Ey Wade's Blog: In The Chair

Celebrating Mother's Every Day #drama #thriller #mystery #romance #IVF #Teenpregnancy @EyWade

5 uniquely beautiful stories of life, love, and the heart of a mother.

 All publications by Ey Wade can be found at these locations. Go out and feed your reader or your thirst for print. Kindle, Smashwords , Sony or Kobo, Scribed
Nook and iTunes here  and; here.
 I am so excited. Today we are having an interview cum Mother's celebration dinner. Our main guests will be:

     Debney Armstrong from the novel D.N.A.,
     Catrine, the mother of little Brhin-Kristoffer Teddi from The Perfect Solution and all of the ladies from The Women on the Hill. Anabelle Lee from Ribbons & Bell and Penny( The Fishing Trip) are also here, but aren't sure they want to speak.

Of course we have invited others from the great imagination of our author Ey Wade, they will be hosting the dinner to honor the mothers, the men will serve.

Let's join the dinner already in progress.
    Austin Sanchez (Perfect Solution) entered the dining room juggling three baskets of fresh home made rolls, placing one on each of the long tables.

    "I hope everyone is hungry, Bernard (Tripping Prince Charming) is pushing the cart and coming behind me."

    The good natured cheering and hurrahing helped usher in the foods and party atmosphere.

   "So, ladies..." Catrine(The Perfect Solution) tapped her water class with the prongs of her fork. "Ey has given me one question for all of you to answer. Who's brave enough to jump in and start this off?"

    "You know me, I don't have a bit of fear, so I'll start." Penny (The Fishing Trip) placed her fork on the edge of her plate, rested elbows on table and rested her chin between the knuckles of her right hand. "What's the question? "

Are you brave enough to step between the love of a mother for her child?

*****
YOUNG MOM
D.N.A.-Nothing Would Ever Be The Same- http://dna-bloodtiesandlies.blogspot.com Debney Nichole Armstrong thought she knew everything about her family. She knew her dad worked hard at everything, except building a relationship with his family. She knew her younger brothers were typical little kids, and she knew her mother, for some unknown reason, disliked her first born and only daughter. What she really needed to know was did her mother contribute to the ‘accident’? Who is the man repeatedly mentioned in her mother’s journals? Where were the bodies of her ten year old twin brothers, and who is the father of the child she now carries? No matter what the answers are, Debney knows, nothing will ever be the same.
D.N.A.-Nothing Would Ever Be The Same 

Nothing was as it had been. From the bathroom she could see in the closet and into the newly renovated nursery. It was now totally official; she was going to have a baby. Standing in the nursery she smoothed the blanket in the crib. It was ridiculous how ‘right' being pregnant felt. Sure it was the last position a teen should find be in, but it seemed as if she had been thrown a lifeline and the exact thing she needed at this time in her life. Mrs. Cook had often told her God didn't make mistakes and everything would work out for the best. She was resting the remainder of her sanity on that statement.

"We did a good job huh?" Nadine entered the closet and stood next to her.

 "Yes. I can't believe I'm really having a baby, a real person. For months I've felt it moving, punching and kicking me, but when I walked in just now it really clicked that I'm going to be a mother. In a few days I will be holding the life of another human being in my hands." She looked at the small item of clothing Nadine held in her hands. "I'm afraid. I'm afraid I may turn into the conniving vindictive person my mother was. How in the world am I going to teach this child to love others when my own mother couldn't love me?"

 "Debney, first of all stop comparing yourself to Nicole Armstrong. You are nothing like her. From day one when your mother realized she was pregnant she wanted to get rid of you. You found out you were pregnant and you decided to have a baby. You hired a midwife and changed your eating habits. When Nicole wanted a nursery for her children she cleared a room on a different floor, and hired a decorator. You grabbed some paint and a couple of friends and spent an entire weekend renovating a closet so the baby can sleep in the same room. When that woman had here babies she threw them into the arms of nannies and au pairs. You will more than likely drag the little snot dripper with us wherever we go. So, you are nothing like Nicole you are going to be a mother and she was a woman who had a couple of babies."

"Dang Deenie," Debney blinked, crying without noticing she quickly wiped the tear that fell from her lashes. Her friend's words encouraged her more than anything she' heard in months. "Aren't you damned inspirational early in the morning? I just may have to keep you around as an ego

DETERMINED MOM
The Perfect Solution  A child is given to a stalker.THE PERFECT SOLUTION #suspense Everyone loves three year old Brhin Teddi. His single mother, Catrine, loves him. His aunt and uncle and cousins love him.
The teachers at his daycare center, The Perfect Solution, love him. And someone in the shadows, watching, following and planning, loves him so much she’s ready to destroy countless lives to have him. A terrifying look into the world of childcare, its weaknesses and the terrible cost of those weaknesses.THE PERFECT SOLUTION
 What if the decisions you've made for your life, endangers the life of your child?


Catrine stepped back and looked around the room. Lifting her face towards the ceiling, she blinked to hold back the tears. "I'm sorry," she repeated. "I'm just… I don't know lost, hurt and profoundly disappointed." Her hand fluttered in the air in frustration. "I think I have cried more here than I have ever done in my entire life. I just can't take it in." Catrine shook her head in confusion. "I have never been so disillusioned. I put my trust in you." She glared angrily. "I placed the most precious thing I had in the world in your hands and you people did not take your job seriously. Do you understand how important your presence is here? This is not just a baby-sitting thing. You are responsible for lives, lives that depend totally on you when they are here." Catrine quickly bypassed the detective and stood in front of Mrs. Wall. "You have absolutely no business," she angrily jabbed a finger into the woman's chest with every word she spoke. "no, business at all having any control over the lives of so many children. None of you do." Her voice broke with the bluntness of her words as she turned and waved her hand to include the entire staff of the day care center. "All of you should be held responsible for neglect, and abuse and I will make sure that you are."

The Perfect Solution- A Suspense of Choices "The Perfect Solution-A Suspense in Choices" by Ey Wade on Ganxy

 MOMS WHO GIVE THEIR ALL
 The Women of the Hil,l is an affair to remember. It is the first book in the series Yes, Sam Takes Care of me.
Sam a jealous provider and protector who simultaneously gives and takes away in this tale of five female friends sharing in the trials and humiliations of having a relationship with the same person. THE WOMEN OF THE HILL
The Fishing Trip-A Trial by Water, Execution, and a Deliverance of Retribution
 When do you cross the line from being the 'hero' to be coming the
monster? Set in Shiningbal, Texas where the perverted go to disappear; sexual abuse of children is the norm and when the legal system only increases the violation, this isn't the time for redemption to play nice. Married and mom of one, Penny Brooks aids the town's avenger to save those in need. The Fishing Trip
 What really goes through the mind after a night on The Fishing Trip ? Can it ever be 'life as usual', again?
Penny finished clearing the dishes to the sounds of her husband and son gathering their things and leaving the house. At the final slam of the front door she rushed up the stairs and into the bedroom to gather her clothes from the night before. After arriving home in the early hours, she’d only had time to strip in the hallway and push the damp smelly clothes under the huge wardrobe in the corner of the room, before slipping into the shower.  She hadn’t dared wear them to walk all the way across the bedroom to the bathroom in case Josh would have awakened and questioned her wet dank presence. She'd been frightened out of her wits when she’d heard him peek into the bathroom, but pretended she hadn’t and when she slid into bed, he just pulled her close and never questioned. She knew the lack of interrogation wouldn’t continue because his natural instinct as well as his profession as a police detective, always caused him to want to be in the know of everything.

      Holding the reeking pile of clothes as far away from her body as her outstretched arms would allow, she tried not to wretch as she rushed back down the stairs, through the kitchen and garage to the edge of the street where she dumped the bundle into the trashcan at the end of the yard.
 Hopping back to the house through the grass on naked toes, wet from the rains from the night before. As she closed the door to the kitchen she could hear the clanging mechanical sounds of the garbage truck coming around the corner and thanked God for making everything work in her favor. She moved to push her hair away from her face but stopped short at the whiff of decay on her finger tips and gagged.

