Conversations w/ Rekaya Gibson

The Food Temptress
Synopsis:
Who knows how to convert a gay man into a straight lover using a pineapple upside-down cake? Only Ambrosia Bourgeois, The Food Temptress, can accomplish such a task. The New Orleans Goddess of Gastronomy uses food to seduce men in hopes of creating Mister Right. Paralleling southern cuisine, each short story captures the hearts and minds of different men.

In the Power of the Pudding Chapter, Ambrosia realizes that her bread pudding cannot withstand the demands of an associate minister’s plans to make her a dutiful wife. When she decides to forget about him and travels to Atlanta to visit her friend, she ends up in the bathroom with Black Thunder, a local stripper. It is not her fault; the peach cobbler was intended for the birthday girl.

Ambrosia perfects her craft by using traditional recipes from her deceased grandmother and occasionally consulting her mysterious aunt. When she discovers that her meals fall short of converting the man to her specifications, she moves on to the next one - a total of 16 ranging from the local police chief to a Bourbon Street musician. Will she reach her goal before the monstrous hurricane hits her city? The Food Temptress serves a delectable treat connected by Ambrosia’s continuing quest for both romantic and culinary perfection.









AAMBC 2009 SPRING VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR
Rekaya Gibson, Author of The Food Temptress

What is The Food Temptress about?
The main character, Ambrosia Bourgeois, uses food to seduce men in hopes of creating Mister Right. Paralleling southern cuisine, each short story captures the hearts and minds of different men. When she discovers that her meals fall short of converting the men to her specifications, she moves on to the next one—a total of 16 ranging from the local police chief to a Bourbon Street musician. The Food Temptress serves up a delectable treat connected by Ambrosia’s continuing quest for both romantic and culinary perfection.

What inspired you to write The Food Temptress?
I developed the concept from the adage, “a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” I took my interpretation and expanded upon it, using my creativity. As result, I birth The Food Temptress.

What is the meaning of Ambrosia’s name?
The name “Ambrosia” means a Greek Goddess of food or drink. If consumed, one will become immortal. In “The Food Temptress,” Ambrosia’s grandmother named her so that she would have immortality.

How does each short story parallel Southern cuisine?
I use a hint in the chapter title to signify the food Ambrosia will use next. For example in the “Cat Got Your Tongue” chapter, Ambrosia uses catfish as the main dish. In “Green with Envy,” she serves up collard greens. In “The Power of the Pudding,” she makes bread pudding.

Why is it important for Ambrosia to find the perfect man?
Ambrosia wants to find the perfect man for her, not necessarily “a perfect man.” However, she is not willing to compromise on some things. She figured transforming a man into the perfect mate with her food would result in her finding a life-long partner.

Which dish has the greatest impact on a man?
The pineapple upside down cake has the greatest impact on a man because it converts a gay man into a straight.


What happens to women when they eat Ambrosia’s food?
When women eat Ambrosia’s food, nothing happens to them. However, a colleague of mine, John Williams, gave me the idea to create a book about men using food to seduce women. It might happen one day soon.


Biography:
Rekaya Gibson’s love for food is evident throughout her fiction work, The Food Temptress, and her children's book, Are There French Fries in Heaven? Her nonfiction articles have appeared in the “Cabo Living Magazine,” “Desert Saints Magazine,” and “Lake of the Ozarks Second Home Living Magazine.” In 2006, she self-published an e-Book, Wow Them With Your Grant Proposal, under her own e-publishing company, Gibson Girl Publishing Company. She holds a Master's degree in Public Administration from the University of New Orleans and a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Affairs from Indiana University. Currently, she resides in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Web Links:
www.foodtemptress.com
www.thefoodtemptress.blogspot.com
www.rekayagibson.com

Email:
rekaya@foodtemptress.com

Contact Information:

Rekaya Gibson
P. O. Box 621773
Las Vegas, NV 89162

Conversations w/ Nikki Nicole

1. As a person what is your inspiration to write?
I get inspired by a lot of things. Things going on around me, things bothering me, things I see or that others around me are experiencing. I generally let my ideas flow until I can formulate some type of plan as to what I am actually trying to create whether it be a poem, an article, a story or whatever.

2. When did you discover you loved to write?
I discovered that I love to write in middle school. I would write poems or short stories to entertain myself and others on the long school bus rides to and from school.

3. What was your first written piece and how did it feel to have accomplished such a task?
My first written piece was a poem and life being too short and to read it to people and see that they enjoyed what I had to say was a warm and wonderful feeling.

