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J.T.’s Book Corner Has a Threesome!
Get your mind out of the gutter! I’m not talking about the type of threesome that involves fingers, tongues darting in and out of mouths, limbs intertwined, bellies and abdomens slapping in a slow rhythmic motion, tangling and wrestling on the bed… My, my, my, I need a glass of water!
I digress…
The type of threesome I’m referring to involves Feenin’ for Sugar & Spice, All That Drama, with some serious Pretenses — demanding mental foreplay, arousing your senses and catapulting your imagination to a thrilling destination.
It got hot and heavy in my corner, with two guys and a girl! Experience your first literary threesome… read on!
The Guy…
Keith Lee Johnson, Author
JT: Hey Keith, welcome to J.T.’s Book Corner. Have a seat and let’s pick your brain a bit.
KLJ: Thanks for having me.
JT: Keith, why crime, thrillers and murder mysteries?
KLJ: Funny you should ask that question because when I began my literary journey, I had no plans of writing thrillers. But, I got an idea for a cool FBI agent named Perry Phoenix. But a friend told me to switch the names around and Phoenix Perry was born—a female. I loved the idea and tore into the storyline. Once I finished PRETENSES, I knew I had to write another thriller to prove to myself that the first one wasn’t luck, which led me to Sugar & Spice.
JT: Give us a little background on Pretenses, Sugar & Spice, Fate’s Redemption and Little Black Girl Lost. Where do you get your inspiration? Great titles by the way.
KLJ: Fate’s Redemption was my first novel and PRETENSES, Sugar & Spice, and Little Black Girl Lost all have roots in it—all released out of sequence. Little Black Girl Lost is about Johnnie Wise, a 15-year-old black female, who is cursed with beauty and the body of a grown woman. Men can’t seem to keep their hands off her, knowing she’s a child. She realizes that her beauty can get her anything this world has to offer and she wants it all. Fate’s Redemption introduces Johnnie Wise, but it’s about her nephews—Jericho, Sterling, and William. Jericho is an international arms and drug deal with CIA connection. Readers may remember Sterling, a big time attorney and sports agent as he is in both PRETENSES and Sugar & Spice. William is a very successful psychologist who finds himself involved in a love affair he’d tried to avoid for years. PRETENSES introduced my favorite character to date: Coco Nimburu, the lethal psychotic nymphomaniac assassin who keeps her word and breaks men off proper prior to fulfilling a contract. Sugar & Spice begins when a couple of twins are released from prison. They plan to settle a few scores. These two villains will have you checking your closets when you’re at home at night.
JT: Are the characters based on people you know?
KLJ: Not at all. My characters are based on the human condition, human weakness, and human failings that we all succumb to from time to time. For example, human beings make decisions that get them into all kinds of trouble, decisions that have repercussion; the kind of repercussions that ruins lives. I try to let people be who they really are in my stories.
JT: There are authors who write with a message. Do you feel the need to get across a message in your writing?
KLJ: I want the readers to recognize a certain measure of truth in all my novels. But most don’t. I’m far too subtle with my messages to the readers, as they don’t buy my books to be taught life lessons. I want them to be entertained, but at the same time, recognize certain truths. For example, in Little Black Girl Lost, there were two black parishes. In one, the people were poor and in the other, the people had money, had nice homes, and had many thriving businesses—all before Affirmative Action. My point? One day Affirmative Action will be no more and when it’s gone, people need to know that black folk will survive and thrive, just as the people in Ashland Estates did. As a people, we need to prepare ourselves for this eventuality and at the same time know our future is in our own hands.
JT: What advice would you give to aspiring and up and coming authors?
KLJ: I would tell aspiring writers to research the business before they even get into it as the publishing game is a mine field. It is tough and only the strong survive. I would tell them to save their money for traveling expenses. Most don’t know that when you first start out, chances are they won’t get a contract that pays for tours. People on the outside looking in think if you have a book out, you can quit your day job. Oh, how wrong these people are.
