Hey, Ya’ll!
It’s that time of year again. Author
Spotlights are back! This month we have a great showcase of amazingly
talented writers for you. I say that each year. LOL. It’s true! But I'm biased
because I respect and admire my fellow authors with sincere zeal. Putting
yourself out there to be judged and critiqued isn’t easy. These individuals
know and understand firsthand what I’m referring to. Supporting each other is
essential in this industry because let’s face it, there is more than enough to go
around. Anyone who says differently is a selfish ass****. (You can quote me on
that)
But don’t get
it twisted... As writers, we have to know, study, and better our craft to be
taken seriously. I take that to heart and apply it daily in my writing.
Practice makes perfect, and perfection definitely doesn’t come over night. When
you know better, you do better! Having and maintaining a healthy work ethic
goes hand in hand with success in the writing industry. And you most certainly
need to have a thick layer or two, of tough skin.
Enjoy getting
to know new artists and their craft. Hopefully, by month’s end, you will have
several names added to your wish list to heighten your reading pleasure. Tell a
friend. Share on social media. Reading is relevant—Books are beautiful—
Literacy leads to learning something new daily. Pass it on.
Welcome to Kickin' It With KeKe!!
Author Ornitha Danielle
Today, we have a lady I met in
Memphis, a few years ago. Her spirit was
warm and inviting as she interviewed me at the BWABC (Black Writers and Book
Club) Book Festival, and we kind of clicked. There is nothing like coming in
contact with kindred spirits. Let’s give her a big “Kickin’ It With KeKe”
welcome!
KC: Thanks for being a part of my
platform Ornitha. It is a pleasure to have you. Tell us a little bit about
myself.
OD:
About me…. I am a Wife, Mother of 3, Mimi to my grandson, aunt, niece, cousin
and friend to many. I believe in God, and I am a SCRIBE!!
KC: Explain exactly what a SCRIBE is
to anyone who may not know.
OD:
I am His Scribal Prophet. I have the BIGGEST
heart known on this side of the planet. I write from the heart of God. When I am called to the pen...I scribe what God would have me to share. It's of great urgency to release His heart for this generation that will come after me. To be His Scribal Prophet...I am compelled to share the love of God through my writings and teachings.
KC: Thank you for clarifying.
As a Christian, I can certainly appreciate that. What else do you like to do in
your spare time?
OD:
I love to just have fun and be myself.
KC: So tell us, how
long have you been writing?
OD: Where do I start?
I have been writing since I was a kid…. This was the one way that I could
explain myself without being interrupted (LOL). The question would be when did
I not write? I kept a diary as a teenager.
I even wrote letters to people when they made me upset. So I would say writing
has been in me, as far as I can remember.
KC: What genre do you
write or prefer writing?
OD: Inspirational,
educational, Christian, and poetry… Whichever and however God wants to use me --
that I am open to. I do believe that the way He would desire would ALWAYS bring
HIM Glory.
KC: How did you know
you wanted to become an author/writer?
OD: I don’t believe
there was ever a time that I wasn’t a writer
or an author.
KC: What inspires you
to write?
OD: There’s
no one thing that inspires me, sometimes it can be what’s happening in the news, or just
ideas, and most importantly, God himself.
KC: What message do
you want readers to take away from your work?
OD: I want people that
encounter my books to walk away with a sense of hope, joy, and truly find the love of God in the midst of what
I write.
KC: How would you
describe your writing style?
OD: My style can vary
depending on what I am writing, I have really
learned to not over think it too much, but as long as my message is being
conveyed.
KC: Who are some of
your favorite authors?
OD: LOL… I think I
would take a vow to be silence. There are way too many to just consider some of
my favorite authors. *wink, wink* since I can’t pick myself. I am really
kidding of course. There are some talented authors
out there…. So to only have some…. Too many.
KC: I totally agree
with you on that one, Ornitha. Although
I do have a list, I add to it daily. Books are an addiction I have no desire to
quit. #norehab. LOL.
KC: What are some of
your favorite books?
OD: Now this… I can
share!! The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah, Tryin’ To Sleep In a Bed Already Made by Deberry and Grant and Chocolate Star by
Shelia Copeland.
KC: See, now I already
have a few to add to my list. And, The
Coldest Winter Ever is on my favorite books list too.
KC: What is your
formula when working on a new project? (Do you listen to music, use an outline,
meditate, or simply start typing?)
OD: I pray…. Then I
start typing, even this can vary as well.
KC: If you could collaborate with any of your peers, who would
it be and why?
