Editor's Pick
of the Month
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How would you describe Shelia Goss?
I love God, my family and friends and I love life. I like to sit and observe more than be the center of attention. Helping people is part of who I am.
When did you know you wanted to write?
I've enjoyed writing since I was 9 years old. I didn't decide to pursue it professionally however until 1997. I think I've known I wanted to be a writer since at least my freshman year in high school when Maya Angelou spoke to my class.
Tell your fans about Double Platinum. What or who was your inspiration for this work?
Double Platinum is about R & B megastar Parris Mitchell. To the world, it seems like she has it all. But with a decling career, she has nothing left but disappointed fans and growing depression. Hit maker and playboy Casper "CJ The Hitmaker" Johnson is looking for a new sound. He needs her voice. She needs her career back. Their drama from groupies and people from their pasts becomes the source of plenty of print for the paparazzi.
Double Platinum was written to celebrate my love for R & B music. Besides books, music is my passion. Over the past several years I've gotten a chance to interview multi-platinum music artists in various genres and talk to people behind the scenes of the music industry. When I got ready to write the book, I just pulled from that experience.
Out of all of your work, do you have a favorite and why?
All of my books are my favorite during the time that I am writing them. Most of my books are about women who deal with every day issues; whether it be relationship issues with men or family.
My Invisible Husband is the tale of one woman’s desperate attempt to stop the age-old question posed to all women at some point in their lives: So when are you getting married?
Roses are Thorns, Violets are True is sibling rivalry at its best. Rose and Violet are twin sisters on opposite sides of the spectrum. This family drama is about forgiveness.
Paige's Web tackles the subject of commitment phobia from a woman’s perspective by taking readers on a journey with character Paige Christine Webb.
On your website, you indicate that you have other aspirations outside of novel writing. I was particularly intrigued by the E-SPOT. Tell us about this venture.
Over the past few years I ventured off into entertainment writing which involves interviewing music artists, other authors, actors, etc; as well as writing reviews on CDs, books & movies. I showcase all of this information on my eSpot website (www.espot.wordpress.com). I have also teamed with Kandie Delley for the new website FilmReviews2Go, where we review films and give you "no holds" barred commentary about some of the blockbuster movies.
You're a fabulous sister with many accomplishments--and I want you to gloat a little :-). Please share with us your awards.
I've been on various best sellers list: Dallas Morning News, Essence Magazine, Black Expressions Book Club, etc. I received the 2008 BlackWebAwards.com for Best Female Author Site, Disilgoldsoul 2007 YOUnity Guild Award for Most Outstanding Book Debut Promotions- “Paige’s Web,” Infini’s Outstanding Author 2006, Three Shades of Romance Magazine Reader’s Choice Awards and 2004 OneSwan Productions Female Author of the Year.
Who are your favorite authors?
It is too many to name, but I'll list a few.
Francis Ray, ReShonda Tate Billingsley, Carl Weber, Kimberla Roby, Linda Dominique Grosvenor, Nora Roberts, Vincent Alexandria, Eric Pete, Michelle McGriff, Jacquelin Thomas, Terry McMillan and the list goes on and on.
Do you have a favorite book?
I'm an avid reader and it's hard for me to say which book is my favorite other than the Bible. The list would be too long. I'll list a few books that I've read recently that I enjoyed. Sweet Sensation by Gwyneth Bolton, Sweet Georgia Brown by Cheryl Robinson, When Love Calls by Celeste O Norfleet, Jezebel by Jacquelin Thomas, and No One But You by Michelle Monkou.
What advice can you give aspiring authors?
#1 thing would be--WRITE. I meet some aspiring authors who talk about writing but don't take the time to write. Also, I would advise them to take the time to learn the publishing business--research and network with other authors.
What impact do you believe book clubs have in the world of literature?
Book Clubs are very important. Word of mouth is the best form of advertisement for any book. If book clubs like a book, they tell their friends, etc. I love being invited to book club meetings when my books are discussed because members are passionate about the books they read. The discussions are lively and the comments help when writing future books.
Have you ever been a member of a book club?
Yes. I've been a member of two offline book clubs and several online book clubs. My offline book club is Sistah Circle Book Group.
What can your readers expect from you in the future?
In
addition to writing women's fiction or romance, I'm writing in other genres. My next book will be out in 2009. Be sure to bookmark my website (www.sheliagoss.com) for updates.
Where can readers purchase your books?
My books are available at all the major chain stores as well as Wal-mart and independent book stores. If you don't see one of my books on the shelf, ask the manager to order it for you. My books are also available online. For a direct link to the books, go to my website: www.sheliagoss.com.
Tell us something interesting about yourself that you wouldn’t normally expose when first meeting someone (we call this the sistah-confession to help break the ice between newbies and vet-sistahs :)
I'm 30 something and single and still looking for my Mr. Right. In the meantime, I'll continue to write about my idea of Mr. Right in my books...lol
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