TP Miller: All Hail to The Vampire Queen

Confession: I’ve never been a fan of any books pertaining to vampires!

Strange coming from a writer who writes about “the dead” or anything without or having a faint pulse –but vampires? Never.

Then comes along this novel titled, Out for Blood: The Chosen One Has Come, and it changed my mind. I was blown away with the vivid storyline and the unforgettable characters, gripping me from page one to the jaw dropping end. In fact, it had taken me one day to complete this fascinated and yet addictive literature.

Who was responsible of changing this stubborn mind? TP Miller, that’s who.

Miller made her way to the literary scene in 2012 and has already gained the respect and admiration by her peers and readers.

This Alabama native isn’t afraid to step out of her bounds either. She shows her versatility in other genres besides paranormal and proves just how of a much storyteller she is.

I’m truly excited of having TP in The Lounge this week. And because of this interview, she inspired me to stay true to myself as a writer and not ever stay in a box. 

Imani: Before we begin the interview, let me say how excited I am that you're in The Lounge. I've been a long-time fan of yours -- so, welcome. Now without further ado, tell the readers a little background of yourself -- who is TP Miller?

TP: Thank you! I've been a fan if yours as well. Thank you for having me. For the readers that don't know me, I'm T.P. Miller and I've been published since 2012. My first novel, Out for Blood and since I've released a short story titled A Woman Scorned. Personally, I'm happily married to my high school sweetheart and the mother of two amazing kids.

Did you know your debut novel, Out for Blood was the first book I read involving vampires and I loved it? So share with us a short description of the story and its main characters.

Out for Blood is the story of Nef, a woman that is searching for the killer of her family and possibly involved in kidnapping get little girl. All of the main characters are vampires and we meet her husband, best friend and the rest of her friends.

Where did you get the inspiration to write your book?

I never saw a paranormal book with an all AA cast. The character had been with me for a while and one day I decided that I wanted to get it out. I started formally writing this story in '08 and it's evolved more since.

If you were to have an interview with one of your characters, who would they be and why? And what would you say to them?

That's hard! I'd pick either Nef or my villain. These two were a BIG contrast. You have Nef who's so determined and doing everything she can to get justice while my villain is doing even possible to claim Nef as his own. I'd ask one, if the story came out the way they wanted it to and what would they have done differently.

I'm sure fans of this book, including myself, are wondering will there be a sequel?

Yep. It's in the final prep stages. I like to take my time and develop plots and subplots. I well say that the next book well touch inn Ram, Nef's husband, and his back story.

Now let's switch up things and talk about the paranormal genre. There are a vast pool of talented writers in this broad genre, but only an anemic amount of African American authors. What are your thoughts?

I think we aren't exposed to enough genres. I read a lot of everything growing up and I like to try to do the same.

You have other works, including erotica - which I do as well. But I've been told authors need to stay in one genre because of consistency for the reader. Do you agree or disagree with this opinion, and why?

I like to bounce around from genre to genre because I think it shows that you can be versatile. You can't stay stuck in a box. I'll always write paranormal fiction but at some point I'll write a romance novel but I'll bounce around back to paranormal.

While we're mentioning your other works, name each title and a brief description.

My main title is Out for Blood: The Chosen One Has Come and as I said it follows Nef on the story of finding out who killed her family. My next book was A Woman Scorned, a short erotic story about a woman that basically finds out that her boyfriend is cheating on her and what she does in a way to get back at him. Lastly, we have The Agency which I co-authored with KR Bankston. It's a full novel about two men in the ad agency business and how one major thing connects their lives and why they have so much hostility towards each other.

I like to bounce around from genre to genre because I think it shows that you can be versatile. You can't stay stuck in a box. I'll always write paranormal fiction but at some point I'll write a romance novel but I'll bounce around back to paranormal. 

What are we to expect from "TP Miller" in the future? Any upcoming projects?

