Chatting it up with Kennedee Devoe

It has been over a year since we have heard from Author Kennedee Devoe so we were finally able to catch up to her and chat for a little while.



Since your last published work, what has Kennedee Devoe been up to? (If a new book, please give readers a little insight to it as well as release date).


I was just taking a break from the literary industry, somethings I've experienced has left a bad taste in my mouth. Authors beefing with authors. Readers beefing with authors. Online book clubs beefing with all the above. I just needed a break from it all. 

Sometimes I feel as though readers want too much just to support. I'm like Ronnie on The Players Club. "Sometimes you gotta do too much for that $10. Bend over, spread your legs, stick your butt out. Cmon Bankhead Bounce for me. All of that for $10."  Lol, but no for real my dedication is to my craft not entertaining readers on social media. I needed to figure out if I still wanted to continue to write. Because I didn't know readers expected you to sit online 24/7 posting, liking, and commenting. I just don't have that kind of time. 

In addition, some personal things happened in my life that got me back started writing my new release, Why Does Love Hate Me? I must say writing this book was very therapeutic after certain things I had went through in the last 3 years. The book is out right now, so please be sure to support. 

What has been the most valuable publishing lesson you have learned since your last book? 

Amazon ain't sh** lol No, for real I mean that. I will be promoting all of my books to be purchased directly from my website. I'm cutting out the middleman to ensure I receive my correct royalties. In addition, people/companies have learned how to illegally download ebooks and sell without the authors consent. I'm not even sure how that happens, but it's not cool.  All I know is that I work to hard to get ripped off. So from here on out I'll only be selling my books via website .

Is there a message in your books that you want readers to grasp? 

Self-love is the greatest love of them all. Don't let anyone steal your joy and happiness. Don't let anyone take you out of your peace. 


What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

That With Friends Like These, Who Needs Enemies was written like an elementary diary. Dammmmmmn!!! That was cold, lol. The best compliment I've received that readers can relate to the experiences I share in all of my books. 



What was one of the most surprising things you learned about yourself during your author journey? 

My skin is tougher than I thought. 


If you could pick a celebrity to play one character in the movie version of your book, who would it be and why? 

Lauren London. She has a sweet face like I do, but probably could go from zero to 100 real quick just like me. 


Do you have any book signing events planned for the launch of your new book?  (If so, please list)

Not at the time. Readers can always check on my website .


Do you have a philosophy by which you live? 

I bring me wherever I go.


When not writing, what do you like to do? 

Read self help books. I just finished The Richest Man in Babylon.  I enjoy fine dining. I have deemed myself a certified foodie. 


What author, if any that would like to do a collaboration with? 

For a long time I have wanted to pair up with Ben Burgess, Jr. We're both doing our own thing but eventually we will make the time.

      

Synopsis: 

Kween Dupree has been lucky in everything else but love. One failed relationship after another, she continues to believe that love hates her and maybe it's just not in the cards for her. Then she meets Jamarie. Will love finally deal her a fair hand or will she end up with a joker?

Be sure to order Kennedee's new release at www.kdevoe.com and hit the store tab. 

                

Chatting it up with Author Deep

We would like to thank Author Deep for stopping by for her 10/10 Interview. Don't forget to download her new book on May 5th and leave a review.

Can you please tell us who is Author Deep?
Deep is the freest part of me. I write what I want-- about what I want-- and you’ll likely end up touching yourself when you’re through reading it. Deep writes erotica—not love—though you may fall in love with the pleasure you are continuously served in each story. What was your inspiration behind "Naughty Girl?" I wanted to write about what it was like being an intelligent and driven young woman who also happens to have a high sex drive. In addition, I know many women that wished they had been as bold as Kya Garner. She represents their fantasy life where they are sexually confident and free. Why do you think people read erotica and What do you think erotic fiction does for them?
Erotica like any fiction, gives the reader a chance to escape the world they currently live in. Erotica makes people feel with evoking sensual and sexual thoughts about what has been, what is, or what has yet to happen. It opens up the mind to the possibility…even in reliving a moment.
How much does your own sexuality come into play when you are writing a book?
Completely. My sexuality starts with my brain. If I can imagine it, or I can remember it, I can write it. Not everything I’ve written I’ve experienced in my erotica but I’ve experienced the openness and intimacy needed to share the characters’ experiences.

