A Lot Can Happen in 365 Days: Three Things I Learned After A Year in Publishing

I’m happy to celebrate with my girl Nigeria as she launches the release of her third novel! Today, she’s stopping by to offer some inspiration to fellow writers and to share an excerpt from her latest book, Tempted to Touch. Enjoy!

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Every writer has experienced a day or two (or a month) where all you do is look up at the sky, sigh, and ask the Lord, “When is this thing going to happen for me?”

If you get a publishing deal you start doing the happy dance only to find out that your release date is almost ten months to one year after the date you’ve submitted the book. So, you spend another month with a crick in your neck because you’re constantly looking up asking the same question.

I know this because a year ago this was me. I was anxiously waiting for the release of my first novel, Born at Dawn and two years ago I was waiting for the publisher to offer me a contract.

Now fast forward to join me where I presently am in my writer’s journey; my first novel Born at Dawn won the 2015 Phillis Wheatley Award for First Fiction, my second novel, Seasoned with Grace was released in July to some great reviews including a review right here by Faith Simone and in Publisher’s Weekly (Woot! Woot!). I am currently one week away from releasing my third book, Tempted to Touch by my own, yes, my own independent publishing company, Inheritance Books. After only one year in publishing I’ve learned that a lot can happen in 365 days. Here are some of the big takeaways for me:

1. You are bigger than you think. Don’t let that newbie author status hold you back. Everyone isn’t going to embrace you because they don’t know you, but them being unaware of the gift that God has placed inside of you shouldn’t stop you from strutting through the door. Keep pushing. Try and unlock the side door if you have to, but don’t avoid knocking on the door because you believe you’re too small. I submitted Born at Dawn to the Phillis Wheatley Award competition and Seasoned with Grace to Publisher’s Weekly for review and found out I am bigger than I thought.
2. God’s glory will open every door. I couldn’t bust through those big doors if it wasn’t for His glory on my life. I took the gift He gave me, and gave it back to Him. He hasn’t let me down.
3. Listen to the Unction of the Holy Spirit. So, I started this publishing company, Inheritance Books this year, as in 2015. I never considered myself to be a business maven, but while on jury duty I suddenly felt very industrious and started setting up Inheritance Books. After I received my logo I showed my logo to my sister. She liked it, but she asked me why I was creating a publishing company when I already had a publisher. My response was, “I don’t know, but I feel like there’s a hole and I want to fill it.” I genuinely didn’t know why I was doing what I doing until two days after that conversation with my sister when my publisher announced that they were cutting the Christian Fiction line. There was the hole that Inheritance Books was designed to fill and now I’m preparing to publish books that entertain and edify. Starting with our first release Tempted to Touch. We’ll also be hosting webinars (for all kinds of dream chasers) and workshops for authors because I want you to #GetyourInheritance too!
   

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Check out an Excerpt from our first release Tempted to Touch:

“Is that…?” Onyjie gasped after flipping my laptop open as I tried to press it closed when she entered my office.

“Yes, that’s Quincy, and this is not what it looks like,” I said, pointing to the screen. The mint green lacquer on her nails gleamed in my eyes making it difficult for me to formulate a good lie.

“I hope not.” Onyjie wagged her head and folded her arms across her chest. “It looks to me like you’re cyber stalking him.”

My head shook from side to side. There was no real way for me to make an innocent afternoon of research appear innocent. “No, I bumped into him this morning. He gave me his card.” This would be a great moment for a genie to pop out and shazaam the card would appear in my hand while Onyjie tapped the toe of her metallic silver booties on the floor waiting to find the hole in my story. I don’t know why she went into accounting after college. She has the entire detective thing down pact right down to the cold stare and twisted mouth.

“He’s in the industry now.”

“What industry? The how-to-get-a-divorce-in-ninety-days industry?” she asked, pointing at Quincy’s almond colored face.

“No, the music industry,” I said, laughing to disguise my guilt. I had not so much as called him and Onyjie already had me feeling like I was committing adultery.

“Girl, please. He’s been in the music industry since you met him like fifteen years ago. It turned out that all he did was hand out flyers for Diddy.” Onyjie adjusted her black and white graphic print A-line skirt and parked a quarter of her thigh on my desk.

“Make yourself at home,” I offered, sliding the laptop out of the way. “All that street team stuff is in the past. Now he’s the boss. He runs MacMusic.”

Onyjie shrugged her shoulders and shook her pepper colored pin curls. “Never heard of it. If, and I stress the word, if, this is a legitimate recording company, what do you think is going to happen? You cut a demo and then you’re going to blow up?”

I lowered my head and focused my eyes on a nick in my new desk to hide my smile. Was I being naïve in thinking that a chance encounter with my former lover was the key to living my dreams? Well, he wasn’t quite a lover. Quincy was more like the love you-leave you-then-love you again type.

