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Global Grind talks to Author Nikki Turner…

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globalgrind.com

As always, I was doing my usual trip through globalgrind.com and found this interview they did with author Nikki Turner. I decided to share…this is straight from globalgrind.com:

What are you most excited about with Relapse?

I think it’s a story that so many girls need to hear and can relate to.

How do you come up with such strong female characters?

I put a lot of thought trying to come up with girl characters that make sense. 

What writers do you admire?

Ernest Hemingway, Jackie Collins, Sister Souljah, Maya Angelou, the list can go on. 

What was the decision behind continuing with your other characters?

The readers wanted it. You have to give them what they want. Its about giving them great stories. some characters they won’t let me get rid of.

Out of all your characters which do you have the most personal connection to?

I think I connect to each and every one of them but for different ways and where I was [in life]when I wrote the book. Of course Yarni because she was the first one but just each and everyone I have a connection to. In the front of my books when I write my letter to the reader I always talk about giving birth. Its like giving birth, so like children I have a connection with each and everyone of them even though there are so many. 

How do you feel about being a best selling author and being able to walk in a book store and see your book sitting there? 

Oh my God, it’s like a feeling I can’t even explain. Its amazing. Just to go inside a bookstore and see my book on a shelf feels good. You know how they have bookstores at the airport, I’ll go in and say ‘do you have any Nikki Turner books?’ and they’ll have them and then  I’ll  be like ‘I’ll sign them for you!!!

What’s your writing process like?

First I map the whole story out in my head before I even write it.  After I get it mapped out I try to figure out what the first chapter is going to be. A lot of time the first chapter changes but I try to figure out the first chapter, the impact and the drama in it. Once I get that I just start writing.  Sometimes I outline. The more recent books in my career I’ve learned to outline, I found outlining to be very helpful and how I figured that out was I did a treatment for my book “Death Before Dishonor” with 50  and when I did the treatment it became a big outline and when I did the next book I did an outline. It definitely works.

What advice would you have for new writers?
I just think that they have to have that book completed. Don’t focus on how your going to get it out or how you are going to promote it. Get the book done. Make sure it’s a great book and it’s in good condition and you have a beginning middle  and end.

Was it hard transitioning to a full time writer?
Yeah, sorta kinda. It’s so structured when you work a regular job and when you go to full time writing you do your own schedule. But I learned quick. It’s harder now being a full time writer than it was to work a full time job. Just the discipline.

What do you think the readers will enjoy the most from Relapse?
Wow there’s so much. The drama of course. Just the relationships, with [Beijing’s] sister, her mom, her father, with her boyfriend and just how I equate relapse to how she’s addicted to the guy. I think everybody can relate to her relationship one way or another.

What is one thing you hope readers gain from your novel?
I hope that they can find an escape through my books they can escape from real life and I just hope they get the message because each book has a message.

What is the message in Relapse?

For those who are in those volatile relationships I want them to know they don’t have to stay. There are other options. They can get out.

Dolla’s KILLER is ACQUITTED…..RIP DOLLA ~|~

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This article is straight from msnbc.com and features VSN (Vogue Sidenotes):

LOS ANGELES — A jury acquitted a man Friday of killing up-and-coming Atlanta rapper Dolla during a shooting last year at a crowded, upscale Los Angeles mall. -I heard about this yesterday and am simply appalled.

Jurors rejected prosecutors’ contentions that the killing of Dolla, whose real name was Roderick Anthony Burton II, was a callous act of apparent revenge.

Burton and his accused shooter, Aubrey Louis Berry, had been involved in a fight at an Atlanta club less than two weeks before the shooting last May.

Berry’s attorney had contended the shooting was an act of self-defense, emphasizing that Burton — a protege of hip-hop artist Akon — glorified a violent gangster lifestyle in his rap lyrics and online videos. How was it self defense? Did Dolla have a gun pulled out on him? If they were fighting with bare hands than hey…let the best man win. Obviously, this MURDERER didn’t think he had a fair chance so he took the easy way out.

