Lutishia: I've always loved words and began penning poems in junior high. But my professional writing career began quite unexpectedly. I was an actor working in theatre when an idea for a play came to mind. I'd been involved in a production that a fellow thespian had written so I went to him with my idea and asked him to write it. After talking nonstop for several minutes, laying out the scenes, the characters and what they were saying, he looked at me and said "why don't you write it?" Well, I did, and when that show was produced, it received very good reviews. I went on to write more stage plays and a few screenplays as well.
Similarly, my foray into novel writing was equally unplanned. I'd just been laid off from a well-paying internet job and was sitting in front of my computer looking at a blank screen. "What do I do now?" I asked Spirit. I'll never forget the answer. "Sex In The Sanctuary...and it's a book, not a play." And the rest, as they say, is history.
A&RBC: What are you hoping readers take from your books?
Lutishia: I want readers to come away from Lovely novels feeling entertained and inspired. I want to write stories that allow the reader to walk a mile in somebody else's shoes, or perhaps think on a certain subject or situation in a different way. And for those readers who just want to get away from it all for a minute...I want Lovely novels to take them on a wild literary ride!
A&RBC: Who is the hero in your life? How does your hero inspire you?
Lutishia: I have a hero and a shero: my mom and my dad. From an early age, my dad told me that I could go anywhere and do anything. He's encouraged me in every project I've ever undertaken, and is one of my biggest cheerleaders. My mom had five of us and then, when I was in junior high, she went back to college to get the degree that she'd put on hold after marriage and motherhood. She was often older than the teachers but that didn't sop her from getting two bachelors, one in nursing, and a masters in social work. He nursing career spanned five decades! Hopefully, my writing career will last as long...
A&RBC: What are two things you want your readers to know about you?
Lutishia: That I am a "down-to-earth diva"-approachable and grateful to everyone who's ever picked up one of my books. That I personally respond to every single email, and t hat if they've heard something crazy about me... it's probably true! Okay, maybe not THAT... ::wink::
A&RBC: What are your favorite marketing and/or promotional tools?
Lutishia: The internet is by far my most used and most productive tool, specifically social networking sites, such as Facebook, as well as my own website. Also, I love writing and producing video promos (book trailers) for each of my novels. They help the story come alive and help to create a buzz...
A&RBC: What is one thing you have learned about the publishing industry?
Lutishia: That it is a complex industry that changes constantly. The writing game isn't always an easy one, but it is a very rewarding one.
A&RBC: What advice would you give to an aspiring author?
Lutishia: Be prepared! Writing is not as easy as it looks, and a career in writing requires talent, skill and the ability to multi-task effectively. Especially if an author wants to get with a traditional publisher, he/she needs to have honed their writing chops and researched the industry enough to present a professional package. Some editors receive thousands of manuscripts PER MONTH. What is it about you and your story that is going to stand out from the rest? Be able to not only answer this question...but to back it up with proof.
A&RBC: Who was the first author you read? What was the title of the book?
Lutishia: Whew...I honestly don't know but if I had to guess I'd say Dr. Suess! I've been reading for as long as I can remember. One of the first "grown up" books I read was Maya Angelou's autobiography: I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings. I think I was in junior high by then.
A&RBC: Tell us what new projects you are working on?
Lutishia: As we speak, I'm finishing up novel two in the Business Series, titled Mind Your Own Business and working on the next romance novel for my alter-ego, Zuri Day. There's also a couple irons in the fire that I can't talk about yet but let me just say this...I'm VERY excited about them!!!
A&RBC: Where can your readers find you?
Lutishia: The easiest way is through my website, LutishiaLovely.com. Once there they can follow me on Twitter, friend me on Facebook, and even hit me up on Myspace. I look forward to chatting with y'all.
A&RBC: Authors & Readers Book Corner appreciates your time!
Lutishia: Thank you for having me.
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