Imani Wisdom's brainchild -- Pink Noire Publications -- has been known for her unpredictable style of storytelling. Now its founder is expanding the "pink and black" brand to shine on prolific artists. From the inspirationalist, Danica Worthy to bestselling author, Stacy Deanne, Pink Noire understand these talented individuals know how to express their craft through words, song, dance, and stroke of a brush.

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A LETTER TO MY WOMAN...



I open this letter in a generic format a letter to my woman, not in the sense that the message is generic or insincere. Only within the meaning that I address this to women in my life thus far and in my egotistical mind they are all interchangeable. 

True I have the good sense God blessed me with to know when one relationship ends, and a new one begins. They are all the same, yet all unique. I love you all, the first relationship I have ever had with a woman was between my God and my mother. Yes, you read correctly I did say My God. Don’t get it twisted or confused I am not writing this open letter from me to Women to debate religion or belief. In my understanding of faith, religion, and life all female beings on Earth give birth to life. The oldest bones found on Earth were that of a Black woman so in my understanding Woman is the closest thing to God. Well, that is my assessment. I go back and forwards within myself with this frame of thinking. I have digressed; my point is this God like my mother has been a teacher and protector. Coming from a single parent home it was me, my mom, and my sister. I understand things clearer now as an adult and parent that she did the best she could with what she had and her understanding as a young woman. I guess as I write this I question myself as to what is the core meaning behind me writing this?

I do not have a direct answer for that. I would say perhaps to get a better understanding of myself and how I view women in general or to say, thank you for being you. I have always been a bit of a loner all of my life. I’ve run with different folk’s at various time frames in my life but always felt a disconnect and during this discourse women have been a filler for this void. I have a deep admiration and respect for the opposite sex view on things. You are young and wild in an adult situation with the mental capacity of a hormonal teenager forced to deal with things that you should not have to deal with yet you persevere. You are a hustler and survivalist. You are a young college student striking out on her own strong spirited and opinionated, independent and naïve.

You are a housewife trapped in a losing relationship with a man that doesn’t see your value, yet you stay. Your tears are the catalyst for the words that I type from the heart. You are slick and scandalous a heart breaker and player out to get hers yet I love you. You are a fool dangerously in love with a Man-Child yet you love him regardless of his immature ways that he knows are reckless yet refuses to abandon such actions even at the risk of losing you. You are passive when need be and walk that delicate line between being the aggressor and being submissive a balancing act of lioness and sex kitten. You are a judge and law professor from the wrong side of the tracks. You are an alcoholic and sexual abuse survivor with a foul mouth and silver tongue yet I love you. You are a boss and lyricists cutthroat fashionista/diva and I love it.

More gangster than most men, you are Rah Digga, no your Angela Davis mixed with Beyonce or Marissa Alexander, who will stand her ground. Spirit of Karrine Steffans, I will not judge just love unconditional I will not take verbal shots direct or subliminal. You are Cleo, Stoney, T.T. and Frankie ready to set it off. I know you are there despite what the media will have us believe. That you are argumentive sack chasers, that live to slide down poles. Only show love for those that make it rain for 40 days and 40 nights like it’s something biblical I look in your eyes and feel your vibe like it’s something spiritual. You without me leaves an unbalance like it’s something chemical. I can’t front I sometimes confuse the emotional with the physical. I love our conversations talking on the phone until the sunrise. You are more than you realize you are special to me you are my sister and my auntie grandmother or the lady down the street or up the block around the way girl in your own world. Yeah, I know you got a man but you still mine is it a crime to praise you like Sade if we never speak again I’m going love you anyway.


Sincerely from me to you,


Antwan Floyd Sr. is the publisher and author of 10 titles to date and is a graphic designer. He currently resides in Indianapolis, IN where he is working on his next title. 

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THE TRUE GRIT OF ANTWAN'S MIGHTY PEN



Antwan Floyd Sr. is an avid reader, poet, author, publisher, graphic designer & father. With his own brand of storytelling he brings a different perspective to the literary world. He launched Bleeding Pen Publishing in 2009 and has since released several titles in paperback and in eBook format. He currently resides in Indianapolis, IN where he is working on his next project.



