All the Buzz Reviews

Hello Lily!  Thank you for allowing me to spotlight you on All the Buzz!  It is a pleasure to host a new voice in the literary industry.

First, please tell me about The Life of a Lily. 

Are you going through life’s ups and downs alone? Are you a victim of the foster system or adopted and want to know, Why me? Can there ever be life after abuse or abandonment? If you have experienced opposition or neglect, this book is for you. In her autobiography, The Life of a Lily, author Lily L. Ratliff shows you that through all of your mess, God can bring you to a point of acceptance of what life has given you, with the vigor to carry on. A catalyst for hope and restoration in your life, with easy-to-read vignettes and relevant corresponding Scriptures, The Life of a Lily shows how a young girl triumphs by discovering what so many others failed to realize that God had a plan for her life.

How difficult was it for you to write this story?

Extremely difficult, but one that I had to do. Not only was it time for me to relinquish my past, but God brought it to my attention back in 2001, that I needed to tell my story to the masses. I cried, had sleepless nights, and cried some more. All the tears that were once manifested in pain and turmoil became by the end- tears of joy, when the book was finally published six years later, a week before Christmas. 

What message do you hope to convey through your words?

That though you have gone through many trials and tribulations, and may still be in the season or lack and hopelessness, you are not alone. Your past does not have to predict your future. Come to the mindset that this too shall pass, learn from your mistakes, hold on to the victory, and walk in your divine appointment from God. If you are still here to read my words, God is not through with you yet!

What is the best piece of advice you have received regarding dealing with this subject matter?

To continue being transparent in my approach to sharing with others my testimony. When others see the real essence of who I am as another woman who desires to be made whole and be loved by our own loving Father in heaven, He requires us to purge out everything and become invisible-totally transparent from our pasts, becoming a person God can truly use. 

Is there something you really want to share with readers that you weren’t able to share in The Life of a Lily?

Readers always wanted to know more about my date rape tragedy during my first year in college. They can read more from a feature article done about me on Inspired Women Magazine.

What is the one thing that keeps you motivated to “keep on keeping on”?

From where I’ve come from, I have been through the fire, but not yet burned. Thank You Jesus! I believe that what God has for me is truly for me. So while He is working my situation out for my good, I’m pressing on with the charge that He has given me, to minister to the lost, and brokenhearted. I’ve been there. I know what it’s like to be without, but what all things come understanding. With that knowledge and understanding, I can now share hope with others for a brighter tomorrow.

What has your literary journey been like so far?

Nothing but surprises after surprises. From the time I moved to Atlanta, GA, I have been so blessed to have met many wonderful people-other well-known authors in the Christian arena, poets, consultants, and entrepreneurs who have truly supported my vision and ministry. I hope in the coming years to continue fostering these and other relationships, as well as embark on other opportunities such as writing Christian Fiction and Self-Help Books.

Who are some of your favorite authors, and how do they inspire your work?

My favorite author of all time is Michelle McKinney-Hammond simply because through all of my trying experiences, I found her books (besides the Bible) to be the most inspiring and encouraging. She talks straight to your hurts and pains and ministers in a way that’s real and has a sister-friend scope to it that makes you feel like you are sitting down with her right in your most sacred environment.

Has your book been well-received?

Very well received. I get calls, emails and letters about how the experiences from my book have impacted many lives. They could relate to the subject matter and found themselves opening up to me in ways they had never done before.

What can readers expect next from you?

I have two short story anthologies coming out very soon. One, in which has my first work of fiction, entitled “All is Not Lost”, featured in Kimberly T. Matthews anthology, After You’ve Done All You Can, and the second anthology, edited by Vanessa Miller entitled, Stepping Out on Faith, features my story, “The Breakthrough.” Then on December 16, 2008, two of my six book children’s series, entitled The Last Shall Be First, will be released. This series is something I’m very proud of because it deals with children/pre-teens issues on a grander scale. Any child from third to eighth grade could benefit from this series. The titles of the two books are “An Act of Forgiveness” and “Daughter of Destiny” respectively.

Thank you again for allowing me to spotlight you on All the Buzz!  I wish you continued success in all that you do. 

Hi Ananda!  Welcome to All the Buzz!  It is a pleasure to feature you.

First, tell me about your debut novel, Love’s Troubadours – Karma: Book One.