Aside from the sequel to OFB, I'm in the process of working on another romance novel. It started as a short story and now I'm developing it so that it's a full length novel.

Where do you see your career in five years?

In five years,  I'd let to see Kemet Books with titles from all genres and different authors.  Also starting a literacy foundation of charity here in my hometown. 

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

I think that I have one of those special people. I'd say the three biggest factors that really helped me was my husband who read everything and told me what he thought was great and what needed work. My kids keep me striving and last, I have to say that getting the chance to talk to one of my idols about the art drove me to create.

Finally, tell me in one word TP Miller's work?

Different.

Thank you for stopping by The Lounge. I had a great time. For those who are new to your work, tell them where they can purchase your titles, as well as finding you online?

I'm always on Facebook so you can definitely reach me there. Just type in my name. I also have a fan page and a group that you can get details about the publishing company that my husband and I have started. Just type in Kemet Books and Management.

I'm available on Kindle and Nook as far as books and I'm on most social media sites.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorTP.Miller

Twitter: @vampyrequeen14

Email: vampyrequeen14@yahoo.com OR vampyrequeen14@gmail.com

Website: http://vampyrequeen14.wix.com/thechosenonesseries

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/TP-Miller-Vampyre-Queen/216330795084132

Instagram: http://instagram.com/vampyrequeen14

Shelfari: http://www.shelfari.com/vampyrequeen

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/TP_MIller

Tumblr:

https://www.tumblr.com/blog/vampyrequeen14

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What We Love About Deidra Green...

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, especially when the only image you know of a person is through social media. And oftentimes we try to have a distinct image of the voice behind their profile picture -- and with Author and Editor, Deidra Green, I may have missed the mark.

And here’s why:

If you follow this highly sought after lecturer, blessed with respectable titles, you may have seen her collection of work on your timeline. Green is not shy when it comes to promoting her work. She pushes her books with no apologies. The countless hours in front of her computer, pounding rhythmically on her stylish nails only conveys the heart of her brand, which is after all - Reflected Gifts.

Deidra’s personal story is an inspiring one. But this author of over a dozen books does not want her legacy based solely from her heartaches. She has stories to write and characters to build for life in her pages.

But what impressed me about Deidra Green wasn’t her dedication to her craft, or the meticulous detail she puts into her stories, but the love she puts into her characters.

So, yes, I missed the mark of wanting to gel her picture with a phantom voice. It wasn’t necessary then as it is now. Because for every word she writes, every book she sells, and every character she brings to life, Deidra simply has one thing that many authors don’t – and that's heart. 

Imani: Finally! I have Deidra Green in The Pink Lounge -- welcome, ma'am! Of course I have to ask you this question I ask all of my guest: What makes Deidra the woman she is today?

Deidra: First let me say, thanks so much for having me Imani. I certainly appreciate it. With regard to your question, I think it would be easy to say that pain or loss or struggle made me the woman I am today. However, that would only provide a limited purview into who I really am. I am a culmination of the history of my people, the prayers of my grandparents and the dreams of my parents. I am a reflection of the strong, beautiful and resilient women around me. The woman I am today is the result of my pursuits, my dreams, my accomplishments and my falterings. I don’t say failings because I would have rather tried and faltered a thousand times than to never have tried at all.

Imani: Besides being a respected and talented author and editor, you are also a highly sought after lecturer, presenter, ghostwriter, and educator -- and if that is not impressive enough, you have more than a dozen books to your name. Where -- and more importantly, how -- do you have the time to write and still manage to write amazing work?

Deidra: I have a very hard time doing nothing… lol. It is hard for me to simply relax. I feel like time is a precious commodity and it ought not be wasted. I also don’t require a whole lot of sleep. Even though I have always had several things going on at once – working a full time job, having my own business(es), involved in the community, etc., I know that I became a much more focused individual after the loss of my younger sister. I think subconsciously I feel like I need to live and do enough for the both of us.

