Intimate Conversation with Kai

Kai  is a published and nationally recognized poet and writer. Her poem, Pre-Destiny was featured in the April 2008 issue of Essence Magazine and she was a Featured Poet in A Place Of Our Own (APOOO) national tribute in April 2008 and RAWSISTAZ Author Showcase, April 2007. She is a contributing poet in Step Up to the Mic: A Poetry Explosion, by Poetic Press (Xpress Yourself Publishing). A winner of the No Candles Infinity Contest, hosted by Osbey Books, Kai is credited for writing emotionally raw and thought provoking works.

Her short story featured in If It Ain't One Thing..., by Diva Books, Inc., received praise for its originality and realism. Similarly, her tribute to mothers, entitled Soften My Soul, featured in APOOO's Mother's Day Tribute, has resulted in an outpouring of praise and personal testimonies.

Additionally, Kai's poem My Baby Girl, was featured in the Fall 2008 issue of The Write Vibe, and her poem The Other Women is featured at Tribute to Black Women. Kai also serves as a Guest Reviewer for RAWSISTAWZ Reviewers. An alumni of Hampton University, SUNY Brockport and Georgetown University Law Center, she is a licensed attorney and proud parent.

BPM:  What are you most thankful for today?

I am always thankful for my children - they are a gift from God that I couldn't have foreseen.  My eldest son taught me pure love. As a child, he was so open and trusting and I remember wanting to protect his innocence from the world.  When my daughter was born, I was actually amazed at the sight of her.  It was a feeling of awe that I will never forget-for the first time I felt like I glimpsed just a bit of God's ability and it left me dumbfounded.  Every day my children make me laugh, even if I am hiding my smile while trying to be a disciplinarian. And I know they have no idea how very grateful I am that they exist. I dedicate everything that I am, or will ever be, to them.

BPM:  Do you have a favorite holiday menu, story or song? Share with us.

Homemade lasagna is a requirement every Christmas, along with the normal holiday meal. The tradition started when my mother in law, Carolyn Moore, would cook large South Carolina style soul food meals every holiday - I would make lasagna to have something at my house, even though we would eat at her house on Christmas day. After she passed away, I assumed full cooking duties (although my cooking will never compare to hers) but I kept making the homemade lasagna from her recipe, for nostalgia and as a quiet tribute to her.  That started in 1996. Lasagna has been apart of our Christmas holiday meal ever since.

BPM:  Have you ever considered what kind of legacy you want to leave future generations? 
What do you want to be remembered for?

My legacy is one of unconditional love.  That is what I strive for - to live life transparent and love without requirement.  I have made so many mistakes, trusted the wrong persons, opened myself up to humiliation-but when it was all said and done I forgave myself, brushed myself off and kept moving forward. I have to-my mistakes may be the template for the next person to avoid similar pain. So I speak on it; I don't hide it. It is the journey of this life that counts, the destination is so very secondary. And if my mistakes make my journey richer, then I accept and welcome them.  If my mistakes allow for a person to confide in me, to release the pain that they are holding because they know I won't judge them, then the experience wasn't for naught. That is my legacy. To love regardless and to accept people for who they are, regardless of their mistakes.

BPM:  Tell us about your latest book. What are two main events taking place in the book? What are the main subjects discussed?

In Daughter of the Game, Monique Waters is in the unique position of being the daughter of the major drug kingpin in the city without anyone knowing her identity.  She was raised by her schoolteacher mother, tucked away in middle class life. But her tangled relationship with her father and siblings leaves her wanting, and she searches for love in Armand Smith- a street hustler on the rise. In the midst of an argument, Armand brings Monique fully into his world for the first time, unfortunately, it is the night that he is attacked by his boss's enemy. Their goal is to kill everyone, including Monique. Although she survives, Armand did not save her. While he seeks revenge on his enemies, Monique searches for him-instead of caring for herself- and further jeopardizes her own life and the safety of her family.

