Saturday, February 8, 2014

Blog Tour: Before I Lay Me Down To Sleep by Obsession



Tell us about Obsession, who is the lady behind the books?
Obsession is an artist, a teacher, a humanitarian, and a quiet but outspoken woman. I grew on the west side of Chicago. I graduated from a writing program called Young Chicago Authors and high school at the same time. I was told that I was one of the best writers that have ever attended YCA. Anything else you'd like to know, hit me up and we'll chat :-)


What inspired you to write your first book?
One of my best friends (The writer Rachel Benson) challenged me to write a novelette. She knew that I could do even before I did. I accepted the challenge and penned my first novel Climatic Successions. 

What do you wish more people knew about the publishing side of things?
People should know that it's just as shady as the music industry. It's not about talent, it's about who you know. 


How did you come up with your titles?
My titles tell exactly what the story is about. Climatic Successions=(climaxes, drama back to back, consectively). That book is full of drama non-stop. Catch 22: Love's Paradox (absurd dilemma's) Before I lay me down to sleep (A woman's life is ending quickly so she decides to bless those around her with things that she never had) Prostitutes Anonymous (A prostitute is blackmailed by her highest paying john into getting clean or suffer some consequences).


What author(s) has influenced your writing style?
I wouldn't say influenced my writing style, because my books aren't like anything out today. Kay Hooper has inspired me to expand to other genres. She's my absolute favorite author. She writes romance, paranormal romance and mystery/thriller.


What is the hardest part about writing?
Staying focus and motivated is the hardest part for me. I feel like it's a competition between African American writers; who can drop the most books in a year. I have to remind myself that forcing myself to write isn't healthy for the craft. I refuse to have hundreds of 1 and 2 stars all because I was trying to run the race.

 
How important was a "platform" in selling your books?
It was very important! most of my sales come from people on social networking sites. Having facebook, Twitter, a blog and other sites has helped get my name out there. 


What are your hobbies?
I'm a bookworm so I read a lot, I'm into photography, and I'm getting back into painting.


Can you tell us about your upcoming project(s)?
I'm writing my first erotica book called Pleasure Palace, another romance book called The Loveologist and a poetry book called Louder Than A Bomb.


What advice do you have to an aspiring author?

My advice is do your research! before you work with someone or sign with someone check their references/credibility. 



SYNOPSIS:

 If you were given only six months to a year to live, what would be your final good deed? 
Filled with love, humor and heart stopping suspense, you will find Gail Washington; a therapist turned matchmaker diagnosed with a monstrous disease. She arranges a sensual mixer in hopes that four individuals, who are also her clients, make a love connection. Nathaniel, a head strong seductive pediatric surgeon, has never met a woman that could handle him mentally or physically; that's why Gail’s feisty secretary Zaya is perfect for him. Raven is the top male tennis player in the world. He quickly learns that with championships comes a lot of money and a lot of women; both of which he’s always had control over until he meets Morgan, a free spirited hairstylist that is drop dead gorgeous and emotionally elusive.

Will Gail live to see her last wish granted? Will they surrender their hearts and fall passionately in love with one another? Or will Gail’s final act of kindness accompany her to the grave?

 TALKING POINTS OF THE BOOK:

1. What can we learn from the protagonist? 
Acceptance, love, humbleness, Kindness & forgiveness

2. How was Gail inspirational?
Even though her life will be cut short, Gail remains unselfish while showing us a softer and stronger side of humanity.

3. Gail played a major role in her clients love connection.
She devised a plan to not only heal her clients but to gift them the one thing the all yearned for, which to love and be loved. 

4. The importance of loving yourself before you can love anyone else.
Nathaniel, Zaya, Raven & Morgan had to face and conquer their own demons in order to see the good within themselves and others. They went to war with their past and their emotions; coming out scraped and bruised but free. 

5. My own story inspired Gail's and the rest of the cast.
Healing, learning to love myself, facing my abusive childhood, learning how to forgive, being selfless, helping others heal with my story. 


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