I am a reflection of the strong, beautiful and resilient women around me. The woman I am today is the result of my pursuits, my dreams, my accomplishments and my faltering. I don’t say failing because I would have rather tried and faltered a thousand times than to never have tried at all. - Deidra Green

Imani: You have an interesting and beautiful story about birthday a gift you have given to your brother one year. Would you tell us that story?

Deidra: It’s funny you should mention that because this experience is really how my writing career began. My brother and I have birth anniversaries that are one day apart. It was his birthday and I didn’t have a physical present for him. His wife takes very good care of him so there was no ‘thing’ I thought he might have wanted or needed. I contemplated writing something for him but still wasn’t committed to the idea. About 45 minutes before the birth celebration began, I called my sister in law and asked her would she print something for me if I faxed it to her. Mind you, at the time I raised the question, I still didn’t have a gift.

It was getting closer and closer to time to leave for the party but I still had nothing. Then, I thought about my brother and what he really means to me. I sat down on the corner of my bed with my laptop and wrote a poem, “A Sister’s Pride.” I wrote it swiftly with no review and forwarded it to be printed with the idea that I would give it to him at some point. What ended up happening was instead of my sister in law giving the poem to me, she handed it to my brother during gift opening. I was absolutely and completely mortified when he decided to read it aloud. I sunk down in my chair and practically covered my face with my hands from embarrassment as he began to read aloud. After a few moments, I heard my brother’s voice crack. I peeked through my fingers and saw that he was crying. As I looked around the room of almost 100 guests, I noticed others were tearing up as well. I felt awful! In one fail swoop I’d brought down the mood of the party.

Finally, he finished reading and moved on to the next gift. After all the gifts were opened and people began to mill around again, my brother found me. The next few words he said to me changed the course of my life forever, no exaggeration. He said, “You have a story to tell and nobody can tell that story but you.” Of course I completely discounted what he said. He was my younger brother so what did he know? But those words stayed with me days after the party was over. So, with a great deal of ‘bravado’ I spoke to the atmosphere, “If it is meant for me to write, then I need an undeniable and clear sign. (Insert – be careful what you speak into the atmosphere).

For the next 13 days in a row, I was awakened from my sleep at 3:00 in the morning. I was wide awake and this flurry of ideas clouded my brain. Initially, the first night, I thought I had eaten too late or my dinner didn’t agree with me. By the third night of my mind being flooded, I got out of bed, went to my desk in my bedroom and wrote down the thoughts, phrases, ideas. After I did, I was able to go back to sleep. By the 7th and 8th night, I moved the notebook to the side of my bed and wrote what came to mind. By the 10th and 11th night, the notebook was in my bed. My ‘awakening’ if you will, was a few years ago. I still have that notebook to this day and there are still ideas, phrases and thoughts I have yet to write about. That night at the party, my brother spoke life into my gift.

Imani: What an amazing story!

Now I’ve read your bio about the tremendous losses of your loved ones; namely, your sister. You have my condolences. However, you also suffered the loss of your husband days before the birth of your child. I know you had your faith to get through those difficult times; but did you use that sorrow toward your writing?

Deidra: In all honesty, I was too busy being a mommy to deal with the sorrow let alone write about it. I didn’t write for others to read until several years after my husband died. In a lot of ways I was still numb from losing my sister some 18 months earlier.

Imani: Now let's go deeper with your work -- are you character-driven or plot-driven, and why?

Deidra: My stories are definitely character driven. I don’t plan a story. I never know what’s going to happen. The characters drive the story and I am merely the conduit by which the words get on the page.

Imani: Of all of your characters, which one you would like to meet and what main question you would ask of them?

Deidra: I would like to meet Gina from the Woman at the Top of the Stairs series. The main question I would ask her would be, “Why has it taken you so long to take care of yourself?”

Imani: What's your methodology of a memorable character?