Love’s Troubadours – Karma: Book One tells the story of Karma Francois, a thirtysomething California-born BoHo BAP (Bohemian Black American Princess) with Louisiana roots and urban debutante flair.  The novel begins with Karma’s life in an uproar. Her relationships and the museum curator career that she struggled to form in New York City have crumbled, leaving no viable options to rebuild. Relocating to Washington, DC, Karma struggles with denial, depression, and debt. A lack of full-time employment opportunities forces her to craft a gypsy existence as a Jill of Many Trades: yoga teacher, art consultant, and freelance curator at Howard University Gallery of Art. Unable and unwilling to appreciate these jobs as gifts, she wallows in a pool of lost identity-and doesn’t see a way to keep from drowning. When she looks in the mirror, Karma sees a woman whose choices have dishonored her true character. Now, for the first time in her life, Karma must learn to see herself for who she really is.  

How did you come up with the storyline?

Spirit blessed me with the storyline.  Some of it is based on my life. 

How many stories are in this series, and when will the additional installments be released?

Right now there are three more books in the series that I am working on.  Book 2 will be released in December 2009. Book 3 will be published in December 2010. Book 4 will be published in 2011.  I am open to more books. We will see how Spirit moves me.   

What has been the response so far to your debut novel?

The novel has been positively received by readers.  Their feedback inspired me to create two social media projects, BAP Living social networking site and BAP Living Radio for readers who share life experiences similar to my novel’s main character Karma Francois, a BoHo BAP.  BAP Living is an online community for women of African descent who self-identify as Black American Princesses (BAPs) and educated Black women (EBW).  BAP Living Radio is a monthly Talkshoe.com radio show that airs on the first Sunday of each month.  It features programs about self-care, spirituality, health, finances, beauty, fashion, art, music, culture, films, travel, books, education, community service, careers, fitness, gender, race, food, entrepreneurialism, and so much more.

What message do you hope that readers take away from the reading of this novel?

 It is hard to say what readers will take from the book.  My prayer is that they get whatever they need from the book.   

How long have you been writing?

 I have been writing since I was 10 or 11. 

How much of your day is spent writing?

I write on a weekly basis.  I am not sure how much time I spend on writing, but I do blog several times a week. Right now I am working on my poetic memoir. So I am writing a lot more than usual. 

Who are some of your favorite authors, and how do they influence your writing?

Alice Walker, bell hooks, Lorraine Hansberry, James Baldwin, and so many more. I love the way Alice, Lorraine, and James tell stories.  Their characters come to life.  bell hooks’ commitment to writing about the healing power of love inspires me. I hope my work reflects my commitment to share how powerful it is for folks to love and heal themselves.

What are some of the highs and lows you’ve experienced in this journey to becoming a published writer?

The highs have been the moments when I meet readers online and offline.  These connections really touch my heart and remind me that my book is really a gift from Spirit. 

The lows have been not realizing how much time and energy it takes to birth a book. This past year has been filled with many life lessons on how to surrender my ego, take better care of myself, manage my time so that I have more balance, expectations of others, use more discernment on allowing people into my space, establish healthy boundaries, use my meditation/yoga/Reik practices to better support my creative process, speak my truth, remain open to the unexpected, ask for support, and say no to opportunities that are not in alignment with my current goals.

What is one piece of advice you would give to others who may be considering embarking on a literary career?

I have three pieces of advice. 

a. Learn how to surrender your ego. Surrender has and continues to be my greatest lesson and blessing in the creative process.  It allows me to step outside of myself and rely on a power greater than myself to navigate the creative birthing process and book publishing/marketing adventures. 

b. Assemble a team of support. You need folks to inspire and encourage you.  You need their prayers and positive energy.  You also need folks who can listen to you as you move through your creative process.  You need a team of folks to read your work, provide constructive criticism, and edit your writing.  It has been essential for me to use the support of legal counsel, a financial advisor, and life coach to help me create a strong emotional, business, and financial foundation for my books, services, and products.  I am blessed that my team of support consists of my family, friends, legal counsel, book editor, financial advisor, and life coach.

c. Utilize the Internet (web sites) and social media (i.e. blogs, YouTube videos, podcasts, Internet radio shows, video podcasts, Yahoo groups, Twitter, Flckr, Myspace, Facebook, other Ning.com social networking sites that represent your audience (i.e. Blck Author Showcase is a great one for authors) as your strongest marketing tools.  Most of the social media tools are free.  You can create your own author web sites by using sites like Register.com for $19.95 per month.     

Please tell readers how they can find out more about you & your books.  Thank you again for allowing me to spotlight you on All the Buzz!  I wish you much success in all your endeavors.

Love’s Troubadours – Karma: Book One is available for $20.95 on Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, Target.com, Borders.com, and Booksamillion.com

Readers can visit my novel’s official web site at www.lovestroubadours.com. They can also watch Love’s Troubadours’ YouTube videos – www.youtube.com/kiamshaleeke. 

There is a Myspace: www.myspace.com/lovestroubadours. 

