K.C. Blaze's Blog, page 5
March 11, 2014
Author Spotlight: Nicole Murray author of Autumn’s Child
Urban Fiction News wants to Honor our Featured author Nicole Murray for her unbelievable job on Autumn’s Child.
A Bit About Nicole Murray
Nicole Murray is a creative writer by passion, training, and profession. She is a Columbia College graduate with a degree in Fiction Writing and Marketing. Nicole’s dual Gemini personality helps her pursue creative writing as a personal profession.
Nicole explores the creative landscape of the mind to craft fiction out of real emotion. She currently writes short stories, novels, poems, and screen plays.
Nicole Murray also has extensive experience in digital content strategy, content development, and social media marketing. She has developed, lead, and contributed to a number of custom campaigns for leading brands such as Comcast’s African American digital and social initiatives, The Toyota Green Initiative, General Mills’ Feedings Dreams campaign, and P&G.
Autumn’s Child Book Review
If there was ever a time a story could leap off of the page and touch your senses it was with the reading of Autumn’s child. The story follows the life of an unfortunate young lady Layla also known as La La. Raised in the church in a suburban neighborhood as an only child she was able to quote more scripture than the pastor himself. However, her life took a drastic turn with the unexpected death of both her parents. Now thrust into a life she was totally unprepared for. She must learn how to survive before her new life eats her alive. I loved this story and how real it seemed. Nicole Murray mastered the art of storytelling and there is very few times I will say that about anyone. This story was masterfully put together and will have you shedding tears, laughing at her innocent ignorance and enraged with her situation.
Q&A with K.C Baylor
UFN: What inspired you to Write Autumn’s Child?
NM: What inspired me to write Autumn’s Child is the realization that life doesn’t come with a tutorial or a handbook. We are here on this earth with what God gave us, everything that surrounds us we experience and consume which make up the landscape of who we are. Each day it is up to us, as individuals, to take the faith and determination that we were born with as well as the surrounding elements and make this life work to the best of our ability. This is what Layla, in Autumn’s Child, struggles with. Her fears of becoming the demise of her own destiny. The only question the reader is left to answer at the end of the book is, “What would you do?” Autumn’s Child was birthed from a short story I wrote but I found myself wanting to know more about Layla, which is why I decided to expand the story into a novel.
UFN: If you had to describe your writing style in just one word what would it be?
NM: Emotional
UFN: Do You have any upcoming books you’re currently working on?
NM: I am working on another novel that is completely different than Autumn’s Child, but just as relevant. I don’t have a title for it yet but I am very eager to see where this story goes. I am also working on a short film and gearing up to explore writing for TV and film.
To get your copy of Autumn’s Child Click the book cover below
For more information on Nicole Murray or to find out more about Autumn’s Child please contact her at
Book Trailer:
30 page Teaser
Buy Direct
Amazon:
Nicole Murray’s Website
Facebook:
Twitter:
Goodreads:
IG: @lnmcreative
If you would like to be a Featured Author follow the link below
Featured Author
March 8, 2014
Spotlight: Urban Grapevine Magazine’s Felisha Bradshaw
Urban Grapevine Magazine is a lifestyle publication founded by Felisha Bradshaw. Not only is it an urban magazine providing readers with the latest urban fiction reviews but it also keeps its ears to the street. Readers can expect to get everything from exclusive interviews with some of today’s hottest urban fiction authors, fashion, music and real issues plaguing the urban community.
Many articles at the Urban Grapevine magazine boasts such topics as what it means to be a DIVA, male gold diggers and how curvy girls rule the world. Felisha’s broad range of interest and urban appeal is testament to a woman looking to bring global awareness to the topics most important to the communities many of us live in. It’s almost always rewarding to see a sistah doing her thing. What many love about Urban Grapevine is the feeling of belonging to something bigger you receive when reading. Much of her success may be attributed to her friendly, approachable demeanor or the fact that she looks like you can tell her anything.
But that’s not it if running a successful publication isn’t enough Ms. Bradshaw has also made some waves with her books Sistah Circle, A Star’s Light and soon to be released Hand Me Downs. We here at Urban Fiction News love making friends and hope to connect and build lasting friendships in the urban circle where everybody needs somebody and we don’t mind being each others keeper.
February 24, 2014
Interview with Award Winning Filmmaker Michael Foster
UFN: I would like to first start off thanking you for allowing us to tap into your creative mind even if for only a moment. You’re the owner of The Michael Foster Experience, and most known for the award-winning short film “Evelyn Black” how did you get involved in film making?