Do you have a philosophy by which you live?
Live and let live is probably the closest philosophy especially as it pertains to this genre of writing. I don’t judge my characters for their choices and I don’t judge the reader for enjoying it either.
What type of legacy would you like to leave for your readers? I’d love for Deep to leave some imprint; one that says my words delivered the ultimate pleasure while being read. How important was a "platform" in selling your books? Very important. As a debut author, I’m continually working to build that platform of readers that want what I’m giving. What do you say to those who may criticize you for writing about sexual situations between people who don’t “belong” to each other?
Erotica represents sexuality which includes morality for certain, but it’s not confined to making the “right” choices either. Every day there are people making love i.e. screwing the wrong people. Whether they are not married to each other, or maybe one is abusive, drug addicted, a bad parent, etc. etc. and so on, sex is still happening with those people and erotica doesn’t have to promise to choose only the “good” people to highlight it. It’s free enough to surrender to them all and tell their stories. Can you tell us about your upcoming project(s)? Thanks for asking, Lisa. The sequel to Naughty Girl titled Office Intern is scheduled for release May 5th. And the third and final book of the Kya Chronicles series is already in production. Last week I released a few vignettes stories: Heaven, My Fantasy and Teacher’s Pet. They are short and sexy but deliver a punch to readers that need a quickie for inspiration.


What advice do you have for an aspiring erotica author?
Let your imagination run wild—your characters are not you even if they are by extension…let them be free.

Check out our review of Naughty Girl by clicking here.

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Upcoming Release

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Synopsis:

Kya Garner is back and ready to take on Corporate America.

She has a summer internship in which she is determined to become Morgan, Tesson & Associates’ brightest star but if there is a way to mix business with pleasure, Kya will surely find it. Being fully awakened to her sexual power, Kya attempts to figure out exactly what to do about it and with Ray no longer readily accessible, that leaves her with a lot more time to play; in and out of the office.

Office Intern - the second book in this series - explores what happens when a young woman has taken her sexual journey to the next level. 

Chatting it up with Dyphia Blount aka Gemini Phoenix

We would like to thank Dyphia Blount aka Gemini Phoenix for stopping by for her 10/10 Interview. Don't forget to download her new book and leave a review.

1. Can you please tell us who is Gemini Phoenix? 

Gemini Phoenix is a wife, mother, friend, child of God, and entrepreneur!  I chose Gemini Phoenix as a pen name because my zodiac sign is Gemini; which I'm true to, and I feel like the day I started writing (5 years ago), I rose from ashes like a phoenix!

2. What was your inspiration behind "Let's Wait Awhile?"

My inspiration behind Let's Wait Awhile was the fact that I have a teenage daughter who I want to wait to have sex and felt that all teenage girls her age need some type of inspiration to do so.

3. Most of your readers are used to you being an erotica author, why the sudden switch in genre?  How has it been received?

The sudden switch came about from God. He told me that I needed to share what's really going on in the world and help these young girls understand that it's ok not to follow the crowd. It was received well I guess.  My true fans loved it and I've also gained a few fans that has never read any of my erotica books.

4. How much did your own sexuality or life come into play while writing this book?

A great deal of my own sexuality came into play when I wrote this story because I was molested, saw friends go through date rape, suicide, and abusive household environments.

5. Do you have a philosophy by which you live?

The philosophy that I live by is to do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I think it's pretty self explanatory. lol

6. What type of legacy would you like to leave for your readers... young and old?

The legacy I would like to leave is that I put my personal experiences into my books so they will know it's real and feel the emotions.

7. How important was a "platform" in selling your young adult books?

A platform is really important when selling or writing any type of book.  I wish I'd done more to get this book out there, but I'm still working in the shadows.

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

 am currently working on an event for May 13th in Newport News as well as securing a spot at Barnes & Nobles for the summer.

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

I have several upcoming projects, but I'm currently working on Let's Wait Awhile 2 and a spin off from my best selling series, Suck Me Dry called That's My Bestfriend!

10. What advice do you have to an aspiring author?

The advice I would give any new author or writer is to pull your stories from within, don't trust everyone who says they want to help, and stay true to God first and He will be true to you always!