JT: What has been your biggest obstacle as an author?
KLJ: I’d have to say building an audience has been the biggest obstacle. But at the same time, I’m glad I didn’t sell a lot of books out the gate. If I had, I don’t think I would appreciate easy success. I think, in the long run, it’s better to build the audience over time, but I am still impatient to a degree.
JT: Do you have mentors? If so, how have they supported your growth and development as a writer?
KLJ: Unfortunately, no, I don’t have mentors. But, Tee C. Royal, founder of the RAWSISTAZ has always been in my corner. What little success I’ve achieved, has much to do with her unwavering belief in my work and she’s constantly telling readers about it.
JT: How difficult, if at all, was it for you to get a book deal?
KLJ: Strangely, it has been more difficult to get an agent than getting published. I’ve been blessed to have black publishers, Strebor Books, headed by best selling author Zane and Urban Books, heading by best selling author Carl Weber, who heard of my work and love it.
JT: Why do you think your writing is so well received?
KLJ: At the time of this interview, I have 3 books out. Pretenses, Sugar & Spice (both thrillers), and Little Black Girl Lost; all of them are about strong black women. I think my thrillers are mainly enjoyed because Phoenix Perry is strong, self-assured, professional, and has a very good marriage. She’s also a Grandmaster of Shaolin Kung Fu, and as an FBI agent, she uses her skills to kick butt when she has to. I think black women like her being in charge and not having to be so vulnerable to the threats of a murderous and rapist society.
JT: Okay, time for you to get comfortable in J.T.’s Hot Seat!
KLJ: Okay, shoot . . .
JT: What’s a typical day in the life of Keith Lee Johnson?
KLJ: I try to start my day of with reading, usually non-fiction, as that is what I enjoy most, and it’s usually apart of my research for an upcoming novel. After that, I formulate ideas for books. I like watching the news to see what supposedly is going on, which also serves as a springboard for even more book ideas. Then, I sit at my desk and bang out a few chapters, answer emails, and return phone calls.
JT: How do you define success?
KLJ: To me, success and achievement are interchangeable. Achievement/success, simply put, is accomplishing whatever goals you’ve set for yourself, not necessarily earning a lot of money. Achievement/success is doing what you want to do within the bounds of the law. It is the pursuit of dreams. It is liberty from the chains of fear and unbelief. It is recognition of what makes you unique and what you have to offer others. It is the realization, the substance, and the tangibility of a dream fulfilled.
JT: How do you deal with adversity and failure?
KLJ: To me adversity is character building and should be embraced, not avoided. Besides, you can’t avoid it anyway. Life is full of ups and downs and no one escapes this. No one. Adversity makes us better, stronger, and dare I say powerful when we see it as a stepping-stone and not a roadblock. As for failure, it does not exist. It is an illusion, nothing more.
JT: What do you think are the biggest challenges facing Black men in America?
KLJ: In my opinion, the biggest challenge facing Black men in America is a lack of discipline in nearly every area of their lives. Discipline is the necessary ingredient to lay hold to achievement/success while simultaneously avoiding the illusion of failure. If for example, Black men focused more on establishing a career and educating themselves, rather than focusing on the sweet nectar women offer; Black men would be much better off. A by-product of this new discipline would be more eligible men for black women to choose from.
JT: Has there been a significant life lesson for you? If so, do tell.
KLJ: Indeed. However, life lessons, for me, take time to become apart of who I am; meaning I may know a thing, but yet, not know it. For example, most of the time, we have to make the same mistakes over and over again, before we make the necessary changes to make our lives more complete. For those reasons, I’m reluctant to say what life lessons I’ve learned. When I’ve truly overcome these things, maybe then I’ll feel comfortable saying what they are.
JT: Specifically, what do you want Black men to learn as a result of reading your novels?