Imani: Welcome to The Lounge. Let's start off with a simple icebreaker and begin with your story, just who is Antwan Floyd, Sr?

Antwan: There is no clear cut answer for who Antwan Floyd Sr. is, he is a story teller, a father, a hustler. Optimists/realists (if there is such a thing)

What inspire you to write, and how long have you been taking up the craft?

Life gives me inspiration, conversations I over hear. Thoughts just spring into my head and excites me. Reactions from readers who have read my work be it positive or critical. Reviews on Amazon inspire me as well. I've been writing since I was a kid poems and raps but I've been published since 2009

Are you character and plot-driven, and why?

Yes very much so. I believe that each story should portray characters with what I like to call the human element. Display flaws and imperfections so you can relate to the characters. People you grow to love or grow to hate.

Share with the readers your writing process. Let’s start with the development of your characters. Where do you find the inspiration to create them?

I start with a title of a book and what the story is going to be about then the names. Next I flesh them out where their from, religious beliefs, political beliefs, height, weight, race, sexual preference, education, etc, etc that makes it easier for me in my mind to write for them.

Have you ever suffered from writer's block? If so, what do you do to break it?

Yes I have. I read books by other authors – good writers inspire me as well.




Tell us about your latest project and its characters?

Danielle Lovelace Vigilante for Hire is my latest story. It's a story about a FBI agent on a quest to find her sister in Germany, while there she is framed for murder.

Where do you see your career in five years?

Lord willing I am on the Forbes list. But more realistically I have a stronger reader following and Danielle Lovelace on the air in her own series.

What’s your next project(s)?

I have the Black Sepies Series which will be like a soap which will feature 4 short stories all connected in an arc type fashion and I will feature the series for free on my website. My next title will be released in July, Crew Love III The Final Redemption.

What is your dream collaboration? With whom, and why?

Not really a writing collaboration but would love to work with Master P or J. Prince of Rap A Lot records. I respect and admire both these men; they get money and have longevity.

Finally, share with us something you've never mentioned publicly since being an author; such as, a quirk or a hidden talent. I'm sure readers would like to know.

I am a huge sci-fi/comic genre fan.


Follow and Friend Antwan at these sites:


On Sale Now on Amazon



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BROOKLEN'S BORNE BEST AUTHOR


Brooklen Borne is a native New Yorker who grew up in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn.  He began writing short stories in his sophomore year of high school, based on his street experience. His high school English teacher enjoyed his stories and advised him that he should enter his writings in the state wide writing contest.  He didn’t follow through with her suggestion because the streets were more appealing.
     
Upon graduating from High School, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. During his tenure, Brooklen had a chance to visit and live in some of the most exotic places in the world, meeting interesting people along the way.  This life experience inspired him to write again, incorporating some of these character’s in a few of his stories.  

Brooklen has completed four novellas, two novels, and a book of short stories. His work has been promoted through blog talk radio shows, book signings and other literary events.   

He holds an Associate’s Degree from Charminade University in Honolulu, Hawaii and a Bachelor’s Degree from National University in La Jolla, California; both are in Criminal Justice with a minor in Behavioral Science. Brooklen currently resides in the United States. 
Courtesy: www.authorbrooklenborne.com

Imani: Welcome to The Lounge, Mr. Brooklen Borne. Tell us a little about yourself?

Brooklen: I was raised in New York City, in the Van Dyke projects in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn.  I began writing short stories in high school, based on my street and school experiences.  After graduating from August Martin High School, in Jamaica, Queens, I entered into the Marine Corps; in the Aviation Supply field.  As a Marine, I also served as a Drill Instructor, Anti-Terrorist Instructor.I have written pieces for Imagine Us Magazine, The Writer’s POV and The Village Groit; they are online magazines. I also collaborated with fellow authors; Savannah Jackson, Donna Michele Ramos, Katrina Gurl and Anthony Pathfinder.

When was that moment you knew you were a writer?

I knew I was a writer, when my 10th grade English teacher wanted me to enter an essay I had written in a statewide essay contest.

Share with the readers your writing process. Let’s start with the development of your characters. Where do you find the inspiration to create them?

My writing process starts with a storyline, that I believe the reader’s will enjoy. Then I develop my characters from that mindset.  My inspiration comes from some life experiences, but used in a fictional form.

