in the south side of Los Angeles, CA, Michael Mcgrew’s early life is testimony that represents the epitome of struggle and relates to many success stories heard daily. After dropping out of the eleventh grade to raise his son, he experienced hardships like most inner city dwellers, trying his hand in various middle class ventures in an attempt to make a name for himself. Later he picked up a job working as a lighting technician for B.E.T and it didn’t take long for him to discover his interest in script writing. Michael Mcgrew is an ambitious and clever writer who has clearly overcame many obstacles and experienced what urban literature depicts; and is even being compared to the late literary legends Donald Goines and Iceberg Slim for his first person views and ability to capture the essence of suspenseful entertainment. “My Kinda Girl” is his first novel and is currently working on his third, due to be released in March of ’10.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Summer Tours with ShaniQ


Beneath My Stilettos is about a remarkable young woman, Zafinah Marie Hembree, a woman who makes up in her mind that she is not going to allow a dreadful past to hinder her journey in life. From birth, she was said to be a curse because of things her grandparents and parents did. Who said it? Her aunt Joy, who was a woman of God, saw the condemnation of God above the love and restoration of God. She truly believed Zafinah's life was unworthy.

At only a few months old, Zafinah ended up in a foster home. Like any child would, she wanted to know what happened to her parents. She had bits and pieces of information but she needed more to complete the puzzle. For a while, she wondered until she fell in love with Chino, a young career criminal. In the beginning, Chino is sufficient to fill the void until his lifestyle is fully revealed. The void that was once filled became empty again.

No longer did she wonder about her parents, she set out to search for her parents only to have her heart broken. It was not until she ended up in jail, of course for something Chino had much to do with, that she was given access to the truth. Many times, we want to sweep things under the rug, we do not want to face the truth, but Zafinah who is a courageous young woman wants to know. By the way, she has this thing for Stilettos.

If we would take the time to just hear truth, which sometimes arrive in the darkest moment, when we sit still and listen, we gain access to freedom. When we face our fears and decide to conquer the evil that has threatened us or that had been spoken over us, then we are allowed full access to overcome. Zafinah uncovers generational truth in this journey.

Excerpt

Everything occurred shortly after the spring of 1979. The church bell rang profoundly as all the members of Mt. Tabor gleefully made their entrance. Men were accompanied by their wives while children skipped about playfully along their side. The well-mannered youths knew it was wise to tame the mischievous behavior once they entered through the doors that led to a paradise where veneration was to take place. All unnecessary acts were silenced upon the sudden entrance of the elders. One could discover complete order in this ripe ministry. It had been that way from day one. You did not find many broken families in this powerful ministry either. Whatever the case was, the members seemed to have always maintained a buoyant attitude, it was unmovable. Even the widows sang hymns with joy, they knew with all their hearts God was in the midst. Yes, they poured gracefully through the doors with their sophisticated suits, women represented with their wide brim hats and for many, showing off elegantly coifed hair was necessary. They believed if at any time they should look especially best, that time would be Sunday morning. Not to impress each other, but they wanted to look their best for the One who provided consistently.
At Mt. Tabor, they believed God was the One who made provisions where they could live in such a way that they did. In the congregation sat business owners, doctors, lawyers, best-selling authors, not an ounce of reason for jealousy. They weren’t merely excited about the newly renovated thirty-year-old structure. Cheerfulness covered the atmosphere because of their attitude of expectation. The members were eager to discover which sermon the most reverent Pastor in the community, Pastor Clifford D. McRae III, would dish out on Sunday. The fifty-two year old elite had picked up where his father, Pastor Clifford McRae II had left off three years ago after his father suffered an atrocious stroke leaving him partially paralyzed. It wasn’t enough to stop him, but the eighty-three year old figured that was God’s way of telling him it was time to pass on the responsibility of overseeing ministerial affairs to his only son. Not that Pastor McRae II wasn’t a fiery preacher himself, but Lord, his son, MY GOD, MY GOD… that Pastor McRae III knew how to deliver the Word with a fire that swept through every pew, shook the musicians, blew on the ushers, even stunned the children to an attentive silence.
Everyone was so caught up in the spirit that they didn’t recognize the stained windows trembling. No, there was never a dull moment. He had an ability to keep those members coming for more without earnest solicitation. He was a servant who owned unrelenting power.
Pastor McRae III and his wife, Mrs. Betty McRae never refused to greet their congregation before service and they were always present following service seeing all off with warm wishes. It seemed neither of them was ever tired of the firm handshakes, saintly kisses on the cheek and heartfelt hugs. Pastor and First Lady McRae were always glowing exuberantly, never exhausted of the ongoing responsibility.
It was exactly one minute after eleven o’clock, Betty realized. “Pastor McRae, it’s time,” she whispered softly in his ear. Twenty-five years of marriage and he still found her whispers to be sensual, never failing to acquire his attention. He agreed easily with a nod.
“First Lady, would you and Pastor like for me to begin? It’s after eleven,” Sister Joy Sweeting, optimistically prompted. She was always willing to get praise and worship going. There was always a song in her heart.
“In a minute, Sister Joy,” Betty replied nicely. Joy understood with a smile before rhythmically strutting away. Betty McRae realized her husband’s sudden hesitation. He was in the middle of a pivot when he recognized the last three individuals to arrive. He couldn’t help noticing the charming beauties being escorted by an ever so graceful masculinity. It was the Hembrees, one of the most prominent families in Belleville.

