#WriterWednesday with Shelia Bell

This week's #WriterWednesday interview is with Author Shelia Bell. 

Check it out!!

AT: Where do you live? What’s your town’s claim to fame?
SB: I presently reside in Nashville, home of country music!

AT: What genre do you write?
SB: I write Christian fiction, women’s fiction, and Young adult fiction

AT: Are you a published author or aspiring to be published? If published, how many books are out there with your name on them?
SB: I am a published author with twenty titles to my name, and I am extremely grateful that God blessed me with the talent and gift to write and tell stories!

AT: Amen! What inspires you to write?
SB: I love it. It’s a passion for me. I truly believe that it is a form of ministry. I love to see the characters develop into real life people. I enjoy going back and reading the work that God blessed me to create. It’s an awesome feeling.

AT: I can definitely identify with that feeling. Name one book you wish you’d written.
SB: Ummm, one book I wish I’d written. That’s a tough one, Adrienne. So tough that I can’t name one. I don’t look at other work and say that I wish I had written that particular book. I write what I write and how I write. My writing is unique to me and another author’s work is unique to them. 

AT: So very true. What was the last book you read? Did you enjoy it?
SB: I am a full time editor, so I read constantly, but it’s primarily for editorial purposes. So, I would say the last book that I read and truly enjoyed was Jezebel’s Daughter by Jacquelin Thomas. I also enjoyed reading Every Little Step by Bobby Brown and Journey to Love by Lacricia Angelle. I have read so many others, especially new and upcoming authors, but to be honest, because of poor editing, I wish not to name them.

AT: Oh, my! Well, who is your favorite author? Why?
SB: My favorite author of all time was J. California Cooper. I simply loved her unique, flavorful style of writing. I have not read anyone who can top her even though I have read and enjoyed numerous books by a bevy of authors.

AT: Now for the fun questions! You’re a new addition to the crayon box. What color would you be and why?
SB: Adrienne, where do you get these questions? LOL. I would be the color purple.  Purple represents royalty and since I am “God’s Amazing Girl” I can see no other color befitting me more than purple!

AT: Love it! What would your autobiography be called?
SB: That’s easy: The Story of My Life.

AT: Do you believe in love at first sight?
SB: Yes, definitely.  Been there done that.

AT: Hmm, I bet there's a story there! If a genie granted you three wishes, what would they be? (can't ask for more wishes)
SB: Without thinking about it I would say Total Health for me and my family, longevity of life for me and my family, peace for me and my family

AT: Beautiful! Are you spring, summer, fall, or winter? Please share why.
SB: I actually love Winter. I love the cold because I can cozy up inside a blanket and get warm. I love seeing the snow on the ground and in the trees. 

AT: Tea or coffee?
SB: Definitely a tall glass of iced tea with a splash of lemon!

AT: Yummy! Tell us about your most recent/current project.
SB: “The McCoys of Holy Rock” was released June 30 of this year. In this sixth installment, readers will learn more about Hezekiah and Fancy McCoy who came on the scene in book V (My Wife My Baby…And Him). This couple has a lot they’re not telling, and when Hezekiah McCoy is voted in as the new Senior Pastor of Holy Rock things began to hit the fan! 

The Real Housewives of Adverse City 2 released on July 31, 2017. It is appropriately named  because it is book II of a new series I started: The Real Housewives of Adverse City. The Real Housewives of Adverse City 2 continues with the tales of the fabulously rich housewives, Eva, Peyton, Meesha  and Avery.  Their stories prove that there are definitely some things that money can’t buy!

AT: Both sound so good! How can readers connect with you (share website and any social media links)
SB: Readers can connect with me on Facebook
Instagram: @sheliaebell 
Twitter: @sheliaebell
Email at sheliawritesbooks@yahoo.com.

For editorial services vist me on Facebook at WrittenWord Editorial.
My website is sheliaebell.net

AT: Any final words?
SB: Yes, just a few. I want to thank you for this opportunity, Adrienne to share with others information about my work, my passion, and my dream.  I also want to take this time to tell you that I have enjoyed reading several of your books. You are a gifted writer and I encourage you to keep living your dreams now! Thanks again.

AT: You're most welcome and thank YOU!!

#WriterWednesday with Author LaKesa Cox

Hello, all. Today's #WriterWednesday interview is with Author LaKesa Cox. Scroll down to learn all about her, and make sure to check out her books!!

AT: Where do you live? What’s your town’s claim to fame?
LC: Henrico, VA (Suburb of Richmond, VA). We claim Trey Songz, Chris Brown (even though they are from Petersburg and Tappahanock, VA respectively). Also, New York Times Bestselling Author Nikki Turner is from Richmond.

AT: Sounds like a place burgeoning with talent! What genre do you write?
LC: Various genres. I’ve done erotic fiction, contemporary/urban fiction, street fiction and most recently, young/adult historical fiction.