      “Ack, my hands stink,” she gagged again. “And my stomach is too damned weak for this kind of thing.” She scrubbed her hands under the kitchen faucet. “I better take another shower and get the hell on off to work.”

      Under the shower, the feel of water from the dead body hitting the murky depths played over and over again in her mind. Pressing home the fact she would be useless out in the field in such a state.

      Even though she knew the necessity of the fishing trips and had gladly fallen into the procedure, the act of premeditated murder would sometimes spark a flame of guilt. True she had never been part of the final elimination of breath, but her presence was in essence the reason the perpetrator was there. Scrubbing hard at her breast she shuddered at the remembered touch of last night’s victim’s hand as it had pushed under her sweater. Looking at her skin she noticed the scratches she hadn’t seen the night before and cursed. She would now have to make up a story to keep Joshua from going left. It was bad enough she was lying to him about the emergency night calls and making him worry about her safety, without having to make up an explanation for the unnecessary wounds.

      Last night was a nightmare she never wanted to relive. It was the closest she had ever come to being raped when dealing with one of the pedophiles. He had been a huge, cruel and insensitive man and she had given a sigh of relief when his body disappeared in the whirlpool of Clear Lake’s waters. Most of the other creeps tried to use a gentle cajoling method to seduce her, believing her to be a child of 15 or 16, but this guy had been a pig. From the time she and Durham had met at the assigned place the guy had been all over her. The plan had been for Durham to pretend to be her boyfriend and arranger of the meeting. They were to get the guy in the car and to the woods as quick as possible, but from the start it had gone awry.

     Sitting in the backseat with the perpetrator Penny had immediately been made aware the guy was a violent type of pervert who got his kicks from the brutality of the sexual act he would force on a child. He had thrown her on her back and practically had her pants off before the car was shifted into drive.
Totally engrossed in the fight to protect herself she was unaware of Durham pulling over or getting in the backseat. One minute she was in a struggle for her life and the next she was sucking in the last putrid gusts of breath the creep gasped. Durham lifted the man's dead weight off of her and pushed him to the floor without saying a word until he was back behind the steering wheel.

      "Do you ever get tired of doing this Durham?" Feeling as if she would break down and cry, Penny kept her head down and out of his field of vision possible through the rear view mirror.

      "Listen, Penny. You can stop anytime you want. This is more dangerous for you than it is for me. I don’t want anything to happen to you. Hell, you wonder if I get tired. Hell yeah I do, but the laws especially in Shiningbal give me no choice. I can’t sit around and let men like that scum continue to prey on defenseless children and get away with it. I’m sure if a common person were to find out about what I am doing they would be torn between two minds. One side would negate me into the role of a murderer while the other side, the more truthful side, would applaud me for taking a stand and ridding the world of useless and dispensable trash.

      Just think how we have saved the sanity and sanctity of three little children and you will be able to make it through the rest of the night. This guy had been married three times and in each marriage it has ended the same. He rapes and brutalizes the children. Tortures them mentally and just moves on. He plotted his own destiny. And if I forget my reason for why I continue my mission, I just back up and remember my childhood and a little girl who never had a chance. Men like him make me want to run up and down the street shooting their kind without a second thought. Just imagine him on top of those little children, bastard."

      Closing her eyes for a moment, she didn’t have to imagine. The fear during those moments would remain in her mind forever. The weight and the determination of the guy had frightened pure hell out of her. She'd adjusted her clothing and climbed over the front seat uncaring that the car was traveling at break neck speed. She just wanted to be as far away from the dead body as possible in the confines of the car. She had been put with Durham a few times, but had never felt any inkling of danger. Every other guy had seemed harmless both in appearance and mannerisms. Their 'trade mark' as Durham called them. Though she much preferred dealing with the mild mannered perpetrators she didn't know how much longer she would be able to play judge, jury, or executioner. It was all getting hard to stomach.
The Fishing Trip- A Trial by Water, Execution and a Deliverance of Retribution:
: Ribbons & Belle   W anting something so badly, tears flow.
Anabelle Lee carefully slotted the test tubes into their assigned spots. The gray matter rising from the liquid nitrogen in the vacuum lined tanks, gave her the urge to cough, but she dared not. Any amount of germs had the potential of contamination and death to the minute life forms. At least, that’s how she felt.

Closing the lid to the container, she pushed the required buttons, locked the precious vials and lowered them to safety. With one last look over her shoulder before leaving the room, Anabelle sighed and closed the door. She hadn't realized she was crying until her friend and fellow embryologists, slid a wad of Kleenex into her hands.

"Belle, why do you do this to yourself? I just don't understand. No one coming in here deserves a child more than you. You know all of the risks, you see the donor lists and can have your pick. Call your gyne for counseling and set yourself up for In Vitro or artificial insemination."

"I want to, but I don't want to be disappointed. I’m not sure I’m ready for another heartache."

"I can understand your feelings after everything you’ve been through and that sorry assed husband of yours leaving right after you lost the baby. He didn’t even hang around long enough to see her buried. But that was three years ago. He's moved on with life, married someone else and has a baby of his own. You deserve that same kind of happiness.

Go out, pick you a live body and either get you some and have you a baby or count up your pennies and splurge on a test tube. Here,” Sunny riffled through the pockets of her scrubs, pulling out hands full of change and paraphernalia, sorting through to put the coins on the desk and push in Belle’s direction. “Here’s seventy-five cents, to start the fund."

Belle, choked and giggled at the same time, which ended up sounding like an animal being tortured and caused her to end up wobbling in her chair and banging against the desk from laughter
"God, you're so crass, Sunny. You make it sound as if I'm walking into the cosmetic aisle of any mass market store and picking out a tube of lipstick."

"Well, having the right tube is just as important as having the perfect shade of color on your lips. You know, that batch you just locked into that frozen pits of a tundra, does have one of the best specimens. Or you can simply pluck him from his office, drug him, take him home, and tuck him into your bed. Not to sleep of course. The two...”

“Stop, that’s just a stupid rumor, I’m sure. Something to keep the nurses speculating. Anyway we practically work together. I can’t use him like that.” Annabelle straightened herself under the desk and began ticking the keys of the computer. “Besides, who says he would go anywhere with me?”

“Anabelle Lee,” Sunny slapped a folder on the desktop, as close to Belle’s hand as she could without hitting her. Sending the coins flying in all directions as they hit the floor. “You only pay attention to what you want to see. I’m telling you what I see every time Tyson Ribbons comes in here. A guy with the most piercing baby blue, bedroom eyes. Somewhere I bet he would love for you to be with him. You, on the other hand, never get a peek at the lustful glances he sends your way when he walks up, because you stick your head behind a folder or run into another room, as soon as you notice him in the building.”

“No, I don’t. Not intentionally.”

“Yes, you do. If you think I’m wrong, prove it to me. Stay right where you are because the oh so cute, Dr. Ribbons is turning the corner.”

The smack of her head to the edge of her chair as she dived to the floor, combined with the loud laughter cracking the silence of the quiet hallway, let Belle know she’d been tricked.

Shaking off Sunny’s offered hand, Annabelle tried to use her elbows on the seat of the chair to pull herself up. Nearly falling face first. Knees sliding across the linoleum, as she held on, chasing the mockingly rolling chair
 THESE EBOOKS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE THROUGH MY PERSONAL STORE &
Kindle, Smashwords , Sony or Kobo, Scribed
Nook and iTunes

Black Girls Like Horror- Kenya Moss-Dyme

 Welcome back to IN THE CHAIR. Today in the chair, we have Kenya Moss-Dyme. She's actually the first horror author I've ever interviewed. 

Kenya is also an avid crafter and entrepreneur who makes swag for her customers. We  can tell by the reviews, we are in for some thrills. 

As Kenya says, “When I’m not plotting tales about monsters — be they demons or humans —you’ll find me hunting zombies in VR or tracking down Funko Pops for my ever-growing black horror collection. Happily ever afters? Eh, occasionally maybe. But let’s be real, monsters are way more fun.” 