Are you character or plot-driven, and why?

Yes, my characters are plot driven.  By this process, I can make them as ruthless or compassionate, depending on what the story dictates.

As a United States Marine Veteran, you had to have traveled to many exotic places around the world. By this experience, did it help create compelling storylines?

Yes, part of my military experience, have assisted me in creating stories in the U.S. and abroad. I have some stories that will be released this year with lots of overseas locations.




You’ve written a library of books, including several collaborations with other authors. Do you have that one book you hold and dear to your heart?

The one book that is dear to me is titled: ‘The Write Lover’ It’s my first realistic romance novel. That story will take the reader’s on an emotional roller coaster ride.

 I’ve noticed your book covers has your personal touch. Can you explain your originality behind these covers – including the book titled, Savannah. There’s a familiarity about the stunning model. ;)

The originality, come from matching my covers to the story being written. When possible readers see my covers, I want to spark their curiosity to purchase the book.  The stunning model on the cover of Savannah is a fellow author and great friend; Katrina Gurl. She will also be on the cover to the sequel to Savannah, titled: Savannah’s Fury.  Katrina and I will be releasing a romance collaboration this year; that is set around the 1940’s.

We’ve talked before about our aspirations besides writing books. Where do you see your career in five years?

 In five years I see my career at the next level. The next level being, turning some of the stories I’ve written into movies.

Name that one author you would like to do a collaboration, and why?

I would like to do a collaboration with John Grisham. I like his mystery/suspense writing and would enjoy being to contribute at his level of work.

 What’s your next project(s)?

I’m co-authoring a four book easy read, science fiction (non-monster) novella series titled: Absorption. As I mention earlier, I’m working with Katrina Gurl on a project.  I’m also working with Anthony Pathfinder on an action, suspense project.

Thank you, Mr. Borne for taking the time for this interview. If the readers would like to know more about you and your work, where should they go?

Readers can find synopsis of my stories on my website.  It is www.authorbrooklenborne.com.  My books can be found on Amazon.com and kindle.

I would like to say, thank you Imani Wisdom for having me on The Lounge. I appreciate the interview very much and it was an honor to be interviewed by you.  With love, God bless.





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POET: MEET G.P.A. (GREATEST POET ALIVE)


He has been writing poetry since 2007 and published his first book of poetry, “The Confessional Heart of a Man” recently he has also written and self-published the scintillating book of sensual poetry, “The Book of 24 Orgasms”.Besides his own works, G.P.A. was the main poetic contributor to both “Chocolate Rose” and “Chocolate Rose 2” also man who support causes that don't get enough exposure, During Domestic Violence month, he contributed poems to the anthology, Voices Behind the Tears. G.P.A .is the founding member of The League of Extraordinary Poets an organization of poets who take the art of storytelling to another level, G.P.A. is also a member of the Waiting for the Bus collective.A man who takes pride in his work, definitely a voice that one could not easily forget he recently received the 2011 Black Essence Award for Poetry and Charity. G.P.A .has been twice nominated for Poet of the Year in 2011 and “The Book of 24 Orgasms” was nominated for Book of the Year. This poet is one who is not afraid to step outside the box from taboo topics to social awareness, G.P.A is indeed a name poetry and spoken lovers should get familiar with as he prepares to release his first cd of poetry, "The G.P.A. Experience" and the follow-up to his first book, “The Mind of A Poetic UnSub” keep your eyes and ears open because this artist is destined for greatness.  
Courtesy of iblowyourmind.net 

Imani: Welcome to The Lounge. Let's start off with a simple icebreaker and begin with your story, just who is James Gordon?

James: James Gordon is the alter ego of G.P.A.(Greatest Poet Alive), the embodiment of talent, hustle, ambition, and gorgeousness.

What inspire you to write, and how long have you been taking up the craft?

G.P.A. started writing in 2007. Poetry allowed him to escape and seek higher grounds. He is inspired by the idiosyncrasies of beautiful women and the reality o everyday life.

What's your favorite part of the poetry process: writing words into art, or reciting the passion behind the words?

Writing words into art is the G.P.A.’s favorite part of the process. Performing is fun, but there has to be more added to the purity of the respective poem.