In one climatic scene, Monique and Armand are pulled over by the police.  Armand is ready to die, going out with guns blazing is the way to forever etch his name in street legend. But Monique has a life to live for.  She is going to college, has a mother to think about, relationships to consider.  She uses her education and appeal to save them from the police--a move that enrages Armand.  He feels both emasculated and challenged--in his eyes, the move reveals that Monique could, under the right circumstances, turn traitor.  It's a decision that he doesn't forgive and his reaction to it causes the destruction of their love.

In another scene, Armand realizes that he is still being hunted by his enemies, even though he is on neutral territory!  The violation rips across his mind and he contemplates life and the unfairness of it all, the randomness of destiny that would make him a drug dealer instead of a lawyer's child, or something so much easier. That, coupled with the loss of a life long friend, changes everything.  The game goes out of the window, so does proper protocol.  He decides that for every life he lost, ten will be taken. He hides and overtakes his pursuer, killing one in the process and kidnapping the other for information. 

While he tortures his captive, Armand finds out something that he never expected - his enemies have Monique. It's a fact that he can't wrap his mind around and the helplessness of not being able to protect his love--his woman--sends him into overdrive. It's time to go savage-all bets are off.

This book is about family--those who love, live and support those who live "the game." Dealers and hustlers aren't all blatant monsters with no code, no ties, no love, no loyalty. Circumstances create personas behind which people live and hide to survive. And there are networks of people around them who are also affected, also harmed, also tormented, also loved. Daughter of the Game examines the story of those who are tied in by love and life, whether they want to be or not.

BPM:  How may our readers contact you online and pick up your latest work?

My website is http://www.authorkai.com/ and my email is discoverkai@yahoo.com. Please send me an email- I will definitely respond.  Daughter of the Game is a trilogy, the second release - The Secret Keeper - will be available in early spring 2011.  A sneak peak at the prologue is currently available on my website at http://www.authorkai.com/.

My next novel, The Loudest Silence, will be available this winter. It is the story of the destruction of a marriage - when there are no more words left.  I have had numerous men approach me about this story-amazed to have read something that captures that silent frustration they felt. A sneak peek at the prologue for The Loudest Silence is also available on my website at  http://www.authorkai.com/.

Intro for The Loudest Silence by Kai

The Loudest Silence - Where every cruel, silent action is met with a definite, louder reaction...

"The tables have turned," Lani thought, watching her husband Terrance beat his hands against the hood of her car. Lani locked the doors. She flinched as Terrence slammed his golf club against her windshield. Lani punched her horn in anger. Terrance had some nerve. He had left her; had walked out on their life without looking back. Terrence had started this battle when he ran to his "best friend" Kenya, after another argument, like the punk Lani believed him to be.

Now, Terrence had her trapped in her car, watching him act like a maniac as he tried to figure out where she had been, who she had been with. Terrence didn't even know the half of it and he deserved it. He deserved every minute of agony. This was payback for the cold silence Terrence had subjected Lani to during her times of need. The time had come for Terrence to realize that for every cruel, silent action he took, Lani would respond with a definite, louder reaction.

Daughter of the Game by Kai

ISBN-10: 0984388109

ISBN-13: 978-0984388103

Author website:  http://www.daughterofthegame.net/

Daughter of the Game by Kai

In Daughter of the Game, the game devours life and life devours love. It's obvious that Armand is a hustler on the rise. As long as he keeps that life separate from Monique, she is willing to be his everything. Needing Armand's love, she hides her true identity. Armand has no clue that Monique's father is the ruler of all vice, so deep in the game that most hustlers work for and answer to him without ever knowing it. In a moment of weakness, Armand submerges Monique into his underworld, exposing her to his secrets and risking her life to his enemy. When that enemy turns out to be her father, Monique finds herself in a cruel tango between family loyalty and all consuming love. Can true love outlast the game? Or must love be sacrificed for both of them to survive?