Berry, who has remained jailed since the May 18, 2009, shooting, hugged his attorney after the verdict was read.

Burton’s mother, Dayne Robinson, sobbed.

“Oh please, somebody help me,” she said, as she and other family members filed out of the courtroom.

Deputy District Attorney Bobby Grace painted Berry as a killer who methodically aimed at Burton during the shooting, then ordered a valet to retrieve his rented sport utility vehicle while still clutching his gun.

In his closing arguments Monday, Grace claimed Berry had no remorse.

“Defendant Berry murdered Roderick Burton in cold blood, then tried to escape to Atlanta,” Grace said.

Defense Attorney Howard Price, however, painted a very different picture of Berry, who was soft-spoken last week as he testified about a series of incidents that led up to the shooting.

The college-educated Berry said he worked in commercial marketing, in the music industry, and “never killed anything” growing up. Price portrayed Burton, conversely, as someone who proclaimed a violent streak, bragging in his lyrics about carrying guns, singing “You be running when I shoot, I be shooting where you running” in one tune. -Oh come on! So because you are college educated, you can’t kill anyone?!?! I’m getting angry all over again! I knew they would try and use Dolla’s lyrics to justify him having a violent persona. They do this to all rappers!

Price said Berry opened fire because Burton threatened to kill him and he feared he had a gun. The 24-year-old Atlanta resident was fearful because he believed the rapper had gang ties. –This statement right here should have sent Berry to prison. You received a threat on your life and instead of going to the police and reporting it, you take out a gun and shoot someone. You feared he had a gun…well, did you actually see him with it?

SimplyVogue.net chats with Author Omegia Keeys

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Omegia Keeys is on the grind. Born in Michigan City, Indiana, Omegia currently resides in Indianapolis and is the author of three novels, Passionate Playmates, Seduction.com, and Can You Keep a Secret? Balancing motherhood and a full-time career, Omegia has proven to be just as passionate about writing by releasing three books in less than three years. Currently, Omegia is on two book tours, the Domestic Seduction Tour with author Jo Davis and a Virtual Book Tour.  

With three books under your belt (Passionate Playmates [PP]), Seduction.com, and Can You Keep a Secret? [CYKAS]), you definitely have proven to be a passionate writer! How do you keep the ideas flowing?  

I keep the ideas flowing by making my characters evolve. When you are dealing with the adult industry there are always plenty of scenarios that can come into play as with every day life. In PP, she was an employee, so I moved her to being an owner in Seduction.com. In CYKAS, I took a step back into the lives of one of her models.  

Since CYKAS contains a totally new character, are there any similarities to that character and Erika? Or do their personalities differ?  

Monica is the complete opposite of Erika. Whereas Erika is confident and not afraid to venture out, Monica has always been a behind the scene type of woman. Monica was living the “American Dream” and not aware of her womanly power.  

Sounds to me that a lot of women will be able to relate to Monica. So I’m guessing her character has not fully become comfortable with her sexuality?  

She is trying. Her husband was her first lover and he was a very selfish one at that. I am hoping a lot of women can relate to the fear of expressing themselves.  

Would you say that writing erotic fiction was a way for you to express yourself sexually?  

Yes, I would. A woman needs to be comfortable with herself to totally give to her mate. I am not a fan of being promiscuous but of pleasing the one you are with, or if you have no one making sure that you are okay with that. You must love yourself first in order to express that to others.  

According to the PWP website, you also have a novel, Baby Girl that is coming soon. What is this novel about?  

This is for my young adult readers. When I am at events, I get a lot of younger ladies that want to read my novels. I am not comfortable with this, so I decided to give them something they can read. It’s about a teenage girl growing up dealing with her drug dealing brothers, peer pressure, high school and her becoming a woman. I am not glamorizing the drug life, but giving a look at how it affects the people around it.  

How did you prepare yourself for this novel since you are writing on a new topic (drug life)?  

I just reflected back on some things I saw as a child. Not particularly in my household, but in the neighborhood I grew up in. The other stuff was easy-we all went through some sort of peer pressure.  