OD: Never really
thought about it…. But that is something I will have to give some
thought.
KC: You should. I
dream of working with Tananarive Due and Stephen King. LA Banks would have been
another person I would have loved to work with. God rest her soul. But, I firmly believe Eric Jerome Dickey and I could create magic together. Hey! It
could happen. The sky is not the limit when there are footprints on the moon. LOL
KC: What advice would
you give aspiring authors?
OD: The advice I would
share is, to be honest with yourself
about why you want to be an author, and whose life you want to impact for the
better and not for the worst. Be mindful
of the things that we release into the minds and eyes of God’s people. Looking
back at your work 10 years from now, and should your grandchildren happen to
read it, what impression would they have about that book and how would they
feel after reading it? Be kind to people, handle business with integrity!
KC: Great words of
wisdom, Ornitha.
KC: What are you
reading currently?
OD: The book of Esther….
KC: I am reading the
book of Jeremiah. Esther is one of my favorite stories in the Bible. It’s amazing how one encounter can
change a life forever.
KC: How can readers
find you?
OD: Facebook, Linkedin
Twitter, YouTube, Google hangout and IG
KC: As an author, do
you think using social media is a great source for
gaining new readers/supporters?
OD: ABSOLUTELY!!!!
KC: Tell us about your
latest work?
OD: My soon to be
released book is titled “God’s Butterfly”
Redefined for Purpose… It’s filled with
poetry and essays addressing many different issues that we face on a day to day basis.
KC: Sounds magnificent and inspiring. I will absolutely get my copy.
KC: What’s next for
you?
OD: All of what God has for me.
KC: Amen…
KC: Do you believe
networking is crucial to being successful in the writing industry?Why or why
not?
OD: To a degree… but
with the types of mindsets many have, it makes that difficult at times. It’s like
I can help scratch your back, but when the shoe is on the other foot… the
situation shifts. However, it is always
great to work with like-minded people.
KC: Where do you see
yourself in five years?
OD: Better than where
I am now, mentally, spiritually, physically, and emotionally on levels to being a better person.
KC: Awesome answer! I
love when people strive to be better tomorrow than they are today or was
yesterday. Having a great attitude is essential in our altitude.
KC: Where do you want
to be with your writing in five years?
OD: I believe I will have
grown as a writer… I want to be able to make a difference
in writing but mentoring others as well.
KC: Well, I can see
you doing both. Your spirit is humble. People will want to be in your presence.
Blessings to you!
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?
OD: Keeping God first
and foremost, treat others the way you want to be treated…. Because one thing is
certain, God is ALWAYS WATCHING!!
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?
OD: You mean to say I can only have
one, lol? It would be purple, then pink, but you did say color, not colors.
KC: What is your favorite food?
OD: Cereal… again
another one of those one answer type of questions lol.
KC: What is
your favorite pastime?
OD: I love to just
chill… relax and do nothing.
KC: Football or
basketball?
OD: BOXING!!! Okay, I will
do right. Well if only I can combine them both
if I really watch these… as a basketball player in my high school days… however, I do love football movies!!
KC: Michael Jordan or Lebron James?
OD: MJ ALL DAY!!!
KC: Thanksgiving or Christmas?
OD: My Birthday!!! I
do like Thanksgiving.
KC: Books or movies? This is a no brainer….
OD: LOL Netflix and
chill!! Nothing wrong with a great book too!
KC: Winter, spring, summer, or fall?
OD: Winter is too
cold, spring you have bugs, summer is too hot,
and fall hasn’t decided if it wants to be
cold or hot…. I love the in between weather.
KC: If you were allowed only one thing with you during the day,
what would be the thing you pick?
OD: My cell phone with access to the internet!
KC: Breakfast or Lunch?
OD: Brunch, this can
be eaten at any time for me….. lol
KC: If there is something I didn’t ask that you want readers to
know about you, please include it at this
time. The more information you provide, the more people you can engage that can
possibly turn into new readers. Share away!
OD: I am really big on Social Media!!! So Catch me in
Social Media traffic, don’t be a stranger, you can ask anything…
KC: Please list your website so the
audience can stay connected with you.
OD: (www.ornithasbooks.info)
Which is being revamped at this time. My SM (social media) name is
Ornitha Danielle…on all platforms.
KC: It has been a pleasure having you with me today! I pray you
continuing growth and success in your craft. I look forward to seeing you this
year in Memphis. God bless you…
Until next time Be Inspired, Be Encouraged & Be YOU!
Purple Hugs,
KeKe Chanel