What’s your favorite artistic creation you’ve written, and would you mind sharing it with us below? (Brief excerpt if it’s a novel or a short story or a full poem):

15 Minutes 

one minute to say hello and good to see you two minutes to embrace you two minutes to allow my eyes to travel your landscape, my nose to inhale your scent, touch your face and hair one minute to compliment you, tell you how much I miss you and am glad to see you. a minute to kiss your lips lightly a minute to kiss your lips fully a minute to kiss you and inhale your breath a minute to kiss you and give you breath back thirty seconds to pause thirty seconds of looking into your soul and you mine. two minutes to kiss you, exchange breaths, and let tongues salsa a minute to hold your hand after kissing again a minute to say I cannot wait to see you again, embrace and kiss you again. 

Just give me fifteen minutes Then, you can go back to work Then, you can go back inside. If you must, you can go back to him. 
15 minutes



Nice! Now what’s your next project(s)?

G.P.A. has finished and will release his first novel, The Warmest Winter.

What is your dream collaboration? With whom, and why?

Imagine if G.P.A. and Nikki Giovanni collaborated on a project. Their styles are similar in the narrative form that they deliver Poetry. And besides, it would be epic.

Finally, share with us something you've never mentioned publicly since being an author; such as, a quirk or a hidden talent. I'm sure readers would like to know.

G.P.A. is a huge fan of Batman.


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WRITING MY DREAMS: Taking Your Emotions on a Roller Coaster Ride...: A JOURNEY WITHIN_MARCH MADNESS

I was honored to have guest blogged for Chelle Ramsey. Visit her link below as I chatted with one of my book's characters, Ruthie Belle. The woman knows how to hold a conversation.

WRITING MY DREAMS: Taking Your Emotions on a Roller Coaster Ride...: A JOURNEY WITHIN_MARCH MADNESS: We sometimes hear an author's logic behind a story, or why they write. But we don't always get to hear the character's point o...
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THE HEART AND SOUL OF J'SON M. LEE



J'son M. Lee is the Owner and President of Sweet Georgia Press, a multi-dynamic publishing and editing firm based in Baltimore, MD.  He was born in Lewiston, NC, and resides in Baltimore, MD, where he enjoys a fulfilling, yet busy life that includes managing commercial properties, writing books, editing, food and entertainment, and spending time with loved ones.

Lee is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earning a degree in Speech Communication with a concentration in Performance Studies. He is a multiple award-winning author who creates works that challenge the notion of normalcy. Most recently he was named 2013 Author of the Year by SGL BOOKLOVERS magazine. With his pen, he seeks to broaden minds and reinforce the universality of love. With wit and a gift for narrative, he creates characters that will speak to your heart. His works include Just Tryin' To Be Loved, How Could My Husband Be GAY?, the "Friends or Lovers" short story series (Best Friends, More Than Friends and Can't Be Friends), love One (short story), and One Family's AIDS (short story).

Lee is also a writer and celebrity interviewer at Proud Times Magazine in Spokane, WA, and host of a monthly BlogTalkRadio show, A Different Kind of Love.
Courtesy of jmcoylee.com


Imani: J’son, you’re well-loved and respected among our peers, and I’m sure many of them are familiar with your background. But share with us, what makes J’son M. Lee the man he is today?

J’son: Imani, first of all, thank you for this opportunity, and thank you for those kind words.  What makes me the man I am today?  That’s a great question.  I think the answer is quite simply my experiences—mainly the bad ones.  I’ve been very candid about my upbringing, and those things shaped the person you see today.  They made me stronger.  They made me better.  They kept me honest.  They made me push harder, and want more.  There are times that I wish my life—especially my childhood—had been different, but I continue to believe that God doesn’t make mistakes.  I am exactly where I am supposed to be and who I am supposed to be.

Your debut novel, Just Tryin’ to be Loved, was an awesome read. I loved it! So share with the readers, what inspired you to write a compelling story?

I wrote this story for selfish reasons—to release a lot of the pain and disappointment I experienced in my own life as it relates to acceptance, love, and relationships. There is a lot of similarity between me and the main character, Mark Harris. Mark’s views on love—and life in general—mirror my own.  Despite everything that’s happened in my life, I am still a hopeless romantic. I hope this book makes people believe in themselves and believe in love.