Onyjie seemingly caught onto my quiet contemplation, or my poor avoidance tactics, and snapped my laptop shut. “You better let the past remain in the past.”

“I have. It’s been ten years since we’ve even seen each other. I entertained him off and on after we graduated, but once Mason and I got married I cut that off. You’re acting like I went and hired a private eye,” I said, swatting her hand off my laptop and popping it back open. “I bumped into him at Joe’s House of Java.”

“Yeah, and Eve bumped into Satan in the garden while she was picking up lunch.” Onyjie folded her arms and the corners of her mouth into a scowl at the same time. “You think you’re the first pretty girl he’s given his card. He probably has two baby mamas and a girlfriend. Don’t be no fool, girl.”

Do you think Kira is going to give in to her flesh or follow the Spirit?

Pre-order Tempted to Touch here to find out:

Paperback: Pre-order for the Inheritance Books website at 20% off and receive an autographed copy

Ebook: Amazon, Smashwords

For more information about Inheritance Books visit:

www.inheirtancebooks.co

Sign up for our newsletter and receive 3 Keys to Getting Your Inheritance FREE http://eepurl.com/bkYUAH

Follow us on Instagram @inheritancebooks and on Twitter @inheritbooks

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Bio

Nigeria Lockley possesses two master’s degrees, one in English secondary education, which she utilizes as an educator with the New York City Department of Education. Her second master’s degree is in creative writing. Nigeria’s debut novel, Born at Dawn received the 2015 Phillis Wheatley Award for First Fiction. Nigeria serves as the Vice President of Bridges Family Services, a not-for-profit organization that assists student parents interested in pursuing a degree in higher education. She is also the deaconess and clerk for her spiritual home, King of Kings and Lord of Lords Church of God. Nigeria is a New York native who resides in Harlem with her husband and two daughters.

Keep up with Nigeria

Website: www.nigerialockley.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorNigeriaLockley

Instagram: www.instagram.com/NewNigeria

Twitter: www.twitter.com/NewNigeria

To find out more about Inheritance Books sign up for our newsletter and receive 3 Keys to Getting Your Inheritance FREE http://eepurl.com/bkYUAH

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Faith Simone says: I’m soooo proud of Nigeria! She stays on her grind and does not hesitate to give God all the glory. Her takeaways from her first year as a published author are awesome. It’s reassuring to hear an author speak from the place of their own doubts, yet still have the courage to step out on faith. People rarely admit that part of the process of chasing your dreams, is getting weary on the journey. The key is to never give up!

***********************UPDATE 10/27/15*********************

Nigeria is giving away one autographed copy of the book and a $10.00 dollar Amazon gift card. Enter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have you ever dealt with a ‘Quincy’? (Haven’t we all!) What are your thoughts on infidelity? Do you think it’s something people just fall into? Or does the possibility creep in slowly? Do you have any questions for Nigeria about Inheritance Books? Ask away in the comments below.

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Book Review: Seasoned with Grace

I first discovered author Nigeria Lockley during a blog tour for her debut novel Born at Dawn. God was all in that thang, because she’s since gone on to become one of my top cyber buddies. So it is with great pleasure that I share with you Nigeria’s sophomore effort: Seasoned with Grace!

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Title: Seasoned with Grace

Author: Nigeria Lockley

Genres: Christian Fiction, Urban Fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Women’s Fiction

Description: Sentenced to probation, thirty-year-old, supermodel Grace King must put her plans of transitioning into acting to extend the longevity of her career on hold. Desperate to keep a close eye on Grace and his job Grace’s ambitious lawyer, Ethan Summerville has her complete community service in the last place Grace wants to be. His church.

Instead of God, Grace finds a “chocolate drop” of a man–Brother Horace Brown. However, Horace isn’t looking for a supermodel. He wants his woman saved and sanctified, but Grace has never met a man who has been able to resist her. Will Horace compromise his faith for a taste of fortune, fame, and Grace?While Grace focuses on the pursuit of passion Ethan finds one director willing to take a risk and cast Grace in his debut film, but this role fits Grace all too well. Will this film revive Grace’s relationship with God and her career or bring her closer to destruction?

My Review: Grace is one of those characters that you love to hate. At least in the beginning. She’s vain, selfish, abrasive and a real piece of work. Grace is the type of woman you wouldn’t want to leave your man around. But once you find out why she’s the way she is, you find yourself rooting for her to come out on top, despite her obnoxious attitude.

Like the main character’s name and the title of the book, grace is a paramount theme in this novel. Grace is surrounded by supportive characters that show her exactly what her name means, whether it be through tough love, protecting her reputation (what she has left of it) or standing with her once her full story comes to light. All of the characters are flawed in some way, which in my opinion makes them more believable. I’m a sucker to Christian Fiction that dares to tell the ugly truth, and Seasoned with Grace does not disappoint!