Biography
ShaniQ has been recognized for being a creative and brilliant writer who produces original and delightful reads. She aspires to compose award-winning scripts for movie production. She wants readers to discover a unique flair that is uplifting as well as entertaining. She does not seek after one, but many genres. The author’s goal is to provide variation in her work including spirituality, romance, conflict, and a twist of comedy. She may even surprise you with some crime and passion.

ShaniQ currently lives in Miami, FL with her children

Interview with ShaniQ

1. When and why did you begin writing?
I began writing in book form when I was around twelve or thirteen years old. I can recall filling tablets up with stories I would imagine and sit for hours writing. Writing was and is entertaining to me.
2. When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I considered myself a writer from day one when I started. As I would always create stories that I envisioned being used for film production. I did not have an audience besides my family and a few friends then but in my heart, I believed I was a writer.
3. What inspired you to write your first book?
I had a sudden urge to take my writing further than my personal tablets. As I went back and forth to work, I would spend time just writing out constant ideas for stories. For a while, many of those stories were tossed out while cleaning or sitting catching dust. It dawned on me one day that I needed to record my literary works. Much of my writings were misplaced and I wanted to make sure that never happened again.
4. Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
In all of my writings, I want to give a positive message. With Beneath My Stilettos, I want readers to grasp that we choose our steps in life and it is up to us to choose our steps wisely. Our steps of belief are critical and come with consequence. As we journey through this life, we must know that we have a freedom to make a difference despite of what those before us may have done.
5. How much of the book is realistic?
Much of my works are from my imagination but comes as a result of real life incidents. The particular topic that led me to write Beneath My Stilettos is generational curses.
6. Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
The majority of the story reflects my imagination and there is a portion that reflects true experiences of someone I know.
7. Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
You can expect to be amused, surprised and receive a great deal of inspiration from this work, I sincerely hope all who pick up Beneath My Stilettos will enjoy it. It is not so much what people do or say, but what we ALLOW in to our minds and hearts that can make a difference. If you believe you are cursed, you will be cursed. If you believe that you are blessed, highly favored, with a gift of chance to make things right for you and your children, and loved by God beyond your faults, then it is so.

Author Site: http://www.shaniq.com/Home.html
Blogs: http://shaniqthewriter.blogspot.com/
Email: shaniq@shaniq.com

Monday, June 14, 2010

AAMBC Virtual Tours with Coach Kevin Brown


Author Kevin Brown tells an incredible true story in his novel From Ghetto to Greatness. The main character Jerome Green is based him. Brown was born into a picture perfect family until in 1972 his parents divorced. From there he bounced around California and found himself as a book smart, drug addict, and juvenile delinquent. Somehow he found his way out of the Ghetto and followed his path to greatness. Today he has earned well over a million dollars in corporate America.