Just Tryin’ To Be Loved has some very colorful characters, most of which are based on people I know.  My favorite character was Gramma’.  The relationship Mark has with his grandmother is the relationship I had with my own grandmother, Georgia Lee (who is also my company’s namesake).  In reading the book, I hope you will see my love for her and the wonderful lessons she taught me.

What about the development of the characters, were there any challenges of creating them?

I think this project was the only one where there weren’t challenges with character development.  I remember sitting in my dining room and literally having conversations with and between the characters.  They were all so real to me.  I heard their voices.  I knew their thoughts.  They literally guided my hands through the process.

One of your characters I found intriguing was Mark's grandmother. I knew when reading this book this character was personal for you. So, tell us more about your 'Gramma' -- Miss Georgia?

My grandmother was an amazing woman, and I wanted to capture her essence and pay tribute to her in this work.  She never got to read the book, but she did read the acknowledgments.  I remember sitting in her living room in North Carolina as she held the book in her tiny hands.  She was very proud of me.  “I can’t read all dese words, but I read what you said about me.  That was very nice,” she said.  That alone was all the validation I needed as a writer.

Let’s talk about your writing process: are you character-driven by allowing your characters to guide you? Or taming the storyline by being plot-driven?

I’d have to say that I am character-driven.  Most times the characters dictate the story.  I typically don’t begin writing knowing where a story is going to go.  I just relax into it and let it unfold.  My characters have a mind of their own.  I will say that there are times that I literally skip chapters because a character has advanced the story well beyond where the other characters exist.  In those times, I simply go where I’m told and then go back and fill in the gaps.  It’s a crazy process, but it seems to work.



You’ve also written books centered around social issues; such as, LGBT romance, HIV/AIDS, and sexual abuse. Why are these topics important to you?

I try to be as authentic as possible in my writing.  In staying true to who I am, I often write about things that I know or things that I’m passionate about.  You’ve mentioned a number of those things above.  I am a gay man who believes in love, so I write LGBT romance.  I have lost a friends and family to complications of HIV/AIDS, so I want to pay tribute to them and make people aware of this disease.  HIV/AIDS is not the death sentence it used to be.  Lastly, I’m very transparent about my own experience with sexual abuse.  I was in therapy for many years dealing with the repercussions of abuse.  Many people never seek help.  I write about abuse to let people know how it effects the victim, and to raise awareness.  I love children.  Sexual abuse is one of the most traumatic experiences a child can endure.  They deserve better.  They deserve to be children.

I know you're living the life that some dream of having, but when you first 'came out", what was the reception you've received from your family and friends? And how is it now?

I'd like to say that coming out was a positive experience, but quite frankly it wasn't.  When it's been ingrained in you since early childhood that you are an abomination and going to hell, it's hard to reverse the effects of those teachings.  Coming out for me was a long process.  I didn't come to terms with my sexuality until I was well into my 30s.  In the process, I had varying reactions and emotions.  My mother found out when I was in high school, and outed me to my entire family out her own hurt and anger.  She looked in my face and said, "If you want to be a woman, then be one.  Why hide it?"  Many people, my mother included, think that being gay is about wanting to be the opposite sex.  That is the furthest from the truth for me.  I love being a man; I just happen to also love men. The remainder of my family never really talked about my sexuality, and I was fine with that. 
              
Fast forward a few years...I was a college graduate and living on my own.  To this day, many of my family members remain silent on my sexuality.  They all know, but there's never a conversation about who I'm dating or anything like that.  I think a large part of that has to do with my perceived success.  I'm from a small town, and in their minds I've "made it."  I think there is some intimidation on their part. They know how vocal I am, and dare not say anything to incite me.   On the other hand, there are a few family members who are fine with my sexuality and love me unconditionally.

I've been blessed to have friends who love me for who I am.  I do feel that I have to compartmentalize my friends.  As I said, I have some who love me for who I am, and then there are others who feel it is a choice and that I can be delivered from this somehow.  I used to readily discard folk who believed this way, but it was such a waste of energy.  We simply agree to disagree.  The way I see it, they have two choices—love me, or leave me.  I'm not changing.  I'm comfortable in my own skin.  I'm openly gay, and very vocal about it.  I will continue to be vocal until sexuality becomes a non-issue.