Daughter of the Game Book Review:

Monique Waters is ensnared in the middle of a deadly drug war. Making the situation more precarious is the fact that the warring factions are her father and her boyfriend. For over a year Monique was successful at keeping both parts of her life totally separate. Her boyfriend Armand only knew Monique as the college student who's being raised by her school teacher mother. While Monique's father Pete is convinced that Monique will be the only one of his children that will fully escape his street dealings. Monique's mother severed her relationship with Pete many years ago to ensure that as well and the decision seemed to be a wise one until Monique falls for Armand.

When Armand's benefactor Titan crosses Pete, Pete decides to retaliate by knocking off Titan's top protégé who just happens to be Armand. Pete's assault places Monique directly in harm's way and sets off a chain of events that shifts the book into overdrive. The entire novel encompasses a 72 hour period that will be seared into the minds of readers. Author Kai does an extraordinary job demonstrating how urban fiction can be done correctly.

The premise of Daughter of the Game is in no way new but what made it stand out against other stories with similar plots is the realism and character development exhibited. Monique wasn't a spoiled princess dating a drug dealer as a way to rebel against her dad. Pete wasn't an over the top drug lord flaunting his wealth with purchases that he wouldn't be able to justify to the IRS. With Daughter of the Game Kai effectively showcased that an urban book doesn't have to be filled with stereotypical characters to be believable. Authentic heartfelt characters that readers can sympathize with will give the novel all the street credibility it needs to be convincing.

This review, which was unsolicited but greatly appreciated, was posted by a reader on amazon.com

- By Hotchklate "Coast2CoastReaders" (Bronx, N.Y.)

True Confessions by Electa Rome Parks

Twenty-eight year old Kennedy Logan is gorgeous, educated, talented, and in love. Unfortunately, Drake Collins has other ideas about the true state of their relationship. Kennedy hopes to turn him around; Drake just wants to turn her out sexually. Kennedy is also searching for her biological mother, who gave her up at birth. She wants answers and she has tons of questions. The enormous weight of these predicaments leads to a failed suicide attempt.

Her overprotective and overbearing mother, Dorothy Logan, moves in with Kennedy and makes it her mission to get her daughter's life back in order. The first step is getting rid of Drake Collins once and for all, but that's easier said than done. Drake has no intentions of going anywhere. Kennedy's ever loyal and fun-loving best friend, Taylor, and her absentee father join forces to help support Kennedy in her time of need.

At her psychiatrist's advice, Kennedy uses writing as her therapy. She starts to keep a daily journal detailing the erotic circumstances and family drama that led up to her despair. Through very personal, funny, and graphic entries, readers will share her confessions. Brace yourselves for a very steamy journey!



Prologue True Confessions by Electa Rome Parks
(Erotic Thriller)

My reality is surreal and happens in super, slow motion. A nervous giggle escapes my chapped, dry and parched lips. I lick them to restore moisture. Then, there is utter, deadly silence. If I listen closely, I can hear my heartbeat beating away at an accelerated pace. My senses are heightened and I marvel over the brilliant, bold colors of my bedroom as I inhale my favorite fragrances, from their spot on my antique dresser, colliding into one another with their potent allure. Even my sense of touch is different somehow. Everything is magnified to the nth degree. It’s like I’m looking down at myself from a huge movie screen with surround sound as I ready myself for the big finale---the final shot and then fade to black.

I’ve never been good at saying goodbye, even on short, weekend trips. I keep the handwritten note short and sweet and pray to God that mother will understand, and hopefully, one day, forgive me.

I don’t mean to hurt her or cause her any fresh pain. I sincerely don't. I hope she understands that this isn't her fault, that I love her with all my heart and being. No matter what, that fact will never change. I’m so thankful and forever grateful that she chose me to be her daughter out of all the orphaned babies in the world. She chose me. I told myself over and over again that that made me special. I needed to feel special instead of unwanted and discarded.