He gave twelve years of exemplary service to the United States Air Force and California Air National Guard. While in the military, he earned degrees in Education and Electronic Systems. From there, he embarked on a career in telecommunications as an Engineer, Instructor, and Consultant for fortune 300 companies.


Brown's burning desire to uplift the lives' of individuals with similar backgrounds as his, led him to establish his company Brown Publishing and Seminars (BPS). BPS provides:
1. Success Coaching services to individual clients-Including Dedicated Athletes
2. Success Seminars
3. Book Publishing Services
Brown has a following of over 5000 online fans who logon to his various websites to read his sage advice on positive living.

While still managing his responsibilities as a Senior Technical Consultant, Brown also finds time to be an active member of ToastMasters International, The International Coach Federation, Georgia Coach Association, and other civic and professional organizations.


He is married to Nkemamaka (Kem) Okoye-Brown

The Book

Set in the late 1970's, Author Kevin "Coach" Brown's novel From Ghetto to Greatness is a masterpiece of storytelling that grabs the reader's attention from the very beginning. Once you are pulled into the protagonist's Jerome Green's world, you're whisked away with him through the perils ofteenage drug addiction and living life with no parental guidance.
You will be pulling for Jerome all the way. The plot is fresh and intriguing; as opposed to the trite storyline of "I sold drugs, I was in a gang, I went to jail, and now I want to save the world." The result of this brand new approach to urban literature is a book that is absolutely a must read for all.
It's just a wonderful story that will inspire you. It will make you laugh and sometimes want to cry. Brown paints his characters brilliantly as they all come to life and have a cumulative effect on Jerome Green's unsure future.

1. What genre do you consider yourself?
Urban Fiction

2. What do readers like most about your book? They like pulling for the underdog. The reason most people tell me they can't put the book down is because they want to know how the main character sorts everything out. They love the trip down memory lane, especially the music that is in the book. Others say they can relate to the story. Those who have never experienced ghetto life get a kick out of the stories and strange situations that are described in detail in the book.

3. Give us a synopsis of From Ghetto to Greatness
From Ghetto to Greatness is based on a true story. It is a coming of age story that takes place in Long Beach, California during the 1970’s. The main character Jerome Green is super smart boy who is engulfed in poverty, drugs, and crime. He survives bulletts flying past him, police brutality, a child molestor and an over-dose of Angel Dust. He tosses away several educational opportunities, before finally discovering a formula of behavior that will get him out of the ghetto and on a path toward greatness.

4. You say this is a true story. Is it based on your life?
Yes. I was completely addicted to marijuana at age 14 and I had already overdosed on Angel Dust by then. At the end of the 1st semmester of 10 grade, my GPA was a miserable .93. I had been arrested and gone to jail. Now I have made well over $1 million in corporate america as an Sale Engineer and IT Consultant.

5. What made you decide to become an author?
I had a story that had to be told. When I was going through the experiences that make up the storyline of the novel over thirty years ago, I vowed to myself to write a book about it. back then I was going to call it, Miraicle on 34th Street, since I lived on 34th Street and Santa Fe Ave in Long Beach, CA.

6. What do you enjoy most about being an author?
It gives me a platform in which to speak to youths and athletes. I'm a Success Coach. My book give me the credentials to tell my clients that if I overcame the ghetto, they can also overcome any challenge they are facing and that they can accomplish any worthy goal they desire.


7. Where can readers find your work?

www.Amazon.com or my website www.SuccessCoach4U.com. I am currently working with some great screen writers to turn From Ghetto to Greatness into a movie.


Contact info
Kevin "Coach" Brown
www.SuccessCoach4U.com
678-636-9755 Office Phone
10776 Ellicot Way
Johns Creek, Georgia 30022

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Get to Know Earnest Wingo


With the trials twenty-three-year-old Jasmine Tate has endured, the paths of love and forgiveness are non-existent. A victim of rape and molestation by her father, pregnant at sixteen, and overcoming destitution by finding financial means within the adult entertainment industry, Jasmine has seen more dark nights than bright days.

