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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Dreamwalker

By Priscilla Danita Robinson

Lips were suddenly on my neck; that spot on my neck where my pulse could be felt the strongest. The spot that a mate was drawn to by some invisible force that begged him to mark me as his own. I whimpered as I felt his tongue dash out, licking the spot in preparation for the initial bite all the while our bodies were still connected. Finally, my mate was here, the other half of my soul. He pounded inside me, stroking the flames of my inner inferno. His size stretched me, claimed me, demanded pleasure that I wasn't sure I could provide but was helpless to deny. Higher and higher the flames grew. Harder and faster he went. My legs instantly wrapped around his waist. My heels dug into his buttocks, my arms grabbed on to his. Sweat rolled down my body leaving a trail between my breasts, across my stomach, and past my navel until it disappeared between my legs. I felt my inner muscles clamp down; shrinking as if the tightness was trying to hold him into me forever. My canines elongated. The hands I had used to pull him close shifted into claws. My control was gone. Finally my wolf could truly run free. I smiled realizing that he too had started a half shift lost in the sensations. My climax was so close I could taste its sweetness and just like that I woke up.

This was so completely frustrating. As a wolf shifter, I should completely understand what was going on with me. After all, I had been dreaming of my life’s mate for the past six years. It was normal to first meet in a dream. What wasn't normal was that in the six years I have been dreaming of him, I wasn't one step closer to finding out who he was. I went to the elders, begged for advice but the reply was always the same: when the time was right, our physical selves would catch up with our spiritual. The problem with that was I was in heat and being unmated and in heat spelled disaster in every language I knew. The thought of living through a week of constant arousal alone made me want to cry. However, the mere thought of a substitution other than my mate made me sick. Once mated, the touch of another male would have negative effects on my health. Until I was mated, however, I was free to wolf around with whoever I saw fit. Unfortunately, no one told my wolf that. Ever since she scented her mate, dream world or not, no one else caught her attention. This was becoming one long week and it had just begun. When we met in my dreams tonight, I was going to take matters into my own hands.

I can't believe I did it. For the past six years I was always awoken in my dreams to my mate thrusting inside me. If there had been foreplay prior to that throbbing sensation, my mind must have closed it out, only revealing the exact moment where our bodies became one. Tonight was different though. Tonight, I searched for him and found him asleep not quite yet prepared to journey into my mind. Slowly, I lowered myself next to him, kissing from him neck to earlobe. I nipped lightly but firmly enough to cause a reaction. His body began to awaken even as his mind had yet to awaken for me. Firmly, I grabbed hold of his shaft and began to stroke up and down, amazed at how quickly it went from soft to steel. In my previous dreams, passionate, yet brief, I never had the chance to explore him so I took the time to visually explore every inch of his body. In my fascination, I didn’t even realize that he had awakened and was staring at me both confused and pleased at the same time. Just when I was leaning in to taste him, he whispered a moan that caused me to momentarily stop in my tracks. I recovered quickly, smiling like a child who was just caught trying to sneak a sweet treat before dinner. He rolled on top of me and kissed me. A kiss that turned the power off in my brain while increasing the senses directly connected to my core. I felt the liquid pool between my legs until it had no choice but to flow down. An arousal I felt sure he could smell. After all, I was counting on it. I needed him to understand the urgency of finding me. I needed him. My body craved him to fill the void that only a mate could. Releasing my mouth he latched on to a nipple, sucking it so hard it sent a shock to my clitorus making me squirm. Not one to ignore, he used one hand to tweak my other nipple while using his other hand to pinch and pull my aroused button. I'd cum like this with him before so I wasn't afraid I would miss my chance if I gave in to the orgasm rushing towards me. I cried out as he slipped two fingers inside me, caressing a spot I had yet to find on my own and sent me flying over the edge. When I regained the ability to think, he was already inside me exacting slow, lazy strokes. The time came to confess my need, while he was distracted by our passion but not yet overwhelmed. "I need you mate." I whispered. We had spoken before but it was always with the purpose of heightening the moment. "Need? Hard (he thrust harder), fast (he thrust faster). Tell me mate. Ask and you shall have." Well, since he put it that way. "I need you to find me," and at the moment I pressed my fingers on my sweetness hurrying me to a climax that snatched me from my dream world. I awoke sexually frustrated but satisfied that I had done what I needed to convince him that whatever the reason he stayed away, the time had passed and I needed him.

