Can you tell us about yourself.
I am a mother, wife, and author who works full time as a government
employee serving the elderly and vulnerable populations. I consider myself to be
fun, outgoing, out spoken, down to earth, honest and real. I say what's on my
mind and how I feel but I do it in a tactful manner. I enjoy reading,
socializing and spending time with my family and friends
What inspired you to write your first book?
More like "who" inspired me to write, was a friend of the family who heard
me speaking at my uncle's funeral. At the end, she came up to me and said 'you
should write." She told me that my voice and choice of words were captivating
and that I could reach many through a book, so I tried. My very first book
was supposed to be an autobiography about how I came to be despite the
hardships I faced as a child. However, I wasn't fully ready to share certain
aspects of my life, so I created Chaianne, who is loosely based on me and gave
her a story of her own.
What do you wish more people knew about the publishing side of things?
Well, my experience with going with a publisher was exactly what I
wanted/needed and that was to help me get my manuscript into print. But I would
have to say with the right connections and proper research and depending on
one's needs, it may be something that they can pursue themselves.
How did you come up with your titles?
Honestly, I don't remember how I came up with the title for The Way Love Is
(lol) but I do remember having this title chosen ahead of time. I think because
it didn't bother me, I kept it. But for my second book, Awaiting A Love Like
This, that took forever to finalize and deep inside, I'm still not sure if
that's the one I will go with. Be on the look out to see if I ditched it or kept
it! (smile)
What author(s) has influenced your writing style?
I can't say that one author in particular influenced my writing style per
se. I write like I talk (to an extent) and write what I like to read. I like to
say that if Wahida Clark and E.L. James birthed a book, it would be my stories,
especially the second one. I am not fond of street lit and I prefer my
characters to be a little more "urban" than James' so I created them in my
image; educated, driven, street smart and down to earth!
For your first book, how hard was it to find a publisher? What was your
journey like in signing with Gemini Phoenix Publications?
It wasn't hard at all! In fact a coworker of mine had read a book by Dyphia
Blunt aka Gemini Phoenix and through being friends on FB found out that she was
looking to create a publishing company. I connected with Dyphia, we spoke and
here we are. My experience so far has been great. She's knowledgeable, fair, and
helpful and I couldn't ask for anything more than that!
How important was a "platform" in selling your books?
Honestly, I didn't expect for people outside of my friends and family to
read my book(s). But when people heard that I had written one or was in the
process of publishing one, others outside that were interested in reading as
well. So I guess, the platform itself was created once word of mouth spread and
I began receiving FB messages from people I never talked too who heard about my
book and wanted to know where or how to get a copy.
What are your hobbies?
As mentioned before, I enjoy reading, writing poetry, hanging with my
family and friends, and doing new things. I can't even say writing is a hobby,
it's more like a blessing and I am really excited to see how many people I can
reach through this literary gift.
Can you tell us about your upcoming project(s)?
Yes, right now I am in the process of finalizing my manuscript for my
second book, Awaiting A Love Like This (working title) and will soon be fine
tuning my third completed manuscript, Love Don't Live Here Anymore; book three
of the Love Collection.
What advice do you have to an aspiring author?
My advise to an aspiring author would be to just do it! If that's your
passion, gift, blessing, desire or whatever, then go for it. Learn as much as
you can about the arena, hire a professional and experienced editor and follow
your hearts desire. Write because you have a story to tell and want to share it
with others, NOT because you trying to secure a hustle. Other than that, best
wishes and much success. XOXO, Vy Antenette
More about the author
Vy Antenette was born, raised and
still resides in Albany, NY and is a graduate from the College of St. Rose and
South University. She is married to the love of her life and the mother of
three beautiful children. Vy is the oldest of eleven and comes from a very
close knit and supportive family, with her (maternal) grandparents being
extremely influential in her life.
It was never her lifelong dream to become a writer let alone an author but she has always had a way with words. After speaking at a funeral someone came up to her and said “you should write!” so she did. At first, the process was difficult as she had a hard time making the story flow, so she stopped. Five years later in May 2012 she decided to write again and by the end of that year she had penned four complete manuscripts. Her first novel, The Way Love Is hit the market in June of 2013. Her second novel is due to be released late Fall or early Winter of this year.
With red being her favorite color, hearts her favorite shape and Valentine’s Day her favorite occasion, she found it almost destined that all her novels would reflect love in some way. Labeling herself as the “Queen of Hearts,” she hopes that all who read novels from the Love Collection will become lifelong admirers. Although Vy is not sure how far her talents will take her she is pleased with the direction in which her literary talents are heading and is eager to continue writing. “Like a bottle of fine wine…writing gets better with time.”
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Synopsis:
Chaianne Lewis is determined to make a better life for her and her daughter despite the bleak childhood she had to endure. Right out of college she starts her own Private Investigation firm which proves to be more than she bargained for, in more ways than one. Chaianne soon discovers that her niche for spying may actually do more harm than good. Now instead of tailing others, it’s her own back she needs to be watching. When death happens upon her doorstep she’s burdened with the realization that it’s the one person she thought she could love forever. Will her heart forgive that easy or will the reality of the situation prevent her from loving... again?
Chaianne is left to believe that sometimes that’s just the way love is, or is it?
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Wonderful interview beautiful. Good luck in all your future endeavors!
ReplyDeleteThanks Dyphia!! You are an amazing supporter and I wish you all the best as well!!
DeleteI love this!! Thanks ao such for the opportunity Lisa!!! And to all who visit and read, I would love to connect with you all too!! Blessings! <3
ReplyDelete