 Your much anticipated, upcoming novel, Darkness, has already gripped my attention. For those who don’t know, share a little sneak peek of this important novel.

Imani, if I’m honest, this project is a struggle.  I’ve had the idea for a few years now, but have yet to put anything on paper.  When that happens, I simply have to wait until I’m directed.  I know it’s something that I will complete, but I don’t know the premise or when.  All I know is that Darkness will be a book about my own struggle with depression.  Recently I wrote an article for Proud Times about my experience.  I’ll share a portion of that with you:

At a glance, I have the ideal life:  I am a Senior Property Manager at the largest owner/manager of commercial properties in the Washington, DC region.  I own my own editing firm, and have a thriving writing career.  I own my own home; I drive a luxury car.  I also have some of the greatest friends any person could ask for.  While I seem to have the life that many would dream of, there are times when I am overcome with sadness.  Often during these times, I find myself crying for no apparent reason.

My symptoms first surfaced when my mother unexpectedly passed away.  I have always been the person whom everyone in my family relied on to handle business.  When my grandmother died in 2006, I assumed the role relegated to me.  The same was expected when my mother passed away three years later.  After the funeral, I returned to Maryland—business as usual.  I had moments of sadness as I grieved the loss of my mother, but something was different.  I’d suffered loss before, but this pain went beyond loss.  I cried for no reason.  I found excuses to not be social.  I would stay in bed all weekend with the curtains drawn.

One day as I was driving in to work, tears began to stream down my face.  I couldn’t figure out why I was crying.  I decided to see a therapist.  At our appointment, I shared with her all I was going through.  “J’son, you have endured great loss.  I would like to suggest that you see your primary care physician.  I think you need something to take the edge off of what you’re feeling as you work through your pain,” she said.  I was completely against medication.  I didn’t want to walk around like a zombie.  After all, only crazy people took medication, right? 

At my doctor’s appointment, I tried to hide my sadness, but my doctor saw through it.  He insisted something was wrong because I wasn’t my usual “smiley” self.  I finally shared with him that I had recently lost my mother, and that I was feeling unusually sad.  I also shared with him what my therapist had said.  He praised me for going to therapy, and for the first time the word “depression” was used… 

I want to continue on the subject of depression. Explain to the readers on how debilitating the illness is, and why “praying-it-away” isn’t that simple?

Let me begin by saying that I believe my faith coupled with therapy is the reason I am able to cope with my depression.  The faith-based community would have you believe that you can pray everything away.  I am not of the same mindset.  I think that mentality is killing people.  Prayer is one of the most powerful weapons we have, but there’s a lot to be said for therapy and medicine (if warranted).  Depression, especially in the black community, is like a dirty little secret.  We need to get beyond this stigma if we are going to heal ourselves.  We are taught not to tell our business, so we often don’t seek therapy for our issues.  Further, black people tend to have a lot of fears surrounding medication.  Let’s be real, we have every right to be as evidenced by the Tuskegee syphilis experiment, for example.  Historically, we don’t trust medication, and we don’t trust white folks to prescribe it to us.  I believe God led me to my therapist, and I’m a huge proponent of therapy, and medicine when needed.  I’m not ashamed to say that I’ve utilized both.  People think you are crazy if you see a therapist; I think you’re crazy if you don’t.

So how are you feeling today?

I still suffer with bouts of depression, but I am more readily able to recognize the symptoms and do the things I need to do to get better.  I recently went back on medication as I felt the “darkness” looming again.  I couple that with an exercise program, and I feel great!

I’ve mentioned earlier how you center your stories around social issues, including sexual abuse. As a survivor, what advice do you have for individuals who’ve dealt with the lingering effects, but feel too ashamed to seek help?

First of all, I’d like them to know that what happened to them was not their fault.  For many years, I blamed myself for the sexual abuse I endured.  I remember telling my therapist how I seduced my abusers.  My eyes were opened when she said to me that I did what I was taught.  As a child I didn’t have the capacity to seduce.  So I was finally able to release the guilt and shame I harbored.  Talk to someone about your pain.  Therapy may not be an option for everyone, but talking about things goes a long way in healing your heart and mind.