Speaking of pressure, do you ever become anxious when you’re writing in terms of wanting to please your fans? Do you think your fans of your first three novels will still pick up Baby Girl?  

I hope they will and I am nervous about it, but this is something I really want to do to show a little versatility. No worries because Erotica is my first love and I won’t stay away from it long.  

  

authorsden.com

 

Versatility is very important! With so many authors out there in the erotic fiction genre, what is it that makes your novels stand out from the rest?  

I think it’s more of my storyline that makes it stand out. Yes, my characters are in the adult entertainment industry but they are dealing with every day issues at the same time. I am not trying to glamorize the industry at all. Yes, big money can be made but it comes along with a price at times.  

Just like your characters, you are maintaining a career along with everyday life, how do you balance it all? What challenges do you face?  

In this day and age, it’s hard to find women who aren’t balancing it all. I actually look at my mom and how she raised the 7 of us. I see how she handled everything and so I say why the heck can’t I do it? The most challenging part for me is trying to fit in the time to write without taking any time away from them. Thank goodness for the PlayStation! Once they get on the video games they go into a zone and I get a little “me” time.  

So let’s you say have “me” time and are starting to work on a new novel. How do you write? Do you just sit at the computer and let it flow? 
 

Well, my story normally comes to me when I am not at a computer. I normally keep a notebook with me, but if I don’t have one I will write on almost any thing. I think the utility company got a nice section of Seduction.com. When I am at the computer I am normally revising and adding to some of the stuff I scribbled down.  

How long does it usually take for you to finish a novel?  

About four to five months. I then set it to the side and come back a few weeks later to see how I can improve it. Did I leave something important out? Did I input something not important to the story?  

So once the novel is finished, what is the next step? For example, after you finished your first novel, Passionate Playmates, how did you go about getting it published?  

Oh wow! Passionate Playmates actually sat around a few years. I mean I wrote it but really didn’t know what direction I wanted to go with it. It actually took a nosey co-worker (a close friend) to happen across my manuscript sitting on my desk face down. I noticed she was really into whatever it was she was reading and asked her about it. Turns out it was my book. She really liked it and encouraged me to submit it.  

 I sent it off and heard back from them a few days later. Once that was over, I went through the agonizing wait that all authors go through. You get accepted and sometimes you hear nothing at all for weeks, or even months. It is all part of the process, but in the end well worth the wait. Now while one is in the process I focus on completing another.  

Would you mind sharing a little bit more about your first publishing experience? What things did you learn that you didn’t know going in?  

Unfortunately, I was not with a very great publisher. They did not edit or anything. I did edit my work before turning it in but as an author I would always advise having someone else edit it. Because we wrote it, we tend to overlook things. With this publisher, it was all up to me to figure out what to do next. I joined several forums for advice and this is how I learned how many people were actually unhappy with this particular publisher. Even though I did some signings and my book was selling well, I started to doubt myself because the company seemed to take every manuscript submitted to them. I took some time off after that novel and did a lot of research before submitting Seduction.com.  

Now I am with a great publisher. They communicate with their authors throughout the process and help to market and promote our books, something a publisher should do.  

What advice would you give a person who is looking to become a published author?  

Do some research first. There are lots of places to get advice online. Do not be afraid of rejection, learn from it. Also, if you do submit your manuscript, make sure you follow the publishing guidelines normally located on their website.  

Any advice when it comes to marketing yourself and books?  

Do not be afraid to tell people you wrote a book. Take pride in your work. Use all the networking sites possible and keep nice flyers of your books on hand to pass out.  

Thanks Omegia! Right quick, what are five facts about yourself that you would like the world to know?  

Proudly serving in the military for 12 years  

Mother of three wonderful boys  

I still play video games  

I believing in following your dreams no matter what  

I have a silly sense of humor  

Visit Omegia Keeys at http://www.omegiakeeys.com!