Pre-order Seasoned with Grace here! It officially drops July 28th.

What’s the name of the last book you read with a character that rubbed you the wrong way? Did you eventually grow to care/understand him or her? Do you think books always have to have main characters that readers can relate to?

***I was provided an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review, which I freely give.***

A Couple of Laughs + #Giveaway

I’ve mentioned my sister a couple of times before, but today I feel like paying special tribute the lady I affectionately call Sista CJ. I dedicated When the Real Thing Comes Along to her and her reaction was priceless. Take a look. I used slow motion to make sure I captured the full emotional impact. 🙂

 

Then during the winter/ice storm she decided that the trash can just had to be rolled out to the curb; despite the fact that it was highly unlikely that the sanitation workers would even come to pick it up. I sensed the opportunity for some comic relief and let’s just say I wasn’t disappointed.

I hope you had a good laugh at my sister’s expense. If I’m wrong for posting these videos, I don’t wanna be right! After all, laughter is medicine.

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On another note, I’m still on tour and today I’m making quite a few stops. Join me at Writing Fiction for the Renewed Mind. There, I’ll be giving 5 easy tips for increasing your blog traffic. After that, check out my book spotlight with authors Adrienne Thompson and Unoma Nwankwor. You’ll get an exclusive excerpt from When the Real Thing Comes Along! And finally if you’re a foodie, mosey on over to Strong Women, Brave Stories where I’ll share the recipe for my mama’s famous Mexican style lasagna. It’s the business y’all. Just take a quick look at the pic below.

I overcooked it just a little!

 

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Do you have a favorite recipe? A funny joke? Tips for increasing blog traffic? Tell us about them below!

Blog Tour Stops: Writing Fiction for the Renewed Mind, Author Adrienne Thompson,  Strong Women, Brave Stories & Fusing Faith Romance & African Spice!

Enter to win one of (3) $10 Amazon Gift Cards!

a Rafflecopter Giveaway

Book Review: “Born at Dawn” by Nigeria Lockley

You may remember Nigeria from her stellar interview a few weeks ago. It’s my pleasure to review her debut novel! Check out the deets.

Title: Born at Dawn

Author: Nigeria Lockley

Genre: Christian Fiction

Book Description: 

Thirty-four year old Cynthia Barclay knows that marriage is supposed to be for better or for worse. Unfortunately, for the last ten years of her marriage Cynthia has experienced the worst that marriage has to offer at the hands of her abusive husband Marvin Barclay. With the hope of saving herself and her family she turns to the Lord. Expecting to see God manifest himself greatly in her life sooner than later Cynthia is not content just waiting. She wants out.

Abandoning her hope, her husband, and her two young sons Cynthia boards a bus from New York City to Richmond, Virginia. She begins a new life armed with six thousand dollars on a prepaid credit card, a sketchy plan for success, and a promise to return for her sons. That is until she meets Cheo, a photojournalist with enough connections to take her where she wants to be and forget where she came from.

After six years in Richmond Cynthia’s dark past resurfaces. At the risk of losing it all–her past and her present Cynthia returns home to right her wrongs. Has Cynthia chosen the right time to return home or is it too late for God to restore everything she has broken?

My Review:

I loved this book! It forced me to re-evaluate so many of my moral codes.

Cynthia chose to do the unthinkable: she abandoned her children and left them with an abusive parent. She escaped, but left her two sons behind in a dangerous situation. I wanted to judge her. I wanted to dislike her. But Lockley manages to portray Cynthia’s humanity and brokeness in a way that garnered my sympathy. For Cynthia, leaving her children was the equivalent of putting the oxygen mask on herself first when the plane is going down. She had to save herself in order to have any chance of being there for her children.

Born at Dawn also offers narrative from the perspective of Cynthia’s abusive husband Marvin. The monster becomes human as we are allowed to see the history and patterns of neglect that stem from Marvin’s shady childhood. He is flawed, arrogant, manipulative and childish, yet I found myself rooting for his recovery.

Born at Dawn is unpredictable and delectable. I devoured this book and savored the flavor of love long after I finished it. I have mixed feelings about the ending, and I hope there’s a sequel or spin-off coming soon. If you want to read a book that will challenge your moral compass and have you feeling some type of way, then you HAVE to read Born at Dawn!

It’s Born at Dawn’s release day!!!! You can get your’s via Amazon now by clicking here!

First week sales are crucial for authors, so if you’re planning to purchase ‘Born at Dawn’ I encourage you to do so sooner, rather than later. 🙂 

Nigeria Lockley is in our Author Spotlight!

I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to interview debut novelist Nigeria Lockley and get the deets on her new release ‘Born at Dawn’! This author has been hailed as ‘one to watch’ and has already earned a place on my short list of favorite Christian Fiction authors. I hope you enjoy!