KLJ: If Black men were to learn anything from my novels, I would want them to deal with their internal doubts, fears, and insecurities from the past so they can overcome their self-destructive behavior. I want Black men to recognize that there are people in this world who have very big guns pointed at them. STOP—SUPPLYING—THE—BULLETS!
JT: Okay, one last question. What do you do to stay grounded and maintain a sense of balance in your life?
KLJ: Right now my life isn’t balanced. I spend the majority of my time trying to get people to talk about my books, read my books, sell my books, and writing or researching my books. I’m trying to bring more balance, but I’m a long way from it.
JT: Keith, thank you so much! I wish you continued success.
KLJ: Thanks for the interview.
A Girl…
Tina McKinney, Author
JT: Tina, welcome to J.T.’s Book Corner and congratulations on your debut novel, All That Drama! Now that your debut is completed and on the streets, how are you feeling about it?
TM: I’m feeling great about it. I love going to signings and people telling me that they have already read my book. That’s a serious rush.
JT: How long has the writer’s bug been inside you, and when did you decide to nurture it?
TM: All my life. I started with poetry and I used to write short stories all the time. This is the first project that I ever finished.
JT: How long did it take you to complete All That Drama?
TM: It took me three months to write and another four months to have it edited and rewrites.
JT: Where did you get your inspiration to pen All That Drama, and are the characters based on people you know?
TM: All That Drama is based on a real life friend of mine. She plays the character of Sammie. Marie is me (sort of kind of). My friend didn’t do all the things that I said she did but she did a lot of them. Some things were just plain made up but she was my driving force.
JT: What advice would you give to up and coming authors?
TM: Don’t give up. This is a very hard business and you have to develop a thick skin. Shoot I still cry inside when I see a bad review but on the whole I think the struggle is worth it. My 2nd piece of advice is to do your homework and be careful whom you trust with your brainchild and your money.
JT: Which authors do you admire and which one in particular inspired you?
TM: Zane is my inspiration. I wrote this novel after reading Addicted. I remember thinking “I can do that” and I started writing it. Other authors I admire and love are Mary Monroe, Allison Hobbs, Darrien Lee, Mary Morrison, James Patterson, Robin Cook.
JT: As an author, where do you see your future?
TM: I hope to write full time in the near future. I believe enough in my craft to do it but I have to convince my husband we won’t starve! LOL
JT: What do you want your readers to come away with, after reading All That Drama?
TM: I want my readers to lover themselves before they begin to try to love others. I recently saw a review that said something about they was disappointed because Sammie never got better. The reality is that in life people don’t always mature and grow into responsible adults. But just cause Sammie didn’t get it in Marie’s timetable that’s not to say that she won’t get it some day.
JT: Are you working on another novel? If so, give us a little sneak peak…details, the juicy details.
TM: Lawd Mo’ Drama is the sequel and it is due to be released in November 2005. For a preview, please check out my site and read the first two chapters.
JT: Tina why people should read All That Drama?
TM: There is a lesson in this book for everyone. I touch on some real life issues and problems that some people deal with on a daily basis. I won’t say my novel is therapeutic but it’s good to know that you are not alone in your struggles. One lady even told me if helped her move on in life.
JT: All right, it's time to put you in JT's hot seat. Let's see if you can stand the heat with a little word association. Okay, I won't make the seat too hot for you. I’ll call out a name or phrase and give me the first thought that comes to your mind. Okay?
TM: Ok
JT: Favorite movie and why??
TM: Color Purple – I loved the way Whoopee fled the kitchen when her husband was cooking!
JT: Favorite author and why?
TM: Mary Monroe. Her characters are so vivid to me. She sucks me into her stories to a point I won’t read her books unless I have another on the shelf waiting to be read.
JT: What makes a good evening, writing your next novel or sex?
TM: Both. I write this hot scene and then go and try it out on my husband or vice versa.
JT: Writing a check to your favorite charity or donating your time at a homeless or shelter for abused women?