MF: Well first I’d like to say thank you for the opportunity, I love what Urban Fiction News represents. We need more outlets like this for writers and other creative people alike. I got involved in film making as a necessity to further express my deepest creative thoughts & ideas. I’ve been writing over twenty years whether it was in the form of songs, poems, or short stories. About ten years ago I got into TV Production and learned the details of that realm. So for me film making was the marriage of my writing experience with my learned production experience. I decided to go to film school to really learn film theory and everything I could about making films and from there I walked into my destiny.
UFN: You have a hand in all-things film making which is the best of both worlds so to speak. You get to create and then see your creation come to life on screen. What would you say is the most rewarding from your literary journey?
MF: The most rewarding thing for me is the connection with the audience. Whether it was how a poem made someone feel, people relating to the lyrics in my songs, or the emotion and thoughts evoked by my films. I love sharing my thoughts, words, and imagination with the world, and for me to see that they appreciate something that has come from the depths of my soul is very rewarding.
UFN: Many writers never get to see their work published or materialize so winning an award would definitely be the icing on the cake. What was it like to receive the award for your hard work on “Evelyn Black”?
MF: Receiving an award for “Evelyn Black” was validating. It affirmed that I could create an interesting character and story line, write an intriguing screenplay, and direct a film that people across the world would love.
UFN: Does your experience only include film making or have you also tried your hand in smaller projects as well?
MF: Well from 2000-2010 I focused on my craft as a Hip Hop recording artist under the moniker “Lyfelong”. I released a number of mixtapes, albums, and songs independently. In 2005 I launched my locally broadcast TV show “Swagger TV” as a means to be able to promote my music. “Swagger TV” ended up taking on a life of it’s own and became bigger than anything I’d ever done musically. In 2008 “Swagger TV” made the transition from TV show to the world’s first online “Urban Media Network”. We’d interview the largest artists in the music industry and cover other industry events and stream them live on our website. At that time no one else in the industry was doing anything like that.
UFN: What is next for The Michael Foster Experience? What can fans of your work look forward to in the upcoming year or two?
MF: Well next for “The Experience” is another great film festival run in 2014. I have a number of films on the circuit this year like “The Addiction”, “When Tables Turn”, and “Subconscious Whispers”. I’m working on producing/directing my first feature film titled “Position of Power”. I’ve already written numerous drafts of the script and feel it’s my best work to date as a writer. Anyone that’s a fan of my work will absolutely fall in love with it.
UFN: Where can followers learn more about you and your work or reach out to you?
MF: My supporters can learn more about me and my work at TheMichaelFosterExperience.com and can reach out to me via Twitter or Facebook at Twitter.com/Lyfelong or Facebook.com/TheMichaelFosterExperience. They can also view some of my work at vimeo.com/TheMichaelFoster.
Urban Fiction News: Thanks a million for allowing Urban Fiction News to interview you. We appreciate your creativity and it’s always nice to see an African American man making waves in the literary world whether in writing or on the big screen.
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February 23, 2014
Book Review vs. Editorial Review
Book reviews are a major driving force behind book sales. Its importance is so great that it can either make or break an author’s success. There are two types of reviews that every author should be aware of. There is the Editorial review and the regular book review. However, many authors do not understand the difference between a book review and an editorial review. There are some similarities but more differences. Learning the difference can help you approach the correct reviewer and also know what to expect from them both.
What Is A Book Review?
The question may seem silly or even very simple but to clarify a book review is a reading of your work by an avid reader. A review should include a brief summary of the story, the highs and lows and what the reader both loved or hated about the character or story line and some type of ranking. Using a 1 to 5 star is most common. In most cases a reviewer is rating your book cover, plot, characters likability and if the story itself keep them turning the page. Many authors are usually moved to the point of writing a review whether it was good or bad.
What Is An Editorial Review?
An editorial review is usually provided as a service to the author by a professional editor or for example an English professor. It is a critique of your work where plot development, character development as well as grammar are rated. An editorial review is usually requested when trying to determine if your story is ready for print or even if it needs more work. In most cases the editor is not there to judge if your story is good or not. They are simply looking to make the technical or mechanical parts of your story work together properly. An Editorial review is a learning experience for the author.
Which Review is Best for Me?
