Interview: Shelia M. Goss, author of 'The Joneses'
Join me every week as I share a few shout-outs on romance author goings-on, related events and recommended reads.
The Joneses by Shelia M. Goss
Shelia M. Goss drops the beginning chapters with a great introduction of the family members, each distinctive and imperfect. Collectively, the Jones family faces a crisis, well, actually several game-changing issues. I enjoyed each kaboom as the problems increased and were bigger and messier. Goss rose to the occasion with this well-rounded story and colorful, 3-D characters who definitely must have a second installment.
Michelle: Was it easy to brainstorm The Joneses story and do the research for the funeral business?
Shelia: I had a lot of fun brainstorming the idea for The Joneses. I came up with the idea for The Joneses by taking the concept, "Everybody wants to be like the Joneses" and writing my own interpretation. I wanted to show that the grass is not always greener on the other side. For this book, I didn't have to do a lot of research. I drew from past experiences of having to help my mom plan my dad's funeral and attending wakes and funerals to help me with some of the scenes. Maybe for the next book, I will go more "behind the scenes" of the funeral business. The funeral director at Winnfield Funeral Home allowed me to film a book trailer for The Joneses at their location.
Michelle: You're a Real Housewives of Atlanta fan. Did Phaedra and her new business venture in the mortuary business inspire you?
Shelia: Reality shows, especially RHOA, is one of my guilty pleasures. I'd actually written The Joneses before RHOA aired Phaedra's new business venture. When I saw the scenes, it made me glad that I chose the funeral business for my book.
Michelle: Describe your emotions when reading the incoming feedback on The Joneses.
Shelia: Writers never know how readers will receive their new creation. We hope that everyone likes it, but you never know, so I'm grateful. I'm humbled and I'm overjoyed. Imagine winning the lottery ... that's how I feel when I read the feedback.
Michelle: Your fave inspirational quote that motivates each day?
Shelia: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. ~ Philippians 4:13
Michelle: Your career aspirations for 2014?
Shelia: I'm awaiting news on a book-to-film project based on one of my romance novels, so I'm excited about the prospects of moving into the television and film side of entertainment.
One of my original screenplays, a romantic comedy, was optioned and filming is supposed to start soon. The trailer has already been filmed.
I am also working on a romance book proposal, so I hope to obtain another book deal between now and June. Website: www.sheliagoss.com.
Anybody's Daughter by Pamela Samuels Young
Congratulations to Pamela Samuels Young on the NAACP Image Award nomination for Anybody's Daughter — well deserved.
What a ride! Young nails the suspense-thriller genre with Anybody's Daughter, a chilling and realistic tale of a teen caught in a human-trafficking ring. Every scene took me on a heady ride with great nail-biting anticipation. Young writes with such emotional depth that the horror and the aftermath suffered remain long after the reading experience is over.
Michelle: What inspired/motivated you to write Anybody's Daughter?
Pamela: I kept coming across news stories about human trafficking. At the time, I assumed this atrocity only happened to women in other countries. I didn't realize that it was going on right here in our communities. The deeper I dug, the more shocked I became. When I discovered that the sexual exploitation of children was occurring at epidemic levels, I knew I had to write about it. I wanted to craft an entertaining mystery, but I also wanted to educate readers about this tragedy. I hope Anybody's Daughter opens people's eyes the way my eyes were opened and spurs them to join the fight to save our children. The fact is, thanks in great part to the Internet, anybody's daughter can indeed become a victim of human trafficking. So we should all be invested in stopping it.
Michelle: What's a typical writing day?
Pamela: I still practice law full time as a managing counsel for labor and employment law for Toyota, so there's really no typical day. I have to sneak in my writing time whenever and wherever I can find it. That usually means getting up at 2 a.m. or 3 a.m. to write for a few of hours before work, writing in the evenings (which is rare because I'm definitely a morning person) and using my weekends to write when I'm not out promoting my books. On at least a couple of weekends a month, you'll find me in my local Panera Bread tucked in a corner writing away. I also use my vacation time to make the two-hour drive from Los Angeles to Palm Springs for what I call my mini-writing retreats. I'll spend the weekend or a full week writing all day long and loving it. I'm most productive when I have long stretches of time to write.
Michelle: Will you be attending any conference or other writing events?
Pamela: I LOVE to Skype with book clubs. I'll be speaking about child sex trafficking at Daddy's Girls, a summit for teen girls in Compton, Calif., on March 29. I'll be a featured author at the Delta Sigma Theta Literary Café in Los Angeles on April 14, and speaking at a Natural Hair Event in Portland, Ore., on April 12.
Specifics and more info can be found on my website, Facebook and Twitter (@pamsamuelsyoung).
Michelle: Who have been role models or mentors toward your personal and/or writing development?
Pamela: I'm a big fan of mysteries, and I love the work of John Grisham, Walter Mosley and Tami Hoag. But I would have to say that James Patterson has had the biggest effect on my writing style. I love his fast-paced thrillers and the way he immediately pulls you into the story and hooks you at the end of each chapter, which compels you to keep reading. I admit that I intentionally tried to mimic his style of storytelling. Readers have often compared my writing style to James Patterson's, which I consider a major compliment.
