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.
LINKS:
Thanks Lisa! I appreciate it! :-)
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteThis sounds really good. Thank you Lisa and Yvonne.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Ollie:)
Delete