Diva sits down with Dawn Forte', Author of "The Sum of My Mistakes"

Dawn L Forte' is a native of Plainfield, NJ. The mother of two adult sons and two adult daughters aged twenty-one to twenty-seven. She's also the grandmother of a beautiful five year old granddaughter and adorable four year old grandson. She's a poet in her own right, performing in various spoken word/open mic venues. 'The Sum of My Mistakes' is her first fictional novel. She is currently working on "The Sum of My Mistakes II" and a poetry book. A victim of Fibromyalgia, a Chronic Pain disorder, Dawn can be found most days fighting this terrible disorder, or she can be found relaxing comfortably at home with her family, reading a good book or on her computer writing her next project. Dawn can be contacted via email at msd4tae@yahoo.com or authordawnforte@gmail.com. 

Can you please tell us a little about yourself.

 

A little about myself... Well I'm a single mom of 4 and grandmother (They call me Dee Dee) of 2. My family means everything to me!! I've been writing forever. Seriously writing for 15 years.

 

What inspired you to write your first book?

It was just time... I was seeing someone and it ended... I guess this was my way of dealing with the relationship's end.

 

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

That's it's a rough process... you have to be careful when you're trying to become published. Make sure you and your publisher/publishing company are a good fit. Just because they'll publish you doesn't mean they're good for you.

 

How did you come up with your title?

I also write and perform poetry... I had a poem called "The Sum of My Mistakes." That was not the original name of the book.

 

What author(s) has influenced your writing style?

Carl Weber is my biggest inspiration... I love his writing style and I hope to be as successful and he is. E. Lynn Harris... I loved his writing style.

 

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

Unfortunately I still don't have one... Let's just say my publisher and I weren't a good fit.

 

How important was a "platform" in selling your books?
Very important, but unfortunately I didn't realize it until after the fact. I wish I could do a lot of things differently.

 

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

I presently don't have any scheduled... I'm seriously focused on my writing right now. I took a little vacation from my writing... from everything really... and I've been focused on my poetry and performing. I'm going to take a little break and work on my life as an Author and hope some of the things I'm looking for in my literary world I'll be able to find. Another publisher, a marketing team, a PR person, and agent, things like that.

 

Can you tell us about your upcoming project(s)?
Well... I'm working on "The Sum of My Mistakes II" and a poetry book. I'm still promoting "The Sum of My Mistakes" and praying hard for my Best Seller dreams to come true. I'm also working on opening up a publishing company in 2014. I'd like to learn more about the business before I venture out into the Publishing world.

 

What advice do you have to an aspiring author?
Write... write and write!!! Don't stop writing! Do your homework!! No matter what you plan on doing self publishing or if you're looking for a publishing company DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Don't sign with the first publisher that comes along. Investigate and expand your possibilities. If you're thinking big things... aim for big things. Don't limit yourself. Open your mind... believe in your work and never read while you're trying to write. Investigate your agent, your PR person, your literary agent, EVERYBODY!! Have a marketing plan/team and get a Manager if you can. So you can concentrate on writing. Also let your team do their jobs!!!


Social Media Contacts:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/authordawnforte 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Msd4tae

 

 

 

Synopsis:

 

Sexy Evan Roberts is the owner of Chef Life Enterprises, a culinary supply company. He's also the boyfriend of ex stripper/porno star Saniya Wheeler. After getting caught cheating once again, karma begins to catch up to Evan. When he's faced with making a life and death decision involving his #1 enemy, will he step up to the plate? or allow his selfish behavior to possibly claim a man's life?

 

Thick and sassy Saniya Wheeler is heartbroken when she catches Evan in a compromising position with his employee. When Saniya goes running into the arms of another man will he end up capturing her heart or ruining her life? 

 

Mrs. Macy Long is obsessed with Evan Roberts which leads to much headache for Saniya. When these two ladies' lives collide who will be the victor in this crazy love triangle?

 

To purchase Dawn's book on Paperback or for your Kindle, click here.

 

 

Review: Hollywood Strangers

Hollywood Strangers by Brenda Stokes Lee

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Whew...where do I start? Brenda Stokes Lee bought intense heat with this novel.

Tatyana Fuqua is a young lady who aspires to be an actress but unfortunately, that intense need draws her to the snakes in the entertainment industry. After a big fall out with her long time friend and attorney, Lee, she comes upon some good fortune or so she thinks. In walks, Andrea Weeks whose brother, Dylan is a top name in the industry and he wines and dines Tatyana in order to show how her life would be when she signs with him. After struggling through life and working as a Barista, Tatyana wants nothing more than to be that big name so without consulting Lee, she signs on the dotted line.