Kenya began writing short-form horror in her teens but it wasn't until many years later when she became a published author with Prey for Me and A Good Wife. Later, she decided to self-publish the darker stories that she really wanted to write - despite being told that "black folks don't read horror". Kenya released her first horror collection Daymares in 2014 and continued on with subsequent horror and thriller releases, including Devil Inside (2017), a novella about her own battle with cancer; Sick xoxo (2024), a collection of short stories in which women are the monsters; and Anything for Angel (2025), a collaborative thriller series about the perils of dating apps. Kenya's real passion lies in weaving stories about monsters – both the kind that come from the pits of hell or may just be your neighbor.
Website: www.kenyawrites.com



Dipping her toes into dark fantasy, Kenya debuted The Forever Souls, a bloody romantic series set in the distant future. A talented multi-genre writer, Kenya also appears in the Freestyle Cypher, a collection of urban drama/thrillers, with more volumes on the way. Find her short stories in other anthologies such as Forever Vacancy, Black Magic Women, and Deadly Bargain. Her novels include Prey for Me, the hard-hitting story of a monstrous child-abusing preacher, the romantic thriller series A Good Wife, and Devil Inside, a disturbing tale about a cancer patient who morphs into something unrecognizable during treatment.

When did you start writing, and what did you write about?

I’ve been actually writing stories since I was a child. My earliest memory of a full story was around 7. My elementary school did a thing where they would take our books, stitch them with a cover and put them in a section of the library. My book - about a cricket who wanted to go to the moon – was in that section for years. I tried to get it back years later when the school closed but it wasn’t there. I think someone checked it out, loved it so much they didn’t want to give it back. That’s the way I want to remember it, lol. 

Too funny. Good story and you're sticking with it. What is the difference in your perception between now and the time you started writing?

Well, before self-publishing (at least, the way we know it today), you had a very slim chance of being picked up by a traditional publisher, especially as a black author. Now I really enjoy having freedom and control over my career, over what I publish, when and how.

I had an agent years ago when I first ventured into being published and he talked me out of signing with Ballantine books. I didn't know who they were then and in my novice world, that was a huge mistake. I think it threw me off track for a bit until I started self-publishing, too.

Please write a few lines about the books you have published, and what brought you to publishing each one of them.

The first books I wrote were Prey for Me, a thriller about a child predator in the pulpit, and A Good Wife, an erotic suspense drama. I wanted to write horror but the publisher I was with at that time told me that “black folks don’t read horror”, so when I left him, I published Daymares, a collection of short horror stories. The success of that convinced me that I had found my audience and that’s where I’ve remained focused in the horror/thriller genre.

I'm glad you followed your instincts. From what I've seen of your TickTock videos, it looks as if you're having a lot of fun marketing and sharing your work. 

    What are you writing about now and why are you writing this book?

I've written several books over the years that I never published for various reasons, so this year I’m focused on publishing some of those. My next three releases are books that were (mostly) written years ago so I have to do a little updating but then they’re ready to go. The one I’ve talked about the most is Seed, which is a dystopian satire about a society where white women pay for black men to impregnate them for specifically mixed babies – the thing is, it’s government-mandated. I started writing this in 2015 and now with the current administration, it doesn’t seem so outlandish. I figured now is a great time to release it! Hopefully, it doesn’t give people any ideas…

You’re right. This would be the perfect time for it. You would have a bestseller on your hands. Tell me, how do you go about writing your books? Do the ideas just pop in your head or do you have to plot and plan?

The ideas do just come to me! I could be watching the news – most of my stories are based on real life, either my life or someone else’s. Then I will lightly outline my ideas but I don’t necessarily stick to that outline once I start writing. I tend to make notes in my phone about ideas that may or may not develop into a book.

 We have that style in common. I’m a voracious panster, can’t plot or outline for my life. My first tattoo says, “Life is inspirational.” Because that’s my motto. I’m having a bit of a hard time marketing my books. What are your techniques and do you feel they are working?

Marketing is HARD! As much as I love being independent, that is one of the biggest drawbacks of being on your own, you’re responsible for everything! I’ve floundered with this for years – and one of my degrees is in Marketing (although it’s old at this point and was never designed for this social media era we are living in!). One of the most impactful things I’ve done as of late was to form a team with not only the Black Women Who Read Thrillers/Horror/Suspense group but several other authors who actively and loudly support each other. None of that whispering behind the scenes like I’ve experienced in other groups. We are LOUD with it, at all times. If you see one of us post a new release, then you’re gonna see my team share that post across all of the platforms; you’re gonna see us reading/reviewing and recommending; you’ll see us making videos talking about it. Quiet support is not real support in this environment. 

You gotta shout from the rooftops. And the ones that don’t return that energy, you know they don’t belong on your team. And I’m not saying they can’t be your friends; I’m speaking solely about people who want you to succeed just as much as they want it for themselves. Too many people secretly don’t want you to do better than they are, so their support is QUIET. If I’m truly supporting you then I’m trying to turn my $4 purchase into at least $40 for you! I may not have time to read it myself but dammit I’m gonna try to get 10 others to read it!

Oh, wow that's the kind of team spirit I've always loved. I used to run a Facebook writing group where we encouraged sharing and promoting each other, it was a good group, but not always towards everyone.  Some aspects felt a bit clique.

In this past year, I’ve been privileged to meet fellowauthors who really love hard on each other and it’s made all of the differencein the world. I don’t like to name names because I hate to forget anyone but, Italk to some folks probably more than I talk to my own children – Octavia Grant, Toni Larue’, Keira N. James, Tanisha Stewart and JR Mason. We all move together. ThenI have other tiers of folks that I talk to a few times a week but those 5 –it’s voice notes and DMs from the time I wake up ‘til I go to bed. “What areyou working on? What are you posting? Let me see. Let me go share it. Let me goread it real quick.”

Get yourself a team of trusted authors who are gonna ride as hard for you as you do for them!

Exactly. Talking about teamwork, I know you wanted to edit a response but I think some of the points readers did need to hear because some don't know what they can do to help their favorite author become someone else's favorite. I like your suggestions  for the reader to review, gift, to someone, and post about the author's book on their social networks. 

What else would you like readers to know when it comes to aiding their favorite authors?

If you are about to buy an audiobook and decide to NOT use your Audlb1e credits (used them already, or saving them for a larger book) please consider buying it direct from the author. Take a moment and check the author's website (or social media) to see if they offer it. The difference in profit is HUGE.I see many are outright purchasing Progeny from Audlb1e (THANK YOU) but I get only $1.25 per sale. If you buy direct from me, I get the entire $6 (plus I'm paying Bookfunnel $15 a month to host the book there). Same book, it's just being delivered by Bookfunnel straight to your device. I only put it on Audlb1e because people kept asking for it there but most folk don't realize how little we make from them - unless you've got a large catalog that doing big numbers. Still, giving someone 65% for something YOU created and financed should be .Before you checkout with that audiobook, check with the author first!

 I know your time is precious and you need to leave, can you share with the audience where they can purchase your books?
I’ve been slowly removing my books from KU (Kindle Unlimited)so that I can distribute them from my website, but they will remain on Amazon as well. You can find all of my paperbacks on my website (www.kenyawrites.com) with the added bonus of special goodies with each purchase. 

I have had the pleasure of seeing the swag you give your customers while stalking you on TickTok and other social networks. I'm totally impressed. I wanna be that good at marketing.

I have a habit of talking (interviewing) to the people in my books.  How do you communicate with your characters?

