Author of the Week: Keshia Dawn

A&RBC: How did you become a writer?

Keshia: With determination is how I became a writer. In my youth I was always writing something. Whether a letter, a poem, a song or a short story, I wrote because I had to get was in me, out!

A&RBC: What are you hoping readers take from your book?

Keshia: In all things, I hope my readers take away from, Keeper Of My Soul, the knowledge of how important it is to love even the hardest of people. We may not understand people and their actions, but there is always a reason. Love covers a multitude.

A&RBC: Who is the hero in your life? How does your hero inspire you?

Keshia: My hero is my daughter, Chayse. Her birth five years ago pushed me to pick up my dream and try again. I had previously went through the print-on-demand route when it came to releasing my first novel, By the Grace of God in 2003. Wanting her to ALWAYS follow her dream, I realized I had to lead by example.

Chayse inspires me with her smile alone. Seeing her, knowing that I am her everything, her covering, inspires me to do all that I can.

A&RBC: Name three goals you want to accomplish as a writer within the next 4 years.

Keshia: In four years I would love to have added a short story or book, or both to my resume yearly. Not only releasing them but having great feedback follow. I aIso hope to have made a reputable name for myself in the non-fiction realm of writing. As a freelance journalist, I hope to have the best of both worlds.

A&RBC: What are your favorite marketing and/or promotional tools?

Keshia: Because of Facebook, Twitter, Blogs and other venues, promoting has become easier. Even effective at that! Yet and still, there is only so much I can do. That is when I reach out to those in the literary arena who know how to push even more than I can.

A&RBC: What is one thing you have learned about the publishing industry?

Keshia: One thing I've learned would be that the promoting never stops. Though I'm traditionally published, that doesn't mean there is no work for me. The work never stops for the author.

A&RBC: What advice would you give an aspiring author?

Keshia: For an aspiring author, I would ask what is your purpose? Do you have an audience? Do you have the skills? Even if you feel writing is your destiny, learning how perfect your writing is a wise investment.

A&RBC: Who was the first author you read? What was the title of the book?
Keshia: Terry McMillan. When I read, Mama, the desire to do the same was embedded deep within.

A&RBC: Tell readers what new projects you are working on?

Keshia: I am currently working on book number four. No title as of yet, but it is definitely in the works, as well as a few short stories I hope to have out this year as well. As with my other novels, using real life instances with God being in the midst, will be my focus.

A&RBC: Where can your readers find you?

Keshia: Readers can find me at www.KeshiaDawnWrites.com , Twitter.com/THEKeshiaDawn and on Facebook under Keshia Dawn -Where Fiction Meets Non-fiction. They can also follow my blog at THEKeshiaDawn.blogspot.com

A&RBC: It was a pleasure having you stop by Keshia. Authors & Readers Book Corner appreciates your time.

Keshia: Thanks for having me.