This story will take you on a whirlwind as Tatyana becomes involved in sex, lies and unspoken fantasies. Through it all, she meets a Prince who delivers hardcore, mind blowing, earth shattering sex to her. The Prince gives her some information that forces Tatyana to realize that she was being bamboozled by the Dylan Weeks Agency and reaches a turning point in her life.

One click to find out what will happen next as Tatyana figures out what to do with this new information she has received from the Prince.

If you love graphic sex scenes and suspense, this is the book for you. Brenda Stokes Lee delivers great character development and a mindblowing plot to readers. I look forward to reading more from this author.



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Review: Give Me You

Give Me You by Tia Kelly

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Mya and Donovan was that couple you wanted to see together. They were friends who moved to the next level. It was romance at its best. I think it is great when you go through so much that you know that person's strengths and weaknesses. It helped blossom the relationship. I, like other reviewers, wish it had been longer to give a little history of both of the couple's family/past but in any case, I truly enjoyed this story. Maybe a longer novel will be made of the two of them in the future. Great job Ms. Tia Kelly!!!



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Review: Love's Rebound

Love's Rebound by Tia Kelly

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



This was an ok read by Tia Kelly. Shelby is a strong and independent woman. While at a professional ball game with her son, she meets Eric. From Eric, Shelby suffers through a case of mistaken identity only to find out a little more about her past. This story will take you on a journey of the one person who connects the both of them. Unfortunately, there is not a good flow to the story as it is choppy at times. If there was a better flow, as the basis of the story was great, it would have been rated higher.

I would like to suggest to the author a developmental editor as she has great plots but the flow isn't always what it needs to be for her story. I look forward to watching Ms. Kelly grow in her writing journey.



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Chatting it up with Author of Lovely Lies, LaShanta Charles

LaShanta Charles was born and raised in Orangeburg, SC. She has always been an avid reader of all genres, but Urban/ African American Fiction has always been her true love and is what inspired her to pursue a writing career. In high school, she began letting her classmates read the short stories that she would write and based off of their feedback, her passion for writing pushed her to become a published author. Through trial and error, she has developed a unique writing style that she fully embraces. She penned her first official novel, Lovely Lies, in 2013 and is currently working on the sequel.

Currently she lives in Killeen, TX, with her husband and two children. She is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in English at Drury University and also serving on active duty in the US Army. Her hobbies include spending time with family, traveling, eating, and of course, writing. Her motto is “strive to excel, not to equal.”

Can you please tell us a little about yourself.

I was born and raised in Orangeburg, SC and have been on active duty in the US Army for almost 12 years. I love spending time with my family, watching TV, eating, and of course, writing. I love having fun.

 

What inspired you to write your first book?

I love writing and it's always been my outlet, so the first book I wrote was from just wanting to write. Lovely Lies, isn't the first book I wrote, but I wrote it and pushed myself to have it published because I was told that I wouldn't do it. Kind of like reverse psychology!

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

It can be unfair. Being a published author has become much more accessible with all of the new technology there is, so not as many people put forth the true effort needed to put out a good quality product. There can be great stories from new authors and we catch a bad rap because of those who neglect certain aspects such as editing.

 

How did you come up with your title?

My novel was originally titled Through It All, but my publisher and I decided that wasn't catchy enough. We went to the drawing board quite a few times and we came up with Lovely Lies.


What author(s) has influenced your writing style?

When it comes to a specific author, there is none. I take influence from those known and highly favored such as Terry McMillan, to those just starting out such as my label mate Shewanda Pugh.

 

 

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

I still don't have an agent!!! I spent roughly 18-24 months trying to "sell" my book to a publisher on my own. I spent that whole time being told NO!! I was devastated each and every time, but eventually I got used to it. Surprisingly when I got the yes from Delphine Publications I also had two other offers from different publishers.

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

A platform is very important. Without one you're just throwing yourselves out there and basically asking not to succeed.

 

 

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

July 3 - Bayou Soul Writers & Readers Conference (New Orleans, LA)

July 4-8 - Essence Music Festival (New Orleans, LA)
Aug 30-31 - South Dallas Book Fair (Dallas, TX)
October 24-26 - National Black Book Festival (Houston, TX)

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

Currently I'm working on the sequel to Lovely Lies, as well as brainstorming for two additional projects that I haven't thought of titles for.

 

 

What advice do you have to an aspiring author?

Keep writing, don't be afraid of being told no, and don't be afraid to ask for help and advice. 

