‘The Neophyte Author’ Nigeria Lockley to Release Second Novel ‘Seasoned With Grace’ (MY INTERVIEW)

nigeria

Hello World,

I’m always happy to help promote my fellow authors especially those of us who are beginning our author journey…Please check out my interview with Nigeria Lockley, whose novel Seasoned With Grace (Urban Books) will be released on July 28! Below is a synopsis of “Seasoned With Grace” followed by the interview…

SEASONED-WITH-GRACE Sentenced to probation, 30-year-old, supermodel Grace King must put her plans of transitioning into acting to extend the longevity of her career on hold. Desperate to keep a close eye on Grace and his job, Grace’s ambitious lawyer, Ethan Summerville has her complete community service in the last place Grace wants to be. His church.
 
Instead of God, Grace finds a “chocolate drop” of a man–Brother Horace Brown. However, Horace isn’t looking for a supermodel. He wants his woman saved and sanctified, but Grace has never met a man who has been able to resist her. Will Horace compromise his faith for a taste of fortune, fame, and Grace?While Grace focuses on the pursuit of passion Ethan finds one director willing to take a risk and cast Grace in his debut film, but this role fits Grace all too well. Will this film revive Grace’s relationship with God and her career or bring her closer to destruction?

1. What inspired you to write “Seasoned With Grace?”

I cannot say there was any one thing that inspired me to write this story. I just saw Grace King in my head on probation and cutting up. I simply wrote the story as it came to me.

2. Why did you choose a supermodel as the main character of your story?

I didn’t make that choice. I don’t impose my will on my characters. It may be about skill or just being organic, but I take them as they are and let them run wild.

3. How did you research the supermodeling industry?

On the low, I’m a fashion insider. I read Vogue, InStyle, visit various fashion blogs, and of course you know I’ve seen one too many episodes of “America’s Next Top Model.” Therefore, I didn’t have to do much research and bless the Lord for Google.

4. What do you hope readers will learn or understand by reading this story?

I hope that readers will learn that despite the hardships in life God has not forgotten them and you cannot go so far over the edge that you cannot be redeemed. Those are just two big lessons in the book, but one subtle lesson that I learned as I was writing “Seasoned with Grace” is to be thankful for your friends.

5. I read that you wrote most of “Seasoned With Grace” on your cell phone. Is that true? Why? How long did it take? Please explain.

I did write the majority of “Seasoned with Grace” on my cell phone. I started that way because the first time I saw the story in my head I was in the subway and the only thing I had on me was my cell phone. It was slightly more convenient than pulling out my laptop during rush hour, and once I realized I spend an hour a day on the train commuting to work I decided to capitalize on that. It only took me a few months to finish “Seasoned with Grace.”

6. I understand that you have started your own publishing company Inheritance Books. Why did you decide to start your own publishing company? When will the first book from your new company debut,and what is the title? (if you have that information)

Starting Inheritance Books was one of those move when the Spirit says move decisions. Last year, I started working on a novella that I planned to release independent of my publisher at the time, Urban Christian. I only had a two- book deal and my plan was to test the indie waters before attempting to renew my contract. Now fast forward to the last week of February 2015—I get selected for jury duty and while everyone is griping about having to be there I’ve got the name for the company, the tagline, and plans for developing authors floating through my head. For a moment I thought I was having delusions of grandeur, but something inside of me was telling me to form this publishing company. I applied for the LLC, got my logo done, and started taking coaching classes on publishing. When I showed my logo to my sister to get her opinion, she said, “It’s nice, but what is this for?” I replied, “For my publishing company. There’s a hole and I want to fill it.”

The very next day I found out that the Urban Christian line of Urban Books had been dissolved. So, it wasn’t a decision; it was more like an unction. The first release will be my novella, “Tempted to Touch.” I’d like to follow that up with an inspirational anthology, and by the grace of God start accepting manuscripts by the winter of 2015.

7. You refer to yourself as the “Neophyte Author.” How many books will have you have to write before you consider yourself a “seasoned” rather than “neophyte” author? What is the most important thing you have learned on your “neophyte author” journey so far?

There will always be something for me to learn and I will always be a new author to some reader regardless of how prolific I am, so I’m not sure when I’ll attain that seasoned status. The most important thing I’ve learned as a neophyte author is that you have to tell your story and live your story. You cannot allow other people’s idea of what works stifle your productivity and creativity. As you travel along the road to your goal, you’ll receive lots of advice, but you have to live your life and work in a fashion that works best for you and not anyone else.

I’ve always loved the game “20 Questions” so below are Nigeria’s answers to 20 of my random questions in no particular order 🙂

20 questions

Nigeria Lockley possesses two master’s degrees, one in English Secondary Education, which she utilizes as an educator with the New York City Department of Education. Her second master’s degree is in Creative Writing. “Born at Dawn” is Nigeria’s first published novel. Nigeria serves as the vice president of Bridges Family Services, a not-for-profit organization that assists student parents interested in pursuing a degree in higher education. She is also the deaconess and clerk for her spiritual home King of Kings and Lord of Lords Church of God. Nigeria is a New York native who resides in Harlem with her husband and two daughters. Visit her online at www.NigeriaLockley.com

Any thoughts?