My biggest role model is Tyler Perry. His journey has been nothing short of amazing. He pursued his passion despite the odds being against him and look at him today! I even have one of his quotes on my website because it means so much to me: "We don't have to wait for somebody to green light our projects. We can create our own intersections." That's exactly what I've done by creating my own publishing company, Goldman House Publishing, and publishing six novels. In the words of comedian Milton Berle, "If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door."
Michelle: How would you describe your writing journey/career?
Pamela: I would describe my writing journey as completely unexpected! I figured I would write my novel, Oprah would call and the rest would be history. That didn't happen. After getting a two-book deal with a traditional publisher and releasing my first legal, Every Reasonable Doubt, in 2006, and my second, In Firm Pursuit, in 2007, my agent couldn't sell my third book, Murder on the Down Low. It was rejected by nine publishers. My husband encouraged me — or I should say pushed me — to self-publish, which I didn't want to do at the time. Today, I wouldn't have it any other way. I've learned so much about the publishing industry and I love the control I have over my writing career as an independent author. Anybody's Daughter's nomination for an NAACP Image Award alongside four prominent authors at major publishing houses truly validates my journey. Passion and patience have been the keys to my success.
Readers don't care who publishes the books they read. They simply want to read books that are well-written and captivating. I put a lot of energy into publishing a quality product, from the story to the editing to the book cover. You can look at most self-published books and instantly know they're self-published. I can confidently say that's not the case with my books.
Michelle: What is your next book release or work in progress?
Pamela: In April, I'll be releasing my first non-fiction book, Kinky Coily: A Natural Hair Resource Guide. There's been an explosion of interest in natural hair among African-American women. After my own hair disaster, I decided to take charge of my hair care instead of relying solely on a hair stylist. I was amazed at all the things I learned about my hair, primarily from YouTube bloggers who are half my age. I wanted to share the knowledge I learned about natural hair care with other women and that's exactly what Kinky Coily does.
I'm also working on another non-fiction book, Self-Publish the Right Way: Turning Your Passion into a Paycheck. That's scheduled for release in December 2015.
My next mystery is titled Married into Murder. It's the story of a young African-American woman whose marriage into an East Indian family results in tragedy. Part sociological study, part courtroom drama, the novel examines the deep-seated cultural and racial prejudices that led to her murder. It goes on sale in June 2015.
Checking in with the authors of the anthology Once and Forever ...
Playing for Keeps by Mary Blayney: Kendall and Steve, a spirited combo that Blayney clearly has fun writing with a touch of danger and sparks of romance. And an ex-soccer player, what's not to love about that?
Michelle: What are some of your fave TV shows this season and why?
Mary: Just watched the last episode of the too-short season of Sherlock and was gobsmacked. Also intrigued by True Detective and wonder how the Witnesses and their pals on Sleepy Hollow are going to get back together. As for why: Each one of these shows has surprised me in different ways.
Michelle: Equipped with a hairbrush, vocals tuned up, and music blasting, which are you: Maria from Sound of Music, Sandy from Grease or Anne Hathaway from Les Mis?
Mary: Based on real-life experience, Anne Hathaway in Les Mis. Because I Dreamed a Dream is one of my all-time-favorite songs. I wish I could write with the same emotional oomph.
Michelle: Valentine's message to your fellow authors/friends/Lifesavers critique group?
Mary: (I am NOT clever. Creative, yes, but clever, no. I want to see what Evie and Elaine write.) I wish the Lifesavers a day surrounded by love in every way accompanied by champagne, kisses and maybe some chocolate.
The Princes & The Pinot by Elaine Fox: Who doesn't need a busy-body fairy interfering in her life? Fox adds a dash of humor with this contemporary fairy tale full of romance, wine, and sexiness.
Michelle: What are some of your fave TV shows this season and why?
Elaine: I recently discovered HGTV, which I know makes me the last person in America to have figured out how addicting those shows are. But I am in love with House Hunters, House Hunters International and the Property Brothers. I also wouldn't mind having Hillary come fix up my house, and having David show me around my own city for something better.
Other than that, though, I'm loving the beautifully clothed craziness of Downton Abbey and the flat-out brilliance of the BBC's Sherlock. I'm also the last person at the party of Justified, but it's great!
Michelle: Maria from Sound of Music, Sandy from Grease, Anne Hathaway from Les Mis?
Elaine: Honestly, I'll sing along with anything I know the words to, as long as I'm not within earshot of anyone. And in my mind I sound every bit as good as Maria Von Trapp! Not so much in anybody else's mind, however.
In the car, tho, I sound exactly like everyone I'm singing along with! It's like a miracle! The only catch is I have to be alone.
Michelle: Valentine's message to your fellow authors/friends/Lifesavers critique group?
