Tamika Newhouse is a self-published bestselling author. Founder of Delphine Publications, at the age of 21, Tamika appeared on various bestseller lists and won Self Published Author of the Year at the 2009 African American Literary Awards.
Along with Delphine Publications, Tamika is the founder and President of African Americans on the Move Book Club (AAMBC) - an online book club and radio show catering to avid readers across the nation. With future projects in the works from short films, stage plays and much more, Tamika is a young woman
on a mission.
Tamika presently tours the country speaking about overcoming her teen pregnancy to fulfill her dream, as well as teaching aspiring writers the publishing ropes. She has hosted her own internet radio show (AAMBC) for over three years and continues to expand her brand.
A wife and mother of two, Tamika Newhouse balances her family and entrepreneurship, and encourages all mothers single or married to do the same.
How did you start out your writing career?
In 2008 after establishing a popular online media group for black writers, I decided to write a novel I had written over two years prior. The Ultimate NO NO was a book I self published in 2009 launching my own Indie publishing house. That novel would go on to win me the Self Published author of the Year at the African American Literary Awards and will be released as a mass market edition by the prestigious publishing house, Kensington.
What did you learn while writing this book?
I wrote this book when I was just a reader and just a dreamer. I had no idea of this big world of literature that includes many black writers, events and festivals, book clubs, reviewers, radio host, and etc. I was a fresh with no knowledge of the book world.
What has surprised you most about becoming a published author?
That it was a lot of work. This is a constant job there isn’t a clock out time. I am constantly thinking and breathing this industry.
What aspect of writing do you love the best, and which do you hate the most?
I love creating the book. Being able to escape this world and learn about new people in your book. It’s like you control that world. But when it comes to editing it is pure hell. You get tired of reading your book over and over again it can get really annoying.
What are three things you wish you’d known before you reached where you are now?
How to market, where to travel, and who to use for editing. It would of saved me a lot of money.
Can you give us one do and one don’t for those aspiring to be a writer?
Do not publish under a vanity press like Author House or Xlibris and make sure that when your book comes out that you do book signings and the foot work to get that exposure.
What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?
That you cannot cut cost when it comes to publishing a book. It requires money to have a nice book cover and for your book to lack errors. Take the time to publish your book correctly and professionally.
If you could be a character from any book you've read, who would you be?
Ooooo that’s hard but I am a character in one of my books. My upcoming release Cookie A Fort Worth Story is based off of my life and some things I had to go through as a teen age young mother. Although it is embellished and all things aren’t true, most of It is.
When you're not writing, what do you like to do in your spare time?
I lie around and watch TV, nothing like watching my favorite reality shows.
What do you do to interact with your readers?
I tweet a lot, constantly on FaceBook, and travel a lot. I love life on the road.
Our theme for this month is BOOK READERS. Give a shot out to five book clubs who have featured your books.
Shout out to Divas Book club in Texas, Readers Paradise, Cozy Corner, Sugar and Spice, Black Lilly, and so many others.
Oprah always asks, What do you know for sure?
I know that I am a writer and writing is me.
How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)
tamikanewhouse@yahoo.com
http://www.tamikanewhouse.com/
www.fb.com/tamikanewhouse
Life dealt Cookie a hand she didn't want to play... Born Latoya James, when starting high school, Cookie believes this is her time to stand out from underneath her sister s shadow. Always declared the odd one, she makes it her mission to be noticed by anyone who will pay attention. Reality starts to settle in when she realizes life isnt always peaches and cream. After witnessing the rape of her best friend, and then the death of one of her classmates, she starts to believe life isnt what she thought it would be. Sex, drugs, catering to her new demons, and hanging out with the older crowd become her escape and not even her high school sweetheart can steer her straight. It isnt until she realizes everyone around her is not who they seem to be when she decides to change her life. But when she experiences an unwanted pregnancy and the death of her mother, Cookie is left to wonder if this is the way her life will always be. Based on a true story, Cookie is a gripping tale of a teen girl who had to grow up sooner than later. Taking place in one of the fastest-growing suburbs of Fort Worth, witness the life of Cookie and her quest to be loved, appreciated, and wanted. You will soon discover life is never what it seems.
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