BLOG TOUR: The Joneses by Sheila Goss

Can you please tell us a little about yourself.

I am from Louisiana – home of good food and good people (smile). I’m also an alumni of Southern University. I’ve been writing since I was 9 years old. When I was in elementary school, my teachers submitted my poems to Seedlings. In school, I’ve been on the yearbook staff, newspaper, etc. I decided to pursue writing as a career back in 1997. My first book outside of school was actually a collection of poems. It was called Embraced by Love – The Relationship. Since then I've written poems, lyrics, short stories, and novels. THE JONESES is my seventeenth book in print. 

　What inspired you to write your first book?

Writing was always something that I wanted to do, but I originally had planned on waiting until I retired. After losing my dad and hearing of Princess Diana’s death, it dawned on me that life was too short and I shouldn’t wait to pursue my dreams. So, while I was still working, I would write at night, during my break, at lunchtime, etc. When the right opportunity came, it was just the right time to go ahead and put everything I had into it.



 What do you wish more people knew about the publishing side of things?

Authors don't get paid as much as people think. Book sales are important when publishers determine whether they want to offer a writer another contract. The first month of sales is very important for writers. Also, book reviews are important too. Publishers look at those as well.   　

How did you come up with your titles?

The title of my books represent the theme of my books. I came up with the title for The Joneses because I took the concept, "Everybody want to be like the Joneses and wrote my own interpretation.  

What author(s) has influenced your writing style?

Jackie Collins, Donna Hill and Terry McMillan and quite a few others. I read a lot of books by some very good writers to help me become a better writer. I try to learn something from all of them. :)

For your first book, how long did it take you to find an agent?

It took years for me to find an agent.

How important was a "platform" in selling your books?

Every author should have a platform. Every author should concentrate on building their brand verses just selling a book. If you build a brand, the audience will come.

Do you have book signings coming up where readers can meet you?

I will be at the Romance Slam Jam in New Orleans from May 7 - May 11. I would love to see readers there. To keep up to date on other signings, please sign up to my blog via my website at www.sheliagoss.com


Can you tell us about your upcoming project(s)?

2014 is off to a good start. I have several pending projects that I hope to finalize in the first quarter. I'm working on a couple of new books as well as writing a couple of screenplays. Thirsty-The Movie, that's based on one of my original screenplays, has a Facebook page. To keep up with the process of what's going on with the movie, be sure to "like" the page: https://www.facebook.com/theThirstyMovie

To keep up with all of my projects, be sure to bookmark my website www.sheliagoss.com.

What advice do you have to an aspiring author?

The best advice I could give an aspiring author is to write, write, write. Write a complete manuscript, revise, join networking groups and research. Google is a writer’s best friend. When asking questions to other authors, be specific. A generic question like "how can I get my book published?" will not yield you the response that you want. Why? Because there’s no magic formula to getting your book published, but yet, there are many books written on the subject. Asking specific questions will show that you’ve taken the time to do your research and possibly read some of those books or articles and that you’re serious about the craft of writing.




About The Joneses:

Keeping up with the Joneses isn’t all it’s made out to be. In this intriguing novel full of drama and plot twists, one family tries to hold on to their "perfect" life before their secrets, lies, and scandals are exposed.

On the outside, the Joneses seem like the ideal family: Royce Jones, a funeral home mogul, and his wife, Lexi, are parents to Charity, Hope, and Lovie—and everybody wants to be them. But it’s true that money can’t buy happiness, and the Joneses are harboring secrets that can’t stay hidden forever…It’s only a matter of time before the Joneses’ perfect life goes spinning out of control.　

Order your copy of THE JONESES from Simon & Schuster or purchase from other online retailers such as:　

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ IndieBound

Available in stores everywhere on February 18, 2014.


AUTHOR'S BIO:

Shelia Goss writes in multiple genres.　USA TODAY says, "Goss has an easy, flowing style with her prose…" She's received many accolades in her career, including being a finalist in the mystery category for the 2013 AA Literary Award Show and a 2012 Emma Award Finalist. Her books have been on several best sellers lists, such as: Essence Magazine, Dallas Morning News and Black Expressions Book Club. Shelia loves to hear from readers so feel free to contact her via her website, follow her on Facebook or Twitter.

THE JONESES GIVEAWAY

Lexi Jones, one of the main characters, from THE JONESES loves her handbags so it’s just befitting that the grand prize be a handbag. Contest ends on February 25, 2014. 

GRAND PRIZE:

One (1) random entrant will receive a small Coach handbag {Retail value: $188.00, 10 3/4 (L) x 7 (H) x 3 1/4 (W)} and Bath & Body Works miniatures (Retail value: $19.75)

RUNNER UP:

One (1) random entrant will receive an autographed copy of Montana’s Way.

10 ENTRANTS:

Ten (10) random entrants will receive the electronic version of the book Hollywood Deception.

Open to U.S. & Canada residents only. Avoid where prohibited by law.

 

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