That is until, Quincy, an unexpected love interest, crosses her path who not only challenges her to dream, love, and believe herself again, but to free herself from her past. Yet he has no idea what he’s getting into as Jasmine desperately tries to keep the door closed on her troubled life. Making matters worse, Jasmine finds herself engulfed in her brother Luis’ troublesome situation as he’s caught in a dilemma, potentially costing him his life.

While in the midst of this, Gerald’s, her estranged father, health takes a turn for the worse. Is this the answered prayer she’s believed for? And will it be answered in ways unforeseen? Now, with a man willing to love her the way she always desired to be, a father fighting for his life and a second chance with her, and a brother flirting with danger on the streets, will Jasmine successfully save her brother and choose that new path of love and forgiveness? Or will she continue to be a victim of her past, losing everything in the process?


CHAPTER 1“Gerald, don’t do this! Please don’t hurt me!” I screamed, but my cries for mercy were to no use. The man who was supposed to be my father, my protector, my hero was right now unwillingly my lover. He slammed me onto the bed, aggressively ripping apart my white buttoned shirt followed by my bra. As the volume of his sexual arousal grew louder, he laid his two- hundred-fifty pound body weight on top of me and snatched apart my skirt and panties. I could see the saliva forming in his mouth as he looked at my firm and perky breasts. His dark brown eyes focused in on my hardened nipples. I was his for the taking, and he was about to take all that he wanted from me.
I again begged for mercy, hoping he would somehow come to his senses and realize that what he was about to do was wrong, inhumane, and how it would forever alter my life for the worse. Yet all rationality in him was gone, and the choice was made to cover my mouth as he whispered in my ear, “Don’t worry, baby girl. Once I give you some of this good stuff here, everything will be all right.”
He quickly removed his white beer stained T-shirt, pulling down his sweat pants. Tears began falling down the sides of my face as my eyes were closed, feeling the excruciating pain. The thrusts of Gerald’s condom free penis penetrating my virgin vagina were unbearable. It felt as if he was pulling out my insides slowly with every entrance. “Aww, you feel so good” he said, moaning in pleasure.
He sped up while exhaling the awful stench of beer on his breath into my face. I sobbed openly while drips of his bitter sweat fell onto me and in my mouth. I tried to block what was happening to me by thinking about the positive things in my life. I thought about the homecoming dance and being asked by the quarterback of the football team, but it didn’t work. I tried thinking about making the dean’s list and the pride and joy that my mother would have. That didn’t work either. Nothing could mentally steal me away from the agony of my father stealing my innocence forever. I managed to open my eyes briefly to notice Gerald’s were rolling into the back of his head as he let out a loud grunt and collapsed his body on top of me. I thought he was dead. I wished he was dead. However, after catching his wind, he arose from the bed. Like a predator surveying the aftermath of its prey, he looked at my naked body covered in blood and semen.
“I want this cleaned up before your mother gets home. And if you tell her about this, I’ll kill you,” was all he said, putting back on his clothes and leaving me alone like a whore he screwed in some cheap motel room. I laid there, continuing to cry. I wondered what I had done in my short time on this earth to deserve what had just happened to me. Why was I being punished in such a way? Had I sexually teased him to a point that he couldn’t control himself? Was I that much of a distraction? Thoughts of self-hatred began to flood my head until I heard the blaring sounds of an alarm clock.
I sat up in my bed with my back resting on the head board, collecting my racing mind. Beads of sweat were trickling down my forehead, covering my legs, arms and upper chest region. I was experiencing the effects of a dream. And not just any run of the mill one either. No, it was a reoccurring one that haunted me for seven plus years. A dream that no matter how hard I tried to erase out of my mind, it appeared over and over more vividly. I was now a twenty-three-year-old grown woman, but every time I experienced that dream, I was transformed back into that scared little sixteen-year-old girl who constantly relived her past.


Q.1. What inspired you to write this novel?