I also invite everyone to check out the BAP Living social networking site (http://baplivingforbapsandebw.ning.com) and BAP Living Radio (www.talkshoe.com/tc/18598).  These social media projects were created in response to positive feedback from Love’s Troubadours readers who share life experiences similar to my novel’s main character Karma Francois, a BoHo BAP. 

Welcome to All the Buzz Kayona!  It is a pleasure to feature you.

I’m honored that you would have me.

First, tell me about your novel, Tenth Letter.

Using black words, Tenth Letter puts the world we live in onto 5.5 x 8.5-inch white paper. Today, women are more like men, and men are perhaps learning to adjust. Tenth Letter introduces us to J, the epitome of a 21^st century women: smart, independent, self-sufficient… And like many woman today, she prefers to have her relationships with men begin and end with sex (because “they” do it). She is content with this lifestyle, but her contentment is put on the stand when she is acquainted with a man who is not interested in having sex with her, but rather more intrigued by why she won’t let him love her.

Aside from being an incredibly interesting story and a unique take on modern interpersonal relations, it has social and spiritual undertones that will leave you with more than just an entertaining read.

Is this book geared toward a certain audience?

It’s a mature read. I’ve noticed that men have found interest in the story just as women have, so I’m targeting adults who invite thinking into their literature.

What message do you hope to convey through the writing of this story?

There are quite a few messages in this book, and it seems like every time I say that I want people to get one, they identify with one of the others. It’s a story that emphasizes the importance of readiness, growth, and honesty, among other things.

What can readers expect next from you?

Good writing. I don’t know what will come first, another book or a movie, but I am consistently working to get better with my craft. I’m currently developing two great books, but I am also in the process of trying to get funding for a feature film that I wrote and I am producing another. Whatever my next project will be you can guarantee that it’ll be a great story from which you can learn and grow and enjoy.

If you could sit down with one literary icon and pick their brain, who would it be and what is the one question you want to ask them?

Ralph Ellison. He started writing the book The Invisible Man in 1945; it was published in the ‘50s. I personally feel like most aspects of this book are just as relevant today. I would ask him: Do you feel like this novel could be rewritten today and titled The Invisible Woman? I would love to discuss this dynamic with him.

Why did you choose to self-publish?

Sometimes, I think we want to feel like we’re controlling our own destiny. Trying to get published by someone else is a long, arduous process. Things don’t happen when you want them to or how you want them to… Also, I was already set on starting my own company, which would consist of publishing, recording, and cinema divisions. So I figured what better way, and with what better product than my own, to hone my “future successful CEO” skills than with this book. My struggle and passion for my own art will definitely help me in the future when I’m directing the careers of others who feel the same way about their works.

What does a normal day in the life of Kayona Ebony Brown consist of?

9:37 a.m. open my eyes; once I realize I’m alive, I thank God for waking me up. I go downstairs and put the coffee on (decaf, so I’m basically drinking for the fun of it) and catch the rest of Rachel Ray (for tips). It takes me about a good hour and half to really “wake up” because I am so not a morning person, but once I’m up, I’m on the computer: I’m developing or writing a project (book or screenplay); I’m trying different methods of promoting this book… I workout at 1:30. Then I’m in my home office again executing ways of building my brand, which can consist of almost anything (interviews, meetings, producing, etc.) I’m back in my bed by 1 a.m. to sleep, and then to do it all again.

Describe the feeling you had when you finally held the published copy of your book in your hands.

I held it. I slept with it beside me. I looked at. I think I’ve read it about 25 times since then. It really is something to see it for so long virtually, and then to finally have it tangible. It’s a creation. I don’t know how often we’re actually proud of ourselves. But I felt proud.

Was the entire process of writing and getting your novel published harder than what you expected?

Yes. Definitely. The writing process came naturally. I spent five years writing and pruning this story; I had no idea that I would end up publishing it myself. I didn’t know I wanted to. When I finally took heed to the signals pointing in the publish-it-yourself direction, months of research and self-education on the process took place.

Fast-forward to what happens after I had the book in my hand (and boxes more on the floor around me): that was the part I don’t think I truly anticipated, and I don’t know if I could’ve. I discover different strengths and weaknesses in everything that I do, and I don’t regret anything. I guess it’s sort of like this: making a baby is one thing. Raising it? That’s another.

What book are you reading now?

I am reading “When the Heart Waits” by Sue Monk Kidd, again. This is one of my favorite books, and it’s the type of book that hits on so many areas of your life (things that we all either went through, are going through, or will go through), so you can get something different from it every time you read it.

Please tell readers how they can find out more about you & your books.  Thank you again for allowing me to spotlight you on All the Buzz!  I wish you much success in all your endeavors.

Go to www.TenthLetterNovel.com.  Here, you will find links to my blog and personal page, and you will find updates on where I’ll be and access to the latest interviews.