I’ll miss mother the most, but the hurt I feel inside is too unbearable and indescribable. It is too painful for me to continue, day in and day out, with just a hollow emptiness that erodes and corrupts any happiness that briefly surfaces. The dawn of each new day only brings me more heartache and renewed memories. Some memories are like leeches. They latch on for dear life and slowly, ever so slowly, suck and drain all the blood, all the living out of you. You are left with just a shell of the old you and that's no way to survive. Not for me, anyway.

When they find me, I want it to look like I’m sleeping, peacefully. Just like Sleeping Beauty who only needed a handsome prince to kiss her and awaken her from the darkness that engulfed her. However, for me, there won't be a handsome, charming prince to wake me, save me, and ride off into eternity. All my so-called princes were monsters in disguise with their own hidden agendas that attempted to crush and stamp out my self-esteem. Yes, just blessed sleep awaits me.

I chose pills. I couldn’t subject mother to a messy, bloody scene that comes with slitting one’s wrists or shooting one's self. I refuse to take my final breath with that heavy on my heart. I don't think my heart could handle anything else weighing against it. As it is, I feel like I have three hundred pounds weighing me down. Crushing the life out of me.

As I settle myself comfortably on my queen-size bed, slowly pull the red, satin comforter up to my chin and stare at the full bottle of prescription pills carefully nestled in my right hand, I can’t imagine not waking up in the morning.

What will it be like to not see the rising sun? To not hear my alarm clock going off announcing it’s time to get ready for another day of work? Not hitting snooze to give myself another fifteen minutes? Not rushing to finish my morning rituals before I dash out the door and into rush-hour traffic? What will that feel like?

More important to me now, though, is will it hurt? I hope not. I have never been able to tolerate too much pain, physical, mental or emotional. Yet, that’s what Drake has caused me for the last year of my life. Pain. Intolerable suffering.

I only wanted to love him and for him to love me in return. Simple enough. Was that asking too much? My part of the equation was accomplished, effortless. Drake claimed he loved me, but he really didn’t. Probably never could. Didn't know how to love or receive it. After what happened last week, I know he didn’t. Yet, I gave him everything: my heart, my body, my soul. Now, I have nothing left to give myself. I'm empty inside.

As tears slowly flood my weary eyes and blur my vision, I look around my cozy bedroom for the last time. Ever. It used to be one of my favorite rooms in my small two bedroom, one bath apartment. There was nothing better than lighting several fragrant candles, drinking a little white wine and cozying up with a good romance novel. Yes, that was heaven. Simple things excite me. Always have. Watching a sunrise or sunset, waking up to birds chirping in the treetops, walking hand in hand through the park with the one I love, all these things brought me great joy.

Mother will have to understand. I left her a note, propped up on the nightstand, in full view, that explains how much I love her and daddy. What will she think when she can’t reach me tonight? I would love to hear her soothing, loving voice one last time. Yet, I know I wouldn’t be able to go through with my plan if I did. I’d give away my intentions over the phone or mother would pick up on my foul mood and that would be that. I’d wake up another day with this aching, dull pain inside, tearing me apart, bit-by-bit. Pain that dulls and diminishes every ounce of my strength, all the way down to my pores.

Drake Collins. His name leaves a bitter taste on my tongue. Just the thought of him brings bile to the back of my throat. I will forever regret the day I met that man. If I could turn back the hands of time, do it all over again, I would have called in sick that day or run for the hills. I was just fine with my life the way it was. Sure, it wasn’t exciting or glamorous, but it was enough for me. Drake came with the charm, movie star looks, glitz and high drama and reeled me right in like a bass caught at sea. I gladly jumped into his net.

I say a silent prayer of forgiveness as I place one, then two colorful pills on my tongue and swallow dry. I didn't think of getting a glass of water. I can't think. The lump in my throat quickly diminishes. There’s no turning back now. Just like there was no turning back when Drake turned me out. The countdown begins. Ten, nine, eight. . . I've lived a happy life. I have tons of good memories. I've treated others the way I wanted to be treated.