Deidra: This is a great question! I don’t know that I have a methodology. The characters reveal themselves to me over time and I try to capture their very essence in the words that I use.

Imani: I know exactly what you're saying. When I write, I don't plan; I let my characters reveal themselves over time, as well. So with that said, which character do you enjoy creating -- the perfect hero or the imperfect human?

Deidra: I could never write about the perfect hero because I don't think there is such a thing. Even those perceived to be perfect may have flaws, issues, insecurities that the average individual can't or won't see because of the role the person plays in their life. Besides I think that would be boring. :) I much prefer to write about the imperfect person. That person has dimension, flavor, nuance... for me there is no comparison. I will tell imperfect every time.

 I much prefer to write about the imperfect person. That person has dimension, flavor, nuance... for me there is no comparison. I will tell imperfect every time.

Imani: We all have that person(s) that help shaped our craft. What person(s) inspired you, and what would you say to them if they were here?

Deidra: Most people who know me know I am a huge Stephen King fan. He is certainly an inspiration to me; not just because of his prolific writing but also his work ethic. If he were here I would simply say, ‘thank you’.

Imani: Do you have any future projects in store, and if so, do tell.

Deidra: Yes, I have a few more projects I’m working on. I can say that I am working on the sequel to “Sick, Sicker, Sickest”. I am also finalizing “Suddenly Single”. The other projects are a hush… lol!

Imani: I understand. So Deidra, tell me, where do you see your career in five years?

Deidra: In five years I would hope to be even more passionate about my writing and still committed to telling great compelling stories. I am not into list's although lists are great. I want to still love the written word and penning stories that people talk about long after the reading is over.

Imani: Now I would be wrong in this interview if I didn't mention the jewelry you've been posting online. Did you create it, and where did the idea come from?

Deidra: KandiKissedJewels are handcrafted jewelry designed and created by my daughter and myself. I use to design years ago but decided it would be a great opportunity for my daughter and I to go into business together so she can earn money while going to college without having to go and work for someone else.

Imani: Awesome idea! If someone is reading this, and they would like to purchase one of them,  where should they get more information?

Deidra: Friend me on Facebook as I have an album with most of the jewelry listed. I update as pieces are sold. The website is under development.

Imani: And finally -- in one word, describe Deidra Green's work.

Deidra: Enthralling!

Imani: Thank you again for stopping by The Lounge; it's been truly a privilege and honor. Please know, the welcome mat is always here.

To learn more about Deidra DS Green’s work visit her website:

www.deidrawrites.weebly.com

You may also find her at these sites:

https://twitter.com/DeidraG

https://www.facebook.com/deidra.d.green

To read a sample and purchase her collection of books visit:

http://www.amazon.com/Deidra-D.-S.-Green/e/B0079LSQV8/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Also visit Deidra's free read page on her website filled with amazing stories and characters. 

http://deidrawrites.weebly.com/free-reads.html

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3 Literary Fails I've Come to Embrace

By Imani Wisdom

Remember being that fresh, wet-behind-the-ears novice, beaming because you turned your grand idea into a manuscript?

You then tell your friends, family, and even will let a few read your unedited work, hoping they will agree of what you have been saying all along -- it's the best story ever. 

You can't contain yourself as your imagination runs wild of 50 Shades of Grey-type of success. Your book...your baby that no one has ever heard -- not along the author -- turns into an "overnight sensation". Everyone but everyone wants to know who you are -- media outlets, curious fans, and of course, seizing the interviews of all interviews, Oprah.

But, wait...let's not forget movie deals. You know in that beautiful mind of yours it has popped up. Alice Walker did it. Sapphire scored big with her jewel. Alex Haley's simple story of his family's lineage turned into a week long, television event; and Twelve Years of Slave is now cinematic gold. So why not, right? Hell, your first draft is proof enough. Besides, what author has not imagined their babies on the big or small screen. 