4. A Author’s career can be a difficult task, so how do you get into the zone to write your next book?
When the mood or the muse hits, I can write non-stop. When I have writer's block or can't focus I try to redirect myself by attempting to relax and let my creative juices flow by listening to music or watching tv. Sometimes while doing that something will give me an idea and I will try to take it from there.

5. Taking it back to your debut novel, how did it feel to hold your first book in your hand?
It was an unbelievable feeling especially since its such a journey from the early stages of the thought process to writing it to deciding to publish it and then finally to holding the finished product in your hand. It's amazing.

6. Other then writing what is one of the things you love to do?
I love eating junk food.

7. When is all said and done what mark do you want to leave in the literary industry? An everlasting impression that says 'Nikki Nicole was here and what she had to say was candid, witty, relevant and left you wanting more.

Visit the Author of A Little Bit of Sin at www.nikkinicolegc.com

Exposed Conversations w/ Lesley E. Hal

1. As a person what is your inspiration to write? The writer in me.

2. When did you discover you loved to write? In high school.

3. What was your first written piece and how did it feel to have accomplished such a task? The essay I wrote about my grandmother. My teacher was the one who told me I should consider writing as a career. I felt like I’ve achieved something that was greater than i could've ever imagined for myself to get that kind of response from such a hard to please tyrant like Mrs. Butler lol.

4. A Author’s career can be a difficult task, so how do you get into the zone to write your next book? If i get burned out, I take a break, read or do something creative like decorating etc to give me the push I need to get back the zone.

5. Taking it back to your debut novel, how did it feel to hold your first book in your hand? I felt like a mother seeing and holding her child for the first time after giving birth.

6. Other than writing what is one of the things you love to do? I'm an avid reader, I have so many books I hardly have anywhere to store them lol! Other than reading, I love to shop, decorate, do make-up and hang with my family and friends.

7. When is all said and done what mark do you want to leave in the literary industry? I want to be known as the writer's writer who can write in any genre or any form like scripts for movies and television etc. I also want to open doors for writers like Zane has. I think what she's doing is phenomenal and I strive to be just like her if not better.

Lesley is the Author of Blind Temptations visit her at http://www.pleasureprinciplepublishing.com

Conversations w/ Best Selling Author JD Mason

1. As a person what is your inspiration to write?

Writing is liberating for me, I guess because making up stories has always been a part of my nature. When I was a child, I’d spend hours playing alone with dolls, making up their stories. I don’t know what else I’d do if I couldn’t write. I’d feel a huge void in my life.

2. When did you discover you loved to write?

When I was about nine, I was always writing stories in class, and then one day my fourth grade teacher worked with me to actually publish a selection of the stories I’d written. After we put the “book” together, I was allowed to take it down to the first grade class, and listen in while their teacher read my book to her class. I felt like a superstar.

3. What was your first written piece and how did it feel to have accomplished such a task?

The fourth grade book was great, but finishing my first real novel twenty years later was amazing. The first draft of that novel was a hundred pages which isn’t nearly long enough for a full length book. I didn’t know how to fix it, but I knew that I wasn’t anywhere close to having a finished product on my hands. It took years to finally get it figured out, but when I did, I felt as proud of myself as I had when I was nine.

4. A Author’s career can be a difficult task, so how do you get into the zone to write your next book?

Most new authors have the luxury of being driven to write because they are full of adrenaline and have a full reserve of pure creativity to draw from. That energy and creative flow can inspire 1, 2, maybe even 3 good books from a writer. But as time goes on, writers have to come to terms with the fact that writing is a job, and like any other job, it requires commitment, dedication, and hard work. I used to have the luxury of waiting for my muse to show up before I could work on a novel, but that’s not the case anymore. Now, I have multiple contracts and deadlines to meet, and I don’t have time to wait for inspiration. Often times, I find myself sitting at my desk for hours on end until I can make something happen. Hopefully, I can come up with something good. If not, then I have to delete it and start over.

5. Taking it back to your debut novel, how did it feel to hold your first book in your hand?

I thought I’d feel like an author, but I think I just felt lucky. It didn’t feel real or like it was my book at all. I was happy, but it was a detached kind of joy.

6. Other then writing what is one of the things you love to do?

I love reading, listening to live music, and I’m seriously considering getting my motorcycle license.