 

 

Carol Mackey’s Next Chapter…

Hello World, Carol M. Mackey

Like many people, I believe the best thing about December is celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ…But this month is also “the most wonderful time of the year” because it’s the optimum time to hatch your plans to make your dreams come true in the New Year! This past August at the National Book Club Conference, I was excited to meet a giant in the publishing industry and my sorority sister Carol M. Mackey as she helped launch the careers of many African American authors as the editor-in-chief of the largest African American book club in the nation which unfortunately came to an end earlier this year…I wanted to personally thank her for acquiring my book for the book club as a debut author…It really inspired me and inspires to keep pushing in the publishing industry which I have discovered and am discovering is only for those who possess a dogged desire to see their words in print as the publishing industry continues to change…

If you are somehow unfamiliar with Carol, below is her impressive bio…

Widely recognized as a leading expert on African American literature, Carol M. Mackey has been named among the 50 Most Powerful African Americans In Publishing by Black Issues Book Review and has been featured in Literary Divas: The Top 100+ Most Admired African American Women in Literature, a compilation of biographies about African American women who have powerfully impacted America’s literary history. Mackey sits on the board for the National Book Club Conference and the African American Literary Awards Show. She has appeared on CBS-TV’s “This Morning” news show in New York and is often interviewed by other media outlets on the state of African American publishing.

She is the author of the bestselling “Sistergirl Devotions: Keeping Jesus in the Mix on the Job”  published by Revell Books, which was nominated in the Best Self Help category at the 2010 African American Literary Awards Show. She was nominated for Best Female Author of 2010 and was voted the 2010 Breakout Author of the Year. A firm believer in literacy among African Americans, she presented The Carol M. Mackey Book Club Award to three local book clubs in Louisiana at the first annual Bayou Soul Readers & Writers Conference in New Orleans, LA in June 2011.

book coverHowever, aside from all of her accolades, I was most impressed with her humility in spite of how many people fawned over her at the conference. And there were many! Since I’m also a journalist, I was intrigued and wanted to know more about her, particularly since she is crafting a new chapter of her life…Below is my brief conversation with her…

What is next for you?

The great thing about endings is that there’s a chance for new beginnings. I had a terrific run with my former employer. I learned a lot. I made lasting friendships and showcased the works of hundreds of African American authors over the years. I love books…and I always will. But what most people don’t’ know about me is that I’m a huge movie buff! I joined the Black Filmmaker Foundation back in the early ’90s when Reggie and Warrington Hudlin ran it. I wrote a couple of film and TV treatments and have been out to Hollywood twice to pitch my work. Nothing came of it, but the experience was exhilarating. I never forgot it.

So now, I’d like to marry my love of film with my love and vast knowledge of African American books and act as a creative producer. Eventually I’d like to have my own media company to cover all aspects of entertainment—books, film, TV, print. Hey, I dream big!

In addition to launching and helping to sustain the careers of likely countless authors, you are the author of “Sistergirl Devotions: Keeping Jesus in the Mix on the Job.” Do you have any plans to write more books?

Yes ma’am, I certainly do. I have rough outlines for two separate books—one fiction, the other nonfiction. A lot has happened to me spiritually and personally since I wrote “Sistergirl.” I’m not the same woman or the same Christian. I have a lot to share on the nonfiction side to help women empower themselves. God did it for me, and He will do it for others as well. Our toughest times show us what we’re made of. (God already knows where we are, but He wants us to see where we are so we can grow). I won’t go into much detail because I’m still tossing around ideas, but like “Sistergirl,” it will be honest and relatable. As for the novel, let’s just say I have a very vivid imagination, and I plan to let it run wild!

Also, I recently did a writing seminar for the African American Women in Higher Education and it was really well received.

What is the outlook for African Americans in publishing for authors and beyond?

The publishing industry as a whole is changing at a very rapid pace—much faster I think than anyone anticipated. But for us, specifically I think we need to continue to market and brand our work in an out-of-the box way. We are still reading—that will never stop. But as authors we need to capitalize on all that social media provides—there’s a lot out there now besides Facebook and Twitter to take advantage of.

And the book clubs are an awesome way to get the word out about your book. Curtis Bunn’s annual National Book Club Conference in Atlanta is proof positive that book clubs are still a viable source for authors to promote their work. Attendance at the NBCC continues to grow. Engagement with the readers is key. You have to pique their interest and keep it. Attention spans are short nowadays!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I’d say believe in yourself and the vision God gave you, whatever that might be. The Bible says He is the giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17), and He expects us to use it. The world needs your voice, your talent, your skill, your inspiration, so stay committed and put in the work. You will become unstoppable!