Synopsis:

Four families; Different choices and consequences! Breaking the silence of abuse, molestation, rape, and sexuality! On Payne's thirteenth birthday she finally meets her father, but the consequences of his actions may take him away from her forever! Her best friends, Marquis and Tia both go through life changes that will follow them like a dark shadow, while (Payne's mother) Janice relives the most horrific secret from her past! Four families have their own problems, yet connect in some way to build a bridge, and get over it!

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I believe God has a plan for all of us and we need to have Faith and believe that everything happens for a reason. I left my job of seven years to write and publish my first book Dicmatized: The Doctor Is In in 2012. It even made #5 top rated, best erotica and held the spot for over 2 months! I am also an advocate and founder of Breaking the Silence of Abuse (www.breakingthesilenceofabuse.com) spreading the word, “I am not a victim, I am a survivor!” I'm a wife, mother, and friend.  I am so proud and overjoyed that you all took the time to read one or all of my books and I want you to know...without you, there is no me! My tagline is ~ Why try to fit in, when you're meant to stand out?

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: Yara Kaleemah

Good Morning!  Today, we are hosting in our 10/10 seat Author Yara Kaleemah.

Can you please tell us who is Author Yara? 

Yara Kaleemah is a outgoing person who enjoys jumping on the bed when no one is home. 

What was your inspiration behind your latest book?
I wanted to dig deeper into my story telling abilities. I had to write something that set me apart from other authors. Often I hear readers complain that Urban Lit or African American fiction books are recycled. I don't want to be boxed in. 

What do you wish more people knew about the publishing side of things?
I wish that people knew that it is easy to self publish. Why be obligated to someone when you can make your own rules? 

What would you consider your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment is taking the steps to take control of my career.

Do you have a philosophy by which you live?
Never let anyone deter you from your dreams. 

What type of legacy would you like to leave for your readers?
I want them to read Yara Kaleemah's books and talk about the experience they had when reading. 

How important was a "platform" in selling your books?
It's important to explore different platforms and avenues when selling a product. You have to have the ability to draw people in. 

Do you have book signings coming up where readers can meet you?
I will be at the Newark Book Fair on June 20th at the Newark Public Library. 

Can you tell us about your upcoming project(s)?
I have a new children's book expected to be published by September 2015.

What keeps you motivated?

My love for writing and the passion I have for molding my craft keeps me motivated.