Two days later and my heat was in full effect. I locked myself away. Even the air made my skin sizzle. I needed to cum so bad I almost said to hell with a mate and walked outside to let my scent send all the available males in a five mile radius to my door. The thing about wolves is when a female goes into heat it’s like a drug you’ve been addicted to all your life being dangled in front of you. Thankfully, we only go into heat once every three years. I was so consumed with the need for release that I didn’t care it wasn't with my mate, during my first heat. Since then, my wolf felt cheated out of the forever bond that mating created. This was the reason I endured being in physical pain; she wouldn't allow me to lose myself unless my mate was there to find me.

I couldn't sleep so I hadn't seen him since the night I asked him to find me. My wolf clawed at me needing to be set free as much as my human side. I didn't remember my last heat being this intense. I felt my skin tightening around my bones, discomfort everywhere not just my core. And then the scent hit me. A male was near. Not just any male but MY male. So close that my thick arousal suddenly went into overdrive as if sending out a signal for him to find me. I rushed to the door removing the barrier that kept my scent from alerting the pack of my condition. As soon as the lock was off and the door was open I was in his arms. His mouth crushed mine and a taste that was familiar and new greeted me. I was fully naked as clothes made no sense when nothing could touch me without making me weak with need. I wrapped my arms around his neck drawing him closer to me. He grabbed my legs lifting me up rubbing me against his groin in the process. Spinning me around and backing me up against the door he released me long enough to shed his clothes. Again our mouths connected, his hands roamed my body. We would have time to explore later but I needed him inside me now. I exposed my neck to him the same time he pushed inside my already drenched center. Finally we were together, and this time when he sank his teeth into my neck and his hardness into my core, I reached the stars and when I came down my mate was there. Joined with me forever and ready to enjoy our first in an eternity of heat spells together.

©2014, Priscilla Danita Robinson 

Priscilla D Robinson is the Author of Love's Moodswings: The Discovery, the Choice, and the Surrender to Love. Her debut book is a collection of three short stories that focus on different forms of love. Recently she began the task of writing down what her mind showed her and thus began her writing journey. When she is not off in a dream world she lives in Connecticut with her daughter. Robinson is currently a student at the University of Bridgeport for a bachelor's degree in Human Service. Her favorite saying is “the sky is always purple somewhere in the world” which means anything is possible if you know where to look for it.

Website:

https://m.facebook.com/PriscillaDanita?__user=1015815274

https://www.goodreads.com/priscilladanita

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Business Affairs: Project F.W.B.

By Melodi Roberts

    “You've been ignoring me, Dionne.” She stood her caramel, curvaceous frame in my office, whispering softly behind my right ear while I gathered paperwork for a meeting on the huge project bid we'd won. We were collaborating on it.

     I forced out a nervous chuckle. “Whatever. You ask questions and I answer them.”

   “Well answer me this. What's the risk in becoming a little bit closer as friends? I think I might've stroked up a little curiosity about it, right?” She kissed the nape of my neck.

  “Let's talk about all this later, Chris.”

  “Fine, then. Tonight. We'll—talk about it over drinks. Derek's doing some fantasy football thing at the bar. Come over later, okay?”

   I opened my mouth to respond, but my assistant called and rushed us to the conference room.

   I wasn't sure what I would have said to her. And now, as I looked down at my cell phone, I really didn't know if I could just go over and “have drinks” at her place. It felt like

a setup.

   Admittedly, the thought of another woman—pursuing me, as a close guy friend would during an obvious attraction, was kinda hot.

   Obvious attraction. Is that what this was?

   My phone buzzed at me. I flipped it over.

   “No worries. We'll do dinner tomorrow. Couples night.”