So now that I tapped into your "new author's" high, may I ask you a question? How do you get from the first draft to wherever you see your book taking you? I'm not stepping on your dreams -- trust me, I've been there. There is nothing wrong with visualizing the possibilities; it is a motivating factor. However, if you are new to the literary game, I have to share some wisdom with you (no pun intended). Hear me out. 

Your decision to write a book is more than staying up late at night. You, my friend, will become a business owner -- the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), President, the head-honcho, or whatever title you choose to call yourself, the fact remains the responsibility to see your vision come to pass falls on you. Since the theme of this post is honesty, let me share my three literary fails. They are embarrassing to say the least, but I've come to embrace each fall and wear them like a badge of honor. You know what they say: Experience is a good teacher. 

Listen And Learn 

I admit; I'm stubborn. I had the complex all of my life. My own momma couldn't teach me anything because I thought I knew better than she. And every mistake I made from my adolescence to adulthood, I could hear momma's voice echoing in my head, "I told you!" 

Well, this fail reminded me of that occasion. When I had the pleasure to meeting new and seasoned authors, I felt like I was a part of their club. We spoke the same language, talked about our goals, and discuss potential collaborations; but when they tried to school me about my writing and their other recommendations, I heard them but didn't skillfully listened. From time to time, I would hear an experience author venting in all of their honesty: "You asked my opinion of your writing, and when tell I you what you don't want to hear, you say I'm hating?"

You have to remember they were once you -- new with dreams of being an overnight sensation. Yet somewhere during their journey, they were schooled like you and me. The truth for them were probably hard to swallow. Still, their desire to succeed had never wavered. 

The advice that was given to me still loomed my heart. Sometimes I go back and read one of their blog posts or send them an email or a social media direct message and ask them a question. It is a shame I'm learning this now. So don't let it be you. 

Don't Blink. You May Lose Your Opportunity 

True story: A well-known, bestselling author sent me a personal message on Facebook, offering her guidance and wanting to include me in her writing group, which is not online by the way. She also included her phone number and told me to call her if I was interested. I remembered glowing with excitement because this established author wanted to put me her under wing. So you would think I would have grabbed my phone as soon as I read her message? 

Uh, no. 

Because of a life-long speech impediment, I put off from calling her for fear of a nervous stutter during our conversation. You are probably saying, everyone stutter when they get nervous. Mine could be debilitating when my nerves get riled-up. Who knows, she may had taken it as nerves, but subconsciously, I felt otherwise. 

Next time when someone offers you an opportunity to be under their wing, a collaboration, or an interview on a fellow author's blog, take advantage of it. You will never know what doors will open or people you will meet. Opportunities are golden, don't pass them up.

Be A Hustler, Think Like An Author 

I had that mentality backward and it cost me big time! All I cared was my craft and nothing else. So cramming Business 101 in an all ready filled cranium full of stories seemed too much -- or so I thought. 

Like any business startup, you need capitol. It does not take a "Donald Trump" to understand that you need money to make a quality product. Cutting corners for the sake of a buck will hurt "your baby", and potentially your reputation. Do yourself a favor and consider these factors: marketing, branding, graphic artists, and most importantly, a dern good editor. The first three are not hard on the pockets compared to editing. I could go on and on as to why Editors are essentially the glue that hold your story; just know if you settle for less, you're going to get what you pay for. 

My experience was opposite. I had a superb editor, but I didn't budget the expenses as I should, and I eventually fell short. And because of that blunder, my novel lay waiting until my debts are resolved. Lesson learned, for sure. But hey, I owned my wrongs, and I'm moving forward. The road as a successful author is by far not as smooth as some imagine -- actually, a rude awakening if your expectations are too high. 

So if you plan accordingly and research like you are on mission, you will do fine. And one last piece of advice I want to share -- and it is a must: If you are not having fun, the journey to your aspirations will be a bumpy ride. So puh-leeze, make it at least a memorable one.

