Delilah:
Behind every successful man is a good woman. The downfall of a good man is a woman up to no good.
Thirty and fine, Samson Judges is preacher of the Peaceful Rest Missionary Baptist Church . He’s beloved by his congregation, but temptation is about to strike in the form of divalicious beauty Delilah, and only the Good Lord knows if Samson will be able to keep his head on straight with her. Especially considering he’s about to be married to Julia Rivers. Julia helped shape Samson into the man he is, but Delilah wants to knock him down. He doesn’t know she’s been hired to distract him by real estate developer William Trusts, who wants to acquire the land where Samson’s church stands.... Samson feels like his relationship with God puts him above it all, but his weakness for Delilah may just cause him to lose everything. ~ Black Expressions Book Club
Book trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BweL6FyPjm4
How did you start out your writing career?
My desire to be a writer was sparked after meeting Maya Angelou my freshman year in high school. I decided to do it professionally after my Dad died and Princess Diana died.
What did you learn while writing this book?
I learned that if your plan for your life is in line with what God wants for you, then everything will fall into place. I say that because I almost didn't complete writing Delilah because I was going through some things in my personal and professional life at the time. After praying about the situations, I got a renewed sense of desire to complete Delilah. This is my 10th book; my first Christian fiction book and from the responses, my best book to date. So if I would have NOT written Delilah, I would not be reaping the rewards.
What did you hope to accomplish with this book?
After reading Delilah, I want people to reflect and think about the choices they make. I wrote Delilah because I kept hearing people trying to blame others for their transgressions instead of taking responsibilities for their own actions. We have choices in our life. It's up to each individual to weigh their options before acting or reacting. Our decisions can lead to life or death.
Which character did you have the most fun writing about?
Delilah of course. She's a three dimensional character with one thing on her mind--Samson. She makes the mistake of falling in love with her pastor, Rev. Samson Judges. Delilah hasn't had luck with men in the past but feels her luck has changed when she meets Samson. In her eyes, Samson's perfect and can do no wrong. Delilah feels if given the chance, Samson could grow to love her. She doesn't care he's already engaged to marry someone else.
How do you keep motivated to write?
Some days writing is automatic and there is no need for outside motivation. Then there are some frustrating days where just having encouragement from my network of author friends motivate me. I'm always encouraged when I receive an email from a reader.
What aspect of writing do you love the best, and which do you hate the most?
I love creating a new world and seeing how the characters stories will come to life. I don't like the revision process, but it's something that must be done, so I do it.
What are three things you wish you’d known before you reached where you are now?
1. I wish I knew that I didn't have to limit myself. I can write in multiple genres; like I'm now doing.
2. I wish I knew that one person's "no" can be another person's "yes."
3. I wish I knew that eBooks would take off the way that they have.
Can you give us one do and one don’t for those aspiring to be a writer?
One do--if you want to be a writer, don't talk about being a writer, do it. Write.
One don't--Don't try to find time to write. Make time to write.
What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?
Novels are not written by themselves. A writer has to have some form of solitude so they can write a book and to not take it personally when a writer asks for "alone" time.
If you could be a character from any book you've read, who would you be?
I would be Parris Mitchell from my book Double Platinum. Her singing career appeared to be over, but with hard work and determination, she made a comeback and ended up going not just double platinum but triple platinum.
When you're not writing, what do you like to do in your spare time?
I love to read, watch movies, and hang out with family and friends.
What do you do to interact with your readers?
I'm just a click away. I'm on the social networks. . Readers can conversate with me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/sheliagoss or Twitter: www.twitter.com/sheliamgoss
Our theme this month is Family Literacy. Do you do anything to promote family literacy?
Whenever I'm asked to speak at libraries, I do my best to encourage literarcy to not just kids, but the adults. My wish is that familes will take just 30 minutes a day to read--if not a book, at least a magazine or newspaper.
Oprah always asks, What do you know for sure?
I know that what God has for me is for me and can't nobody take it away.
Can you give us a sneak peek of your next book?
Yes. My next book is
Savannah's Curse and its in the suspense genre.
Straight-laced Savannah Blake’s world is turned upside down when she finds her dad, Major Blake, shot on his lawn. Before he dies, he gives her a few clues to the identity of his killer. His dying request is “Protect your sisters.” Montana and Asia are the only family Savannah has left, and she will fight to the end to save them. The pain of losing their father has Savannah obsessed with finding his killer. Savannah’s Curse will take readers on a roller-coaster ride of suspense as Savannah channels her grief into an unrelenting search for her father’s murderer.
How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)
My website is http://www.sheliagoss.com/ or email: sheliagoss@aol.com
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5 comments:
LaShaunda, thanks for the feature. Many people don't know that I got my start in the literary arena by writing reviews for Shades of Romance. For that, I'll always be grateful :)
I enjoyed your interview, Shelia. You are so right about the explosion of ebooks - who knew! I didn't know you started with SOR, but it was also one of the first places I found inspiration. Absolutely loved the online conferences. LaShaunda even wanted to print a story, but it was too long! Best of success to you, Shelia (and LaShaunda) :)
Very thoughtful and inspiring interview. Glad you followed your dreams to being a writer.
Niambi, I learned a lot via those online conferences.
Beverly, thanks :)
Shelia thanks for being our featured author.
It is always a pleasure to learn about your new books.
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