You’re a man of many talents – author, actor, and now add editor to your resume. Describe your flourishing business, Sweet Georgia Press and its mission?

Sweet Georgia Press is a multi-dynamic publishing and editing firm based in Baltimore, Maryland. Established in 2012, we hit the ground running with an eye for detail and commitment to professionalism.  From short stories to full novels, we focus on ensuring writing of the highest quality. We work with authors on their own terms, with an emphasis on best practices. 

I have had the pleasure of working with some amazing authors like Michelle “Big Body” Cuttino, Deidra Ds Green, Ben Burgess Jr., Keisha Green, Rashea Baldwin, Andrea Ryan, M.T. Pope, and many others.

Imani, although my grandmother is gone, I still want to make her proud.  Sweet Georgia Press is dedicated to her memory.  This company is an extension of her legacy.  I hope to leave behind the same legacy of love, integrity and compassion.

We all have that special someone that made an impression on our craft. Who is this person(s), and what would you say to them if they were here?

So many people have made an impression on me, but two people immediately come to mind—Monique Thomas and Mark Williams. 

Monique, thank you for pushing me to finish Just Tryin’ To Be Loved, and for challenging me to think beyond boundaries.  You are my muse and you make me see life and nature the way no one else can. 

Mark, thank you for saying, “You are bigger than a short story.”  Had you not said that, I would have settled.  You showed me that I hadn’t even tapped into my talent.

Finally, what are the top five things on your bucket list?

That’s a great question.  Here they are, in no particular order:

1)      I want to fall in love and get married.
2)      I want to be able to take some extended time off and travel the world.
3)      I want to launch my own greeting card line.  This is actually in the works!
4)      I want to retire early.
5)      I want to meet Michael Strahan.  I’d settle for him being #1. 

Thank you, J’son! This has been an insightful interview that I know will help someone. If readers would like to know more about you and your work, or seeking an editor, where should they go online?


To learn more about me and/or my works, please visit my website at www.jmccoylee.com.  I’m also on Facebook www.facebook.com/jmccoylee.  If someone is seeking an editor or editing advice, please check me out at www.sweetgeorgiapress.com.  
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JAMES SCOTT: THE CZAR OF HIS DESTINY




James Scott was born in Buffalo New York. He endured the toughest streets, prison, and near death. Through the grace of God, he was given a second chance to relive his life through different circumstances. After enrolling into ITT-Technical school majoring in information technology, James began following his dreams of writing. He hopes to entertain the world with the tales of the dark side. Today, he resides in Georgia.
Courtesy of Nickel City Publications

Imani: Pink Noire is pleased to welcome prolific author, James Scott, to The Lounge. Now, James, I want to ask you right off: What aspired you to write, and how long have you taken up the craft?

James: First and foremost, thank you for this interview. It’s always a pleasure to know that someone out there it’s following my work. It’s an honor to be here. I’ve always loved to write. Even as a kid, it was an outlet for me when I became angry or wanted to get my point across without being interrupted. I only began writing professionally 11 years ago while doing prison time. I love to read books like Mario Puzo, James Patterson, Harold Robbins, and Sydney Sheldon. When Triple Crown Publications came out, I was on top of every novel printed. It was then that I decided to write my first novel, Buffalo City Czar.

Buffalo City Czar received stellar reviews -- and really, it's still the talk of the industry since its release in 2013. So what inspired you to write the novel?

I’m very much honored to receive the honest and credible reviews I have for Buffalo City Czar. So far, 17 5 star reviews. After reading countless urban novels, I saw my story unfold right before my eyes. I didn’t want to write just another “Urban Hood Novel” and nor do I consider it to be. So I kept my focus on writing a Crime Thriller. Although Buffalo City Czar is about African Americans and the drug trade, its purpose is to get readers to look outside of the box.

Tell us more about the main character, Julius Smith a.k.a. Julius Caesar. Did you create the character based on a real-life person? Or it was simply based from your imagination?

Julius Smith, AKA Julius Caesar… LOL, I Love that Character. Julius was created with a mixture of real life individuals. He was a genius, mastermind, and manipulator. Ladies’ man, protector, provider, and most important an emperor seeking an empire.  That’s how I came up with the name CZAR.