(c) 2014, Imani Wisdom

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Delia Wynne: The New York Southerner

Delia Wynne is a native New Yorker with the gift for words. She made her debut in May 2014 as an author with her novel titled, Hope’s End – a story many know all too well of domestic violence, drug abuse, and depression.

I've met Delia a few months ago as she was promoting her novel online. ‘Quiet, but fiery with passion’ was my initial impression. The more we exchanged pleasantries, the more I wanted to know her story – and reading Hope’s End only furthered my curiosity for this character-driven novelist.

It was an honor to hear her speak with candor in The Lounge. What she conveyed, I’m sure many authors and readers can relate. 

Imani: Delia, thank you for joining me in The Pink Lounge -- welcome. Let me ask you this question, something different from what I ask my guest: Tell the readers more about you and the type of work you write.

Delia: Thanks so much for having me. I am a native New Yorker now happily living in the South. Ironically, I place almost all of my stories outside of my own settings. They are stories of women attempting to overcome barriers and great odds. Sometimes, by the final page, they do succeed. Oftentimes, there is a twist that comes along with whatever resolution they end up with. One common thread in all of my stories, though, is that they are always character-driven. Their decisions and actions move the plots forward, not the other way around.

Imani: When did that epiphany hit you and you realized you were a writer?

Delia: I realized it pretty young- by the time I was twelve, I was already writing novellas. Before that, I was very imaginative, daydreaming all of the time. My childhood caused an “anywhere but here” mentality in me, so I created different worlds to live in. That gave me a lot of practice when I started to seriously plot novels. Once I was out of my teens, I concluded that other people may want to read this stuff and that maybe I could do it professionally.

Imani: What's your methodology of a solid storyline?

Delia: A solid storyline of mine always contains a likely threat of disaster. Too often I’ve read novels, especially literary ones, where I am bored stiff because there is clearly nothing that can or will harm what the author is describing. Everything is too pat. When I am plotting a storyline, I always make sure that there is something that can wreck the characters’ lives, whether that is a hurricane, an extramarital affair, or a bankruptcy. This will always be the main plot, and of course, a good storyline is always comprised of scenes that absolutely function, whether they are to advance the plot or deepen characterization- no filler allowed.

Imani: Let's talk about your book, "Hope's End" and the wayward teen, Frances Mitchell. It's a powerful read; especially, how you centered the focal point on a host of important issues -- domestic violence, alcoholism, and drug abuse. But the honesty you have put forth for Frances, bearing the darkness of clinical depression, is all too real for many. Please tell the readers the importance of writing this character dealing with these issues.

Delia: I think it’s always important to address uncomfortable issues such as these in fiction. Wounds heal best out in the open. The fact remains that domestic violence is all too common, and too many people are self-medicating themselves, like Frances does, with drugs and alcohol when they have a diagnosable mental disorder. As for clinical depression, this may be the most taboo of all subjects, especially in the black community. It’s just not taken seriously enough. Most people think to be suffering a mental illness, one has to be -an axe-wielding maniac or drooling at the mouth. Clinical depression is not treated as the grave, uncontrollable disease that it is, which is a tragedy. Another relative issue I’d like to bring up is everyone’s ignorance of Frances’s condition. Lots of times people in reality, too, fail to recognize the symptoms of depression until it is too late. It often takes a suicide attempt, a drug overdose, or worse, for people to realize that something is really wrong with their loved one.

Most people think to be suffering a mental illness, one has to be -an axe-wielding maniac or drooling at the mouth. Clinical depression is not treated as the grave, uncontrollable disease that it is, which is a tragedy. Another relative issue I’d like to bring up is everyone’s ignorance of Frances’s condition. Lots of times people in reality, too, fail to recognize the symptoms of depression until it is too late. It often takes a suicide attempt, a drug overdose, or worse, for people to realize that something is really wrong with their loved one.