Dark fell upon the small village. Dry warm air blew dust from the desert while mothers brewed stew of goat and duck on wooden stoves and fathers told stories of their ancestors’ past. The chanty town was complete with tepees of straw and small tents packed with families of four, five, or six. Onika lay still in a flat bed of sheep's skin and plucked leaves. As she stared at the makeshift ceiling she wondered what life would be like in the land she had heard about in the stories her teacher told them. Her teacher, a slender pale woman with thick blonde curls and ocean blue eyes, arrived there a few moons ago. She came from somewhere far away-- a place where women roamed free and soaked in knowledge without hesitation. Onika wanted that. She closed her eyes, dreaming of the place her teacher called America. 
   In the mist of the morning dew, her dream was shaken away when her mother woke her for school. She gently shook her by the arm and hissed in her ear. 
"You must wake now." Her hot breath brushed against the girl's earlobe. 
"I am awake." Onika's eyes popped open. "Get dressed and hurry." The woman moved toward the front of the tent. 
Onika sat up, stretching her arms, and then stood up. Mother had pressed her uniform and hung it over the hand built shelve. It was the only one they could afford. The dark green shirt was inscribed with the name of the brick school house and the short skirt was plaid; blue and green. Onika rolled a pair of knee-hi socks onto her frail legs and then slowly dressed in the uniform, slipping her feet into a shiny pair of leather shoes. Mother called them 'the good shoes.' 
   When she reached the front of the tent, a bowl of thick hot oatmeal awaited her. Mother's back was toward Onika as she sat in a wooden chair and started to eat. 
"You make sure to come straight home from school. Do not take any short cuts. Do you understand?" 
"Yes, ma'am." Onika rose from her seat, putting her napsack on her back. 
  It was still dark when she stepped outside. Her friend, Ada, was waiting a few feet away. They started the four mile walk to the school house. Along the way two or three more children joined them. They talked and laughed about nothing until they approached the edge of their town. That morning the road was blocked with cars. 
"We should turn back." Onika whispered. 
  "They may let us by." Ada's bottom lip rattled with fear. 
   A dark man emerged from the passenger seat of one of the trucks. Danger was ingrained in his face as he looked the group of children up and down. 
"Where are you going?" He growled. None of them answered though. 
He grabbed one of the boys by the collar. His lips rolled tight while he stared in his eyes. He posed the question again. 
"Where are you going?" 
The boy's teeth chattered as he shuttered to say, "School." 
He was let go with a hard shove and the man turned his attention to the three young girls in the crowd. All three looked away from the man, swollen with fear. Please, let him leave us, Onika prayed. Hot air blew from his nostrils onto her neck. 
"You do not need to go to school." He said. "Go back." He pointed up the road. "Female young have no need to go to school." Then, he did the unthinkable--running his hand on the edge of her skirt. 
Onika swatted him and backed away with clenched teeth. 
"Go back!" The man shouted. "You and you and you!" 
"We just want to learn." Ada's brave chest stuck out. "We aren't doing anything wrong." 
"You aren't doing anything wrong?" He laughed. "Everything you do is wrong. You are only good for laying on your back and making men children." He reached to grope her. "You know what?" A wicked smile creased his lips. "Lie down there." He pointed toward the ground. 
Ada looked down at the dirt road beneath her feet and then at the girls who accompanied her. Onika grabbed her hand. 
"We will go." Onika huffed. "We will go." They easily turned on their heels and hurried in the opposite direction. Onika looked over her shoulder every few steps until the men disappeared in the distance. 
"Let's go this way. It is a short cut I know." She pulled Ada toward the woods. 
   Tall trees covered the area while the girls jumped over logs and found a smooth trail. 
"Are you ever afraid?" Ada asked. 
"Afraid of what?" 
“Of what they might do to you? They are killing our people every day.” 
  The rest of walk was silent. The girls entered the school just as the bell rung. Onika took her seat in the front of the room because she liked to listen to their teacher talk. 
"Good morning, boys and girls." She said with a polite smile.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Yara Kaleemah was born and raised in Newark NJ. At age 7 she began to attend the summer program of Teach Enlighten Empower Motivate where she discovered her love for creative writing and expression. As the years went on, Yara started to write short stories and picture prompts. Later, her first poem was published in the American Poet Society's Anthology of Poetry. 

After becoming a teen mom, Yara decided that it was time to pursue her dream so in 2013, Too Much to Chew was published by Salaam Publications. 

Now Yara Kaleemah owns and operates SWAG Presents where she enjoys helping entrepreneurs take their experience to the next level.

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: Princess Diamond

Today, we welcome Princess Diamond to the 10/10 Author Spotlight seat.

Can you please tell us who is Princess Diamond?

I’m just a regular girl from Chicago, who has lived through the stuggles of inner city life. I love to read as well as write. Sometimes I read more than I write. I love to shop, get manicures and pedicures, go to the movies, play video games, and spend time with family. Most importantly, I go to church and try my best to put God first. 

What was your inspiration behind your first book?

What people would be surprised to know is Put My Name On It would be my first book. Even though, I put it out as my third piece of work. It was inspired by a male friend. He challenged me to write him a short story and that’s what I came up. 

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

It’s not as easy as it may seems. There are so many facets that go into putting a book out. From the person who wrote the book to the person who designed the cover to the editors and the marketing team. Often times, some or all of those hats are worn by the same person. Then, once your book is released to the world, you are critiqued about everything. Authors have to have tough skin.

What would you consider your greatest accomplishment?

Each new book that I put out is my greatest accomplishment. For me, that’s what it’s all about. The writing.

Do you have a philosophy by which you live?

Yes. Stay humble and thankful. 

What type of legacy would you like to leave for your readers?

Just great books that people love.

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

It’s very important. Having a platform makes advertising and connecting with readers simpler. Basically, we can reach more people in less amount of time.

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

No. Not yet. Maybe in the future. 

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

My next book which comes out in June. Vacation Breakup (Vacation Series Book 3).

What keeps you motivated?

I consider my ability to write a gift. Therefore, I’m always passionate about it, which keeps me highly motivated. Also, I think reading a lot helps too.