TM: Donating time would be my favorite. Prior to writing I searched for different facilities to donate my time. I got disenchanted when the shelters that I visited had their family members living there. I will resume my search soon.
JT: What is your favorite reward?
TM: A new reader!
JT: What advice would you give aspiring writers?
TM: Don’t give up, stay supportive, learn to listen and listen to learn. Realize the power we as authors have in unity. Read a good book and spread the word and always remain humble. And finally, remember spend more time uplifting this literary world and all of it’s participants.
JT: As a phenomenal African American woman, what struggles do you face daily and how do you overcome them?
TM: Balancing writing and being a wife and working full time is my biggest battle. I have to learn to give each equal time because they are all equally important. Of course, I want to kick the job to the curb but my pocketbook ain’t ready for that. So I try to ration out my time and slice of a piece of me for each aspect of my life.
JT: Where can people purchase your books and do you have a website?
TM: All That Drama is available practically everywhere. If it is not in a store near you, I am sure you can have them order it for you. It’s also available on line at Amazon, Borders and Barnes & Noble. My website is www.tinamckinney.com . I also send out signed copies from my site.
JT: Tina, thank you for a wonderful interview!
TM: No Jessica, thank you! When we both get time, I want to talk to you about writing something together. I know it will be hot!
JT: Tina, I’d like nothing more!
And Another Guy…
Nane Quartay, Author
JT: Nane, welcome to J.T.’s Book Corner. Make yourself comfortable and feel free to be as blunt and upfront as you’d like.
NQ: Much love for letting me into your corner. I’m grateful for the opportunity to speak with you.
JT: Let’s get the ‘typical’ question out of the way. How did your writing career come about? Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?
NQ: I came into writing a few years ago and, no, I didn’t always know that I wanted to be a writer - though I always thought that I could do it. I was always under the impression that writing was easy – after all, it was always easy to read! – but damn, was I wrong! Fortunately, I have a talent for writing so it is a labor of love and I’ve found that crafting fiction is a natural thing for me. My writing career started with a few creative writing classes that I attended at a community college. In fact, the first chapter of Feenin is the first attempt I ever made at creatively pulling a story out of my imagination.
JT: I would love a little peek into your current novel, Feenin. Tell me about it?
NQ: Feenin is the story of a young man, Tokus Stone, who struggles to overcome the burdens, hurdles and pitfalls of being a young, Black man in America. Abandoned as a teenager, he turns to a life of crime while pursuing the fruits of academia, a college degree that will allow him to escape his illegal way of life. But alas, his past comes back to haunt him when he finally obtains his degree and steps from one jungle, the hood, into the corporate jungle- where he encounters predators of a different nature and becomes ensnared in an ambush beyond his wildest nightmares.
JT: You have a new novel coming, The Badness, in May 2005. How does your upcoming novel differ from Feenin?
NQ: The Badness delves into mysticism, eroticism and suspense. Alias suffers from an age-old curse; a curse that he vows to break even if it costs him his life. D.Wayne’s traumatic childhood at the hands of his abusive mother have turned him into a demented killer following the voice of his god, Ruh, who leads him in a deadly search. Doin and Joozy feel separated from society but following a chance encounter with Alias, their imperfections draw them together and they find a love they thought was impossible. The tale of these four strangers ends in a shocking climax that brings an entire city to the brink of chaos.
JT: I ran a search for you on Google and you are all over the place. How has your experience in the literary industry been thus far?
NQ: The literary industry is tough. But I’m in pursuit of my dream…and that is what drives me. A pleasant surprise for me has been the support of Black readers. They have proven to me that the belief that ‘Black folks don’t support each other’ is a mere fallacy. I’d like to take this moment to thank each and every reader that has shown me nothing but love in my many travels. Much love, returned, for your support.
JT: What do you want people to come away with after reading your novel?
NQ: I people my stories with realistic characters and incorporate a message deep with social commentary because, as a race, there has been no other people whose existence has been commented upon like ours. I hope to stimulate meaningful dialogue and raise awareness while entertaining with realistic stories.