   “Cool!” I responded, relieved. I set the tone to silent, and headed out to the great room for Netflix night with my man.

   “Surprise!!”

    I was blown away as Sean and I entered the private party room of Blue Stream, my favorite seafood restaurant. Chris had apparently planned the “bigger celebration” we talked about last week as a surprise. Ten of my closest friends and my five staff members had shown up to celebrate the huge contract bid I'd won.

  “Guys! Wow! Thanks so much!”

Chris walked up to me, beaming in a short, black cocktail dress. I told her that her short haircut made her look like a 5’9” Nia Long. “You deserve every second. You're my girl, Di. I had to hook it up for you.”“Did Sean—” I turned and looked at my husband. “Did you know about this?”

   “I plead the fifth.” He kissed me, his full lips hugging mine. “But what I will say is that it's time to eat. I waited all day for this.”

   “You heard the man,” Derek said. “Let's eat.”

   Almost two hours later, it was approaching ten o'clock and we had cracked the second bottle of red wine open, contemplating on dessert as people started to head home.

   “I'm stuffed,” Chris said, pushing away her plate. “And this wine is running through me.”

    I nodded in agreement, my insides warm from drinking two full glasses. I blinked hard, trying to stop the room from tilting.

   “You guys get ready to go. We'll take care of the bill,” Derek said, standing.

  “C'mon,” Christina started, grabbing my arm. We entered the restroom and I stood in front of the mirror, looking through my purse for something to freshen up my face with.

   “Girl, give it a rest. You're absolutely perfect,” Chris said. About three inches taller, she stood behind me and placed her arm on my shoulder—the other around my waist. We glanced at each other through the mirror's reflection.

   “I can see how uncomfortable this makes you, but—I don't know. This connection we have was obvious from the beginning.” She searched my face in the mirror, looking for a reaction.

Unsatisfied, she turned me around to face her, and I stepped back, leaning up against the wall. After glancing at the bathroom door for possible intruders, she stepped toward me, standing only inches away from my face.

   “Since all you can do is play the victim and answer my questions,” she started, mocking me, “why haven't you stopped me yet, Di?”

    I glanced up at the ceiling, then at the floor, stalling. “Maybe—maybe some things aren't meant to—”

   “Meant to what?” She grabbed the strap on my red one-shoulder halter and yanked it down, partially exposing my breast. Then she dug her hand into my bra and pulled my nipple out of it, sucking it quickly, but gently. My panties were soaked in an instant. I

inhaled, closing my eyes.

   “Meant to feel good? Like that?” She lifted my skirt, using her finger to outline the triangle of my black thongs, but never ventured inside. My hips jerked backward and I grabbed her wrist, stopping her.

    She smiled, licking her lips. “Ok, Di. I'll leave you alone.” She stepped back, allowing me put myself back together. “You know what? It's really not fair for me to keep teasing you.” She chuckled. “I pushed your limits a little and you pushed me back. I'm not goin' to make this anymore awkward for us than it is already. But at least you know how I feel—about us. So, we can leave it here, in the ladies' room, and I won't ask you about this again. That cool?”

Relieved, I hugged her. “Thanks.” I released my grasp and we stood face to face.

   “So can I have one for the road?”

   “Have one what?”

     She leaned forward to kiss me and this time I welcomed it, my intensity growing to match hers. My kitty throbbed, begging for attention as I held on to her by the neck. Our bodies seemed welded together as we sprinkled kisses all over each other.

    The flicker of curiosity I had, only a week old, was now a raging fire. I wanted to know how she felt, her skin to mine. I was willing to let her fingers explore me. I slid my tongue into her mouth and she received it, grabbing my waist and pulling me even closer to her.

    I felt Chris's fingers walking up my thigh again, and this time I pushed my hip toward her in anticipation. The wall held us up as we remained wrapped in one another, moaning our goodbyes and filling this room with a dirty secret of our own.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

From the pages of Untapped: A Collection of Erotic Firsts. Get your copy today.