You Need to Watch This: Ahshe

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Check out this new web-based soap opera! Here’s more on Ahshe, straight from the official website (www.ahshe.com):

Ahshe means “And so it is” which is the mission of the internet’s hottest new Black Soap Opera! Ahshe is the story of a family and all of their friends and enemys dealing with everyday issues facing Black people. It will delve into issues of race, identity, spirituality, relationships and consciousness to help tell the story of Black people. Too often negative images are portrayed in the media that never show the well rounded experiences of all people. We love, we create and we feel.

Ahshe will show real people having real trials and triumphs so you can see yourself in a character and be a part of a community. Feel free to contact us with issues you think need to be addressed and you just might find it will become a part of what we do.

Ahshe is new thinking of old thoughts. Become a part of our family.

  

Grow that ISH…I’ll Stab Ya!~ *TRUE STORY*

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SMH: Effed Up Parents Equal Effed Up Kids

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vibe.com

Yeah, I know the title of this post is harsh and you know what, it doesn’t have to be that way. Effed up parents don’t always equal effed up kids, but in some situations, it does. Then again, you can come from a perfectly stable household and still end up effed up. I guess its all in the way that life pulls you. So I was on honeymag.com and I saw this post about this man attempting to trade his three month old baby for two forty-ounce beers. So who was he going to give her to? The maintenance man that works at the gas station where he was trying to get the beer. What the Freak? Okay, okay, so let’s say that he was successful in the trade, what kind of life do you think this child would grow up having? I can only imagine.

Thankfully, the maintenance man had some sense and called the police.

Wait, wait, how about this? The mother of the child was in the gas station when all of this was going on! I bet she’s furious to know that her baby’s father was trying to trade their child! The man, whose name is Matthew Brace, was not arrested, but has to go to court over a charge of reckless endangerment of a child. The mother, who is probably shocked as all get out, is not facing any charges.  

FYI: Lil’ Kim has nothing to do with this post, but her facial expression is matching mine right now.

You Need to Know Her Name: Keyshia Dior

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Okay, okay, I know some of you are like…who is this chick? Well, her name is Keyshia Dior, she’s a fashion stylist, model, actress, and entrepreneur. She was the leading lady in Timbaland’s video “Say Something,” which featured Drake and will also be the leading lady in Gucci Mane’s new video, “911.” For more information on Keyshia Dior, visit her official website: www.keyshiadior.com.

Check her out in Timbaland’s video…

Misa Hylton talks to Honeymag.com….

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honeymag.com

this article is straight from honeymag.com:

I was born to a Japanese-Jamaican mom and a Black father, whose family is from South Carolina. I’m proud to say I was born and raised in Mount Vernon, NY. It’s home to Denzel Washington, Dick Clark, Al B. Sure, Case and, of course, Sean “Diddy” Combs. It’s crazy because Mount Vernon is only four square miles and most of us went to the same high school, Mount Vernon High School. Sean lived around the corner from my best friend Tiffany, so as kids’ we’d see each other from time to time. Years later, we ran into each other at the Apollo in Harlem. That’s how our relationship began. I was there with him during those early years when he interned at Universal and was then promoted to A&R. I was also there when he got fired and was starting Bad Boy. I was about 19-years old and about three months pregnant at the time, and he was scared out of his mind. I understood his fears, being fired and having a baby on the way. But I told him, listen you have what it takes you can do this on your own. I also encouraged him to sign legendary rapper,  Biggie Smalls. He wasn’t going to do it at first, but just like Sean, I’m good at recognizing talent, and I could see it in Biggie. I loved his sound. I loved his swag. I thought it was amazing, and eventually Sean saw it too. Through it all, I was his girlfriend, but in a lot of ways I was like his assistant, too. I’d be there for him if he needed someone to find clothes for an artist or run down to 8th Street in Manhattan to pick something up. I was interning at Def Jam in Artist Development as well and had the opportunity to work with Jodeci because of Sean.

That’s more or less how I got my start.