A.1. I wanted to tell a story about that dealt with someone overcomming their past and achieve success in life. I also wanted to deal with some real issues that women have face such as rape, abuse and neglect. I was inspired by so many women who confided in me with their stories when writting this novel, that their stories fueled this creation.


Q.2. What message(s) are you trying to convey to the readers?

A.2. My goal with this novel is to tell a testimony and not a sad story. I wanted to show that a person can rise from their past and make it. I also wanted to convey the power of forgiveness and love, two things that we as humans need and have to have in our lives. I believe if were more of these two things in the world.



Q.3. What do you want the readers to feel when reading about the struggles of Jasmine and the other characters?

A.3. With Jasmine, I want the readers to feel her pain. To understand why she hates Gerald, her father, why she does want to be with Quincy, but is scared to let love in. I want the reader to feel the tesnion between her familiy and her, but also feel empathy not sympathy for her.

Q.5. What differentiates you and your novel from other novels in your genre?

A.5. The way I write is outside of the box. When I first wrote A Scent of Jasmine, I was afraid to make it where her natural father molested her. I thought readers wouldn't believe that. But the more I wrote, the more I saw how this could happen. I try to take a more creative approach to my work. I thinks some writers I've read will tip-toe to the line of controversy, but I jump over it. I believe in the end, the readers will respect you for that.

Q.6. What is your writing process?

A.6. I usually outline my characters such as personality and looks, but usually I just start writting. I believe in just getting the idea down and edit later. I like to let the story take a life of it's own. That's where creativity happens. I don't like to get stuck in too much struture. I try to write everyday, but if it's not there, I'm jotting ideas to further the story.

Q.7. What can readers expect from you in the future?


A.7. They can expect novels, plays, and screen plays. I don't limit my creativiy. When you limit yourself, you might as well quit cause it'll show up in your writtings. But as far as novels, the readers can expect stories with a purpose and entertainment. They can expect me to bring a message with a unique twist on things with a very detailed point of view.

Web Sites
www.AScentofJasmine.com

http://books.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?WRD=Earnest+S%2E+Wingo&box=Earnest%20S.%20Wingo&pos=-1

http://www.amazon.com/Scent-Jasmine-Earnest-S-Wingo/dp/1441505644/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1256791173&sr=1-2

www.twitter.com/Sircam1

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

The Gatekeeper, a Novel by C. Alease


SYNOPSIS
Anyone can have a “Trollop,” a “Chatterbox,” a “Mushy,” and even a “Perfectionist” in themselves. We all have aspects of ourselves that we may want to keep buried, or that we like to project to the world. But what if these aspects were actually alive – living, loving, hating – and all in your head? And what if you didn’t even know that you were NEVER really in control of your own mind?”

Our main character and narrator in The Gatekeeper, a Novel by C. Alease, contends that some of her best friends live inside her head. “So it appears that I am fragmented, though not completely split.” In reality, this woman is a human jigsaw puzzle not yet assembled, cracked mirror pieces in a worn, weather beaten frame, ready to fall apart.

Something inside her believes that her desire to find a therapist is actually for her eighteen year old son, to manage his anger issues. A close friend recommends one, and after a few visits with her son, the therapist becomes much more interested in her. And so begins an unintended journey through her fractured, but not broken, dissociated mind, to places she did not know existed, chose to forget, and was not prepared to revisit.

This odyssey takes the reader and our main character through an obstacle course of events, a journey of self-actualization and recollection, trauma and confusion as she learns the agonizing extent to which she has been guided by, interacting with and struggling to find a precarious peace amid these fractured pieces of herself, all living inside her head, and all of whom were created for their own specific purpose.

Our main character’s exquisite narration enables readers to identify clearly with each of the characters as the situations unfold. Readers will find that the story of The Gatekeeper is dark and foreboding, yet amusing and playful, providing a proverbial rollercoaster of emotions that will touch the reader’s soul, as these multifarious personalities emerge alive, completely different, yet being, loving, and living, much like the best friends that our narrator believes they are.


