Learn more at http://www.drmoeanderson.com/ and follow her on Twitter @drmoeanderson.
How did you start out your writing career?
I was born a writer. It’s in my DNA. I’ve written plays, poems, songs, and short stories since I was a child. My professional career began as a freelance journalist for a sports magazine, The Viking Update, in 1989, however.
What did you learn while writing this book?
The main character in Sinphony is a third grade teacher. Talking to dozens of teachers for my research gave me a fresh perspective on how difficult classroom management has become with our latest generation of children. I also vicariously felt the pressure they are under to make sure students excel on standardized tests. I don’t know how they do it.
What did you hope to accomplish with this book?
I’m a big fan of parents, especially mothers. Of my three novels, two have hardworking mothers (Sinphony and When A Sistah’s Fed Up) as the main characters. My goal is to remind women (including me) of the need for fun and personal boundaries that no one, not even family, can impose upon. ‘Cause when mama ain’t happy…
Which character did you have the most fun writing about?
Ebonee (When A Sistah’s Fed Up) who is a ghetto fabulous type by night and a much more conservative sales person at an upscale department store by day. She’s a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde. I love writing about characters who are nothing like me—I think. I guess most of us have a hidden hoochie in the closets of our minds. LOL.
What has surprised you most about becoming a published author?
The low pay.
What aspect of writing do you love the best, and which do you hate the most?
I love the creation of the novel and the publication. I really enjoy speaking at book events and serving on literary panels. Traveling and all the marketing stuff—not so much.
What are three things you wish you’d known before you reached where you are now?
1. How to cope with difficult/dishonest people and not lose my cool.
2. That persistent resistance is God’s way of letting you know you need to take a detour.
3. Telling the truth doesn’t mean telling everything you know.
Can you give us one do and one don’t for those aspiring to be a writer?
Do listen to your heart and don’t listen to your relatives (about your writing only.) Get expert help and study the craft even if you have natural talent.
What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?
The low pay so please stop asking for discounts and free books. We have to pay for them before we sell them. Seriously, it’s a big problem. If you want to help your writer friend or favorite author, promote them at your job, girls’ nite, or host a signing. Then ask for a free book!
If you could be a character from any book you've read, who would you be?
Oooh great question! Well, it wouldn’t be the Proverbs Woman. She worked way too hard. (Yes, I know it’s a composite of several women but many people don’t get that part.) Okay this is stretching it since “character” implies fiction, but I’d be Michelle Obama in the President’s memoir! Ha!
When you're not writing, what do you like to do in your spare time?
Nature walks, watch movie/documentaries, read, spend time with family and friends.
What do you do to interact with your readers?
Attend a lot of literary events, social networks with book clubs, internet interviews with call-ins, and respond to emails personally…
Our theme for this month is NON-FICTION. Have you ever written non-fiction? If so what did you write?
Yes, my first two books: Black English Vernacular: From Ain’t To Yo Mama, and Mom, Are We There Yet?
Oprah always asks, What do you know for sure?
God is sovereign. That’s all.
Can you give us a sneak peek of your next book?
It’s a sequel to my Essence Bestselling first novel, When A Sistah’s Fed Up. I kinda left readers hanging about what Faith Henry would do now that she’s no longer married or the Mayor. Hmmm? There will be drama, romance, and lots of laugh out loud scenes. Look for it in 2012.
How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)
http://www.drmoeanderson.com/ or info@drmoeanderson.com
Follow me on Twitter: @drmoeanderson
My novels are available as e-books and paperback online.
Thank you for your continued support Shades of Romance and your readers! Smooches~ mOe
Sinphony
Nona Huff hasn't been lucky in love or life in general. She has lived through a rough divorce and raised two boys with a little help from her parents. After working herself through college, she is finally teaching at an elementary school she loves. Feeling the need to shield her heart, she is dating with no strings attached, getting her happy back, and hoping for a promotion to vice-principal. There are only three things standing in her way—
*Franklin, mature and successful with the sex drive of a shoelace. He’s a big horn in public so she plays him for her friends and family.
*Terry, the much younger artist, who makes her feel his age. He strums her like a Spanish guitar in private.
*Vince, her new colleague, who would be the perfect man if he wasn't after her dream job.
She chose the “independent” label because she’s already made an A+ in Heartbreak 101. It was a hard, painful lesson learned. Now that she's directing the sheet music, can anyone touch her heartstrings?
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2 comments:
Dr. Moe,
Thank you for being our Featured Author today.
I feel you on the low pay. People always want the hook up. LOL
Buy a book or two or three and give to your friends.
LaShaunda thank you for the hard work and continued support of AA themed literature. I am so impressed by the way you persevered to turn your passion into a profession. You made the come-up...come up! You know what we say, 'Spread the word, not the book!" Peace
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