FEATURED AUTHOR: Jessica A. Robinson

Jessica A. Robinson is a fresh, new author from Ohio.

She's also one-fourth of a national Hip-Hop group named Carnival who's slated to release their sophomore CD in 2009.

She has always been an avid reader but came into the wonderful world of writing by accident. Upon losing her father when she was ten to pancreatic cancer, she began journaling as a form of therapy. The emotions and thoughts expressed on paper turned into short stories and continued to evolve from there.

Coming from such a rich background in the church of having twelve ministers in her family, she writes about the things she's went through and the things people have gone through around her. Her spiritual heritage was the breeding ground for her very own genre, "Church Dramedy."


What would you like readers to take away from your book?

I would like readers to know that what you do in the dark will come to the light and although I know its a cliche' it's very true.

Why did you choose to write this book?

I wanted to write this book because I felt it would be interesting to explore infidelity between a married couple in ministry from a woman's perspective.

What did you learn while writing this book?

I learned that if we're not willing to forgive someone for what they've done to you then it will only hinder you from moving on with your life.

What was your favorite scene/chapter from the book?

My favorite scene is when everything comes together and all of the lies and deceit comes back on Denise (my main character) all at once.

What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?

Writing is not an easy thing. It is something that takes dedication, passion, and hard work. Not anyone can just sit down and write a book.

What is the best lesson you have learned from another writer?

To make sure that I tell the story in a way that it is vivid and that I'm able to place the reader in the very scene where my story is taking place.

What is the toughest test you've faced as a writer?

Being able to push through procrastination.

As a first-time novelist, how would you describe the first moment you found out that your book was going to be published? What did you do to celebrate?

I remember being so excited like I was on the top of the world. I felt so good to have accomplished such a great goal. To celebrate, I went to dinner with my family.

What advice would you offer to someone whose book is about to be released?

Get connected with the literary community by building relationships while you network. Those same people will in turn support your endeavors.

How long did it take for your book to be published after you finished writing it?

It actually happened fast. I believe it was less than 6 months.

What is something readers would be surprised you do?

I'm actually a singer and a rapper in a group named Carnival. www.myspace.com/carnival4

What are three things you wish you’d known before you reached where you are now?

That in order to be a successful writer you must be able to accept critique, be willing to rewrite your manuscript in order to make a masterpiece, and spend countless hours promoting yourself and your work.

How do you reach new readers?

I reach new readers by myspace and directly approaching them to tell them a little bit about my book and myself.

If you could have dinner with 3 authors to talk with about their writing (living or deceased) who would you invite and why?

Kimberla LawsonRoby (because I really enjoy her stories and her work ethic), Toni Morrison and Alice Walker because they have written some novels that I consider to be classic.

Can you give us one do and one don’t for those aspiring to be a writer?

If you really feel you're a writer it is important to learn all you can about writing so that you can be prepared to do well.

How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)

My P.O. Box 1291 Yo, Oh 44501-1291 email:songbird352000@yahoo.com, www.jessica-robinson.com

Our theme for this month is Resources On The Net, what three resources do you use on the net?

I really recommend the social networking sites because that is what helped me to find out things going on in the literary world and it still helps me to stay connected. www.myspace.com, www.facebook.com, www.twitter.com

Can you give us a sneak peek of your next book?

My next book is called The Sins of my Mother and it's dealing with addiction, family secrets, lies, and molestation. It's a very dramatic piece.

Holy Seduction:

Thirty-five year old First Lady Denise Tate is a woman who has it all. She is living the life most people dream of; a beautiful house in the suburbs, luxury cars, shopping sprees, and a husband, Randy, who is ready and willing to keep her laced in nothing but the best. Even though she has everything a woman could ever want, she's still not satisfied and firmly believes she can have her cake and eat it too.

Randy Tate has his work cut out for him as the Senior Pastor of Oakdale Baptist Church, the largest in Youngstown Ohio, yet, he humbly embraces the challenge. Denise has more time on her hands than a clock and she uses this and her endless cash flow to her full advantage. In addition to playing the good, little, church wife, First lady also juggles three other men on the side. She executes the game with such expertise - effortlessly, until one of her lovers decides to flip the script on her.

Relentlessly determined not to be found out, Denise decides not to admit a dark secret that has the power to destroy her cozy life as she knows it.

Eventually, all good things come to an end and the wrath of God is delivered that will haunt her for the rest of her life. Holy Seduction's premise is this; you may play the game well, but, remember there is always someone who plays the game better than you.

Lies, Drama, and deceit are front and center in this novel with a plot so
sneaky and so seductive you'll swear it's a sin.

Jessica is donating a copy of Holy Seduction to one lucky reader. Leave a comment for a chance to win.