7. When is all said and done what mark do you want to leave in the literary industry?

I would love for the masses to understand that I tried to entertain them in a way that encouraged them to see these stories from different perspectives and angles, which hopefully made them think about the characters and stories a little differently than they would have if they hadn’t read my books. I’d like to be remembered as an author who attempted to look a little deeper into her characters and storylines and who didn’t just write drama for dramas sake.

VISIT HER AT http://www.officiallyjd.com/

Conversations w/ Adrienna Turner

1. Is it beneficial for a writer to also be an avid reader? Why?
a. Writers who are also avid readers allows us to study other author’s works, to learn what makes your audience tick or captivate them, study the style of writing, and most importantly, create your own writing style by noting what your dislikes and likes are that other authors do in their books.
2. What advice would you give to new authors and/or aspiring authors?
a. You have to first believe in yourself, since no one else will. Do not give up on your dream. Be willing to seek a good editor, ask for references, and sample works. They also can do a chapter or thirty pages at no cost to see if you want to use their services first. This is a partner relationship, where the editor is to make the author’s manuscript better. Be prepared for financial expenses, it is best to research and do your homework on the craft as an author, review other author’s books in the genres you plan to write, and find out information on the publishing gig. Decide what is best for you! No surprises if you do your homework. If you do not want to do it, there are literary services to assist you. I am starting as a literary consulting firm called Dream 4 More Literary Consulting Firm to help new and aspiring authors to learn more about the publishing business and marketing you!
3. To be famous as other authors…how can we get acknowledged?
a. I believe you have to study the craft, like a good actor usually has to study the art of acting. We have to build a brand—how will you represent you, your product, and/or business. Remain profession. Good advice, you can learn from other authors or people in the profession and see what works for you.
b. More importantly, everything happens in season, which means that when it is time for you’re to blossom and brand a name for yourself, it will happen. We have to learn patience in the meanwhile.
4. Who do you read? What type of genres or name your favorite authors?
a. I love to read mysteries, suspense thrillers, self-help books on an inspirational level, some memoirs, nonfiction books on business, health, wealth, and spiritual growth; poetry, Urban and Christian fiction, some drama and romance, and some science fiction. I also find read YA books.
b. There are too many authors to name, but to name some, they are Vanessa Davis Griggs, Joyce Meyer, T.D. Jakes, Joel Osteen, Vanessa Miller, Starr Sanders, Sheila Lipsey, LA Banks, and Adrienna Dionna Turner. I also read all types of books since I am a book reviewer for AAMBC and at author’s request.
5. What books or authors do you feel your book is similar to? How does it differ?
a. Christian Living by Charles Stanley and Love Dare by Stephen Kendrick
b. Differs since Day Begins with Christ, is a day-to-day process to mature in your Christian walk and on a spiritual journey for fifty days. It is similar to Love Dare, based on the activity section after each day, but it is called “Let your Day Begin Activity” with today questions and review (scriptures) for each day on that subject.
6. What inspired you to write or moved you to begin writing?
a. For Day Begins with Christ, my inspiration to write this nonfiction book came from the Holy Spirit while in a church sermon. For some reason, I did not hear what the pastor was preaching and only heard a thought in my head repeatedly saying, ‘the day begins with Christ’. Later, I wrote this down on my notes and then God came to me around 3am to write down the chapters and subjects I will be covering. Now, after nine months to a year of intensive research and writing including rewriting and editing, the book was published. You can pre-order your copies, until publishing date of March 17, 2009!
7. What has kept you going even with the setbacks and disappointments?
a. The faith of God and clear understanding of writing this book. I kept journal notes, when I want to give up and cry, I read what God has promised me. I also review what the destined purpose for writing this book was. Primarily, He wanted this book for new and seasoned Christians (believers of Jesus Christ) to include Christ in everything we do and say on a daily basis. This book is also for me!
8. What are some major obstacles you had to overcome as an author or writer?
a. During writing Day Begins with Christ, there were many times where I focused on other projects and put this one on hold. There were times where I scratched my head, asking what do I write now, and then the Holy Spirit guided me what to write. There were a few occasions where the computer crashed and saved my documents on a back up drive in time.
b. When the book was published originally in December 11, 2008, I desired for the book to be ready before the holidays, but after allowing a couple people reviewing my book they found minor errors or felt something was missing. I could not point my finger on it, since it took me so long to write (completed December 2006) and book was not edited until a year later (December 2007). I would have to pay for reprinting and resubmission costs, including editing fees. After deep meditation and prayer, I took the risk to reprint the book. After finding another editor to assist with reconstructing the book, I did majority of the work for this process with their suggestions and daily activities (46 out of 50). Thereafter, I found over thirty minor punctuation errors. Neither editor would refund the costs to resubmit work, but I corrected the necessary errors. Now, the book has been delayed from being in print on February 28, 2009 to March 17, 2009. Through it all, I know that it is on God’s timing.
9. What do you hope to accomplish as an author and with your book?
a. I pray Day Begins with Christ gets to those hands that need inspiring, encouraging, and edifying words in their lives. We tend to get too busy for God. We tend to forget to pray and thank God for what He has already done and will do.
b. Only accomplishment I hope to fulfill with Day Begins with Christ, is a book that will help believers in Christ to grow in their spiritual walk. I also pray to write more effective nonfiction books.
10. What defines your target audience?
a. Day Begins with Christ is open to anyone who wants to seek the gospel, truth, and to learn more about their walk with God.
11. 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 anytime?
a. It depends on the writing project. Nonfiction books tend to take longer to write since research is highly required and then writing, rewriting, and revising. Fiction books require more technical writing skills and constructive criticism from an editor(s) to build the characters, the storyline, plot, and so forth. Usually, I am seeing that my nonfiction projects are taking six to twelve months process. My fiction writing projects take about two to six months to write. Most of my writings require some research, either minimal or extensive. I love to write at night, generally after midnight is where my vivid imagination comes to its climax. Yet, I have written at all times of the day. I prefer to write alone, no company around. Since I am multitasked individual, I can write, listen to music, online interactions, on the phone, and/or watching television.
12. Any other future projects?
a. Yes. I have been working on several projects. I will be writing YA suspense thrillers, inspirational drama-suspense called “Miss the Mark Series”, and romance draspensedy (drama-suspense-comedy). I am also working on inspirational nonfiction books, science-fiction/horror, inspirational science-fiction/fantasy called “the Guardian Watch Series”, and poetry.