Your other novel, King Con, has received outstanding reviews as well. Describe the love story in the book's narrative.

King Con is about a Con Man that is very unstable. On one hand he seeks a life with his childhood love Mikki, A successful district attorney. They sneak around to have affairs due to his criminal activities and have no balance in their relationship. Mikki is very much in love with Diamond and encourages him to give up his criminal career so they can further their relationship. She soon finds herself in the mist of his families criminal Organization, “Julius Caesar” and becomes a target to end a high profile court case. When Diamond finds out, all hell breaks loose.

Let switch gears and discuss your writing process. Do you outline by chapters, or do you go with the flow?

The first thing I do when I write is break out the pencil and paper. I then put on my head phones and listen to some good old R&B music and just write. I wish I was advance e d as most writers and just put everything straight to the computer. But I do my best writing on paper first then I transfer it to digital.



Have you ever suffered from writer's block? If so, what do you do to break it?

Yes I do suffer from writes block often. It’s normally when I have too much going on. I need to be in my zone to write which is why my third novel “Crazy Deranged” Took so long to manifest.  So now I just wait until the late night, when I’m all alone and then I get into my zone.

Are you character or plot-driven, and why?

I’m more plot driven. As a reader, when I read a book, I’m constantly trying to figure out the plot before I even finish reading it. One of the reasons why I love mystery books. I love it when the plot thickens.

You're a Publisher and CEO with "Nickel City Publications". Explain your company's mission.

Nickel City Publications was created because I was unfortunately robbed of my royalties by another publishing company. Had I never experienced that, Nickel City Publications would probably not be here today. I am an optimistic person by nature, so I knew something good would come out of it.  I’m grateful it happened. Nickel City Publications caters to both new and elite writers. I’ve decided to do something unheard of and give authors a chance to receive 100% of all their royalties. Yes, I said it, 100%. However, the cost of publishing, covers, and editing is on the author to pay for. I will promote and market all authors as I do my own, but the success of their novel solely depends on them. Nickel City Publications is sort of a gate way to moving forward to bigger and better thing.

Tell us more about your authors?

A: Each of the authors I have on board is great writers. Each has written autobiographies wanting to get their own story out there in an attempt to share their experience with others. The one thing I love about my authors is that they are persistent. They don’t quit and are willing to do whatever it takes to create their own success.

Since becoming an author, what have you learned about yourself?

Wow, I have learned more about myself in such a very short time than I have throughout my life. Most important, I’ve learned a lot about other people.

What advice do you have for up and coming authors?

If you’re new to the industry, “DO YOUR RESEARCH!!!” before you sign your hard work over to someone who is only looking to profit off of your work. There are a lot of talented writers out there that companies prey on for profit. Don’t throw your dreams away.

So what's your next project?

My next novel is “Crazy Deranged” about a woman with a fatal attraction. She will murder for love. I’m looking at a release date of March 15th. I also have part 2 to “Buffalo City Czar”, and My own autobiography “Black Robes and White Lawfulness.” I have many other manuscripts that I have written while serving my prison sentence that I have yet to put a title to. But before it’s done, James Scotts’ name will be worldwide. I’m also opening another Book/Clothing store in Lithonia Georgia. I have my sight set on this one location and I’m going to get. The summer of 2015 will definitely bring exposure to the literary end of Nickel City Publications. I’m looking to shelve any author so follow me for more details. I currently do online orders for my T-Shirt line. You can visit my wife website to get more details. www.getupandshowup.com

And finally...do you have a dream collaboration with another author. If so, with whom, and why?

I have a very mysterious mind when it comes to writing. So if I could collab with the Author of my choice, it would be the late Harold Robbins. I read every book he had ever written.

Thank you, James. I enjoyed this interview. Now if readers would like to know more you and your work, where should they go?

If anyone would like to get to know me personally, they can friend me on FB. I network there daily and can be messaged directly. To learn more about my work and authors of Nickel City Publications, visit my website www.nickelcitypublications.com My novels can be purchased either there, Amazon, barns and Nobel’s, Itunes, KoBo, smashwords, sony, I even do mail orders direct. My direct email is jamesscott799@yahoo.com


I want to thank Pink Noire for having me as a featured Author, it is definitely an honor. Imani Wisdom you are the best.  


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