Social Media:

www.lashantacharles.com (personal website)

www.delphinepublications.com (publisher's website)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorlashanta

Twitter: www.twitter.com/twiety01

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SYNOPSIS:

Makynzee has spent all of her life being dependent on people who've always disappointed her, especially her abusive mother. Everyone lies to her - her sister, her uncle, even her beloved father. When her mom strips her of her one true love, gymnastics, she's determined to find and maintain her independence. There's only one little problem...money. She sets out to find a job as a dancer at a gentlemen's club, but finds Kalil instead. With his looks, money, and charisma any woman would be crazy not to want him and Makynzee's no different. Falling for him fast she soon discovers some things just aren't adding up and Kalil may not be the man she thought he was. He wants to be with her and provide for her, but can he protect her? When a love-struck fan becomes obsessed and begins attacking and stalking Makynzee she questions Kalil's ability to be her protector. Makynzee has no idea who he is, where he came from, or why he's here, but he's determined to have her even if that means eliminating everyone she knows and loves. By any means necessary, right? She belongs to him and he's claiming what's rightfully his, no matter the circumstances. When truths are revealed, they threaten to tear Makynzee's soul apart and chaos becomes her life. Will she be able to escape this temporary insanity or will she become a permanent victim? 

 

Purchase Links:

 

http://www.amazon.com/Lovely-Lies-Delphine-Publications-Presents/dp/0988709376/

 

http://delphinepublications.com/home/component/rokquickcart/?view=rokquickcart

 

 

LEAVE A COMMENT TO BE ENTERED INTO A DRAWING TO WIN AN EBOOK COPY OF "LOVELY LIES." WINNER WILL BE DRAWN ON JUNE 24TH.

Introducing G.P.A

G.P.A.(Greatest Poet Alive),the Phenomenal Poetic Unsub, hails from Chicago Il. He has written four books of Poetry(THe Confessional Heart of a Man, The Book of 24 Orgasms, The Mind of a Poetic Unsub, and the recently released Revenge of the Orgasm. G.P.A. has won the Poetry Pentathlon, Black Essence Award, and Moth Storytelling Championship. He is also the host of Poetry's Love Letter, an open mic on every second Friday at Let Them Eat Chocolate.

Can you please tell us a little about yourself.

I am the controversial, critically acclaimed, and most electrifying man in Poetry. The city I hail from is Chicago Illinois. At this point in my writing career, I have written and published four books of Poetry(The Confessional Heart of a Man, The Book of 24 Orgasms, The Mind of a Poetic Unsub, and most recently, Revenge of the Orgasm. I have won the Moth Storytelling Slam and was runner up in the Grand Slams.

 

What inspired you to write your first book?

I was incarcerated when I wrote my first book, so I wrote it from the baggage I carried around for decades and the things I saw and heard around me.

 

 

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

I would want people to know that anyone can call themselves a publisher and charge you fees, but there is more to it than that. There should be a rapport that combines business and personal. Remember, you are giving your work and trusting this person or persons to bring it to reality.

 

 

How do up with your titles?

My titles are made to encompass the poems in this respective books but also to grab the attention of readers. 

 

 

What author(s) has influenced your writing style?

Langston Hughes and Poets from the Romantic Era have influenced my style of writing. But 50 Cent, Kobe Bryant, Miles Livingston, John Cena, and the Rock  influence my work ethic and attention to my craft.

 

 

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

I don't have an agent. When I tried, the practices seemed not trustworthy.

 

 

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

I needed a platform to sell my books because Poetry is looked upon as archaic, so using romance and storytelling has helped me get it across.

 

 

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

Over the next few months, I will be in several places across the country. The best way to keep up with me is either on Facebook at G.P.A.(Greatest Poet Alive) or www.iblowyourmind.net

 

 

Can you tell us about your upcoming project(s)? Just released Revenge of the Orgasm and now working towards my second cd, The G.P.A. Experience. 

 

 

What advice do you have to an aspiring author?

Write,write,write,edit, get a professional editor, and then edit again. Have your own style and stick with it, making adjustments along the way

Interview with Missy Salick

Missy B. Salick is a new author who has written her first novel, Claiming Jeremiah. Her fictional memoir on foster adoption is drawing a hefty buzz around the sensitive topic. The novel is small in size, but contains a powerful message. "Children in foster care need a place to call home."  Salick, a foster care advocate, wrote this book based on her personal journey of foster adopting her four-year-old son.

Before self-publishing, Claiming Jeremiah, Salick spent several years as a freelance business writer for Fortune 500 companies such as: Shearman & Sterling, KPMG, Deloitte and many more. She also had a stint with song ghost writing. Salick's experience in the entertainment industry stems from working with entertainment companies and media including Violator, MBK, Village Voice and more. As the founder of J.J. Autumn Publishing, her publishing company is geared towards highlighting urban fiction dedicated to special causes and community awareness projects.

When Missy is not promoting foster adoption, she can be found volunteering at Junior Achievement, being a Big Sister and counseling young girls through Journal Writing or helping to save the Polar Bears with WWF.

 

 

Can you please tell us a little about yourself?