I don’t think I really do that too often. I don’t always connect with my characters in that deep sense. The only ones I really did connect with were the women in my collection, Sick xoxo. Each of those women were based on either myself or women that I knew. So, I did talk to them and listen to them talk. Especially Due, the character in The Kids are Alright. That was a deeply personal story for me and I wanted Due to be really SEEN. I also wanted her character to help somebody out there…

What hobbies or activities do you enjoy other than writing?
I’m a big Oculus (Meta Quest) player, that’s the VR headset. I got mine at the start of the pandemic, actually the first one to hit the market. I just used it to work out since I was stuck at home, then I had my son get one since he was quarantined in his college dorm and we used to play games together while the world outside was being weird. Then of course I found the horror content and I do the zombie games and other visual media. It’s my favorite way to workout though because I can’t stand going to into gyms. I’ve been trying to find time to learn how to design some content for it myself, like a Meta world to explore black horror. There’s so much fun stuff to do inside of the headset. 

That's a new one for me.  I'm not a game player, basically cuz I'm pathetic when I'm the loser. I didn't know the gaming could go that deep into narratives. This has been a very interesting conversation  and for all of you who want to learn more about Kenya Moss-Dyme and would like to keep in touch with her - visit her linktree

Thank you for your time Kenya and stopping over to chat with us here at IN THE CHAIR.  It’s been fun.

 

Think Like an Author, Act Like a Fan! by Debra Owsley #marketing #promotion

 Welcome back to another episode of In the Chair. If this is your first time here, be sure to check out our past interviews. We share conversations with authors, publishers, musicians... basically everyone who wants to share their lives with us.

Today we had a fun, productive interview with Debra Owsley, an author turned entrepreneur who helps other authors reach their goals in promotion and marketing. Just the person we all need in our corner.

Since December 2005,Debra Owsley took her love of reading along with her hobby and created the reading accessory and consulting businesses Simply Said Reading Accessories and LitVersations. She is now the author of Think Like an Author, Act Like a Fan! Initially, it was to support her ravenous book habit! She never dreamed her two loves would turn into a marketing and promotional business that has allowed her to meet and work with authors, she has read and admired for decades. She also offers her work at book events and book festivals, where she meets other avid readers and book club members.Let's join the interview that's already in progress.

Hi, Debra. I'm excited to finally get you in the chair. Tell us, when did you start writing, and what did you write about?

I always kept notes on clients I’ve worked with, creating marketing materials, and Social media posts. Each author's book has its own “flavor” and audience demographic. I plotted several ways and approaches to entice their readers into experiencing the stories. I brainstormed and kept all of these notes and strategies over the years. Some got a facelift or were recycled, or expanded. Whatever the genres, tropes, and themes were, I would generate what I, a fan, would see and turn those visions into marketing tools. This is why I named my book, Think Like an Author, Act Like a Fan. 

Most authors have forgotten what it was to just be a reader or a fan. They have deadlines, edits, and new releases. Most also have a job and a family too. So they look to me to be their extra set of hands and eyes and their swag creator. During the “Damn Demic;” I started getting years worth of notes and ideas more organized. Many of the authors I work with kept telling me to write a book about what I do for them. I had about 3 months of downtime, so I started writing.

Wow, the concept of being my own fan, would never have occurred to me.   I did purchased your book to help me with marketing my own books.   I learned a lot from it and the handbook that goes with it.

I absolutely love it and posted my review, here. Can you explain your techniques and do you feel they are working?

Giving readers an experience, the feels, and a souvenir has always been, to me is the best way for readers to experience, remember, and create a “know, trust, and like” relationship with their readers. Also, seeing you from 7 to 11 times before they actually “see you” is a real thing, especially if you are a new author. 

What is the difference in your perception between now and the time you started writing?

Writing is Hard! Trying to get the words out of my head and onto paper, in a logical way, is difficult. What I was trying to explain made sense to me, but not to the editors! There were several rewrites, and please explain, and whatttt?? and edits! I almost gave up, but my author supporters would not let me. Show and tell is a lot easier than trying to explain.

Using different ways of readers seeing you also creates interest and intrigue. These are hints and teasers, and clues to pique their curiosity, which also adds another dimension that builds anticipation for the book. This leads into talk, preorders, and a buzz! They will hold on to that item for that memory and hold on to the author's name when that next book is out. These are trails. Creating something interesting that they can use over and over again will be a constant reminder of you, no matter what they are reading. Having your contact information on these items makes it easy for them to look you up or contact you. These simple yet highly effective things keep you in their mind's eye. The pieces I like to create are like mini billboards and infomercials. They can hold a lot of information, as well as send them to your website to get more. Social media is a great thing, but you, the author, want the reader on your ground, your website, and on your email list. These marketing tools are just a glimpse of what's on your site and emails. Entice them, and they will come!

 Is it working? Yes! I’m about to hit my 20th anniversary in December, so it’s working!

Please tell us about the game you created and what influenced that creation.  

The Game! Litversations was born out of boring book discussions! I got tired of the same questions being asked, so I wrote out several questions that brought the discussion into a Lit-Versation! A more in-depth conversation, more thoughts, and perspectives. 

I also added some questions for visiting authors.  Initially, I did this for book clubs, but several authors have used these as book discussion questions in the back of their books, and several teachers have used these questions in their reading comprehension classes, as discussion questions, and homework assignments! I even have a couple of authors who teach writing use the game in their writing classes. This all blew me away! I never expected this, but I am very grateful! I am currently working on a couple of expansion packs with more great questions.

 If you had to pick 2 products of yours above all others to represent you for all time, which would you select? 

The book! It’s such a great resource guide. The book was designed to get you brainstorming and using your artistic, creative muscles, and to think outside the box. There isn’t a book like this, so as Toni Morrison said, “Write the book you want to read” so I did.

The number one arsenal in my bag of tricks is a damn good bookmark! I create tons of SWAG, but the ones that get the most attention and are most sought after are the bookmarks. I have had many people reach out to me to get an author's bookmark. But I say you have to get it from them or with proof of purchase.

I see a lot of authors spending too much money and doing things that they don’t have to. If you're ok with it, fine. But catering to influencers, and not to your meat and potato readers is not a good thing. In my book, I explain many ways to reach your core readers without going broke, spending your advance (If you're lucky to get one), and how to treat your bread and butter readers like stars. It’s really quite simple, you just have to think how YOU would want to be treated. Even if you do something special for 5 readers a month who share, chat, purchase, review, or get that Facebook Top Fan badge. Happy readers are better than influencers. Yes some can get you a few new readers, but your core readers can be your greatest influencers.. Do something that lets your readers know that you See Them. I give over 1000 ways to do something small, which gives a huge impact, without killing your pockets. Some of these things don’t cost anything.

  Tell me, how do you go about creating your bookmarks? Do the ideas just pop in your head or do you have to plot and plan?

I like to either read the book, get a synopsis, and the author's vision. I take it from there. What the author sees and what the readers see may not be the same, so I like as much detail as possible to bring the pieces to life.

Where can the audience purchase your book? Give links 

Amazon.com

Or directly from me!

Litversations@gmail.com

www.Litversations.com

http://www.Facebook.com/simplysaidreadingaccessories

http://www.Instagram.com/TheLitversationalist                               

http://www.Litversations@gmail.com

What hobbies or activities do you enjoy other than writing?

 I am an avid reader, so I read several books a month. I love going to book events and conferences to display my work and to meet other readers. I also love dancing and really spicy foods!

*chuckling*  I like the sounds of the spicy foods.

Debra, thank you so much for sharing your time and skills with us. 

An Interview With the Sun

Hello, friends thank you for coming. Today I'm sharing something I had never tried before, I am interviewed the sun. 
I've donned my protective clothing and eye gear in order to do this. Please be aware our sound requirement will be turned on as loud as it can go in order for us to catch the sun's voice so please make sure yours is not equal in volume.

If you have read the book WHO WILL HUG THE SUN, you already know of the funny, and sometimes sad adventures the sun endured in order to be hugged. We actually had this interview a little while ago, when Sun met up with her friend, moon. 

Hi Sun, I read here that you were finally getting another hug.
The sun positively glows in her excitement "Yes, that's true. My friend Moon will be here. Tonight is special though. We're having an Annular Solar Eclipse. It's a little different, because the sky won't get as dark. But it is still a nice hug.

