Meet Author Samara King

Samara King began her literary journey at the age of twelve years old while sneaking to the back of the library and indulging in romance novels; soon after, she wrote her own! She has penned three novels and eleven novellas all within the multicultural erotic romance genre, as well as two poetry collections. Her first collection, The Ebony Kryptonite was published in November 2010 and will be followed by The Naked The Bare. She has been published by Cobblestone Press, Changeling Press, Loose Id, and Total-e-Bound.

Currently she is working on her next SK MINI project under her self-publishing company, Samara King Books or SKB. She recently become a columnist for The Urban Source Magazine. Her column, Real Talk with Samara King will launch in January 2011.

Samara lives in Chicago with her teenage son, where she encounters new adventures every day that service her in the creation of each of her stories!

Club Owner Belinda Gilles has come a long way since the little lost girl from Leimert Park who’d married millionaire Brandon Forde she once was. Now a wealthy widow and independent businesswoman, Belle has finally left her past behind her and severed ties that had left her with nothing but a broken heart. During a chance encounter with a masked stranger during the annual Grown & Sexy masquerade ball, Belle gives in to a soul-stirring passion that reawakes a lust, she’d long thought gone.  Now a year, later that unquenchable lust has only intensified as Belle hopes to come face to face with her mystery lover.  She could have never suspected for her past and present to collide in one heart pounding moment and losing her soul in the next.

Readers can reach her at: ms_samara_king@yahoo.com or visit her site at: http://samaraking.com

Synopsis:  Wounded soul, Jordan Harris knows all about fate and the game of chance. His whole life had been turned around and altered the moment he entered an alley and witnessed the death of his best friend. The stain of the past was neither one he could never erase nor the memory of Belle, the woman he’d always loved. When chance brought them back into each other’s lives, will Jordan walk away or reach for the first glimpse of redemption?


Interview with Samara King
Why did you become a writer? I love creating characters, learning new things and people watching and my plots/characters are birthed from these elements.
When did you know you wanted to publish a book? I knew when I started writing seriously for publication and had the hunger within to see my book in another person’s hands.
Why did you pick the genre that you write? I’ve been reading romance novels since I was in 8^th grade and I love the genre, I’m a romantic J
If you could write in any other genre what would it be? I write multi-genres: paranormal, suspense, contemporary, etc.
What is your writing process? It depends on the project. However, I definitely start with character first, picture browsing, reading, etc. and progress to character profiles.
How long did it take you to write your current book? It took about 6 weeks.
What mistakes have you made with this book that you will be sure to correct next time? I think I will not overcomplicate details, lol. In shorter fiction, you try not to leave anything out and I try very hard to do that.
When do you feel most comfortable in your writing zone? When the characters are so vivid that I can close my eyes and see them.
Who is your favorite author?  Brenda Jackson Favorite book?  I love all her work.
What books are you currently reading? I have not had the time to crack open a book for the last two months but working on rectifying that soon J

What advice do you have for those who are looking to publish their first book? Stay true to your voice, keep honing your craft and never stop learning.

Meet Phyllis Jackson... "The Elitess"

Phyllis Jackson is a graduate of Savannah State University (Savannah, GA) with a BBA in Marketing and a MBA in Public Administration. Phyllis, also known as “The Elitess,” has had a passion for word imagery since 1994. It was that same year in which she wrote her first, award winning poem. Since then, Phyllis has been writing poetry that mainly focuses on the intimacy of the heart, mind, body and spirit.

The Elitess’ poems are also based on the life experiences of both men and women. Ms. Jackson’s writings are powerfully vivid on the subjects of self discovery, love, heart ache and growth. In 2007, Ms. Jackson debut book, “Soul Searching Confessions” was published. Her debut book focuses on the nostalgia of our firsts (loves, heartaches, fantasies, self discovery & realization, etc). The Elitess’ hope is that her art reaches the

 hearts and souls of all who read as well as support her passion. Poems like “Realization,” “Transition,” and “22 to 1,” portray an artistic ideal behind the experiences of many of our lives. In 2010, the second book, Reflection Of A Journey was published.

This artist has ,also, had the honor of serving as a State Executives for the NAACP Youth & College Division for 5 years, a National Executive Board Member for Non-Greek ,Collegiate, Sisterhood Organization ( Sisters Striving For Excellence Inc.), a Co-Founder for a Pre-Alumni Association & a Collegiate Modeling Troupe. The Elitess has shown to be a true renaissance woman, with a love for people, art & the great gift of life.


Interview with Elitess

How long have you been writing?
I have been writing since 1994. My introduction to the artistry of poetry was given at the age of 10.

What prompted you to write Reflections of A Journey?
I felt compelled to share my life’s story with others. I believe that other people are going through the same things & should know that they are not alone. I, also, needed to display my roots & growth process in my writing, after publishing my debut book “Soul Searching Confessions”.• Your alias is “The Elitess” , why was this name chosen to exemplify who you are as a writer ? Well, people often confuse my name “Elitess” with the term ‘ Elitist”. My name simply means, above average. I do not see myself as being better than anyone, but I do believe that I set myself to a higher standard of life. I make it my business to live, exemplify & deliver greatness in everything that I do. For these reasons, I have been christened as “The Elitess”, but maintain a great deal of humility towards my people.

What are some of your other projects?
I have had the opportunity to be featured as an Ultra Model Role Model, which has allowed me to reach out to a new market within communities around the world. I am, also, writing monthly poems for One Entertainment Magazine. While embracing all of these great opportunities, I am working to complete my Master’s degree program & working on my third book. “As I Am: Poetic Memoires of the Soul” should be complete by the spring of 2011.

What are some of the experiences you have gone through as a young black writer?
As a young African American Writer, I have experienced the challenges of self publishing ( self, promotion,editing,managing,etc) I have ,also, experienced the reluctance of acceptance by people who have not initially open to change.

What words or suggestions would you provide to inspiring writers?
I would suggest that inspiring writers learn the business behind publishing, management, etc. I would also suggest that people should go for what they desire & hope for. Never let anyone stunt your growth or kill your dreams. Only you have the power to stop your progress.

What are your literary endeavors?
As an author, it is my goal to become a household name. I want to share my experiences & allow them to serve as inspiration to those who are going through similar situations.

Find her at:
http://www.facebook.com/mspljackson
http://www.twitter.com/elitess
http://artsofelitess.com/
http://www.urbanprofessionals.com/


Book Excerpt:
Every Woman’s Dream Man

I can, only, describe you as every woman’s dream man.
You seem to hold every woman’s peaked interest in your hand.
With the tone of your voice & with the sensuality in your
Speech, you, effortlessly, knock even the most jaded
Woman off her feet & makes the strongest of women weak.
You are every woman’s dream man.
The wisdom you provide & the respect you, silently, demand
Arouses the imaginations of an woman that comes through
You’re passing. At first meetings, all females hope
That you’re enticing face & strong embrace w/ them
Will be everlasting because…..
You are every woman’s dream man,
Every lady’s midnight fantasy, epitome of perfection
Every female’s answered prayer & every girl’s
List of wants & needs brought to life. Anyone
Woman would be blessed to be titled as your wife;
That is every woman’s dream & in spite of your
Humility, I know that you know that all that you request

Is at your beck & call…

After all you are every woman’s dream man.