JT: Do you feel you grow as a writer with each novel?
NQ: With Feenin, I took baby steps. With The Badness I developed more literary muscle and powered my way through. As a result, I can’t wait until I hit my full stride; I’ll do a mad dash then! With each novel I strive to reach deeper, grow and mature until each story carries grown-man weight and power. And hit you right between your brain-lobes!
JT: I know your work is well received. Why do you think that is?
NQ: I approach each story like it’s a journey. And sometimes a journey can begin without your knowledge. It may come to you disguised as an artistic spark of imagination or maybe wrapped in the cloak of some urgent messenger. Or sometimes it may come to you blushing like a grand design embedded in the grand scheme of things… but in the end a good story is an exploration of the human condition. At the heart of this journey is a commonality that evokes a life experience that most readers can share with me. When that shared reality is touched, on a meaningful level, a strong journey has been traveled. A reader feels that.
JT: Let’s talk mentors for a moment. Who are your mentors and how have they supported your growth and development as a writer?
NQ: My mentors are composed of any writer that can tell a powerful tale. Authors ranging from Donald Goines (my personal favorite, who is purely fascinating with his realism, economy of words and ability to paint word tapestries) to Richard Wright, James Baldwin and Chester Himes. I also look up to authors who have come along and created their own niche when the industry said that their writing had no audience. Stephen King, Harold Robbins and Zane are all writers who achieved success despite the naysayers who placed boulders in their paths.
JT: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
NQ: Rely on your talent to get you through the many rough spots that you will encounter. As a relative newcomer to this industry, I’ve found that my belief in myself is what I often have to use to sustain myself at the end of the day. Also bring a strong sense of perseverance to the party with you; a sense of purpose can be your light at the end of the tunnel. Even when a train is coming down the tracks – straight at you!
JT: As an author, what has been your biggest obstacle and how did you overcome it?
NQ: My inhibitions. I’m still seeking to overcome them.
JT: My most favorite questions are those asked to the author while they are seated in J.T.’s Hot Seat. This is the opportunity where our readers get to see the real you. Are you ready?
NQ: Brang it!
JT: Where were you born and raised?
NQ: Upstate New York.
JT: How do you define success?
NQ: The day my work seems like play.
JT: How do you deal with adversity and failure?
NQ: Work harder.
JT: Where do you see yourself in five years?
NQ: At least five books deeper into my career.
JT: What do you to do stay grounded and maintain a sense of balance in your life?
NQ: Look at my bills.
JT: I’m one who tries to avoid making the same mistakes of others. Has there been a significant life lesson for you?
NQ: Keep belief in your chest.
JT: Nane, it’s been great getting to know you. I hope to have you visit J.T.’s Book Corner again real soon!
A Sister-to-Sister Chat with Gayle Jackson Sloan
My first encounter with author Gayle Jackson Sloan was in the APOOO Yahoo! Group, exchanging writing tips, marketing and promoting ideas, and the like. Her warm personality, diva character traits and hilarious humor drew me in totally. I knew she was going to be one of my good author friends and I couldn’t wait to meet her!
October 2002, my opportunity arrived! I met Gayle at the APOOO literary event in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. We were there to promote our debut novels. We were terrified to read an excerpt of our books. More me than Gayle, because my book was totally nasty and the event was held in the annex of a church. But, we made it through our excerpts and had a blast mingling with avid readers and other author friends.
Needless to say, I am tickled to have Gayle in my corner. Gayle is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, wife, mother and grandmother. She attended Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science (now Philadelphia University), where she studied interior design. She is currently a legal assistant at a prestigious Center City Philadelphia law firm, hoping one day to be a full time writer.
When Gayle is not busy teaching her grandchildren to say, “Nana is a Diva,” she enjoys listening to music, interior designing, surfing the net, reading, watching old movies and gardening.