AT: Are you a published author or aspiring to be published? If published, how many books are out there with your name on them?
LC: I am published. (4) full length novels and (3) anthologies.

AT: What inspires you to write?
LC: People and life experiences. 

AT: Same here! Name one book you wish you’d written.
LC: I have so many stories of my own that I need to write, I don’t think there is a book I wish I’d written. 

AT: What was the last book you read? Did you enjoy it?
LC: Blue by Danielle Steele. Yes I did. Danielle Steele was one of the first authors I read in high school so I’ve been a fan of her work for many years.

AT: I'll have to check that one out. Who is your favorite author? Why?
LC: Eric Jerome Dickey. His storytelling is amazing, his characters are relatable and I aspire to be as great as him one of these days.

AT: Great choice! Now for the fun questions! You’re a new addition to the crayon box. What color would you be and why?
LC: Purple, only because purple is my favorite color. It’s such a beautiful and regal color, you can never go wrong with purple, no matter what shade.

AT: Do you believe in love at first sight?
LC: No, but I don’t mind writing about characters who do.

AT: If a genie granted you three wishes, what would they be? (can't ask for more wishes).
LC: 1) To have my grandmother here again 2) Life of great health 3) Make me a millionaire! 

AT: Are you spring, summer, fall, or winter? Please share why.
LC: Summer. I absolutely love the sun, the heat, the feeling of wearing flip flops and seeing everything in full bloom and colorful. I especially love the long days. I appreciate spring because it introduces us to summer but allergies in the springtime are the worst. I aspire to retire to Florida or the Caribbean.

AT: Tea or coffee?
LC: Tea and only on ice and very sweet.

AT: Sounds like my kind of tea! Tell us about your most recent/current project. LC: My most recent project is my young adult/teen novel titled Mulatto Girl Aggie, 13: Name on the Ledger. It’s about a present day African-American teen that is transported to the year 1816 as a slave. I like to say it’s 12 Years a Slave meets The Wizard of Oz.

Available at amazon.com

This story takes you into the life of a precocious, spoiled and bratty 12-year-old named Aggie Lucas. Aggie is your typical 7th grader who loves her cell phone, social media and designer sneakers. Eager to celebrate her 13th birthday, Aggie is disappointed when her parents break their promise to her by not giving her the gift she really wanted. Mad at the world, Aggie goes to school and is sent to detention hall for disrespecting her teacher. Aggie accidentally falls and bumps her head, then wakes up in a dream where she is transported back to the year 1816 as a slave on a plantation in Goochland, Virginia. As a slave, Aggie is forced to adapt but not before learning some valuable and very harsh lessons in life.

Short excerpt:

“Aggie. Aggie. Aggie wake up.” Mom is whispering in my ear but shaking me as if my life is dependent on it. I blink the sleep from eyes, allowing them to focus. Mom’s face is so close to mine, our noses are touching. “What’s wrong Mom?” I ask, pulling away from her but when I pull away my hands sweep across dirt. Why am I asleep on the ground? And what happened to Mom’s hair? She was wearing a roller set yesterday, but now her hair is packed tightly to her head with a bandana like scarf covering most of it. As a matter of fact, what happened to my mom? She’s dressed like a homeless person, those who sleep under the James River bridge tunnel at night and beg for change on Belvidere Street during the day. “Aggie, we gotta go back now or Massuh is gonna whip us both. Why is you out here by yo’self chile? You wasn’t trying to run away was you?” “Mom, why are you talking like that? And what happened to your clothes? And where are we?” Scanning my immediate surroundings, from where I’m sitting, there is a lot of tall grass and dirt surrounding me in a field as big as a baseball field. Trees line the edge of the field and in the distance I see a big house. A cluster of trees separate one side of the big house from several small, log cabin style houses, which remind me of the green Monopoly game pieces. On the opposite side of the big house there is a huge red barn. “Why you out here? You know better. Now come on before someone sees.” Mom helps me up from the ground then I notice my clothes and the fact I’m not wearing any shoes. “What happened to my clothes? And where are my shoes? Mom, where are we?” I thought Mom’s outfit was hideous but the tethered piece of cloth which was supposed to be a dress on me was worse. “Shoes? Stop your foolishness now. We gotta go.” I wipe my hand on the front of my dress. The dirt blended in with the rest of the filth I was wearing. Mom is pulling at me, ducking through the tall grass so we can go undetected. Then it hit me. I was in a dream. All those History questions about the PreCivil War Era were doing a dance inside my unconscious mind. I guess I may as well go along with Mom so I start ducking and dodging too. The tall grass is slapping me against my face and arms and my feet felt gross. I never liked walking barefoot.