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Melodi Roberts: Unscripted, Inside-Out

Underestimated is the first word that comes to mind when I hear the name Melodi Roberts.

This author, editor, and creative genius stormed the literary scene with works: If You Don't Tell, and the "cherry-popping" tales, Untapped, just to name a few. Roberts unforgiving approach to express Black sensuality is a mere art-form -- you won't find blatant, glorified pornography in the confines of her work.

Melodi Roberts talent goes far beyond than words. She has quiet confidence -- a silent roar in the literary world as a mega-collaborator. Think of her as a big-time record producer arranging the best of the best to create platinum success. Indeed, she does not need to shout from rooftops to know she is gifted -- she just is. And once you read her literary gems -- whether you are a fan of eroticism or not -- that "untapped" emotion will sure to come out.

Imani: Melodi, I'm so honored you have accepted the invitation to join me in the Pink Lounge -- welcome. First off, let me ask the question I ask all of my guests: What makes Melodi Roberts the woman who she is today?

Melodi: Imani, thanks for having me. I would have to say the woman I am, or am becoming is ongoing. My life’s passions, personal and professional goal setting and overall curiosities help shape me and drive what I choose to do. My loved ones' ongoing support and encouragement are my fuel. And as I learn more, I grow more and continue to be a work in progress. And that’s absolutely fine with me.

Imani: You are a woman bearing many talents: graphic artist, businesswoman, editor, and of course, author. Tell us when you realized writing was your calling? 

Melodi: Well, actually I read sooooo much as a child and teenager, I was writing suspense stories in middle and high school for my friends. Then as I got older, I realized that I had so many interests—creative interests and so many of those passions drove me to get better at them and then help others get better at what they loved. Sometimes, I feel as though I take on too many projects. But I truly enjoy doing all of it.

Imani: You have an unapologetic approach of expressing sensuality. It had resonated through your brand since I have known you, and still to this day, you carry that honesty. So, tell us: where did the inspiration to write such artistry, because that's what erotica is—poetry in motion—come from?

Melodi: As far as the actual writing of erotica and ‘romantica’, I didn’t see or hadn’t read about the type of experiences I wanted to get lost in. And even worse, many of the stories I did find interesting, didn’t have black main characters. I mean, I grew up in the 90’s—I was surrounded by loving black families who were thriving and whose affection on TV was very genuine and public. Then towards the end of the first decade in 2000s...we slowly started fading away from mainstream where we were most visible to each other.

When DV and I started Naughty Ink Press, it was from the simple passion of telling more complete, more diverse and complex stories—that mirrored life. Especially the parts that people didn’t want to openly talk about. We wanted to “be about” what we “talked about”. We wanted to help shatter the myth of erotic being glorified pornography.

 Imani: You have collaborated with the best in the industry: Brittani Williams, Keith Williams, India Norfleet, and the aforementioned, DV Hent, to name a few. What was it like to work with these talented authors? And do you have plans for another collaboration?

Melodi: I absolutely LOOOVE collaborations! And if we could pay authors in real dollars in addition to the exposure, then I think I would have a ton of projects in the works! But seriously, as a writer/editor, I feel like the type of collections are endless and the challenge is to get my writers to THINK a few layers deeper about what I am asking of them in my collections. I try to pick themes and topics that scratch deeper than the surface. I try to take you back to College Creative Writing 101, lol. So when authors can honestly say, “Hey! This was different for me!” or “This really challenged me!” That makes me really happy.

I always have ideas for new anthologies that I want to put out.  Having “Little Black Book” ongoing and “Mood Ring” (which I feel is a challenging submission) still in the works, my goal is to get those projects done first. I’m still taking submissions. ;)

Imani: You're still taking submissions for "Mood Ring", huh? I think I know someone still owes you a submission (clearing throat). But on a serious note, explain why do you think the submissions for this project are challenging?