JT: Ladies and gentlemen, the Boot Diva has graced J.T.’s Book Corner with her presence! All hail to the Queen Diva of Boots, author Gayle Jackson Sloan. Gayle, welcome, welcome, welcome! I’m excited to have you for a visit. Girlfriend, let’s chat.
For those who have yet to have the pleasure of meeting Gayle, you are in for a treat. The sister has a closet filled with fierce boots! I thought I had a serious boot fetish, but I have nothing on Gayle Jackson Sloan.
GJS: LOL Jess; you are a mess, girl! Thank you so much for having me join you in your corner. I'm honored.
JT: Gayle, how did your writing career come about? Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?
GJS: When I was younger I had thought about it, but life has a way of getting in the way. I started a book in 1989 and fiddled with it for a few years and finally left it alone out of frustration. However, in 2000 I started writing Saturday's Child and it was like I couldn't stop until I finished. I think it was my mother, who had passed, was pushing me to get it done. She had always been a big supporter of my writing. I also have a friend by the name of Lanie who stayed on my butt to get the book down. She was a major help.
JT: Saturday’s Child was originally self-published. What were some of the obstacles you faced as a self-published author?
GJS: Distribution, distribution, DISTRIBUTION!!! Did I mention distribution?
JT: Amen! Getting distribution can definitely an obstacle. As an author, one of our “responsibilities” is to help up and coming authors, as we were helped. What advice would you give to aspiring writers who are considering going the route of self-publishing?
GJS: Investigate your options and get you some bank before making that move. I was cash poor when I went that route, so I had to do it POD (print on demand), which is why I had a distribution problem. Had I created my own company and had been able to do a print run of a few thousand and then gotten with a distribution company, I think my numbers would have been much better.
JT: Well, your hard work as a self-published author has paid off. How did it feel when you signed your publishing deal with Black Print Publishing?
GJS: It felt wonderful at the time.
JT: What has been your biggest obstacle as an author?
GJS: Finding time to write. Since SC came out, I have changed firms and have been working sometimes 7 days a week, 10-12 hour days. When I'm home, I'm working or too tired to move.
JT: Let’s delve into your novels. For those folks who have not read your novels, could you give us a little insight on what you’re novels are about?
GJS: They are just stories about slices of life. People, who for whatever reason, have come together to tell their stories through me.
Saturday's Child is about a young lady who has had it with men. The main character, Sara, is resigned to being alone and raising her daughter without any help or support. However, when her best friend introduces her to an ex-con and her widowed uncle, life changes dramatically for Sara. One teaches her to not only learn to love again, but to love herself and the other teaches her the terror of obsession.
Wednesday’s Woes is focuses on Sara’s sister, Zoe. Zoe is divorced, has three children and a lover much younger than her. She is trying to get back on even footing after an injury at work and then is hit with a personal loss that forces her to question some things about herself. When she discovers her lover, Antonio has been keeping a deep secret, it throws her into a tailspin. However, the biggest secret may be from the person she most trusted, her best friend Tamika and she has to decide if their friendship is worth salvaging. For this Wednesday’s child, as her woes continue to mount, Zoe has to learn to see that maybe her blessings outweigh her sorrows!
Dancin’ In My Shoes is about a mother and her children’s struggle to understand each other. All Macy wants is for her three children to stand on their own two feet. However, her idea of what is right and theirs are two very different things. While she is somewhat satisfied with her two younger children, it is her oldest that gives her the most angst. It is anyone’s guess if they will ever learn to understand the other, let alone learn to respect each other’s opinions and views. In the end they may find that they are more alike than different. I am really just starting to write this one, so I am still in the discovery stage myself. LOL!
JT: Here are questions I’m sure you’ve been asked more than a dozen times. Are your novels based on real life experiences? If so, are your characters based on people you know?
GJS: I plead the Fifth! LOL Seriously, though, some of my characters are composites of people and relatives of mine. And I may have experienced a scene or too! LOL!
JT: What do you want people to come away with after reading your novels? <