Editorial reviews are best during the editing stages of your manuscript. They are capable of providing you with much needed insight into your writing. They can also help you understand your literary weaknesses and point out your strengths as well. A book review is best after the book is complete and print ready. It is what makes a difference in book sales and what ignites word of mouth marketing which we all know is the best marketing there is. So the next time you’re looking for a review determine which stage of the writing game you are in and then approach the best person for the task. Don’t ask an editor for the personal opinion of your work when asking for their professional opinion. In some cases they may love the story enough to tell you themselves. Don’t ask a book review about your character development or lack thereof because they in some cases may not be qualified to give you a professional opinion.
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February 17, 2014
Wanted: Urban Fiction Gossip Columnist
Urban Fiction News is looking to add a Fabulous gossip columnist to its line up. We love a good tidbit and need a great writer who loves to be the first to know and tell. If you know how and where to find the latest juice and have an exciting, attention grabbing writing style please reach K.C Baylor at urbanfictionnews1@yahoo.com
An Urban Fiction News columnist will have a weekly feature spot with their very own photo and byline. Your articles will be seen and read by UFN’s large reading audience with a link back to your own website, blog or means of contacting you. Exclusive content will be paid per word.
Urban Fiction News Columnist may also receive
A press ID badge
Entrance to exclusive literary events as a member of the press
Pay for Exclusive Content
Author byline and
Link back to your personal website or blog
For more information please submit a letter of interest to Urban Fiction News outlining any previous work you’ve done as well as two article titles you’d like to work on. Thanks again and lets take over the Urban Fiction Media Wave!!!!
Celebrate with Urban Fiction News
I am so grateful to everyone who has come along with me on my journey of providing the self-published author with a voice. Urban Fiction News was born from a need to give people real information. There is nothing worse than knowing you need something but not exactly sure what it is you need. Urban Fiction News’ goal is to provide authors of fiction and urban fiction with as much information as possible in areas of self-publishing, traditional publishing, book cover designers, editors, book reviews, marketing ideas and solutions, marketing plans and strategies, If you need to know it then we will provide it. I invite all of my current and future followers to celebrate with Urban Fiction News by actively commenting, asking questions and telling us what you need to know.. There is only one platform that puts everything you need in one place and then give you links to those places so you’re not stuck looking for it. I am excited about what the new year will bring for Urban Fiction News and all of YOU!!!
Urban Fiction News Services
Authors have it hard when it comes to promoting their work especially self-published, African American and Urban Fiction authors. Being on top when entering into the vast world of publishing where the competition is fierce and plentiful is almost imperative to become the best at book marketing. The first thing any author should determine is what is their bottom line. What are you looking to get out of your writing career. Are you content just seeing your book listed on a major retail site? Do you want to win literary Awards? Are you looking to quit your 9 to 5? Are you trying to make money from selling your books? No matter which goal you’re aiming for you can’t get there without the proper marketing strategy.
If you love writing and that is enough it really doesn’t matter once the books is in print if it sells cause your goal has been reached but if you are like the millions of writers looking to make money from their creative works you need to learn how to become your own best salesmen. I come from a sales background so I am comfortable in a sales oriented environment and here at Urban Fiction News we are more than happy and capable of giving your book a fair shake in the sea of literary greatness.
Each services provided was an answer to the growing amount of request from my followers looking to get their books into the market. As always my goal is to provide each reader/follower with real answers and solutions their growing needs.
Visit our Urban Fiction News Services page to learn of which services may be best for you and your novels!!!
January 29, 2014
Become A Featured Author
You’ve worked so hard to finish your book and took all of the necessary steps to become the best published author you can be. Now its time to share what you’ve created with the world by becoming a featured author on the hottest Urban Fiction Platform around.
What Do You Get?
Featured authors receive a front and center spot on Urban Fiction News with
Author bio (Including Your Pic)
Book cover display, (Homepage Banner)
Book summary and Q&A with K.C Baylor
Review posted on UFN, Amazon, B&N, Goodreads etc…
Visit Our Advertise page for more info!!!!!
Urban Fiction News is still accepting book review request. However, due to the overwhelming amount of requests each day there is a backlog . Featured authors will receive precedence . All book reviews will be posted on UFN as well as remain in the archives for future readers to find at anytime.
January 20, 2014
You’re Invited: K.C Baylor Interviewed on The Literary Showcase
You are all cordially invited to join me on the Literary Showcase Jan, 27th with your host The Master Communicator Sharon Jenkins. We are celebrating urban fiction!!! I will be sharing trade secrets, what I have learned on my literary journey and from helping fellow writers. I am looking forward to seeing everyone there!!!!
