Have you ever delved into the deepest darkest, innermost secrets of a mistress? Ever sat and discussed the characteristics and lifestyle of your modern day courtesan? Those that do kiss and tell will stop at nothing to inform you that although glitzy and glamorous on the outside, being the “other woman” is no walk in the park.  Self-published author, VENESHA, can attest to that lifestyle. Her debut novel  Mistress Me, draws astounding similarities between herself and protagonist Channing Golden, who finds herself tangled in a web of lies, betrayal, lust and deceit.

      Venesha, a Milwaukee, Wisconsin born and raised novelist, is the middle child of 5 children. Growing up, she was adopted by her best friend’s family at the age of 12.  She struggled with feeling like an outsider within her own household and sought peace with her adopted family.  “My mother and I never quite got along,” says Venesha. “ I speak to her at times but the family that I grew up with is all the blood that I need.”

      Attending college was a very brief period in Venesha's life. She went to Texas Southern University in Houston for 1-year until she met the man of her dreams, who happened to be an NFL player at the time.  This man introduced her to a life filled with different “flights of fancy” as some would say. From first-class trips to the most elusive islands, to gifts that you would only dream of having, Venesha's 6-year stay in Houston, Texas was a life spent with endless adventures and new-found freedom.

      It is this lifestyle that propelled her to pen her fictional novel, Mistress Me, along with the desire to unleash a talent within – writing.  Going back to college at the age of 30 served as a crucial stepping-stone in Venesha's life. She credits Dr. Christine Manion, a professor in the English Department of Marquette University, “She taught me the foundation of writing and literature,” says Venesha. “She’s an amazing person.” With her new found knowledge and understanding on the subject of English, Venesha established Polka Dotz & Stripez Publishing; under which Mistress Me is published.

      Two decades and two beautiful daughters later, Venesha is able to look back on some of the not-so-good decisions she has made over the course of her life and come to grips with her sense of self. A 10-year member of the Christian Faith Fellowship Church, Venesha prides herself on 3 life principals that she follows, spirituality, education and empathy. “Self-healing is the key to forward progress,” says Venesha. “I’ve been through so much, in what feels like so little time. I don’t live life with regrets and I look back on the mistakes that I’ve made and try to correct them for the next time.”

      Venesha is living proof that life’s obstacles only stand in your way if you let them. She’s a single mother with her own publishing company, a novel under her belt and the passion to expose her creative talent to those willing to receive it. Already working on her next project, Notorious, Venesha is ready to prove that being someone’s “mistress” is not all life has to offer. There is reality after the fantasy comes to an end.