Monday, June 6, 2011

Author of the Week: Sankofa


How did you become a writer?
I have been writing for as long as I can remember. I am a poet by birth and a writer by nature. But I come from a family of educators and poets, so its safe to say I get it honest!

Where does your inspiration for your characters come from?
 I find inspiration from everyday life, as a people watcher I mold and blend my characters from people all around me.

What are you hoping readers take from your book?
 I want people to realize that true love isn’t dead and that if things start off bad in a relationship that all hope isn’t lost.

If you were to write a book about a controversial topic, what would it be?
I am currently working on a book evaluating African Americans and unhealthy relationship with food, and how it ties into slavery.

Most writers have a process or method for writing their books, what is yours?  
For my first novel I didn’t have a process, It was more of a open process until I completed it. However with my second novel; Londyn: Tales of a Mafia Princess I have outlined each chapter from beginning to end and have indepth character development written for each of the main characters.

What is your favorite genre of books?
I am a lover of all the Thiller/Supense novels. I grew up reading my moms Stephen King novels. I love the edge of your seat style of writing, never knowing who or what is around the corner.

 Are you an avid or occasional reader?
I am an avid reader! Currently I am reading the Percy Jackson series with my oldest son, kind of like our own family book club.

What are two things you want your readers to know about you?
I want my readers to know that this is my passion. This is something I am compelled to do, I am not in it for the money, writing is the gifting that God has blessed me with. I will continue to write until I am no longer able to do so.

 If you could interview one of your favorite authors, who would it be? Why?
 I would love to interview Ntozake Shange. Her style of writing is prolific, and astounding. I stand in awe of the range of work and her ability to turn a book of choreo-poems into a broadway production that is now 30 years in the running. She has the raw factor that I admire so much.

What is or was your dream job?
This is my dream job. To create stories write novels and poetry books that people love.

What new projects are you working on?
Currently I am working on my second novel, Londyn:Tale of a Mafia Princess. As well as my second poetry book : Daughter of the 8th Sun. I am also participating in a series of erotic e-shorts entitled: Wickedly Erotic Presents: Early Monday Moaning. All of the e-shorts are priced at 2.99.

Where can readers find you?
You can find me on Facebook: Facebook.com/sankofawrites
As well as twitter: SankofaThePoet
Also at Wickedly-Erotic.com

Authors & Readers Book Corner appreciates your time!

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Book Review: Crossroads

Crossroads
Nikita Lynnette Nichols
4 Stars

Amaryllis Price is known for being a troublemaker but in Crossroads by Nikita Lynnette Nichols, Amaryllis has turned over a new leaf. A part of her past does not want to accept her revelation and continues to pursue her by any means necessary. Amaryllis has repaired her relationship with her sister and everything seems to be going well until…
Amaryllis receives an envelope from her grandmother that contains a family secret that could change Amaryllis’s life. Amaryllis starts on a mission to find out the meaning behind this secret and enlist her sister Michelle to help.
Amaryllis sister Michelle is a lawyer running her own law firm. Michelle is also a workaholic. She has been so busy that she has not realized that her constant throwing up and fatigue may not be caused by her work schedule. When Amaryllis shares the contents of the envelope with Michelle, both decide that, they need answers as soon as possible.
Crossroads is about redemption. It is about a woman making changes in her life for the better. It is also about secrets and being betrayed by people whom you never suspected. This book was entertaining and kept my attention until the end. I recommend Crossroad to others.
Reviewed by Teresa Beasley

Friday, June 3, 2011

FYI-Friday: Survey #1

Here at Authors & Readers Book Corner one of the things we want to do is provide some helpful information to authors and readers visiting our blog. We recently took a survey on  the most read genres along with the most used social media marketing tool. Even though a small response was given it is clear which are more important.

The most read genre is Street-Lit Fiction at 50% with Christian Fiction coming in at 33%.

The most used social media that doesn't come as a surprise is Facebook at 100%

Thank you to all who participated in our surveys!

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Publisher of the Week: Nayberry Publications

                                                                        


 What is Naberry Publications?
A small publishing company that assists new authors with publishing their books in cost-effective and quality driven environment-both self publishers and traditional authors.

What services do you provide?
Traditional as well as self-publishing services to include, but not limited to, editing, cover design, type setting, consulting, marketing, ghostwriting, theater script development, and self-publishing advise.

What sets you apart from your competition?
We work with each customer individually recognizing each writer is different and has different budgets and publishing needs. Taking the time to birth each project to match the vision of our authors is very important and not taken lightly.

What advice (relative to your area of business) can you give to aspiring authors?
Once your book is completed be careful of who you share your dreams with for assistance or services. There are many sharks in this business, which is part of the reason I started the Getting Down to the Business of Self Publishing Worshops to spread the word.

Secondly, be mindful of signing on with companies that ask for you to pay them to publish and then charge you an unreasonable amount to print your own books. Check the price of other books on the market and know if you will be able to compete. There is absolutely no reason to set yourself up for failure before you even get started.

What is your contact and location information?
Phone: 334-787-0733
Mailing: P.O. Box 1001, Opelika, AL 36803

Who is your direct contact representative?
Right now, I am a one-woman show that answers all calls and every message, so feel free to contact Shani Dowdell at the number above to get your publishing career underway.

Authors & Readers Book Corner appreciates your time!