I'm 28 and I have just written my first novel Claiming Jeremiah. A fiction memoir based on foster adoption. The book's foundation is based off of some of my personal experiences. I have worked for many Fortune 500 companies, but writing has always been my excitement. I volunteered at Junior Achievement, Big Brother Big Sister Program, and thoroughly enjoy counseling young girls through Journal Writing. I have created a program called iJournalNow where I personally donate Journal packets to children in foster homes (or other agencies) to promote writing, and give them a safe place to write their thoughts or experiences down.  

 

What inspired you to write your first book?

My personal experience of fostering my son was the inspiration to write Claiming Jeremiah. Through the foster adopting process I realized how many children are in similar situations and need a place to call home. It is such an untouched topic that I decided to raise awareness about the Foster Care system, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Giving every child a home has become my passion and mission.   

What do you wish more people knew about the foster care process?

I wish people knew the full story. The facts, statistics - the horror stories that are told are not always true. The information they think they know about foster care, are at times just myths. For example: you don't have to be married to foster or foster adopt, you don't have to own a home, and you don't have to be in a heterosexual relationship. The process while not an easy one for a long shot, is very much worth it to open your home to a child/teen who wants nothing more than to have a place to lay his/her head at night. 


How do you feel about people who adopt children from other countries?
To each is own. However, I feel more people should look into their local agencies for foster adoption first. They may be surprised how easier and more feasible it is to do the same thing they are doing outside of their state or country. People don’t realize that there are over 400,000 children in the United States that need a place to call home.

I know you have a program called "iJournal Now"  Can you give your readers more information on it and how can they contribute to the cause?
Sure. iJournalNow is a great project I created with one thing in mind. To give "in-need" children a creative outlet to express their feelings and emotions. Children in places like foster care, group homes, shelters, etc. have a hard enough time expressing themselves. With iJournalNow I personally donate journal packets (containing a journal, pen, sticker and personal note) to these children in order for them to journal write. Journal writing is a great therapeutic way to help overcome the toughest situations. 

 

Readers interested in helping can spread the word, donate unused composition notebooks, folders, stickers and/or bookmarks or reach out to me about starting their own local iJournalNow program in their area. You can email me at jjautumnpublishing@gmail.com to learn more.  

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

I currently don't have a literary agent only a business manager. I am taking on much of the roles myself. This allows me the freedom to go at my own pace, and make my own rules.  

 

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

Very important. Prior to completing your book it’s important to set up a platform of how to sell your book. Who do you want to target, where and how. I developed a solid team to assist me in all aspects- and they have been wonderful, I feel truly blessed. I've also founded my own publishing company- J.J Autumn Publishing. This allowed me to write what I want, and not have to make many edits or leave facts out. This also gives me the freedom to write more books at my own pace and publish them on my terms.  

 

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

Yes, I am going on a summer tour beginning in a few weeks. You can stay connected with my happenings on my website www.meetmissy.com or on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook at @meetmissy24, or my blog- http://jjautumnpublishing.wordpress.com/.

What advice do you have to an aspiring author on writing a memoir?

Patience is a virtue. As much as we want to speed write to see the final product, it takes time. Relax, gather your thoughts think about the characters and the chapter developments. Think about how much of yourself you want to put on paper and share with the world. Evaluate your material over time. I put down Claiming Jeremiah for a year. When I picked it back up I had fresh ideas to add. Once your story is complete, review, review REVIEW! Find a great team to assist you in promoting and putting the final details on your projects- because there are a lot! When you’re ready publish it on your terms- don’t let anyone tell you how or what you should change. This is your book- and will forever have your name as the author. Continue writing and striving and looking forward. Don’t let anyone discourage your dreams.  

 

Social Media:

 

FB page www.facebook.com/meetmissy24
Twitter link- www.twitter.com/meetmissy24
Instagram- http://instagram.com/meetmissy24

 

On the same night that twenty four-year-old Jordyn Sims has a miscarriage, her sister-in-law Tori Sims conceives a child. Nine months later, Tori, a long term heroin addict, abandons her two-hour-old drug addicted newborn Jeremiah, in a hospital stairwell. Jordyn receives the news and pursues foster adoption. However, Oscar, Tori's possessive drug-addicted boyfriend, is not about to give Jeremiah up so easily. While in confrontation with Tori and Oscar, Jordyn seeks help from the Administration of Children Services (ACS), only to discover she is faced with a maze of departments, regulations, legalities and overworked social workers. Jordyn, however, remains strong and continues to push through the uphill battle, even after she discovers she's pregnant.

With all odds against her adoption of Jeremiah, and her pregnancy at high risk from increasing stress, will Jordyn win this tough battle, or will her world crumble before her?

Sell Links:

 

www.meetmissy.com

 

http://www.amazon.com/Claiming-Jeremiah-ebook/dp/B00C8PKAIC

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/303735