Melodi: I feel that they are challenging because typically when authors are asked to come up with some hot sex scenes, the biggest worry has to actually do what/how they scene will unfold, and that's fine. With Mood Ring, I'm asking the authors to create the scene with the mood indicated or implied in the color they've chosen. And in my mind, I kind of have stories that have authors who can really tie the meaning/mood of their color into the final product. For example, Green is typically greed, or earthy. Red is passion or anger....  With this anthology I'm asking the author to be subtle and/or creative with how the sex/erotic scene unfolds based on the color/mood. So essentially, the writer's goal is to wrap the essence of the sexual interactions in the Mood Color they chose. 

Imani: Besides the sex, of course, what makes a great erotic story?

Melodi: I would say creating chemistry between the main characters. Being smart about how you describe your surroundings and of course: Realistic dialogue! I cringe at some of the ‘erotica’ I read where it reads like a—you guessed it—glorified corny porno. As a reader, I want to be seduced by the words on the page, not bombarded with vulgarities masked as erotica. I mean how sexy is eye contact between two forbidden lovers? Undressing them in the dark? As a writer, how sexy can you make that appear to your audience? Foreplay is soooo important in erotica and giving depth to your characters will honestly make or break anything you write in this genre, in my opinion.  I mean, “What’s my motivation?”

As a reader, I want to be seduced by the words on the page, not bombarded with vulgarities masked as erotica. I mean how sexy is eye contact between two forbidden lovers? Undressing them in the dark? As a writer, how sexy can you make that appear to your audience? Foreplay is soooo important in erotica and giving depth to your characters will honestly make or break anything you write in this genre, in my opinion.  I mean, “What’s my motivation?”

Imani: Exactly! Now, let me ask you this, and it may seem to be an awkward question since the subject is erotica: Does a long, drawn out sex scene slows the storyline or makes it better?

  

 Melodi: In all honesty, this really depends on the author's set up. If you've got a couple/group that have been cat and mousing and tip toeing around sexin' each other AND you've managed to pull the reader into the lives or conflict in the set-up then a longer, graphic encounter would be very satisfying.  But if this is a steam room hook up at the gym--the sex scene could be short and sweet and still very satisfying.  If your sex scenes slow down your story for the reader, it's because they are too similar in nature, there is no variety in the set up or the plot just doesn't hold the reader and they aren't invested in having sex with your characters, lol.

Imani: There are some who assume erotica equates hard core pornography. Explain to the readers who aren't familiar with genre the types of erotic stories that are out there.

Melodi: Well, talking strictly my opinion, I feel that erotica or erotic elements can stand alone or be infused into other genres as well. Using D.V. Hent’s work as an example, his first novel, “If You Don’t Tell” was more like relationship drama with the heavy focus on graphic sex scenes. But those characters had depth and life, so their purpose was not to make them just have sex with each other. The graphic scenes were built up and the conflict was of a sexual nature. But many of our readers were invested in the outcomes. They really cared about our Simone, Laela and Quinton. That was what we were trying to achieve.

In Valentine—the dial was turned up and many of her life’s situations and ambitions even, were of a sexual nature. Her scenes were graphic, but she was given a very strong voice. She had a story that could have easily survived the omission of the any graphic sex in that novel. DV did an excellent job of balancing out her strengths and flaws, and once again, his readers absolutely loved her! Hot sex scenes were a bonus!

In Untapped, I wanted to create a collection that dealt with not just fucking, but actually adding a theme that could be identified in each story and it was different for each author. I had so much fun editing those stories and putting them together. I wanted to make sure our readers had a large variety of “cherry popping” in those stories, and I think we accomplished that.

Imani: Let's change the subject a bit and discuss further about black sexuality. Since you are a passionate social commenter like me, what is your opinion of how the media (news, movies, or magazines) hyper-sexualize the black woman?

Melodi: Honestly, I feel that it puts us in a no-win situation. We aren’t hypersexualized to our collective benefit—if that makes sense. We aren’t presented in ways that make us deserving of love, revered, sexy, classy and worthy of commitment. I feel that we are put into a box that may focus on one or two positive traits (like strength/perseverance). The rest is presented as a direct contrast to mainstream (read European) standards and frames us essentially as a: Mammy, Jezebel, Angry Black Woman, Over emotional and broken, or impossible to co-exist with because ‘we don’t need a man’.  Oh, and I forgot Welfare Queen.