The interview will be from 8:30 pm to 9:15 anyone with a Google+ or YouTube account can participate. Thanks in advance.
January 5, 2014
Author Interview: Quest Within Me Author Daniel Davis
Q: Your story “The Quest within Me” has touched me in such a way that I wanted to speak with you. How did you come to the conclusion that you needed to work on finding both your own definition of peace and happiness?
A: Figuring out what peace and happiness meant to me was the beginning of my quest. Before a person can arrive at a final destination, they have to figure out where they are going. This is why I believe a person cannot have peace and/or happiness in their life until they define what these things mean to them. I spent years trying to find joy in my life from material things, status, and finally relationships. After years of searching for happiness in those places I was left with a sense of emptiness in my life. It was not until I looked inside myself that I began finding the answers I badly desired.
Q: Many individuals find themselves in a lost place, a place that doesn’t make much sense in life. Did you experience an epiphany or moment that clicked and you said “now this is all making sense to me?”
A: Prior to moving to Maryland, I always kept myself busy. Keeping myself occupied with work, parties, etc. allowed me to ignore inner feelings I badly needed to address and/or let go. It was easier for me to ignore these feelings than to confront them. Once I moved to Maryland almost immediately things fell apart with the woman I was seeing at that particular time, I was not working, and I was all alone. I’ll be honest with you; this was a very depressing time for me. During this period, I read a bible verse that really spoke to me. Matthew 5:8 “Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God.” For me, the verse meant in order to walk the path God intends for you one must clear hate, anger, fear from his/her heart. It’s funny to me how I thought the universe was punishing me for something because of the situation I was placed in, but being isolated from everyone and everything was exactly what I needed to discover what was preventing me from having peace and happiness in my life.
Q: I think what resonated with me was the moment in your journey that caused you to speak with your father. You came to him in such a nonjudgmental way and started off the conversation with I forgive you for. To me that was extremely powerful because when we are hurt we often point a defensive finger at the wrong-doer. How difficult was it for you to go to your father and confess your ill feelings?
A: You brought up a great point about not being judgmental. Many people do not realize things they have done affect others in the way that it does, so a lot of times a person won’t even realize they are a wrong-doer. We as a people (me included) have to work on addressing issues as they occur and not waiting days/months/years. Also, we must address these issues without judging and pointing fingers, which is easier said than done.
It was very difficult for me to finally speak with my father, which is why I avoided having that conversation for so long. I knew it needed to be done, so I finally did it. A lot of times people will express their feelings to another and because the wrong-doer does not apologize in the manner the person believes he/she should, this person never truly forgives the wrong-doer. This is why I wanted to start my conversation off by forgiving my father. I felt just how powerful this gesture was immediately. I mean instantly my face was covered in tears.
Q: What lesson or lessons would you say you’ve learned the most from? Though your journey came to a conclusion in your book would you say in some ways you are still on that journey?
A: Life is always teaching us something. Granted, every lesson will not be life changing, but each day has the potential to produce multiple positive takeaways.
Every lesson in The Quest Within Me was unexpected. I started off with only four stories, and every few days/months something significant would happen. I kept writing and next thing I knew I completed a book, so the book may have concluded but the journey will continue to go on. I actually began working on another Non-Fiction book called My Quest to Love. Readers are really going to connect with this book because it’s an in-depth look into relationships from knowing exactly what you are looking for in a counterpart to actually being in the relationship.
Q: I know that the Quest within Me is your debut non-fiction book but can readers expect to see any fiction in your literary lineup?
A: There is an idea I’ve played around with in my head, and I really wanted to do something with it. I shared my pitch with a few close friends and they all said, “You need to write that book!!” Needless to say, I will make this project happen.
Q: Where can readers find a copy of your debut non-fiction or contact you for questions or book club discussions?
A: The Quest Within Me is available for purchase online @ Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, Balboapress.com, and/or iTunes. I will be sure to attach the links below along with my contact information.
Before we wrap up this interview I want to express my most sincere appreciation. Even though you don’t normally review Non-Fiction you made an exception for my book, and that meant the world to me. Thank You!!
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-quest-within-me-daniel-c-davis/1115273044?ean=9781452567440
Email: Mrdanieldavis@hotmail.com
Twitter: Mrdanieldavis_h
InstaGram: DannyBoy_Davis
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Daniel-C-Davis/167793779910537