I hope this happens quickly. I steadfastly place three, four pills on my tongue and swallow again. Hot tears start to spill forth and stream down my cheeks as I realize the final result of my actions. Seven, six, five. . . It’s for the best. I need to stop the pain. Will he even miss me? Or will he just move on to his next victim? Will all this be in vain?

I guess I’ll never have that family now. The one I used to daydream and write about in my journal. The family with the almost perfect mommy and daddy and two kids, a boy and girl. The boy would be the oldest, and he'd look out for and protect his younger sister. They'd have cute, adorable names and they'd know they were wanted and loved and cherished by their parents. They'd never feel unwanted.

Four, three. . . I swallow a handful of pills this time. I've lost count as to how many I've digested. As spittle escapes from my mouth, I gag. I wipe the overflow away with the back of my hand and keep right on shoving pills in my mouth until the orange-brown medicine bottle is empty. I look inside, in awe, shake the bottle, and can’t believe the pills are gone so quickly. Just like the illusion of love. If you blink, you'll miss it.

I wonder if Drake even realizes how much I loved him? Now, I wait for blessed relief and peace to take away my hurt and pain. I’m so tired. Tired of loving the wrong men. Tired of giving my all, coming up empty, and getting absolutely nothing back in return. Good sex isn’t the end all to everything. Drake taught me that lesson.

Two, one. . . It won’t be long now. I faintly smile and lay back against my down pillow.

I welcome peace. In my mind, I start silently repeating Psalms 23. I shall walk through the valley of death; I shall fear no evil, for thou art with me. I’m so sleepy. I can barely keep my eyes open. I can feel myself giving in to the fog that slowly invades my mind. Maybe if I close my eyes for a few moments. Yeah, just rest them for a few minutes without seeing Drake’s face behind my heavy eyelids.

Suddenly, I feel lightheaded, like I’m floating on a big, fluffy white cloud, bouncing up and down, giddy with not a care in the world. This is a different sensation that I literally reach out my right hand to embrace and never let go of. Not a care in the world. Nothing matters but blessed, uneventful sleep. I close my tired, weary eyes as the countdown ends. Fade to black.

(continues in the book)

True Confessions by Electa Rome Parks
Order your copy today!



© 2010 All rights reserved. Book Excerpt Reprinted by Permission of Electa Rome Parks, author. Do not reproduce, copy or use without the author's written permission. Copyright infringement is a serious offense. This excerpt is used for promotional purposes only. Share a link to this page or the author's website if you really like this sample from True Confessions.

About the Author
Electa Rome Parks lives outside Atlanta, Georgia and is the best-selling author of six acclaimed novels, The Ties That Bind, Loose Ends, Almost Doesn't Count, Ladies' Night Out, These Are My Confessions (anthology) and Diary of a Stalker. Dubbed a "book club favorite," avid readers have embraced Electa's true to life characters that tackle prevalent and heavy hitting issues that take them on an emotional roller coaster.The self-proclaimed Queen of Real, Electa has been a frequent guest on radio shows, nominated for many industry awards and interviewed by numerous newspapers and national magazines. Electa is currently following her passion and working on her next novel and first screenplay.


Connect with Electa Rome Parks online at:
www.electaromeparks.com
www.electaromeparks@blogspot.com
www.facebook/electaromeparks.com

Intimate Conversation with author Lesley E. Hal

"Erotic, intense, and extremely satisfying, Lesley E. Hal’s writing never disappoints and always deliver!"
–Zane New York Times bestselling author

 Lesley E. Hal  resides in Dallas, Texas and is a six time New York Times bestselling contributing author of “Succulent” Chocolate Flava II. Her short story, Riding the Friendly Skies, was penned as one of the crème de la crème by non other than the queen of erotica herself, Zane. Lesley Hal is also the author of the highly acclaimed novel “Blind Temptations” the Seduction of Sex, Lies & Betrayal.

