1. Where are you from?
I’m originally from Birmingham, AL now residing in tht “ATL” ATLANTA, GA
2. Tell us your latest news?
Well there have been a lot of exciting new doors opening for me
lately. I will be an author in the Saving Lives Through Lit Anthology “Voices
Behind The Tears” an anthology dealing with the subject of domestic violence. I
just started writing a column in Black Literature Magazine. Each Monday I’ll be
discussing various hot topics and giving it to you straight. My latest title
“Jaded,” a suspense/thriller that takes place in a mental institution for the
criminally insane is due out this Oct. This project has been near and dear to
me. I am also working on a teen series slated for early 2012 as well as another
erotic tale tentatively called “High Rollers”
that is still unreal to me as the plot is very unique. I’ll just give
you small peek. It embodies my love of roller skating, involves human
trafficking, and a very deranged Vietnam vet who leaves a legacy based on his
cult like following which he passes through his lineage. I am also working on
obtaining non-profit status for the youth and prison outreach program I put
together as well as a writing and publishing workshop for the county
correctional facilities. There are so many great things on the horizon and
opportunities to give back.
3. When and why did you begin writing?
Strangely enough I don’t have any super cool stories of survival
or anything like that. I’ve always been an avid reader and the writing came
naturally because I’m a talker. Throughout school I remember my teachers always
saying I had a way with words when asked to write reports. I loved the
attention so I played it up whenever I got the chance.
4. When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Never considered myself a writer until the day I hit 30. All sorts
of light bulbs went off in my head. I was filled with regrets about taking the
so called “safe” route in life and not following my passions. I had many!
5. What inspired you to write your first book?
My mother! She had a crippling stroke about four years ago. I
remember her coming back with a passion. Although she was not strong in her
body, mentally she was wound up about moving forward in life. I watched her day
in and day out tap at that keyboard when it hit me. I have a head full of
stories, why am I sitting on them? What am I waiting on? Will it take something
devastating for me to realize life is too short?
6. Do you have a specific writing style?
I think I have a signature writing style. My words flow a certain
way but I don’t think there is any formula to it. I enjoy painting vivid pictures
and taking my readers on a journey and back through my characters. There is
something special I think about being able to feel the moment and allow the
characters themselves to have abstract qualities outside of the physical.
7. How did you come up with the title?
Wow that was a tough one. I
wrote the whole book before “Touch” came to me. The title is literal and
figurative in this case. It was a combination of the erotic encounters and the
fact that the book touches on a lot of controversial subject matter between the
lifestyle, serial killings, domestic violence, and mental illness.
8. Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Indeed! This book goes beyond the entertainment value of the
erotica. There are people walking around who are mentally wounded and scarred.
These issues are very real to many.
9. How much of the book is realistic?
The entire book is fiction but I will say this, each character has
a very small part of me.
10. Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
90% no. There are a few events that occur in the book that came
from a real point of reference but evolved beyond the event.
11. What books have influenced your life most?
One of the greatest is The Color Purple. It shows human struggle
unlike any other at a time when society should have been enough weight on the
shoulders of individuals.
12. If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
There are so many game changers who have paved the way for us. I
can’t choose one and if I start naming I’ll kick myself later for leaving out
the various others. Well let me say this David L, Treasure Blue, Antoine Inch
Thomas, Tra Verdejo, Rahiem Brooks, Stephanie C Harper-Haynes, Kiexiza
Rodriquez, Kisha Green, Deborah Cardona ,and many others have been instrumental
in schooling me. Yikes I’m going to kick myself because there are others who
have welcomed me with open arms and given solid advice.
13. What book are you reading now?
Con Test by Rahiem Brooks. He is such a mover and shaker as a
newbie in this industry. I love his out of the box mentality. We need more of
that.
14. Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest? LOL well I just
named one Rahiem Brooks. Traci Bee came out the gate running and killed the
digital world. Terry Wroten, Mimi Renee, and Chabella Don are making milestones
branching out from Cali and making their presence felt over here on the east
coast. I see Kris Clarke coming out of his shell and tapping into the LGBT
community. I am also looking forward to seeing what T.P Miller puts out. She is
taking on the challenge of Sci/Fi paranormal. Just the idea is bananas to me
(in a good way). There are many talented new authors out here these are a few.
15. What are your current projects?
“Jaded” due Oct 2011
16. Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
Book Clubs, indie stores, and open minded readers who were willing
to take a chance on a new author and embraced me at various signings and on
social networks.
17. Do you see writing as a career?
Oh my yes! I see myself sitting on the porch of a lake house with
my laptop, sipping iced tea, and getting all of these ideas out.
18. If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your
latest book? Not a thing
19. Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
My love for reading as well as my intense imagination was the
catalyst to my writing for leisure. As a career I would say my mother planted
that seed.
20. Can you share a little of your current work with us?
I’m always open to readings! I love the feedback
21. Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Resisting the urge to read it again and again prior to moving on.
Time management can be tough at times. As far as the mechanics of writing I
have the basic premise in my head and the words flow as they go. I write
straight from beginning to end. It just feels natural. The challenge would be
if I were told I had to completely map it out in detail with charts and the
whole nine. LOL
22. Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about
their work?
I love many
23. Do you to travel much promoting your book(s)?
Yes and it can be expensive but worth meeting people face to face
24. Who designed the covers? For “Touch” Ondre Hunt of Hunt 4 Photos in Philly
was the photographer who provided the image. Shane Cox of RIP Graphics did the
graphic design based in Maryland. For “Jaded” Ondre Hunt shot the image and
Renato Ray Deca Norton of Philly killed the graphics.
25. What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Wondering how it would be received. In addition, with the mystery
aspect you want to give certain things to the reader without them being able to
figure everything out. That can be a challenge because if you don’t give enough
that can hurt you as well.
26. Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
Writing was the easiest part, everything that came after was the
hardest. Just because you have a book that you may think is good does not make
it a hit. You must get out here and work hard to get your book in the hands of
readers and deliver your message.
27. Do you have any advice for other writers?
Keep writing! Take the
constructive criticism and grow from it. Do not give up and keep pushing
forward in your dream. Research, research, and research some more!
28. Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
No doubt! Thank you for all of the love and support you have shown me. You took a chance on me and for that I am humbly grateful. You have been the fuel I needed to keep putting those thoughts to paper. I will continue to learn from you and grow. Oh yes and keep reading and writing those reviews on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, and all of the places you leave your feedback. It helps us authors more than you know! Much love and don’t forget nothing is far fetched when it comes to living your own dreams. Keep striving! You are capable of great things!
*PLEASE VISIT ENVY RED’S WEBSITE @ http://envyred.com
ENVY RED
“TOUCH” BY ENVY RED
“JADED” ONE OF THE MOST ANTICIPATED BOOKS OF THE YEAR !!
*LOOK FOR ENVY RED’S LATEST BOOK “HIGH ROLLERS”
AVAILABLE @ AMAZON.COM & BOOK STORES EVERYWHERE ON JULY 17, 2012
“HIGH ROLLERS” ONE OF THE MOST ANTICIPATED BOOKS OF THE YEAR !!
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