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.

Website ~ Amazon ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ YouTube

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.

Amazon ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram

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. 

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: Meiah Shaun

Good Morning.  Today we are spotlighting Author Meiah in our 10/10 seat.

Can you please tell us who is Author Meiah? 

My name is Meiah Shaun and I’m an inspirational author.  I’m a native of Orange, Texas and I currently reside in Plano, Texas.  I graduated from LeTourneau University where I received my Bachelor’s of Business Administration and an MBA. 

My new book is called Marvelous Are Thy Works.  My book covers the natural hair movement, self-love and relationships.  I have a special interest in empowering black women to self love and to embrace their natural hair.  I’m featured on Ezinearticles.com.  I have published articles on numerous topics such as inspirational, spirituality, goal setting to shopping and product reviews.  I enjoy writing, reading, cooking, jazz music and making scrapbooks.  

What was your inspiration behind your first book?

My natural hair journey is the inspiration behind my book.  I decided to wear my natural hair in 2007 and I stop chemically relaxing my hair. I’m passionate about the natural hair movement.  I love encouraging black women to embrace and wear their natural hair.  My book is a combination of my imagination and personal experiences.

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

It’s important to have a plan as an indie publisher.  I’ve learned it’s important to know your target audience and have a marketing strategy.

What would you consider your greatest accomplishment?

My greatest accomplishment is following my dream and writing my first book!

Do you have a philosophy by which you live?

My faith in God is what gets me through the highs and lows of life.  I believe that God is on my side to prosper and I’m grateful for his many blessings.

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

I believe that God makes no mistakes and that we are all marvelous and made in his image.  I encourage women to self-love and know your worth.

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

Initially, I felt my target audience was only black women wearing natural hair.  As a result, my book has appealed to all women of races and color.  I received feedback from book reviewers who are Caucasian women.  Both of them told me that they were inspired, enlightened and entertained by Marvelous Are Thy Works! I’m so grateful that my book is inspiring all women!

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

Yes, I’m planning to host a book party this summer in the Dallas, TX area!  Readers can stay tune for more information by following me on Twitter and Facebook as well as visiting my website.

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

I’m working on my second book. It’s an inspirational story about forgiveness, healing and redemption. I plan to publish it by early 2016.

What advice do you have to an aspiring author?

My advice is to continue writing and connect with other writers for inspiration and to network.  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Meiah Shaun is an inspirational author and freelance writer.  She is a graduate of LeTourneau University.  She is featured on Ezinearticles.com as a platinum level author.  Meiah Shaun is the author of Marvelous Are Thy Works, (VC Publishing, 2014).  Meiah Shaun has a special interest in empowering African American women to self love and to embrace their natural hair.  She and her twin sister rock Sisterlocks.  She resides in Plano, Texas.  Visit her at meiahshaun.com and follow her on Twitter @MeiahShaun and on Facebook.

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Website ~ Amazon

“I think black women should do away with weaves altogether,” Sheba said. “As y’all know…I refuse to do them. I’m able to grow my clients’ hair without ‘em.” 

Just then, a tall, medium build woman walked into the salon wearing sunglasses, a mauve colored dress, and a trendy beige straw hat. Fatima greeted her in the foyer. Sheba followed behind Fatima to the foyer, while Lauryn took a seat in her chair.

“Hello, how can we help you?” Fatima asked, giving her a warm smile.

The woman removed her sunglasses. “Hi, I’m Bridgette, a former client of Sheba’s.”

“Hey, Bridgette, it’s been a minute since I’ve seen you, girl!” Sheba gave her a bear hug.

“I’m in town on business. I fly back to Los Angeles in the morning.”

Sheba asked, “Do you still work in consulting?” 

“Yep, in tax consulting and I still travel a lot.” Bridgette flashed her pearly white teeth while clutching her briefcase.

“Do you need to get your hair done today?” Sheba asked.

“Oh no, girl. I just wanted to stop by and say hello.” 

Sheba bent her knees and arched her back so she could get a glanced of Bridgette’s hair underneath her hat. Bridgette blushed and took a few steps backwards. Then she laughed coyly and pulled her hat upward from her forehead. Sheba viewed her receding hairline.

“I have a confession,” Bridgette stated. “Once I relocated back to L.A., I went back to putting relaxers in my head.”

Sheba swallowed hard to keep from gasping, then forced a smile.

“Girl, I hated my coiled texture,” Bridgette continued. “It was too much for me to manage. Please don’t judge me.”

“Oh no, never! It’s your decision, but your hair was beautiful and healthy when it was under my care.” Sheba stood with her hands on her hips, observing Bridgette’s mannerism.

Fatima walked over to Lauryn’s station. They stared at the scene.

“It’s nothing personal, Sheba. It just wasn’t me. Once I moved back home, I shifted back to my old self,” Bridgette explained.

“I see. Well, you look good!”

“I have another appointment this morning. Maybe we could go to lunch next time I visit,” Bridgette told her as she headed toward the exit.

“Sure, if I’m available. I’m glad things are going well for you out there.” 

They hugged again. Then after escorting Bridgette out of the salon, Sheba dragged her feet back to her station and huffed.

“Sheba, don’t get so worked up over it. Bridgette said she couldn’t manage her hair.”

“But, Lauryn, she didn’t have any complaints when I did her hair.”

“It takes confidence to accept what you have,” Fatima said.

“I don’t care that she wears extensions, but to go back to a relaxer is just crazy!”

“Not every black woman will be natural. It’s a choice,” said Lauryn.