Balancing our relationship, work and motherhood had its challenges. It was a big adjustment. I still remember the day when the responsibility of being a teen mother sank in for me: it was Easter and all my friends were going to the club. My mom was away, my nanny was off and I couldn’t get anybody to watch my newborn, so Justin and I just sat on the couch watching TV and I kept thinking “Wow. My life has changed. I can no longer do what I want to do.” But even if I couldn’t party like I wanted, I wouldn’t give up work. Fashion styling is what I do. It’s my God-given talent. This is one of the easiest and most fulfilling things for me to do besides being a mom. Eventually Puff and I separated. Being a single mom had its difficulties, but I made up my mind never to get back together romantically. There was too much damage done.

But work was something else. I kept working with him on projects and it might seem strange, but I never let my emotions play a part in my decision for business. I was always able to separate the two. Even if we had personal problem, I’d never say,  ‘Oh you can’t take Justin!.’  A lot of women do that. When they have problems with the relationship, they’ll try to hold the kid hostage. I never did that. If he called me for a job and I was available, I did it. My philosophy was simple:  I’m not going to turn down a job that’s paying me, helping my career and making me happy out of spite. I’ll do it, but I’m not going to go to dinner after.

That work ethic has taken me far. By the time I was 25 years old, I can honestly say that I’d made a million dollars from fashion styling outside of my relationship with Sean. A lot of people think because I have a baby by Sean Combs, that I’m just sitting back and doing nothing, but that wasn’t the case at all. I was a guest on national talk shows. I had been featured in major magazines, and had worked with icons in the industry. And all with no publicist. I’m very proud of my success. To be clear, Sean introduced me to many of my celebrity clients, and I’ll always honor that. But everything I have comes from God and that’s my provider.

Now that I’m in a position to give back, I do so freely. I had no mentors and that’s why I mentor. Coming up as a stylist, it was actually hard for me to borrow clothes from fashion houses. Although the artists I worked with were celebrities in my world, they wouldn’t be able to get clothes loaned to them. But through every challenge lies an opportunity and I was inspired to start designing clothes because of that. If I couldn’t get a dress or leather hip huggers from designers like Gucci, I just made a better one. I worked with Troy and Guy, the couturiers behind 5000 New Flavors, a company that actually manufactured a lot of clothes for the early Bad Boy artists.  During that period, I worked with celebs like Mary J. Blige for her What’s The 411 album. I also worked with Lil’ Kim early in her career and that was a milestone for me because I got to work with Vogue and a lot of international magazines. I was part of her crossing over to MTV and the mainstream because of the “Crush on You” video I styled. Ultimately, I think I’ve been able to succeed because I strive to understand the artists in order to create a look that’s an extension of their personal style.

In recent  years, I’ve moved on from individual clients to corporate clients. I’ve worked with Club Monaco, Bill Gates and Microsoft as a Fashion Technology consultant, giving opinions. I’m also a costume designer and have styled several films including Perfect Holiday and The Cookout. What I’m most passionate about right now is a new project that deals with my other passion: hair. I’ve teamed up with celebrity stylist XX to start  a hairline called Bella Coif and the Transformers Hair show, showcasing our custom lacefront wigs and quality weaves. As I move on, I reflect and it’s cool to see it all come full circle now. Rihanna’s stylist Mariel Haenn used to work with me. She was my assistant fashion editor at The Source and Nicki Minaj’s stylist, Fatima, is working very hard and is keeping up with the fast pace of Minaj’s career. The fact that Minaj has been described as a modern Lil Kim makes me feel so good, because I was a big part of creating Kim’s image.

Besides work, I have a man — a great, fabulous, sexy black man I’m in love with. He’s not a celebrity. We’ve been together for about five years now. I appreciate that he’s a real man. That’s refreshing. Being in the entertainment industry you see that a lot of times men are so far removed from manhood and what it really means.  My guy takes care of me, takes care of my children and even opens my door for me to this day. It’s a good feeling to fall back and let someone take control. That’s a lesson I never thought I would learn, but then again, nothing has turned out like I thought it would, from life to love to motherhood to career. Everything I’ve experienced whether it made me happy or was challenging, has made me who I am today, and I love who I am today.

As told to Zandile Blay