The anticipated sequel is on the way. Her second book, Pleasure Principles, is currently available wherever books are sold. Pleasure Principles is an electrifying erotic thrill ride featuring Bianca Brooks from the anthology “Succulent” Chocolate Flava II and the short story that started it all, Stormy Weather.

Stormy Weather was featured in Noire’s online magazine, bestselling author of The G-Spot. Lesley has another sizzling collaboration titled Cougar Suites due out 2010.


BPM:  Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Pleasure Principles? LEH:  I was trying my hand at erotica when I submitted my short story, Stormy Weather, to Noire's online magazine. The story received mad feedback in which later I used the same character, Bianca Brooks, to submit to Zane's Chocolate Flava franchise that went on to become a six time New York Times bestseller. My contribution to "Succulent" Chocolate Flava II, was Riding theFriendly Skies that Zane penned as one of the crème de la crème of the book. After being selected by Zane, the Queen of Erotica herself, that gave me the validation I needed to write a full length erotica novel featuring Bianca Books.


BPM:  As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish Pleasure Principles? LEH:  It took me roughly about eight months to complete Pleasure Principles. My writing process is to just do it! I don't have to be in a special mood or require anything other than a computer since my handwriting is so atrocious. LOL!


BPM:  What did you do to the story and plot Pleasure Principles to enhance it from the short story it derived from in the anthology? LEH:  I gave Bianca a story that delves deeper into her obsession with success, pleasure, her promiscuous behavior, scandal and my favorite factor, DRAMA.


BPM:   Everybody knows that sex sells, and this is very true in the book industry. Although the sex reels readers in, what do you provide in Pleasure Principles that gives your readers a complete literary experience? LEH:   Being an avid reader, I love a story with a detailed storyline. A lot of times when you read erotica, we get the steamy, we get the money shots, but what we rarely get is a story outside the sex scenes. With Pleasure Principles, I made sure to prepare a full course of seduction, drama, laughter, tears, shock, suspense, twists, surprises and experiences that weave the story together into one satisfying thrill ride that will deliver everything the reader wanted and more.

BPM:  What's next for Lesley E. Hal, author and business woman?  LEH:  Cougar Suites with N'Tyse and  Blind Temptations II. Check out part one "Blind Temptations" the Seduction of Sex, Lies & Betrayal to see what all the drama is about!


BPM:   How may our readers connect with you online, Lesley?Twitter:       http://www.twitter.com/lesleyhal
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/lesleyhal
Website:     http://www.pleasureprinciplepublishing.com/


Purchase your copy of  Pleasure Principles by Lesley E. Hal  today!Author's website: http://www.pleasureprinciplepublishing.com/
Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Pleasure-Principles-Lesley-E-Hal/dp/0977865541



AMAZON READER REVIEW
Lesley E. Hal gives us a good little page-turner in Pleasure Principles. Set in Dallas, the opening scene gives us a quick glimpse into the mindset of our protagonist, Bianca Brooks, owner of the up and coming catering/event planning company, Pleasure Principles.

Bianca has a sexual appetite to rival the entire Dallas Cowboys football team and a certain recklessness that puts back roads racers to shame. An already interesting love life turns downright chaotic when Bianca finds herself sexing both her girlfriend and her girlfriend’s high-profile husband. Neither one knows about the other nor how Bianca’s relationships with the two of them are punctuated with sexual adventures with her neighbor, his girlfriend, and more. The sexual high jinks start strong from the first pages of the book with a story that keeps us reading to the very end.  -- Reviewed by Michelle Bishop


APOOO BOOK 4-STAR BOOK REVIEWPleasure Principles by Lesley Hal is about Bianca Brooks and her insatiable appetite for sex. Bianca is in a relationship with a woman (Taylor) whom is married to a Dallas Mavericks player, Eric Sims. Although, Bianca is in love with Taylor she is frustrated that they are unable to spend more time together. With Bianca's appetite for sex she has quite a few sexual partners on the side.