I guess that is why I want so much to change that image of an unlovable black woman in my work and the work I put together.

We aren’t presented in ways that make us deserving of love, revered, sexy, classy and worthy of commitment. I feel that we are put into a box that may focus on one or two positive traits (like strength/perseverance)

Imani: Since we're talking about sex, let's talk about HIV in the black community. It's a fact the number of affected cases have risen to a staggering 47 percent in 2011, according to The Family AIDS research. So what are your thoughts as to why the numbers keep rising? Is it poor education or outreach in the community? Or, people aren't taking the virus seriously?

Melodi: Great question.  I feel that it is really a collection of those things. I also do agree that the frontrunner of these is lack of education. Modern medicine has really taken the sting out of the fear of contracting HIV because sooo many people are living long, productive lives with it. Very few cases are truly brought to the forefront regarding full blown AIDS as a modern epidemic. The healthcare community must remain diligent in educating the young and old about the real life changing dangers of HIV.

Imani: Okay -- let's switch gears and go off-topic to talk about an issue that affects every citizen in this country, especially people of color. Now the tragedies that have filled the news and social media of unarmed men have seemed to becoming an unfortunate new normal. With these images of police brutality inundating our screens, has created a deeper mistrust. In your opinion, how can law enforcement rebuild trust in an already tense situation?

Melodi: Whew…that’s a very layered question. I feel so many different ways about this one. Honestly, I feel that “law enforcement” has become a culture of fear cultivation and population control (of emotions.) This culture of individuals who call themselves officers of the law—who make individual choices to commit these atrocities have never really had the full, unfettered trust of Black folks as a whole. I don’t feel that that relationship between us and them was ever healthy or thriving. I mean, if the first officers were slave patrolmen—our jobs as citizens is to know as much of our rights as possible and cross cultural and racial barriers to call these crooked establishments on their shit.  I’m sorry if I’m rambling…I find it so hard to find a rationale solution to something so irrational and even inhumane. I just feel like I’m too old to have to tell my kids about how NOT to arouse the attention of cops for fear that THEY may assault YOU.

Imani: I've been wanting to ask this for a while, and now I have you in The Lounge I have to get this out since mega-producer and music artist, Pharrell injected it in our lingo: What the heck is a "new black"?

Melodi: Complete Bullshit. Nonsensical, sambo, sell-out, tap dance for massa, grade A bullshit. For years I felt like he was a breath of fresh air—so creative and willing to take chances in music production and then he “crossed over” and went nuts…just like Kanye. But I digress…

Imani: Now on a relaxed note: If you were to plan a dinner party and have extended the guest list with three legendary figures (living or not), who would they be and what one question you would ask them?

Melodi: Whitney Houston: Have you ever written a song and can you please sing it? ( I love Whitney and knew just about every song she sang. This is out of pure curiosity.)

Michael Jackson: What/Who is/was really behind all the craziness in the music industry? ( I believe Michael knew way more than he was every allowed to share alive.)

Stevie Wonder: Where do you get the endless creativity and motivation to write timeless songs?

Imani: What future projects do you have in store?

Melodi: Well, for right now, the future is the present. My goal is to increase the amount of digital ebook shorts we have available and continue to work with authors for exposure and FUN! And to encourage DV to get on them sequels to Valentine and If You Don’t Tell, lol.

Imani: Finally, describe in one word Melodi Roberts' work?

Melodi: Inside-out.

Imani: As we conclude the interview, tell the readers where they can purchase your other work, as well as finding you on the web?

Melodi: On the web, we are at www.naughtyinkpress.com

Our 3 books are on Amazon:  If You Don’t Tell, Valentine and Untapped: A Collection of Erotic Firsts

Thanks so much for having me, Imani. This was truly a pleasure and I really enjoyed our interview.

Imani: Likewise, Mel! Come back to The Lounge anytime!  

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