Conersations w/ Fabiola Sully

1) When did you first get into writing?

I first got into writing in high school after taking a composition/writing class in my senior year. I enjoyed the reading material and writing my analysis on what I have read. When I went to college, I try to take some English/writing classes along with my major classes. There are times is wish I majored in English like I wanted too. I hope to change that in the future.

2) What writers inspired you?

I was first inspired by Walter Dean Myers. I loved his book series and how he paints young adults. I also am inspired by Mary Monroe, Langston Hughes, Jill Scott, and the poets from Def jam poetry. I love how they have no boundaries in their flow or what they talk about.


3) How did you get in poetry?

The love for poetry came in college. I read poetry in my English classes and attend poetry shows the clubs hold. I even started writing, performing my poems, and having them published in the college newspaper. I never stopped writing after college and always looking for different venues to show my talent. I also had been attending poetry shows to see how I can improve. My favorite one I have won to is def jam poets on Broadway.

4) How do you relate poetry to real life?

With poetry, I can relate to my feelings and issues. I was never a big talk some I showed my feelings in my writings. When I am mad, depress, upset, or had an idea, I write it down. Most of my poems, I have dealt with the situation or I know somebody who has gone with the same. In the world where you will get chewed for having a difference in opinion, put my life experiences on paper is my best bet.

5) What is the name of your book and what do you want to achieve with he book?

My book is called, "Finding the Way Home". It's a book of all my poems I have written from age 17 until now. Currently, you can find my book under authorhouse.com under F. sully. Currently, I added new works and re-publishing with a different company. I decided to publish my book because; I wanted others to hear my voice. I know there are more people out there that go through the issues I have. and wanted to show that they are not alone. I was also tired of being mute and hidden.

6) What are you doing to make yourself noticed as writer/poet?

I have joined different poetry sites and posted much of my works. I am part of different networking and blogging sites, for example, myspace.com where you can view my blog and poetry. I also have done some poetry readings and blog shows in the passed two years. I would like to participate in more after my book is re-published.


7) What would you say to someone who wants to be a writer?

Write what you believe in and don't be afraid to go outside your boundaries. It can scary at first but it pays off in the end. always go what your heart says and what is best for you. Many people were quick to tell me that poetry or writing doesn't pay the bills or rent. Yes it is rough and you will deal with many rejections but it is worth it. Lastly, it always helps to have a job aside from writing. Sending your stuff to magazines and self-publishing your own material (if you chose) cost a lot.