Excerpt of Vacation Backlash (Vacation Series Book 2)

Stoney has a bad feeling about leaving Vanity at the airport. He has a good right to be. Ivan is in a terrible mood when he finally decides to shows up. His mouth is real slick and he doesn’t seem to have a filter. Pissing people off appeared to be his mission. Although, Ivan is glad to see his wife, he is livid. Be-tween the pictures with another man on social media and the money missing out of their bank account, he is ready to put his hands on her.

Things get progressively worse when Ivan catches Vanity texting Stoney while they are in the car. That is when he finds out Vanity actually cheated on him. Up until this point, he thought she was just trying to make him jealous. Revealing her infidelity sends him over the edge into a fit of rage. He is heartbroken and intends on making Vanity suffer. Not only does he take his anger out on her, but he also comes face to face with Stoney in a very heated exchange. A confrontation that sparks a whole new set of problems that nobody saw coming.

During Ivan’s downward spiral, he doesn’t realize what he has gotten himself into or who he is about to go up against. However, his bruised ego won’t allow him to let it things go.
Chasing a destructive path, Ivan doesn’t care if he is out numbered. He is willing to die trying to get revenge. Luckily, he ends up befriending the right person. Someone who is just as hurt as he is. Someone who is scorned and wants to see Vanity and Stoney pay for their actions too.

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Author Princess Diamond writes Urban Drama, Urban Romance, and Urban Erotic Fiction. She started writing at the age of eight as a hobby and continued to write throughout high school, undergraduate, and graduate school. She took courses in erotica, fiction, screen writing, and editing. After writing passionately for decades, she decided to start her own publishing company called Fiction World Publishing and share her work with the world. 

10/10 with Author Angie Daniels

      Can you please tell us who is the person behind the pen?

     That depends on who you ask. Angie Daniels is a free spirit who isn’t afraid to say what’s on her mind or even better, write about it. My alter ego Sasha Campbell strutted onto the literary scene in five-inch heels with a wild imagination and style for keeping it real. Together we know what readers want and strive to deliver.

 

          What is your greatest achievement?

      Becoming a published author

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

It’s a whole lot harder than it appears. Author don’t just write a book one day and publish it the next (well they could, but I wouldn’t advise it). Publishing (the right way) is a process that takes stages and quite a bit of time to achieve the books readers love so much.

 What is your greatest fear?

Failure. I’m always striving for perfection so succeeding is always the biggest challenge for me.

      What author(s) has influenced your writing style?

Oh my, there are so many but some of my biggest favorites are Mary B. Morrison, Carl Weber, K’wan, James Patterson, and the list goes on.

       What type of legacy would you like to leave for your readers?

I try to write stories that not only entertain but also educate. If I can leave a stamp on the literary scene as an author who changed lives and made a difference then my work will not be forgotten.

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

Having a platform is vital for an author’s career. It’s not who you know but who knows you. We rely on our readers and reviewers to create a buzz because without it, we’re just another author so we have to do whatever we can to get readers to see us. Especially now when anyone can become a “published author” so readers have a multitude of options. I was fortunate to start my career with a traditional publishing house so I had the publisher’s name and built-in fan base. It was then up to me to take my platform to the next level. In this day and age, social media is key.

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

Readers can come out and meet me at Romance Slam Jam 2014, New Orleans, 7-11 May. For more information log onto www.romanceslamjam.org

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

I am planning an exciting year starting with Talk a Good Game, a Sasha Campbell/Angie Daniels collaboration; the next volumes of The Decadent Delight and The Sexy Simmons Series that readers have been asking for; and possibly one more special surprise.

     What advice do you have to an aspiring author?

For me the work isn’t done on the first draft but on the second or third. I write a book from beginning to end, take a week off and then the rewriting begins. Agents, publishers and readers want a complete and polished product. Rewrite until your book cannot be improved any further. Look at writing as a representation of who you are and strive for perfection!

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More about the author:

Angie Daniels has released over two dozen novels. She has won numerous awards including a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for When it Rains, and an Emma Award for Favorite Erotic Romance, for A Delight Before Christmas. She began her road to publication in 2001 when she was offered a four-book deal with Genesis Press. In 2002 she signed with BET/Arabesque which was purchased by Harlequin/Kimani Romance in 2005. Angie joined Kensington Publishing in 2003. Angie Daniels is also honored to be the keynote speaker for the 2014 Romance Slam Jam. She has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Columbia College.