Whew, I remember the first time you two got together before that it was crazy. The stalking of earth's inhabitants, chasing of birds and planes, squeezing the droplets out of clouds.

Yeah, well I'm really sorry about that. The sun momentarily hides her shame behind a passing cloud Listen, you promised this will be short. I have a few miles of trees and plants I need to shed a little light on. So, hopefully we'll see each other at the big hugfest, right?

Of course. I'll be the one peeking behind a welders mask. Thanks for stopping by, Sun. I really need to get out of this gear. I'm smothering.
 I understand. Thanks for having me. And everyone out there who will be coming to watch the hug, be sure to wear protective coverings over your eyes. And while you're waiting for tonight, go on over, grab and read Who Will Hug the Sun to the little ones. I can guarantee they'll love it.



Thanks for the advice Sun. Thank you everyone for stopping by and don't forget to buy the book.



Review: It took me less than fifteen minutes to read this beautiful story -- perhaps because I got into each picture.
In Spanish the Sun is masculine and the Moon is feminine. I was surprised to read the reverse in English; now I may understand why a car is feminine in the Queen's language.
Do you know what impelled me to buy the book? The title. It intrigued me; the story engulfed this old fellow.
This love story convinced me that Ms Wade knows how to dive into her inner child's fantasies but convey them as the adult she is. The final outcome was excellent.
Grammar and punctuation? Quite flawless.
My congratulations to the sketch artist.

Meet Watson Mouse, friend and companion of Sherlock Ferret #picbk Adventures of Sherlock Ferret

Today, at In the Chair, we're sharing an interview from the young siblings , Karra, Gillean, and Mhia of the In my Sisters' World picture book series

Hello, Karra here, my sisters and I are happy to introduce you to one of the main characters of the Sherlock Ferret Adventures. A series of beautiful picture books with animals protect their friends and discover the criminals committing crimes within their world. Written by author Hugh Ashton  
Sherlock Ferret Detective has his on Facebook page.
Without wasting more time, join me in welcoming, Watson Mouse, friend and companion of Sherlock Ferret, a famous consulting detective.

Watson, please tell the readers a little about the books.
Sherlock Ferret and the Missing Necklace, Miss Leticia Rabbit leaves her gold necklace on the grass outside her house one evening. When she gets up in the morning, it is gone! Sherlock Ferret and the Multiplying Masterpieces, Sherlock Ferret and his well-whiskered friend Watson Mouse M.D. visit the Museum, where they look at many paintings,Sherlock Ferret and the Poisoned PondWhen Mrs. Fieldmouse visits Sherlock Ferret and his friend Watson Mouse M.D. and tells them that her twelve children have all fallen sick, Sherlock has to find out what has been going on.What do you like about your situation in your book?

I like living with Sherlock Ferret. He’s a very interesting sort of person to live with, and we have lots of adventures together, and we have many interesting friends, like Lestrade, who is a not very big rhinoceros, and Doctor Solomon Sloth, who sleeps a lot.
Living under Mrs. Hudson’s bakery is nice, too. We get splendid things to eat. I am not sure if Mrs. Hudson knows we live here, but sometimes I think she does, because we find lots of lovely food dropped right outside our door.

Mhia: In one of the books about me, there were nightmares. I hated that. What do you dislike about your situation in your book?
 
Sherlock Ferret is sometimes a bit selfish and thinks too much about himself. I mustn’t be too nasty about him, though, because that rainy day at the Museum he brought me some warm dry shoes and socks when my feet were all wet.
Also, sometimes our adventures are dangerous. I was really scared about Colonel Sebastian Moorhen when we met him, and the beasts by the poisoned pond were very nasty indeed. But we do have a chance to make things better, and that’s a good thing, isn’t it?

Karra: If you had a chance to rewrite your ‘story’, what would you change?

The stories really don’t have enough about my whiskers. They’re very fine whiskers, and there isn’t much about them in the books. Also, perhaps I say a few too many nasty things about Sherlock Ferret in my stories. He really isn’t that bad a person.


Gillean: Sometimes, I want to say mean things about my sisters, but my author, Ey won’t let me. She told me I needed to build my self-esteem. I learned a lot in the book she wrote about me. What would you keep in your story?

Oh, I think I’d keep everything. It’s fun to be with Sherlock Ferret, and share his adventures. Even the nefarious characters we meet sometimes, like Moriarty Magpie, are interesting, and people like to read about them.

Gillean:  Do you have a family? If so, how is your family life?
I have masses and masses of brothers and sisters and uncles and aunts and cousins and second cousins. We see each other sometimes. But really, I suppose Sherlock Ferret is my family.

 What do you wish people will learn/ enjoy about your story?
I hope that people will learn how important it is to have a good friend whom you can help, and who can help you. Also, how important it is to solve other people’s problems. Sherlock Ferret is very clever, and I think people will find it fun to read how he works when he’s solving puzzles.

Mhia: I understand what you’re saying. I have my sisters and they help me a lot.

Karra: What do you really think about your author?
I like my author, Hugh Ashton, a lot, because he just writes down what I say, and corrects my
spelling sometimes. I’m not very good at spelling sometimes, and I get words wrong. I always call Sherlock Ferret an insulting detective, which is wrong. He’s a consulting detective. And Andy Boerger draws lovely pictures of Sherlock and me, but he doesn’t show my whiskers enough in all of them. I do wish he’d show my whiskers properly.




Contact the author:
 Facebook
Twitter
Web

Hardcover: 170 pagesPublisher: Inknbeans Press LLC (November 21, 2014)Language: EnglishISBN-10: 0988667045ISBN-13: 978-0988667044Product Dimensions: 7 x 0.4 x 10 inches

{REPLAY}LaSuria Kandi Allman interviews Hip Hop artist Judah Priest #entertainment #music #artists

Sitting in the chair today, LaSuria Kandi Allman interviews Hip Hop artist Judah Priest. Grab a seat and have a listen.

 Judah Priest is an American hip hop artist affiliated with the Wu-Tang Clans Brooklyn Zu & Ghetto Government Officials.  A Native of Philadelphia Judah lived most of his life between Philadelphia and New York.


Living most of his life surrounded by the influence of sex, money, drugs, popularity and the constant rush for fame, Judah Priest began to put his hopes in the wrong things such as selling drugs, sexual immorality, and living a violent lifestyle. While on the road to becoming a product of his environment, Judah Priest still wanted to be successful in the music industry.
At age 17 his older brother Buddha Monk of Wu Tang clan / Brooklyn Zu took the young Judah Priest under his wing and trained him in the studio and on stage.  At the age of 19 Judah Priest became a member of Chamber Musik Records working with Joey “G Clef” Cavaseno, spent time with Sony Red and had  a brief stint with G Unit branch off label G Unit Rydahs.
 Since 2001 Judah Priest has recorded and performed with Wu-Tang Clan artist such as Cappadonna, Holocaust, U God, Solomon Childs, Ghostface Killah, Sunz of Man, Darkim Be Allah, Killah Priest, and also Sadat X, Chubb Rock, Juicy J,Lost Children Of Babylon, Main Flow and more.