Imani: When I read the book, I don't know how many times I said, "Yep! I can relate; I've been in 'Frances Mitchell' shoes. As a writer, where did the inspiration of this character had come from?

Delia: Frances’s character is symbolic of several themes. When I wrote Hope’s End, I was suffering through a depression, myself. I decided to express my anguish, disgust, hurt, and anger through a novel. This is why I think the read is so powerful, it came from my imagination, yes, but it also came from the heart. The original title of the book was in fact, ‘Out of Rage’, as Frances represents of all those terrible feelings I was having. She is both pain and hope personified. It may not be lost on readers, either, that this is a modern-day retelling of Cinderella, since she’s rescued from an abysmal situation by a prince-like suitor and lives happily- at least for a while. The twists towards the end of the book is, in part, what separates it from the classic tale, though.

Imani: Without expressing too much of the plot, what made you decide the twist?

Delia: Well, I love irony, especially in my own work. Life is unpredictable and sometimes unfair. But even if it does even out, resolutions aren’t always satisfying. I like for my art to imitate that fact of life, and frankly, I also like to jolt my readers. I feel it makes for a more unforgettable reading experience and doesn’t compromise realism, in fact it reinforces it.

Imani: What you know as an author now, meaning the common mistakes new and self-published authors make. If you can go back in time to meet yourself as a novice writer, what advice would you give yourself?

Delia: Honestly, I am still learning. I don’t consider myself a new writer anymore, but I’m far from an experienced veteran. The one thing that I’d tell my past self is to work harder at promotion, because I spent a lot of time thinking that sales would just fall into my lap, then I became discouraged when that didn't happen. Promotion takes almost as much effort as writing, itself, does.

I don’t consider myself a new writer anymore, but I’m far from an experienced veteran. The one thing that I’d tell my past self is to work harder at promotion, because I spent a lot of time thinking that sales would just fall into my lap, then I became discouraged when that didn't happen. Promotion takes almost as much effort as writing, itself, does.

Imani: Where do see your career standing in five years?

Delia: I hope to see Hope’s End exposed to a whole lot more people. Of course, I’d like to have several more books out there doing well, and I do have other stories to tell. But I’d ultimately love to see Hope’s End reach the level of Push/Precious, or The Color Purple.

Imani: Do you have any projects you are currently working on, or any new releases you would like to share? And if it's a new release, please share a brief description of the story and its characters?

Delia: My latest story is an Urban Lit effort named Brie & Dallas. It’s about a former streetwalker that helps her ex-pimp through a life-threatening crisis. The main question is whether they can live together clean and square, or will their old habits get the better of them. It’s less serious and more freewheeling than Hope’s End. There is a lot of authentic, graphic content in this book, but I decided not to use the same bleak mood that I did in Hope’s End. Brie & Dallas is a more straightforward, action-focused tale.

Imani: Finally, tell us one thing you haven't shared with your readers. It can be a quirk, a favorite food, or a hidden talent. The floor is yours.

Delia: I’m an amateur comic book artist and have my own graphic novel called Track Star. I’m obsessed with track and field, so I came up with a story about a gorgeous sprinter who has a glamorous life and jet-setting career. It’s a hobby and a labor of love.

Imani: Fascinating! Will you pursue this avenue in comics someday?

Delia: No, it’s just something I like to read back and enjoy myself, but I never mind showing it off to interested people.

Imani: Delia, thank you for stopping by The Lounge. I had a blast. Tell the readers where they can purchase your work, as well as finding you on the web?

 Delia: Sure. Hope’s End is available in print and as an ebook at http://www.amazon.com/Hopes-End-Delia-Wynne/dp/149959383X, and on Barnes & Noble at http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hopes-end-delia-wynne/1119964927?ean=9781499593839. Brie & Dallas is available at http://www.amazon.com/Brie-Dallas-Delia-Wynne-ebook/dp/B00O2MJ6EI.

People can email at any time at deediwynne@gmail.com.

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