BIO
Born Cynthia Alease Smith, in New York City, NY, C. Alease Smith is a resident of Philadelphia, PA and attended the Philadelphia public schools. She has been writing since the age of five. She is also a talented artist, and received a scholarship to study for a year at the Fleischer Art Memorial , in Philadelphia, PA, while in middle school. As an art major in high school, she received a special Loeb Laboratory scholarship to study for a year at the Philadelphia College of Art, (now known as the University of the Arts), also in Philadelphia, PA.
C. Alease Smith is an Information Technology and Systems Manager, involved in information technology management for almost 30 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree, summa cum laude, with honors from Kaplan University, Davenport, IA, and is a member of the Epsilon Delta Pi National Honors Society for Computer Sciences, National Scholars Honor Society, Alpha Beta Kappa National Honor Society, IEEE Computer Society.
She is happily married, with three wonderful adult children.

INTERVIEW WITH C. ALEASE

1. What inspired you to write or moved you to begin writing? My Father in heaven inspired me to write The Gatekeeper. Although I’ve been writing since I was five years old, and always loved to write, I could never seem to focus long enough to write more than a couple of paragraphs at a time. I have an extremely vivid imagination, and I always had plenty stories that I would share with friends and coworkers. I believe that having to write long papers for college, researching and finally capturing my thoughts on paper made me realize that I could actually write more than business memos and letters with impact.

2. What are some major obstacles you had to overcome as an author or writer? What do you hope to accomplish as an author and with your book. I didn’t go into this experience blindly. I prayed the same prayer that I prayed when I decided to go back to school. I asked God to remove all of the barriers, even the ones that I would place in front of myself in order to accomplish my goal of completing The Gatekeeper. The only obstacle in front of me that I have to move aside is the prejudice that is applied to self-publishers and inde-novelists today by the traditional publishing and literary industry. Vanity is not the reason why I wrote The Gatekeeper. I wrote it to entertain readers as well as to bring to the light one of the most pervasive secrets in African American society; that of mental illness.

3. What process do you go through as a writer? Research? What time do you write? Do you need a private space to write, or you can write anywhere at any time? I definitely do my research. College writing taught me the importance of that. I also go through processes. I think. I am in my car, and I think of something, so I try to remember what I was thinking if it is funny, or in some way relates to one or more of my characters. I listen. Just the other day, my mother said something to me that I thought would be excellent for a character. I wrote it down while we waited for our lunch to be brought to us. I find that weekends are good for writing, but when the inspiration comes, it can come at virtually any time, and I have to be ready, so I keep a pad and pen ready.

4. What defines your target audience? My target audience is anyone between the ages of 18 and 9999; people who can relate to life experiences of others and draw from them something about themselves. That makes the audience very large and diverse.

5. Do you believe reviews are important to the success of a story? Reviews are very, very important. Reviews give other readers a glimpse into whether the book is worth spending money on, and whether the book will be an interesting read. Reviews are also a great way to gauge audience reaction, for good or not. Constructive feedback is always a good thing.

6. Are you working on any other projects at this time? Yes. I am presently working on two stories, one fiction, and one real life experience. The real life experience story is the one I am the most excited about.

7. Where can readers purchase your books? The Gatekeeper is published by CreateSpace, an Amazon company, and distributed by The Ingram Group, ISBN: 1449552641, and EAN: 1397814495526. Readers can also visit my website, http://bumblebee.cadsmith.net or http://thegatekeeper.cadsmith.net. The Gatekeeper is also available on www.amazon.com, including both the trade paperback and the Kindle electronic version, www.barnesandnoble.com, www.iFOGO.com, and Classics Books, 117 S. Warren Street, Trenton, NJ 08618.



BLOG
http://c-alease.blogspot.com/

FACEBOOK
http://www.facebook.com/pages/C-Alease/90340399803?ref=sgm


www.twitter.com/sinnyisthename

AUTHOR SITE
http://thegatekeeper.cadsmith.net



EMAIL
info@cadsmith.net

PURCHASE LINKS
www.amazon.com
www.barnesandnoble.com


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