Elaine: My Valentine's wish for my fellow Lifesavers is that they are happy with where they are in their lives. That those who are in long marriages remember how rare and wonderful it is to be with someone who knows you so well and loves you so much.
And that those who are embarking on new relationships, realize what a liberating opportunity it is to reinvent and rediscover who they are.
They are all such wonderful people, I hope they fully feel the love of those around them!
Never and Forever by Lavinia Kent: I'm a sucker for historical romance. Kent catches all the sexiness of the Duke and his snobby attitude and expertly plays it against Molly and her beauty and competence.
Michelle: What are some of your fave TV shows this season and why?
Lavinia: My favorite shows this season are a little bit all over the place. I am enrapt with Sleepy Hollow. I love the interaction between the two main characters and how they play off each other. I truly hope that they manage to keep that little bit of sexual tension without ever trying to bring them together. I also love Arrow. It has endless plot twists and new characters and I've always been a sucker for an action hero. I am a long-term Supernatural fan and although I think they suffer from "too many apocalypses" syndrome I still enjoy its sarcastic humor. When I look at my list I fear that it looks like I am all about the Man Candy. In truth I like shows that make me try to guess what's coming next and that make me think.
I am also a true Doctor Who fan. I don't know if that counts as "this season," but I thought the last episode was one of the most intriguing episodes of TV I've watched.
Michelle: Maria from Sound of Music, Sandy from Grease, Anne Hathaway from Les Mis?
Lavinia: I'd like to be Anne Hathaway, beautiful and despairing — with better songs, but I am probably closer to Sandra Dee, good girl thinking BAD thoughts (and writing them down). I have to confess that even alone in the house with the music blasting I don't sing. There are some things that not even the cats should be forced to listen to.
Michelle: Valentine's message to your fellow authors/friends/Lifesavers critique group?
Lavinia: Go and have some FUN!! I think it's something that everyone needs. We get so busy with family and deadlines and worries that we forget to just let it all go sometimes. It's a big part of why I love my group. When we're together we get a lot of work done and have the best time doing it.
Duets by Emelle Gamble: Gamble packs a lot of story in this novella. Molly and Cruz may be trying to keep things in the "friends" lane, but the universe doesn't always listen. An emotional ride that touches the heart.
Michelle: What are some of your fave TV shows this season and why?
Emelle: Adore True Detective. It's spooky, sexy, scary and I have no idea what's going to happen next. If that sounds like the best blind date you ever had, yeah, that's what I think, too.
Michelle: Maria from Sound of Music, Sandy from Grease, Anne Hathaway from Les Mis?
Emelle: OK, as my critique group knows, I can't follow directions. So I'll need Jack Daniel's, bad hair, baggy clothes and looming tragedy to get myself to sing out loud and be Janis Joplin. I would hurt your ears, hurt my ego, and hurt the heart of any music lover, but come on, take another little piece of my heart, why don't you? She was what the best music is to me … sex, angst and rock and roll!
Michelle: Valentine's message to your fellow authors/friends/Lifesavers critique group?
Emelle: I thank my friends for their examples of how to live … Mary for epitomizing energy and outreach to all. Evie for being grace under pressure with a kinky little edge of genius. Elaine for seeking beauty and the enlightened way forward. Lavinia for being all things to so many people whose lives are enriched by her love. Happy St. Valentine's Day, Lifesavers. The Martyr Valentinus has nothing on you four.
The Psychic Detective By Evie Owens: What's not to love with the blurb "Psychic Martin Sterling doesn't trust cops — and the feeling is mutual. Detective Erin Sullivan needs more than a ghost story to save her job and reputation. Her partner is dead, a million dollars in drugs and money is missing, and all the evidence points to her. Can a sexy psychic and a by-the-book cop, trapped between the living and the dead, unearth the truth? Or will a cold-blooded killer get away with it all …" Owens writes with wit and style and uses splashes of dark humor in this sexy romance.
Michelle: What are some of your fave TV shows this season, why?
Evie: I'm a bit of a junkie, so I'll limit myself to just three. Justified — one word: Boyd. The Mindy Project — I never really cared for her character on The Office, but oh how I love love love and adore The Mindy Project. And Scandal. So over-the-top and soapalicious!
Michelle: Maria from Sound of Music, Sandy from Grease, Anne Hathaway from Les Mis?
Evie: Unlike Emelle (*cough, cough*) I ALWAYS follow directions (ROFL), but just this once I'll break the rules and say Idina Menzel from Wicked. Because it isn't easy being green ... and my not-quite-aligned-with-society self can relate. (Also notice that, unlike Emelle, I stuck to Broadway!)
Michelle: Valentine's message to your fellow authors/friends/Lifesavers critique group?
Evie: Be kind to yourself. They are all such kind people — to everyone, but especially to me — so my wish is for them to be as kind and forgiving with themselves as they are with the rest of the world. Also, I love you guys!
Michelle Monkou celebrates her new Kimani release, One Of A Kind, out now. Her website is michellemonkou.com. You can also connect with her on Facebook.