After releasing a successful debut album in 2004 titled "Valley Of Kingz"  Judah followed up with 2015 sophomore release of "The Dark Ages 8/24 A.D” with the help from Wu-tang Clan affiliates: Buddha Monk of Brooklyn Zu and Hell Razah of Sunz Of Man. Judah Priest is now working with Wu-Tang Affiliate Labels Hell Razah Musik Inc and Protect Your Neck Records along with memberships in Brooklyn Zu branch off group Zu Bulliez, & Sunz of Man branch off group G.G.O & 144,000 Chosen Few.
Please enjoy the interview: What City and State did you grew up in? Philadelphia and New York City. Tell me something about yourself? I am the Son of The Most High, Family oriented, Artist and a motivational speaker. What inspired you? Life in general, remain positive. Do you write your own music? Yes How long have you been with Wu-Tang Management? I am an affiliate How long have you been in the music industry? About 20 yearsAre there any artists that you would like to collaborate with?  Judah.  Naz is a legend from the Golden era.So your fans can follow you what social media sites are you on? Fb, Twitter.
Are you involved in any social or political groups? I work at a group home, I work with the youth. As a mentor, leader and example. Who do you think is the hypest female rapper in the game? I do like Nicki, Lauryn Hill, Rah Digga, Sonya Blade, Lady Luck, Eve. Lil Ma.
Who was the first artist you worked with? My brother Buddha Monk, Hellraiser, Brooklyn Zu.Do you have any shows/videos/Album releases coming up? Leaving for tour Midwest. Are there any challenges that you have dealt with in the music industry? Sneaking businessmen. What motivates you?  The people that I am around. What are your goals for the future? Make a difference in people lives. Are you interested in making movies? Yes, I am in Hellrazah's documentary.
Are you married?  Children? Yes children. What is your zodiac sign? Virgo. I would like to thank you for the wonderful interview. I look forward to future interviews with you.

Ey Isadora-Lyphe Wade · Judah Priest InterviewHear and read more interviews with LaSuria and her guests, here

Interviewer  LaSuria Kandi Allman
Kandi Kane Ent. For booking or Interviews contact me at909-264-0878 and lasuria83@gmail.com

{REPLAY}: LaSuria Kandi Allman Interviews Actor Dwayne Barnes #entertainment #artists

Today is a real treat,we join LaSauria Kandi Allman in conversation with actor Dwayne Barnes.

Dwayne Barnes was born and reared in Detroit, Michigan where he witnessed some of life's harsh realities, which has consequently affected and transformed him as an artist and human being. In his senior year in high school, Barnes, voted "Most Likely to Succeed," won a citywide acting competition and was awarded a scholarship to attend Eastern Michigan University. However, after a few years of collegiate life, Barnes heard the call of his destiny and chose to immediately set his sights on moving to Los Angeles and stardom.
Not just an actor, Barnes is also blessed with vocal talent and just two years after moving to Los Angeles, his performance in Robert Townsend's, "The Five Heartbeats: The Musical," was nominated BEST ACTOR for an NAACP Theater Award. Barnes also starred in the musicals, "Letters from Nam", which was written and produced by Emmy award-winning director, Paris Barclay, and "Dorian," which The Denver Daily New said, Barnes "gave a knockout performance." Barnes' musical talents also led to a contract with Capitol Records, where he recorded an album with the group H20. The group disbanded before the album was released.
Barnes has guest-starred in over 30 different episodic shows, including such hit shows as C.S.I, E.R, and Cold Case. Other network guest appearances include, "Without a Trace", "Angel", "Judging Amy", "Numbers", "The Shield" and "Six Feet Under." Following in the shoes of such greats as, Samuel L. Jackson, Halle Berry (Jungle Fever) and Chris Rock (New Jack City), Barnes' haunting portrayal of the cheeseburger loving crack addict in the urban classic Menace II Society has garnered him critical acclaim throughout Hollywood. Barnes next project, which is due out in the Fall 2006 is a suspense thriller "The Flock" starring Richard Gere and Claire Danes.
Refusing to be just another actor on the circuit, Barnes co-wrote and starred in, Memorial Street (2003), a short film, inspired by his real life relationship with his mother. The film is a touching portrayal of a mother and son's broken relationship and the challenges that they are forced to go through, and somehow sustain the undying love innately shared between the two. Memorial Street was chosen by A.F.I's Women in Film Program and also starred, "Magnolia's" April Grace.- IMDb Mini Biography By: Tangie Ambrose

 Please enjoy the interview and leave a shout out in the  comments. What city and state did you grow up in? Detroit, Michigan What was it like growing up in Detroit? It was rough, it wasn't easy it made me the man I am today.Tell me something about yourself?  I am very disciplined, dedicated, I believe in people and humanity. Everything is possible my mission is to inspire.How long have you been in the film industry? I moved to California in 1990. I was 19 years old, 25 years. What was your first movie you were in? Baywatch and Menace to Society 1993. I played the Basehead. Are there any actresses and actors that you would like to work with? Regina King, Denzel Washington, Samuel Jackson, Don Cheathum, Angela Bassett they inspire me. How many movies have you been in? Can you name them? I have been in over 60 movies and TV programs too many to name. I also have been in many commercials. Tell us about your current role? I will be on NCIS December 7, 2015 10pm on CBS as US Marshall Drew Groyler.Tell us about your very first audition and what movie was it for? Boyz in the Hood, I auditioned  for the character in the wheelchair. Have you ever experienced stage fright? It comes more with the auditions, when I'm on a movie set I don't get nervous. It's more on the audition side because you are being judge by 3 people and you are trying to do your best.

What inspired you to become an  actor? For a year I wanted to be a singer. I went to Cody High School, I audition for the drama club. From that moment I loved it. You get a chance to express yourself, being free without judgement. It's my therapy, I love it, it has to be your passion. I know you have been in Hollywood for a while what was the funniest thing you ever heard or saw? I can't  seem to think of any, can we come back to the question later.Are there any challenges in the film industry that you have dealt with and overcame? Nervousness, and anxietyWhat type of roles do you seek out? I am from Detroit so the Blood, Sweat, Tears, Drama, Pride, Gritty, Emotional. How long normally does it take to learn your lines? It doesn't take me that long, putting yourself in the situation and using your imagination. Learning lines isn't the goal. Was there a role that you sought after and was denied or you were  overlooked? It was so many, that is the life of an Actor. God chose this profession for me. What advice would you give to aspiring actresses and actors who are trying to get into the industry? Make sure it is your passion and your dream. It isn't easy at all. You have played in so many movies, which one was your favorite and why? Menace to Society was my favorite. It was also the hardest for me, my mother was on drugs. She was in a comatose state. That was hard for me. I got a chance to experience what she had experienced by playing that role. It was tormenting and became beautiful. I am proud of it, it shaped me. It set the tone for me to be a good actor. During your career have you had a love, romance, with one of your Co-stars? No.

What actress do you have crush on? Regina King, supremely talented.I know that you are into music, what was the name of your group ?Hard 2 Overcome (H20) In 1990 signed to The Whispers under Capitol Records recorded a album.

When did you form the group, and do y'all still hook up from time to time? 1990, No, just distant memories. Is there any roles that you are currently seeking out? Anything that speaks to my heart. I am just open. I want to be a star on TV.Where do you see yourself at in 5 years? Being on a series, inspiring the world.Is there any movie producing or directing in your future? Tried it a few years ago, I'm focusing on acting nowSo your fans can follow you what social media sites are you on? Fb, Instagram and Twitter Are you married? children? Single, single, I have not found that person. I have a daughter and grand daughter Your zodiac sign? Sagittarius Nov 26Your favorite food? Sweet Potato pie Any last words that you like to say to the viewing and listening audience. Love each other and accept each other. Enjoy life be happy.
Catch an audio version of the interview

Ey Isadora-Lyphe Wade · DeWayne Barnes Actor Interview
Hear and read more interviews with LaSuria and her guests, here
Interviewer  LaSuria Kandi Allman
Kandi Kane Ent. For booking or Interviews contact me at909-264-0878 and lasuria83@gmail.com

{{REPLAY}LaSuria Kandi Allman interviews Author and Movie Producer Reshonda Tate-Billingsley #readers #writers

Hello everyone. Thank you again for returning to In the Chair where LaSuria Kandi Allman keeps us in the know with visits from entertainers, authors, actors, and activist. Today in the Hot Seat, LaSuria interviews author and movie producer Reshonda Tate-Billingsley.  I have to say,as an author I'm excited about this visit, she hails from Houston and has even worked a stint in my hometown of Beaumont, TX. Totally inspires me. Let's join LaSuria and ReShonda-

ReShonda Tate Billingsley always did have an active imagination. From making up stories to crafting award-winning poems, the national bestselling author has always maintained a love for telling stories. After numerous rejections from publishers, ReShonda stepped out on faith, established her own publishing company, and released her debut novel, My Brother’s Keeper. It’s a move that paid off as megahouse publisher, Simon & Schuster/Pocket Books, picked up the book and, to date, has published all of ReShonda’s books. 

