KISHA GREEN: THE QUINTESSENTIAL RARE JEWEL

If you are a writer, author, or a contributing factor to urban literature, you may have heard the name Kisha Green. 

The owner of DivaBooksInc, a service providing public relations to authors, Green has penned many titles, including her steamy short "FeFe's Freaky Tale". She is also a strident promoter and a literary consultant, as well as a public speaker and an award-winning, radio host to the show,Writer's Life Chat. 

Besides her awards and notable accolades, this New Jersey native has won the respect by scores of her peers. Authentic, inspirational, and supportive were words that have been expressed by many of them. However, one word adhere to the obvious reason as to why she's December's featured artist -- genuine. 

Kisha Green's unselfish drive to build platforms for new and seasoned authors have not gone unnoticed. Her determination reflects broadly beyond urban literature, but echoes in mainstream as well. This rare jewel proves just how effective leadership is suppose to be. 

Imani: It is an honor to have the woman with many talents, Kisha Green in The Lounge. Let me say first thank you for accepting the invitation. I've followed your career in the last few years, and I am mighty impressed with your accomplishments. So with that said, what's your story -- who is Kisha Green?

Kisha: Thank YOU, Imani it is a true honor to be featured by your website. Who is Kisha Green….Hmmm…She is a mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, friend, writer, blogger, literary consultant, book reviewer, publisher, online radio hostess, virtual assistant, author promoter and publicist.

There is so much to ask you, but one I want to get out because I'm sure every artist have gone through this: When was that "a-ha moment" when you knew you were a writer?

I do not think I had that moment as a writer but a few weeks ago I was at a book signing for a colleague and when I went to the register the staff knew me without me having to say a thing and they immediately praised me for all of the hard work I do for my clients and told me to keep up the good work, that for me made my day. I entered this industry in 2006 and I have been trying to find my way and that was a great moment for me.

You have an inspirational story of overcoming challenges, including family loss of loved ones. So I won't ask how have you overcame those dark moments because you're a thriving today as a respectable businesswoman. I want you to share with us if those challenges were a motivating factor to your success.

My challenge was when my mom died while I was writing my debut novel, And Even If I Did and after her death I went into a depression and did not want to finish the book. After a nine month hiatus I just woke up one day and decided I had to finish and make my mother proud in heaven.

For those who don't know, you have a business called "DivaBooksInc -- specializing to promoting authors, and you're a publisher, as well as a public speaker, radio talk show hostess, and a mentor to so many novice and seasoned authors. How in the world do you have the time to write and still create great work?

I multi task!!! Lol…I am always busy even when I think I am not. I am constantly making notes or completing projects, sending emails and etc. All I need is my cell phone and I am good to go!

I've read somewhere that you told the story of being new to the industry, and you had a hard time getting help from other authors. Explain what was that like, and how did it grow you as a writer and businesswoman?

I entered the industry in 2006 and no one wanted to help me and I made a promise then to never be those type of people. I remember wanted to get interviews and no one would feature me on their online radio shows, so I created my own, Writer’s Life Chats and I interviewed authors just like me. I also wanted to be featured on websites and got nowhere so I created, Writer’s Vibe which is now known as Literary Jewels and again I wanted to help authors just like me. I know it is hard juggling life, work and literary so I offer quality services with very reasonable rates.

My challenge was when my mom died while I was writing my debut novel, And Even If I Did and after her death I went into a depression and did not want to finish the book. After a nine month hiatus I just woke up one day and decided I had to finish and make my mother proud in heaven.

So basically, you’ve created your opportunities? Is that key for new authors?

Yes, after being rejected so many times I decided that failure was NEVER going to be an option for me and I would no longer concern myself with people telling me no, as I was too busy creating my own yes! I am not saying that everyone who tries this approach will be successful but this is the path Kisha took and it works.

Now let's talk about the industry itself. I occasionally hear complaints from readers that Urban Lit's storylines are sounding the same. What's your opinion on the matter, or is it much ado about nothing?

There are a lot of recycled storylines and I do not understand that because as a writer you have total creative freedom to write about anything you want, so why not do just that. As a book reviewer it can be boring to keep reading the same story just a new cover and characters.

Some have said bouncing from one genre to another can hurt your relationship with readers. Do you agree or disagree with this, and why?

I think it can strengthen it. I think it shows versatility and a creativity and readers can see that they think outside the box when it comes to writing.

Do you believe mainstream treat urban literature fairly -- and what I mean by "fairly", I mean, not taking the genre seriously in terms of its stories and its authors?

Yes and no…Some Urban lit authors are great story tellers and there are some who just copy a certain style. Whereas this is the platform for them to demonstrate their talent.