What’s your name or pen name?

Nigeria Lockley

What are your genres?

I currently write Christian Fiction.

What have you written?

My first novel Born at Dawn is scheduled to be released September 30, 2014.

When did you begin your writing career?

That depends on what you consider a writing career. I’ve been writing since I could hold a pen in my hand, but I received my first publishing contract in 2013.

Are you a full-time or part-time writer? How do you make time to write?

I am a part-time writer. I use my spare moments to write, which includes typing during my commute to and from work, late nights, and lunch breaks.

What’s your writing process? (Number of days you write per week, a.m. or p.m., specific music you play while writing, or anything else that you feel is a vital part of your creative process.)

I need absolute quiet when I’m working at home. I don’t know why, but when I’m at home I cannot deal with any distractions. When I’m at Starbucks or on the train I can tune everything out, but at home I need peace and quiet to get anything done.

Do you keep a journal? If so, for how long? Do you find it helpful for your professional writing?

I keep a journal for my personal and spiritual development. I’m not consistent enough for it be effective or helpful for professional use. The notepad on my phone has been the most useful for keeping effective notes that can be used for my professional writing.

What’s your inspiration?

My inspiration comes from real life and I get confirmation from the Lord on whether or not to pursue the story. For instance, when I began writing my current work in progress, Seasoned with Grace there were a lot sermons being preached about the grace of God and I knew that this was the story line for me to develop.

What kind of legacy do you expect your writing to leave?

I want to be remembered as the writer whose work was edifying and entertaining. I’d like to be remembered for making bold choices and being true to what I believe in.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Write what is in you. Don’t think about the readers, the editor, or the publisher. Begin with the story you want to tell and then tailor it to suit the needs of the reader, match the suggestions of the editor, and the demands of the publisher. Don’t just tell a story tell your story.

What’s on your bookshelf or in your e-reader library?

My bookshelf is a wild mix—Emerson and bell hooks are right next to Tiffany L. Warren. My eReader is jam-packed with some great Christian Fiction by E.N. Joy, Michelle Stimpson, Michelle Lindo-Rice, and Vanessa Miller to name a few. I’m currently reading, Are You There, God? by Theresa A. Campbell.

What are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on Seasoned with Grace, my second novel. In which Grace King, a volatile model with aspirations of becoming an actress, is placed on probation for assault and is forced to do community service at church. While doing community service not only does she meet the man of her dreams, while serving him on the food pantry line, but she also encounters some demons from her past. Grace must figure out whether she can fight those demons off to achieve her dream or be held captive by them once again.

Latest release and book blurb?

My latest release, Born at Dawn, is scheduled to be released September 30, 2014 and is currently available for pre-order today!

Thirty-four year old Cynthia Barclay knows that marriage is supposed to be for better or for worse. Unfortunately, for the last ten years of her marriage Cynthia has experienced the worst that marriage has to offer at the hands of her abusive husband Marvin Barclay. With the hope of saving herself and her family she turns to the Lord. Expecting to see God manifest himself greatly in her life sooner than later Cynthia is not content just waiting. She wants out.

Abandoning her hope, her husband, and her two young sons Cynthia boards a bus from New York City to Richmond, Virginia. She begins a new life armed with six thousand dollars on a prepaid credit card, a sketchy plan for success, and a promise to return for her sons. That is until she meets Cheo, a photojournalist with enough connections to take her where she wants to be and forget where she came from.

After six years in Richmond Cynthia’s dark past resurfaces. At the risk of losing it all—her past and her present Cynthia returns home to right her wrongs. Has Cynthia chosen the right time to return home or is it too late for God to restore everything she has broken?

Tell us about your main character? What actress or actor would you cast to play him or her in a movie about your book?

Cynthia Barclay is battered, confused, and blames herself for everything that has gone wrong in her life. In an attempt to fix it she turns to the Lord and when that doesn’t go as she expected it to she takes matters into her own hands. When Born at Dawn is turned into a film I would love for Taraji P. Henson or Nicole Beharie from the movie 42 would be great as Cynthia.

How can we purchase your work?

Born at Dawn is available wherever books are sold including:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1i6VKs0

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1izSGRU

The Burning Bush (independent Christian bookstore): http://bit.ly/1sJAY6K

Books-a-Million: http://bit.ly/1gRLvTV

How can we stay in touch with you?

To keep up with me you can find me all over the web:

Website: www.nigerialockley.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/authornigerialockley

Twitter and Instagram: @NewNigeria

STAY TUNED FOR MY REVIEW OF ‘BORN AT DAWN! ANY QUESTIONS FOR NIGERIA? LEAVE THEM BELOW!

PRE-ORDER ‘BORN AT DAWN’ HERE.