The Writer's
Inn: Thank you so much for allowing us this interview, Venesha. So tell us, when did you decide that you wanted
to become an author and have your books published?
Venesha: Actually, I had been journaling daily for a few
years and, after I would journal, I would simply start writing short stories. At the time, I thought I was kinda weird and
kept it to myself. My Bishop preached a message in church one Sunday wherein he informed, “God has given many of
you gifts - books, songs, ideas, inventions, and etc." And, he told me to tell the saints of God if you don’t
use your gift he is going to give it away. I went home and looked through my old notebooks from college and journals for all
the short stories I had written years ago. I settled on the five pages that just so happens to be the actual prologue of Mistress
Me. I wrote that back in 2003 and just wrote a story that was near and dear to my heart, which is Mistress Me in
2006. It was never a dream or goal of mine to be an author. I always enjoyed reading and writing. I knew I was a pretty good
writer once I was taught to write for the academic setting. Honestly, I didn’t see this coming until I actually heard
the message my Bishop preached and, at that point, I was scared that God would take the gift if I didn’t use it. That
was in April of 2006. I completed the novel 7 days after I heard that profound message and it was released on Valentine’s
Day 2008.
The Writer's
Inn: What was your journey like to become a published author? Was it a rocky road or smooth sailing?
Venesha: It definitely wasn’t easy that’s for sure! Writing and marketing for me is the
best part of being an author and publisher. As far as my personal journey, I am actually writing a fictionalized tell-all
that will take the readers inside the industry. It will give anyone interested in knowing what a self-published author really
has to go through to make a little noise and find a spot in Urban Literature. Notorious will be released if all goes
well just in time for Christmas.
The Writer's Inn: Do you have a specific writing style?
Venesha:
No, I don’t have a specific writing style although I rarely write anything down if that counts as style. I have 32 titles
and storylines dancing around in my head at present. So, when I go in to write a specific storyline most times, it is fairly
easy. As long as my energy level is up and I am not stressed, I can flow. If I’m dealing with a personal issue or something
is bothering me, I just will not write because my energy level needs to be extremely high to jump from character to character
efficiently. I have never experienced writer’s block but I do not write every day or every week. I may go months without
writing not because the story isn’t there simply because I may feel I am not focused enough to go in and write with
the flare and finesse I expect from myself. I also work really closely with my editor, Rhonda Crowder, which cuts down on
a lot of unusable material. I call her for the smallest issue from grammar to commas to word usage. Nothing is too small.
I have learned so much from my editor. And, with each novel, I write the growth is very visible.
The Writer's Inn: How long did it take for you to complete "Mistress Me"?
Venesha: It took me seven
days to write Mistress Me but my second novel, Notorious, took me six months because I just didn’t
feel like writing. I had half the book completed and didn’t feel like writing for months. I thought about the story
but I just did not feel like writing. So, when I did, I finished the 2nd half in seven days.
The Writer's Inn: Now, Venesha, we've read the synopsis of "Mistress
Me" and it definitely sounds like a real page turner. Please tell readers a little about your novel.
Venesha: Mistress Me
is a story about a NBA basketball player, his mistress, and his wife! The readers are given a courtside seat into what it
is like to be a mistress that turns into a wife of one of the NBA’s most notorious playboys.
The Writer's Inn: What are some of your views on the new authors coming onto the literary
scene these days?
Venesha: I wish them success and prosperity! There is room for all of us despite what other authors
are saying. I am always willing to assist and pass along contacts accordingly. I celebrate all authors whether you like me
or not. There will never be another Venesha and no one can tell the stories I tell, so I think my little spot is safe as long
as I continue to work on my craft. New authors, the sky is the limit and all things are possible!
The Writer's Inn: Who are some of your favorite authors out right now?
Venesha: No favorites.
I certainly celebrate them all and can appreciate each author for their contribution to Urban Literature.
The Writer's Inn: What advice do you have for new and aspiring authors that
are just getting started in their literary career?
Venesha: Knowledge is key and networking certainly doesn’t hurt. When you stumble
and fall, dust yourself off and KEEP IT MOVING! Expect to be tricked and treated too! Learning is a huge and exciting part of life just don’t take it personal. Trials and tribulations will come
and you will grow as long as you are still standing when the smoke clears this is where you belong!
The Writer's Inn: Do you have other aspirations besides writing and, if so, what are
they?
Venesha:
I have been thinking about going to law school and will be making a decision sooner than later.
The Writer's Inn: Will you be doing any book signings in the near future and if so,
what cities do you plan to visit?
Venesha: I don’t have a lot planned as far as book signings are concerned until
Notorious drops at the end of the year. I’m always doing events and signings in my hometown. I’m getting
ready to write three novels this fall so I will be working, working, and working.
The Writer's Inn: Venesha, what can your fans
expect from you in the future?
Venesha: Notorious, Mistress Me/The Remix, Diary of a RockSTAR (teen fiction), and so much more!
The Writer's Inn: The Writer’s
Inn would just like to thank you for allowing us this interview with you, Venesha, and wish you nothing but continued success
in your literary career. We know that you will go far and can’t wait to see more of your work in the near future!