Bianca is a successful business woman who owns her own catering and event planning company called Pleasure Principles. She runs it with two of her best friends, Cody and Reggie, who are both gay. Cody and Reggie are there for Bianca no matter what kind of drama she gets into. They also keep her in stitches. No matter what Bianca does they do not judge but will gently try to keep her grounded. No matter man or woman, Bianca is a woman that has an itch that needs to be scratched and will not turn down a sexual advance. Bianca's insatiable appetite for sex causes many conflicts and problems. Although Eric is being unfaithful himself, he decides to hire a private investigator to see if Taylor has been unfaithful to him. What he discovers will devastate him and prompt him to make a serious decision.

Pleasure Principles by Lesley Hal was an interesting story to say the least. The story starts off with Bianca telling her tale to a sex therapist. If you think that Bianca is there to find out the reason why she is promiscuous or a way to stop being so promiscuous you are sadly mistaken. This story has a lot of sex thrown in throughout but it is also has a story unlike one you would normally hear about anywhere else.

Hal does an excellent job in weaving together an intricate love triangle; one you will never guess how it will end. I will admit that at first I was apprehensive about reading the story cause it just seemed like it was a sex-filled novel but I really enjoyed the storyline and the overall story. I look forward to reading this author's other novels.

This book was provided by the author for review purposes. Reviewed by Leona for APOOO BookClub
ISBN-10: 0977865541
ISBN-13: 978-0977865543
Categories/genre: Erotic Thriller


ABOUT  BPM  PUBLICATIONSThis delightful and informative author's profile was brought to you by Ella Curry of Black Pearls Magazine. You can find more articles and author spotlights at the main magazine, found here:  http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/

The D-Cup Divas

Interview with author Vonda Howard

BPM:   Vonda, tell us a little about yourself, your passion for writing and your love for books.
Mom of  two, wife of 14 years, graphic designer, author and a dreamer.  I make it a point to only do things that I am passionate about and only deal with positive people.  I grew up in Southeast DC and have been writing since I was 10 years old.  It has always been my dream to see my words in print, and this is a dream come true for me. 

I love writing stories that are filled with passion, intrigue, and compelling story lines.  If it doesn’t feel good to me when i’m writing it...I won’t write it.  I love books that grab you, pull you in and hold you.  I love story lines that keep you guessing too.

I wrote my first self-published novel named “Diamond Lives, Platinum Lies” in 2007 which has received shining reviews.  my second book, “It’s Always  the Pretty Ones”  was released in 2008 and has received glowing reviews as well.  In June 2009, my dream came true when I signed on to Anexander Books.

BPM:   What makes you powerful as a person and a writer?  I truly think it is my family.  They are there for me when I start to doubt myself, or when I need another set of eyes to look over something.  They are my biggest cheerleaders and that means a great deal to me.

BPM:   How much of what you write reflects on your outlook on life?It depends.  I always feel like characters are like your kids.  They all carry a bit of you in them when they are created.  I agree sometimes I let a little of my views on certain things leak out through my characters, but only when it is relevant to the story. 


BPM:   Who are your mentors? Where do you find your inspiration?I would say my mentor is my publisher Torrian Ferguson. (The best publisher in the world, by the way).  He has really taken me under his wing and let’s me dig around in his head whenever I need to.  He is fair and honest...all the things I want to be as a writer and business woman. 

I find my inspiration in everyday things; music, nature, my favorite movies, my friends and family.  I truly believe that the best fiction comes from real life!


BPM:   What do you think of the increasingly fortuitous sex in African American literature? I don’t mind the sex IF it add to or is relevant to the story.  I personally am not a fan of the really XXX-rated scenes and the really harsh language, but I don’t knock anyone’s hustle.  If it’s not your thing, just don’t buy it.  ;o)

I love writing sex scenes that are erotic and steamy, but also fit in line with what the characters are involved in or going through in the story.  I don’t think just throwing sex all over the book is good for the storyline or the readers.  Just like in real life, it should mean something.