 A former television and radio news reporter, ReShonda is an editor for the Houston Defender Newspaper, as well as a professional editor, ghostwriter and literary consultant. She has worked as a reporter for The National Enquirer and as an anchor and reporter for NBC, ABC and FOX television stations in Beaumont, TX, Oklahoma City, OK and Houston, TX. She left her job at FOX 26 News in Houston in 2007 to write full-time. And write she does… ReShonda is the national bestselling author of 38 books. Her sophomore novel, Let the Church Say Amen, has been made into a movie, directed by actress Regina King, produced by Queen Latifah’s Flavor Unit Productions, and executive-produced by Bishop T.D. Jakes. The movie received rave reviews after its August 29, 2015 BET premiere. ReShonda, who served as a consultant, also makes an appearance in the movie.

Her entire Amen series, as well as the novel, I Know I’ve Been Changed, has been optioned by BET. TV One will be bringing The Devil Is a Lie and The Secret She Kept to the screen in 2016. A much sought-after public speaker, in 2012, ReShonda won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literature for her book Say Amen, Again and was nominated again in 2013 for her book The Secret She Kept. She has won numerous awards for her journalism, fiction and poetry writing skills. 

She is a five-time winner of the National Association of Black Journalists Spirit in the Words competition. Considered one of the top Inspirational Fiction authors in the country, her books remain a staple on the Bestseller’s list and have been featured in USA Today and Ebony Magazine as Summer Sizzlers.

 In 2010, ReShonda was inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame. ReShonda, along with National Best Selling author, Victoria Christopher Murray, is the co-founder of Brown Girls Books, a boutique publishing company aimed at producing quality books from fresh voices and fan favorites. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Jack & Jill of America, ReShonda is a former professor of Broadcast Journalism at Langston University. She is married to Dr. Miron Billingsley, a Vice Chancellor at North Carolina Central University. The Billingsleys have three children ages 15, 13 and 8 years old.

Please enjoy the interview and leave a shout in the comments :Tell us, what city and state did you grow up in?Houston, I am originally from ArkansasWhat was it like growing up in Houston?Loved it.Tell me something about yourself?Mother, Wife, Previously I was anchorwoman , I am an Author, Movie Producer, Motivational speakerHow many books have you written?39.Do you have a website where your books can be purchased? ReshondaBillingsley@gmail.comWhat was the title of your first book? and what was it about?My Brother's Keeper, 3 kids growing up in a dysfunctional family. What inspired you to become an author?I have always been a reader.So your fans can follow you what social media sites are you?Fb, Twitter, Instagram WebsiteIf you could speak directly to youth today what would you say?Read.What advice would you give to the young men who are suffering from police brutality?Read Are there any survival tactics or a journal that you can suggest to aid young black men? The book I wrote called Mama's Boy . It's about a mother who is forced to choose between her son who murders a police officer or the racist society in which they live in.Tell me about your latest book?The Perfect Mistress, is about a woman who is taught how to be the perfect mistress by her father.
Where do your ideas come from?RealityGive me a list of your books to read?Mama Boy, My Brothers Keeper, Blessing in Curse, The Perfect MistressDo you have any books, speaking engagements, events coming up?3 books will be released in early 2016. Look for: The Perfect Mistress, Secrets She Kept, and Devil is a Lie.What keeps you motivated?Motivated by the desire to pursue my passion.Where do you see yourself in 5 years?Doing what I love, and my publishing company doing well.Do you have any political thoughts or dreams?Not at this timeAre there any challenges you have faced that you have overcame?My mother didn't support me at first, because she was old school. I had to believe in my dream.When you did a cameo in your movie called "Amen" where Queen Latifah was the Producer and Regina King was the Director did you experience stage fright.No, I didn't. I speak a lot. I have a background as a motivational speaker.Married? Children? Yes and I have 3 children 15, 13, 8. My 13 year old daughter is an author she
has 2 books.
 ** Side note from Ey: check out Brown Girls PublishingZodiac sign?VirgoWhat is your favorite food?Lobster

I would like to thank you for this powerful and informative interview. I look forward to future interviews with you. Much success on all your endeavors.


Ey Isadora-Lyphe Wade · Author and Movie Producer Reshonda Tate-Billingsley Interview
Hear and read more interviews with LaSuria and her guests, here
Interviewer  LaSuria Kandi Allman
Kandi Kane Ent. For booking or Interviews contact me at909-264-0878 and lasuria83@gmail.com

{REPLAY}LaSuria Kandi Allman Interviews Actress Shelley Robertson #entertainers #actress

Shelley Robertson is an actress located in Los Angeles, California. She is best known for her leading role as "Donna" on the Movie of the Week, "The Ditchdigger's Daughters."  And also best known for her many long running tv commercials, such as Jif Peanut Butter (the mom sending Jif in a care package to her college daughter), Xerox (one of the Greek chorus members), and McDonald's (Ronald McDonald Happy Meal mom). Shelley's latest guest starring roles are Mali on "Code Black" (airs 11/25/15), Frankie on "Extant", "CSI:Cyber", "NCIS", and "The Newsroom".

 With performing in her DNA, Shelley was born in Philadelphia, PA and started singing/acting in school productions in middle school.  She left Philly for Atlanta, GA where she attended Emory University graduating with a Political Science degree headed to law school, after a stint working a 9-5 in Atlanta city government and getting halfway through her master's degree in Public Administration.  Her DNA moved life in another direction. Working with Howard E. Rollins and Carroll O'Connor on "In the Heat of the Night" began Shelley's professional acting career.  Within a few years, she was living in Los Angeles.

Early on in LA, the Theatre called; and she was overjoyed to receive a LA Weekly nomination for Best Actress for "Joe Louis Blues", and a NAACP Theatre Award Best Supporting Actress nomination for "Long Time Since Yesterday".

Then, Shelley's most rewarding role to date happened... Motherhood. She was blessed to then work extensively in the commercial world, which continues today. Recently airing commercials include Bayer Aspirin and Chase Bank, with a Directv in the can. Along the journey, she's recurred on "Cold Case", "Brothers and Sisters", and "Greek".  And  is also credited on critically acclaimed tv shows such as: "Everybody Loves Raymond", "ER", "Touched By An Angel", "The West Wing", "CSI and CSI:Miami", "Grey's Anatomy", "Southland", and more. While everyday feels like her career is just getting started, Shelley is excited to finish her first book, produce a screenplay and pilot she's written, and mark her brand with her production company, Hawk Productions LLC.

TAKE WINGS AND SOAR!!!!!!!

 What city and state did you grow up?
Shelley.   Philadelphia, Pennsylvania What was it like growing up in Philadelphia?I enjoyed it, I was surrounded with family Tell me something about yourself? Mother, actress, spiritual, very positive How long have you been in the film industry? 30 yearsWhat was your first movie you were in? Heat of the nightAre there any actresses and actors that you would like to work with?All of them, Denzel Washington  Cicely Tyson.   How many movies have you been in?  So manyTell us about life as a actress?  Mother inspired and motivated me. Tell us about your very first audition and what movie was it for ?The Heat the Night, it was the best audition I ever had.Have you ever experience stage fright? All the time. It's not for the faint of hearts. We put ourselves on the line on a daily basisWhat inspired you to become an  actress?Since I was a child, I have a performing family. It's in my blood, my grandmother Beatrice Robertson was hilarious on stage. I know you have worked in Hollywood for a while what was the funniest thing you ever heard or saw?  Funny things happen daily.Are there any challenges in the film industry that you have dealt with and overcame? Everyday, Actors act because they must. What type of roles do you play? I don't seek out any roles. I look forward to the ones that come to me. Was there a role that you sought after and was denied or you were  overlooked? Tons of them, the most recent was Being Mary Jane. Jill Scott got the role. What advice would you give to aspiring actresses and actors who are trying to get into the business?Don't try to be about it, respect it. Opportunities will come to you.You have played in so many roles, which one was your favorite and why?Movie of the week. Ditch Diggers Daughter.  During your career have you had a love, romance, with one of your Co-stars?  No.  Is there any roles that you are currently doing?Always.Where do you see yourself at in 5 years? Definitely a talk tangible film career.Is there any movie producing or directing in your future?
Yes.So your fans can follow you what social media sites are you on?Instagram and Twitter Are you married? children? Single, I am a mother of 2 Is there anything you want to say before we end the show? Follow your dreams.

