Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Lorna LA Lewis

Author Spotlight!!!

It’s amazing how you meet someone and feel like you know them instantly. Well, in this case, it was true. We met many years ago while I was attending college. Her sister is one of my best friends. I use to go home with her to visit her family. They eventually became my family. To this day, Ieshia and I are still close. But somehow Lorna and I forgot we met and became friends without realizing we were already connected. 

I love friendships that blossom naturally. This is what I have with my next author spotlight. Not only is she a great friend and writer, she is so much more. She is an Educator, a prayer warrior, an advocate for literacy, and the list goes on and on.

As we welcome her, please say a few prayers for her and her family as they have been affected in some way by the flooding in Baton Rouge, La. and surrounding areas. 

Our home state is grieving…people are hurting…keep us lifted. This too shall pass. We will come back better than ever. God is watching! Our prayers will be answered. 

Please, show your love for my friend, Author Lorna LA Lewis.

Author Lorna LA Lewis



KC: So tell us, how long have you been writing?

LL: I’ve been writing since elementary school. I just didn’t recognize it as a gift until 2009 when I wrote and self-published my first novel.

KC: What genre do you write or prefer writing?

LL: I write contemporary fiction novels and motivational books for adults and children. Fiction is my way of entertaining the world. Motivational is giving back to others what older, wiser people have given to me.

KC: How did you know you wanted to become an author/writer? 

LL: I started writing short stories for my students, I was a second-grade teacher, and the overwhelming desire to keep going grew stronger with each world. It was then that I decided to try and write a novel, and it took off from there. 

KC: What inspires you to write?

LL: Life inspires me to write. For me, writing is both entertaining and therapeutic. Sometimes real life gets too difficult, so writing is my escape.

KC: What message do you want readers to take away from your work?

LL: Each of my books carries a message. Usually, it’s about forgiveness, having faith, or overcoming incredible obstacles to get to where you’re destined to be.

KC: How would you describe your writing style?

LL: My writing style is simple, yet poetic. I love words and cliches and finding new ways to use them is always exciting for me.

KC: Who are some of your favorite authors?

LL: I have way too many, but I’ll name the ones that started my love for reading. E. Lynn Harris, Kimberla Lawson Roby, and Victoria Christopher Murray were the authors I first started reading as a young adult. I’ve of course added to that list over the years and it keeps growing. Naleighna Kai, Joyce Brown, Leslie Wright are a few that I’ve added. 

KC: What are some of your favorite books?

LL: I love inspirational books. Instinct by T.D. Jakes, Me and My Big Mouth by Joyce Meyer are my favorites. I’ve recently started reading The Power of Personal Vision by a local pastor Rodney D. Robertson. He’s very inspiring. Some of my favorite fiction novels are The Dance, The Deal and The Devil by Victoria Christopher Murray, all of Kimberla Lawson Roby’s Curtis Black Books, and Open Door Marriage by Naleighna Kai. I read my first sci-fi book a few months ago. It was Mind of My Mind by Octavia Butler.

KC: I love all the people you listed.
KC: What is your formula when working on a new project? (Do you listen to music, use an outline, meditate, or simply start typing?)

LL: I usually write using music. I’ve tried using an outline but it doesn’t work for me. I like to type and let the characters have their way. I feel like I’m manipulating their thoughts when I outline.

KC: If you could collaborate with any of your peers, who would it be and why?

LL: I think I’m long overdue for a collaboration with KeKe Chanel. I’d also love to collaborate with Kimberla Lawson Roby. That would be a dream for me. 

KC: Hey now! Let’s make it happen. I would love to collaborate with you too. Why haven’t we discussed this before? Lol
KC: What advice would you give aspiring authors? 

LL: Write all you can. Read as much as you can. Take every opportunity presented to learn more about your craft.

KC: Awesome advice!
KC: What are you reading currently?

LL: I’m currently reading The Power of Personal Vision by Rodney D. Robertson.

KC: I know him personally. We attended school together when we were kids. His books are extremely inspiring.  Shoutout to my, Bro. Rodney D. Robertson.
KC:How can readers find you?

LL: Readers can find me on Facebook Author LA Lewis, Twitter @AuthorLALewis, on my website www.lalewisexpressions.com. Or email me authorlalewis@gmail.com
 
KC: As an author, do you think using social media is a great source for gaining new readers/supporters?

LL: Social Media is one of the best sources for gaining new readers. 

KC: Tell us about your latest work?

LL: My latest book, Double Down and Dirty is about Jade Bordeaux, who is now living the life she’s always dreamed of living as a supermodel and entrepreneur in New Your City. Jade’s life didn’t start our so grand. She grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where life was anything but great. Jade is the biracial daughter of Louisiana’s Governor. A title that should’ve come with many perks, but only if your identity wasn’t kept a secret and your dad acknowledged you outside of the four walls of your house. Jade was satisfied with her current life, until meeting multi-millionaire Sean Wright. He was everything Jade hated in a man. Sean was used to having his way, as everyone went above and beyond to please him, especially the women. Jade kept her distance as much as possible, but a family tragedy threw them together and caused Jade to see Sean for someone other than the self-centered jerk everyone thought him to be. Life for Jade and Sean could’ve been a fairytale if they didn’t have so many forces working against them. They’re good in business, but when it comes to life, they’re being played by the best and most unlikely suspect.

KC: What’s next for you?

LL: I’m working on more story ideas and trying my hand at a screenplay. I’m hoping to do more speaking engagements in this upcoming year. 

KC: Do you believe networking is crucial to being successful in the writing industry? Why?

LL: Networking is most definitely a must in this industry. Some readers are very hesitant about trying new authors, so they may not show up for an event for that author alone, but planning events with other authors is a great way to grow your fan base.

KC: Where do you see yourself in five years?

LL: In five years I see myself traveling around the world for book signings and speaking events. I also see myself on the set of a television production for one of my novels.

KC: Tell us something that you live by daily, that we can carry with us that should inspire and motivate us to pursue our purpose?

LL: Something I live by daily is that time is not guaranteed to any of us No one knows the day or the hours, all we have is the now. Do all you can in the now and live life with no regrets.

KC: I like to incorporate fun and excitement into my blog interviews during the author spotlight segment. This gives readers insight as to who you are as a person. Fun facts are my way of doing so, plus, I get to learn something about you too.

LETS GO… 

Fun facts:

KC: What is your favorite color?
LL: Red
KC: What is your favorite food?
LL: Fried fish
KC: What is your favorite pastime?
LL: Facebook or watching an old series on Netflix
KC: Football or basketball?
LL: Basketball
KC: Michael Jordan or Lebron James?
LL: Lebron James
KC: Thanksgiving or Christmas?
LL: Christmas
KC: Books or movies?
LL: Books all day long
KC: Winter, spring, summer, or fall?
LL: Winter
KC: If you were allowed only one thing with you during the day, what would be the thing you pick?
LL: My phone
KC: Breakfast or Lunch?
LL: Breakfast


As always, it’s been a pleasure chatting it up with you. Thanks for Kickin’ It With KeKe! Peace and blessings to you my friend.

Us a few years ago at an even in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
 

Until next time, Be Inspired, Be Encouraged, & Be YOU!!

Purple Hugs,
KeKe Chanel






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