BPM:   Finish this sentence- My writing offers the following legacy to future readers... Good question!  My writing offers the following legacy to future readers... That love IS possible for everyone and it can be beautiful whether it be with yourself or with that special someone.

BPM:   Introduce us to your book and the main characters. The book series (The D-Cup Divas) spotlights the lives of four confident, successful plus size women:
Chandra, he sassy, take no prisoners, very well to-do psychiatrist that has a hard time letting her iron clad guard down in the area of love. 

Rossalyn, Chandra’s little sister, who is the mediator of the group.  She tends to want everyone to get along and tries to see the good I any and everybody.  Lanora, the oldest of the group, but the most active.  She is a total sex kitten that loves it anyway and anywhere she can get it.  

Samantha, the domestic goddess.  She loves her family and her husband.  An avid church-goer and “goody-two-shoes” as Lanora calls her.  She loves everything in its place and is a huge perfectionist.


BPM:   Who are your favorites? Are your characters from the portrayal of real people?I would say Lanora is my favorite.  Even though I am just getting started on her book it has been so much fun writing her in the first two!  She is an open book, and a bit of a trouble maker.  She always has a smart comeback for anything.  I would say parts of her do remind me of someone in my life.  (I won’t call her out though...LOL)


BPM:   What role do you give the " mean-spirited" characters? Do you have such characters?
The books do have antagonists.  I always write the bad guys to be wake up experiences for the main characters.  Just like in our real lives, sometimes we overlook or miss certain things in people we should notice.  Also sometimes we want something so badly, we ignore the warnings or open ourselves up for heartaches.  I want my “bad guys” to have a purpose in the main characters lives.  Whether it be something they ignored by being selfish or negligent, or whether they bought it on themselves. 


BPM:   What specific situation or revelation prompted you to write your book?I wanted to write a book(s), that highlighted plus size or curvy woman the way MOST of us feel!  We are not low down, on drugs, miserable, on welfare or depressed. Like me, they are all beautiful, confident and successful women!  The books do not condone unhealthy living.  None of my characters are huddled over cheesecake or inactive.  The purpose was to spotlight the girls that will never be a size 2, 6, 9 or even a size 12 or 14.  They are about seeing these women and realizing that, “hey, I’m beautiful and sexy too!”


BPM:   Take us inside the book. What are two major events taking place? I would say when Chandra is confronted with the thing she wants most, but is too stubborn to accept it.  Then when she is confronted with not only her bad decision making, but finding this out at a REALLY serious life or death moment in her life.


BPM:   What are some of their specific issues, needs or problems addressed in this book?I would say in the current book, it deal with the issue of women who get all the accolades and success they want, but then turn around and say that, “They don’t need a man” or “A man can’t do anything for me that I can’t do for myself.”  A lot of times we can get so hard on the outside and full of ourselves that we miss the good men you are looking for. 


BPM:   What do you think makes your book different from others on the same subject?I would say that mine shines a positive light on plus size woman and the sex scenes go ALONG WITH the story and are not just thrown in.

BPM:   Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases. Well, aside from the huge popularity of the D-Cup Divas Series (in which all the books are set to come out concurrently), I also have The very first D-Cup Divas Dialogues coming in October of this year!  It will be a showcase talent that just oozes love for the plus size figure.  There will be monologues from each of the characters in the series, spoken word, poetry and short story readings.  It is going to be a huge event!  You can get more info about the casting calls and the event itself at http://www.thedcupdivas.com/.  I will also be writing more books that feature plus sized heroines in upcoming books under the D-Cup Divas™ line.  
   

BPM:   How can our readers reach you online?  I can be reached at my website: http://www.thedcupdivas.com/ or http://www.lavondahoward.com/.  You can also get in touch with me on Facebook (VondaHoward).