Ey Isadora-Lyphe Wade · Shelley Robertson Interview
Interviewer  LaSuria Kandi Allman
Kandi Kane Ent. For booking or Interviews contact me at909-264-0878 and lasuria83@gmail.com

Paulette Harper is In The Chair #author #amreading

Hello, and welcome back to IN THE CHAIR. Today our guest is Paulette Harper.
Paulette is a multi-published, best-selling and award-winning novelist, who writes Christian fiction, nonfiction and children’s books. She has been writing since 2008. Paulette is also the owner of Write Now Literary Virtual Book Tours and as a book writing coach she enjoys assisting aspiring authors navigate through the process of publishing books, marketing and creating an online presence.Paulette lives in Northern California.Again, thank you all for joining in the Chair today, Paulette has joined us, so let's get the show started.

Welcome, Paulette,tell us a little about yourself.When did you start writing, and what did you write about?
Thanks Ey Wade, for having me in the hot seat.
My writing journey started in 2007 with my first non-fiction book, That Was Then, This is Now which was published in 2008. I would have to confess, I’m a late bloomer when it comes to writing. I didn’t grow up with a passion or desire to write or to become an author. In fact, I didn’t have any author friends, who I could get words of wisdom from, or advice. But with a nudge from the Lord and plenty of experiences about life, I accepted the challenge and begin writing. Nine years later, I’ve written over six books. I write in various genres including Christian nonfiction, fiction and children picture books. My spiritual roots enables me to write books that inspire, encourage and strengthen readers, while the desire to write fiction has enabled me to write stories that entertain.
What is the difference in your perception between now and the time you started writing? Even though my writing has grown over the years, I realize how important it is to continue developing my skills as a writer. I invest in myself by hiring writing coaches, and attending writing workshops. Please write a few lines about the books you have published, and what brought you to publishing each one of them?
That Was Then, This Is Now, nonfiction- How could God have a purpose for me amidst this mess? Struggling to recover from a broken marriage and disappointed dreams, I searched for meaning and understanding and through my searching, God revealed Himself to me in ways I never before imagined possible. The inspiration behind this book came from my own personal journey as I walked through the process of healing.
Completely Whole, nonfiction: A must read for all who have the assignment of edifying the hurting. Completely Whole takes you on a journey of Wholeness by identifying areas that hinder us from becoming whole— spirit, soul and body. Trauma (stress, shock, suffering, pain, hurts) impacts everyone at one point or another. It has the ability to leave scars embedded in our hearts and in our souls. We know we hurt don’t know how deep the pain goes until we find ourselves trying to hide behind the pain through temporary remedies that leave us still not healed. Completely Whole was inspired by learning through the greatest trials in life, God has a purpose for everything we go through.
Living Separate Lives, fiction novella- Four Friends, One Secret and The Weekend That Changed Their Destiny. Candace Walker, Kaylan Smith, Jordan Tate, and Tiffany Thomas have their share of sorrows, but neither of them realizes how deep the sorrow goes. What happens when they agree to meet for a weekend of relaxation in beautiful Napa County? I’ve always wanted to write a fiction book and this was my first.
Princess Nevaeh, Lessons on self-discovery, picture book. Six year old Nevaeh wants to be something she already is. She will soon learn that her wish to be a princess takes a little bit more than just asking. Some of the Lessons taught in Princess Nevaeh: Self- Worth, Behavioral Skills: pertaining to fighting, bullying, and name calling. Teaches the child about manners, and the books encourages listening skills pertaining to adults, parents and teachers. The inspiration came from my oldest granddaughter whose name is derived from the book. Nevaeh asked me to write a book with her name in it and I was more than please to do it.
Quite a well rounded selection. Tell us,what are you writing about now and why are you writing this book? My work in progress is my first inspirational fiction romance novel, Secret Places Revealed. I love reading romance books and writing a story that brings two people together for the sake of finding love was something I thoroughly enjoyed. Aaron Blackman is not looking for love, in fact the only thing he has on his agenda is adding to his Real Estate Development portfolio, while Simone Herron has her own internal battles with trust and abandonment. One decision on her part leads her to meet the eligible bachelor who is smitten by her, but has made a vow to himself not to get involved.
Tell me, how do you go about writing your books? Do the ideas just pop in your head or do you have to plot and plan?With the nonfictions books that I have written, I created chapter titles first and wrote the content of the chapter based on the title. I found that to be an easy way to write for me because I knew based on the title what areas of research I needed to do. When it comes to writing fiction, I’m still learning how to write, plot and develop the story. The ideas behind Secret Places Revealed and Living Separate Lives, did come from plotting and planning.
I’m having a bit of a hard time marketing my books. What are your techniques and do you feel they are working?  As a marketing coach, I absolutely love to market and promote my books. When I wrote my first book, I realized that the publisher wasn’t going to promote my book the way I felt it needed. I decided to take the responsibly to market and promote the book myself. The publisher was only going to do so much of the marketing and if I wanted to reach a larger number of readers, I had to step up and find places to introduce my book to new readers. The techniques that have worked for me is getting the buzz out about my book before it is released. I’ve done virtual book tours, radio tours and Facebook chats that have been a tremendous asset to me.
Wow. I haven't pumped myself up enough to do the FB Live or videos, yet. But I do enjoy and have learned a lot from others. Please let the audience know where they can the audience purchase your books?  My books can be found on the following sites. My author profile on  Amazon and my website: Paulette Harper
I have a habit of talking (interviewing) to the people in my books. How do you communicate with your characters?  Great question. I use to hear writers say… “The characters won’t stop talking.” At first I didn’t understand this statement and that was because I hadn’t experienced it until I started writing Secret Places Revealed. I could see scene play in my head and them talking to one another. I know for those that are not writers this might sound weird but it’s so true. As a storyteller my job is to create believable characters who have emotions, attitudes, drama and characters who have life issues that we can identify with. These same characters are the same ones in which our readers will have a love/hate relationship with.
What hobby or activity do you enjoy other than writing? When I’m not writing a few of my activities include attending the theater, going to art shows, dancing, listening to jazz and attending the Warriors basketball games.
Thank you for your time and stopping over to chat with us here at IN THE CHAIR, Paulette It’s been fun.Audience, Paulette has a new book coming out in July. Take a peek below and grab another seat at the revealing character interview, here.


#SecretPlacesRevealed By Paulette HarperGenre: Inspirational Fiction RomanceASIN: B00GLF5BW0Single and content, Real Estate Developer, Aaron Blackman is determined not to be in another relationship. His ex Macy, gave him enough heartache to last a life time. The only thing that has his attention right now is his growing business, that’s until Simone Herron comes along. Fighting to keep his promise to himself, he soon learns that when it comes to love some rules are meant to be broken.After losing her fiancé to an untimely death, Simone Herron is relocating and trying to put the past behind her. A new chapter in her life is what she is hoping for but what happens when her past and her present collide? Will she let the walls she has built come down? Simone must learn that in order to love again, she must conquer her past fears and allow God to put all the broken pieces together. 

Buy Links Amazon e-book:  https://amzn.com/B01G1CP1OA Social Links Facebook :  https://www.facebook.com/authorpauletteharper  Twitter:  https://twitter.com/pauletteharper Amazon author page:  http://amzn.com/e/B004FEJKCQ Website:  www.pauletteharper.com