Any thoughts?

 

Making Your Divine Appointment…

Hello World,

Delta Authors on Tour...

Delta Authors on Tour…

Yesterday was a whirlwind of a day…I had gotten up around 5:30 a.m. to pray and write and then I mapped out the rest of day…I had planned to go the Delta Authors on Tour event for a couple of hours and then get on with my Saturday washing clothes, grocery shopping, etc. – basically the mundane stuff…

In my mind, I was grumbling about the various things I needed to get done – the fun stuff and not-so-fun stuff…I LOVE to write, but writing this first novel has been a challenging feat for me for several reasons…For the sake of brevity, I will only name two…Reason #1…Up until the last year or so, I haven’t read a novel in some years…I’m a non-fiction afficionado…In fact, even though I’ve been a part of a book club that has read novels for roughly 16 years, I have read very few of them (I’m grateful they allow me to come back to meetings 🙂 ) Reason #2…Since I’m trained as a journalist, I can whip up a competent article or two or three if threatened in a few hours…But writing chapters and for hundreds of pages is a marathon I’ve never run before…

The not-so-fun stuff was obviously my household chores…Sometimes my week is so hectic, I have to relegate mundane chores to the weekend…and the last thing I want to do on a weekend is wash clothes, plan meals, clean, etc. When I was single, I could ignore all of the not-so-fun stuff and let things pile up including dishes, clothes, dust bunnies, etc. But now that someone is living with me, I no longer have that luxury…(although my husband would probably argue that I still allow myself that luxury…)

Sorors Dr. Fran Breakfield & L.D. Wells...

Sorors Dr. Francene Breakfield & L.D. Wells…

So yesterday, I had all of that planned as I charged into Greenbriar Mall where the Delta Authors on Tour event was held. My plan was to stay there for two hours tops…I was there to support two of my collegiate chapter sorors L.D. Wells and Dr. Francene Breakfield and then meet newly minted Soror Suzan Johnson Cook, who is not only a former pastor and current author, she also served as the United States Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom…But when I was told Soror Johnson Cook wouldn’t be there until 3 p.m., I realized that my day would unfold as planned…

Me & Soror, Dr., Ambassador & More Suzan Johnson Cook...

Me & Soror, Dr., Ambassador & More Suzan Johnson Cook…

How many of you know that “in their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps?” (Proverbs 16:9)

What I understand now is that I had a divine appointment to be there and not just for two hours but for the WHOLE day…I got there early about 11 ish in the morning and didn’t make it home until roughly the same time last night…

Me & Soror Victoria Christopher Murray...

Me & Soror Victoria Christopher Murray…

While I was there I met Soror Suzan Johnson Cook whose book “A New Dating Attitude” made me know that I know that I know that I truly know my husband was and is God’s best for me…But that wasn’t the only reason I was there…I reconnected with authors I’ve met before such as Victoria Christopher Murray and met authors I’ve never met before such as Angela Ray, Dr.

From left to right, Dr. Martha Ward Plowden, L.D. Wells, Brenda Jackson, Dr. Fran Breakfield

From left to right, Dr. Martha Ward Plowden, L.D. Wells, Brenda Jackson, Dr. Fran Breakfield

Majorie L. Kimbrough, Dr. Martha Ward Plowden, Ruth P. Watson, Stephanie Perry Moore and Brenda Jackson…In fact, I hobnobbed with the Delta Authors on Tour so much I was invited to go to dinner with them that evening at The Pecan restaurant in downtown College Park…New York Times Best-Selling Author Brenda Jackson, who I’m ashamed I’ve never heard of before yesterday, has written over 100 books!!! (Y’all know she has been blessed by God, all gifts do come from Him…)

Stephanie Perry Moore and one of her adorable young fans...

Stephanie Perry Moore and one of her adorable young fans…

The conversation at dinner encouraged me to continue in my divine appointment of being a wife (maybe mother someday…I know I’m 41 and the countdown has started…Mind yo business 🙂 ) and an author with dreams so big only God can accomplish them through me…

As I and some of the author Delta Authors on Tour made our way back to our cars, little did we know that we had another divine appointment…We met a dynamic downtown College Park business owner that regaled us with story after story after story of her “mustard seed” faith and how she encourages people to not only dream but to WAKE UP!

Don't we look hungry? LOL...Me & Angela Ray...

Don’t we look hungry? LOL…Me & Angela Ray…

And I’m only giving you the “public personal” version of the divine appointments that I experienced yesterday because I’m still pondering everything and this is the Internet…lol…

So this morning, I’m awake and ready to continue to writing this novel that I hope to have “spit shined” and ready for perusal next month…Y’all keep me in prayer…

Won’t He Do It! Guess What? He Already Did!

Any thoughts?