I decided that failure was NEVER going to be an option for me and I would no longer concern myself with people telling me no, as I was too busy creating my own yes! I am not saying that everyone who tries this approach will be successful but this is the path Kisha took and it works.

Given the fact that every author starts off as a "newbie", why do think most seasoned authors won't give a helping hand to the novice ones?

I do not think that it is intentional, I believe that it can be overwhelming with many new authors asking questions and getting advice and still doing the exact opposite. Like the saying goes…You can lead a horse to water but you cannot make it drink it.

What's your methodology of a solid storyline?

Proper character development, a perfectly executed plot, mixed with a sprinkle of suspense and drama to keep the reader engrossed.

Share with the reader each title of your books and a brief description of the stories and its main characters.

FOOL NO MORE: Unlucky described Leslie Kennedy's love life until she met Malcolm Daniels. Malcolm was the epitome of fine with a lucrative career in public relations, he was a dream come true. Little did she know the secret he harbored would change their lives forever.

PLEASURE PRINCIPLE: Laci wanted the finer things but could not afford it being a waitress, so she decided that being a call girl would cushion her pockets faster. As her bank account does increase there is someone plotting on her demise? You often have to be careful of karma because she is a bitch and you never know when she might appear to cause havoc and chaos. Like the saying goes, revenge is dish best served COLD!

TIL LIES DO US PART: Morgan and Justin are a happily married couple—or so it seems. Dissatisfied with her marriage and trying to fill that void, Morgan decides to add some excitement to her life with frequent visits to the Web. With a new found lust for online chat, Morgan begins to live a double life when she meets Andre, the man of her dreams. In her mind, Andre is her savior and he could do no wrong. That is, until her online world becomes her new reality and secrets are revealed that make her begin to doubt herself. Caught in a love triangle like no other, Morgan discovers that all is fair in love and war, until lies do us part

FEFE’S FREAKY TALE: Feona "Fefe" Walker has only one thing on her mind-pleasure. Before her love can come down, she must select a man to quench her body's insatiable appetite. NOTHING is off limits in her quest for pure sexual ecstasy.

You are versatile when it comes to genres. Do you have a favorite?

I like drama period! If it is in a romance novel,mystery or suspense just give me some page turning, jaw dropping reading material and I will read it.

Since in you're in public relations, which of your characters you find intriguing to promote to the masses, and why?

I would say FeFe from FeFe’s Freaky Tale because she is a full freak and holds nothing back and many see a title like that and or read the synopsis and think she is me, when she is just a made up character.

Are you character or plot-driven, and why?

Plot driven…I need to know the book will keep my attention so the more drama the better and a good plot makes sure of that.

I got to ask this: what is the one person in the industry you would love to collaborate with, and why?

I cannot pick just one, so I would say Al-Saadiq Banks, J.M. Benjamin and Jackie Collins because they all have a writing style that is unique and they create magic throughout the pages.

What you know now as an experienced author, what would you say to yourself if you could go back in time to meet "Kisha Green" the young writer?

Invest in a QUALITY editor and everyone in the industry does not have your back nor support you.

Well, let's talk about editing then. Those who are new to the business, how do you find that quality editor?

Network with your colleagues and ask them who they used and when reaching out to a possible editor ask for references and once you get them, contact them and ask questions. Check out their books on Amazon and see what the reviews are saying. Also many must keep in mind, just because it may cost a lot that does not guarantee  you are getting quality editing but also do not think editors come cheap either. When planning to self publish you must set a realistic budget and that includes a editor, your editing should cost more than your book cover. I know many editors but I only refer people to the ones that I have used and was satisfied with. Let me also share that a proofreader is NOT an editor.

And speaking of new writers and authors, what words of advice do give to the people who are new to the business?

Research…Research…Research and oh yeah RESEARCH!

We all have that person(s) that helped shaped our craft. If this person(s) were here right now, what would you say to them?

I would simply say THANK YOU for taking the time to explain the writing process to me and having patience as I attempted to try it.

As we near the interview, I would be wrong and not ask about your future projects. So what's on the horizon?

I will be releasing a full novel in late 2015, which is major for me since I haven’t released a full length novel since 2009. I am truly excited about that project.

And finally, describe in word Kisha Green's work.

Relatable

Thank you once again for joining me in The Lounge; it's been truly an honor. Please, share the with the readers where they can purchase your work, as well as finding you on the Web.

The pleasure was all mine and on social networks I can be found;

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/KISHA-GREEN/e/B002BLN9YK/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1417112016&sr=1-2-ent

Twitter:@KishaGreen

Instagram: @KishaGreen

Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorkishagreen

Website: www.divabooksinconline.com

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