AT: Sounds good! How can readers connect with you?
LC: https://www.amazon.com/LaKesa-Cox/e/B00MZEEM30/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
www.blackrosewriting.com
www.lakesacox.com
www.facebook/lakesacox
Instagram - @IamLakesa
Twitter - @IamLakesa

AT: Any final words?
LC: Thanks for the opportunity to chat. I hope some of your blog readers will take the time to check out some of my work.

The Gilded Cage - #TeaserTuesday

TEASER TUESDAY

YA/Historical

Date Published: 12/1/16

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Masie, the flaxen-haired daughter of notorious bootlegger Dutch Schultz, returns home from boarding school to find her family in crisis. Her mother is dangerously unstable, her father’s empire is on the brink of ruin, and the boy she once loved has become a ruthless killer for hire. To keep her family’s dangerous secrets Masie is forced into a lie that will change the course of her future—and leave her trapped in a gilded cage of her own making. As she watches her world fall apart, Masie must decide whether to take her place in the hierarchy, or spread her wings, leaving the people she loves, and the life she despises, far behind her.

Website

Excerpt

“How you feelin’, Mas?” Vinny asks.

Relaxing back into the chair I look up, unable to keep the sour grin from my face. “Never better.”

Releasing me he steps around the table, helping himself to a seat. “That’s not how I hear it. I hear you lay in bed all day feelin’ sorry for yourself”

“Can you blame me?” I ask harshly, straightening in my chair.

He’s still for a minute, then pulls the fedora off his head and plays with it in his hands. “I’m sorry about your ma, she was a fine lady.”

I snort, the booze in my belly making me bold. “She was a nut job and everyone knew it.”

Now he looks up, his thin lips downturned at the edges, “She was good to me.”

Sighing I stand, helping myself to the crystal decanters on the tray. “She loved you like her own,” I offer gently as I pour myself another drink. “It’s the only thing she was good at, loving people. Wasn’t great at taking care of them, though.”

She’d tried to take care of Daddy at first. I know she always secretly hoped he’d change his ways, as if her love could make him a better man. But, as much as they may want to, people don’t really change. Time passes, choices are made, but we are who we are in the end.

“Is there anything I can do?” he asks, twisting in his chair to look at me.

I just hold up my glass, “This seems to be helping.”

Standing, Vinny walks over, taking the glass from my hand he swallows back the contents in one gulp. “Never drink to feel better, Mas. That’s not how the stuff works.”

I frown, pushing past him, “Don’t tell me what to do.”

He stops me, grabbing my arm and pulling me toward him until the tip of his crooked nose is touching my forehead, “I’m not gonna let you throw yourself away like she did.”

His words are sharp and they cut like glass

I shut my eyes against them, against the closeness of him, the heat radiating off his body, the smell of bourbon on his breath. Part of me demanding to push him away, the other part wanting to lose myself in him.

“You left,” he continues, his tone accusatory. “You left so you wouldn’t have to watch—but I watched. I watched the light in her go out. I won’t watch that happen to you, Masie. I can’t. So you’re going to have to be strong. Because we need you. I need you. It’s awful dark here, Mas. We need you to be the light.”

The first tear slips from beneath my closed lids. Maybe it’s the desperation in his voice, or the fact that he’s right, but something in his words strikes me to the core. It’s tempting, far too tempting, to drink the pain away, to let it eat me from the inside out until there’s nothing left to hurt.

But I can’t.

I can’t be like my mother.

I won’t.

  

Virtual #Book Tour - The Proving

YA Sci-Fi

Date Published: 1/5/2016

It's been 133 years since the Specters invaded Earth. Like ghosts they haunt the planet, devouring anyone foolish enough to venture outside the last remaining protected cities. For some, venturing out isn't a choice--it's a necessary evil to prove yourself to your clan as you come of age.

But when a team of ambitious youth—New Adults—undertakes a mission deep in Specter territory, they discover a terrible secret. Everything they've learned may be wrong ... and Earth is in grave danger.

Excerpt:

Skye took a deep breath, held it, then forced it out quickly between her pursed lips. The loud whistle seemed ear-splitting, jolting her nerves — too late to change her mind now, she twisted her body, her boots digging into the gravel as she fell back and faced the farming contraptions. She lifted her rifle, seeing the Specter’s strange glow change, move, and then without warning its crocodile face emerged from the body of the large machine. Its mouth opened. Cleo fell back, screaming. A claw phased through, reaching out for Skye.

She fired her rifle. The blue proton bullet tore through the creature’s arm, sending yellow sparks fluttering like butterflies into the air. The Specter’s mouth opened wide, revealing sharp, finger-length teeth, so close that Skye could see their serrated edges.

Purchase Link:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B018EQLQ5E 

About the Author:

The Proving is Ken Brosky’s newest YA sci-fi adventure. His first series, The Grimm Chronicles, ran from 2012-2014 and is available on Kindle. Ken received his MFA in writing from the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

Contact Links

Facebook: http://facebook.com/theearthxchronicles

Twitter: http://twitter.com/kenbrosky