author interview | Why Yet's Words

Checking Off Goals…

Posted on February 17, 2018 by Why Yet

Hello. I haven’t posted sinced NaNoWriMo last year and for good reason. Exhaustion. I needed to decompress from the stress of typing all the words so I can continue to write all the words. Before I go any further, happy new year to you all and I hope you are making everyday count for you. This post is to share what I’ve been up to…

When the New Year comes in we are all flooded with the same “New Year, New You” ads to guilt you into signing up for health clubs, insurance clubs, etc… Me personally, I stopped writing resolutions years ago. They’re usually forgotten by Valentine’s Day anyway. Instead, I think of a few goals I want to accomplish during the new year to improve myself. This year, among my usual take better care of my health goals, I vowed to tackle 2 things I am afraid of and something I have been procrastinating with. I was afraid to knit a pair of socks, afraid to re-enter the realm of spoken word and procrastinating with ending a toxic relationship.

Heh, heh, heh… Growth doesn’t happen overnight. It takes consistent effort. I completed my first pair of knitted socks in January and on February 3rd I recited one of my poems during a podcast interview with Sabreen on Soundcloud, Author Event.

Then on February 9th I attended an open mic night where I performed for the first time in a few years. Along with facing those fears I am pursuing what makes me happy – helping, supporting and promoting others.

With the same heated fervor of the Black Panther release, I strive to reach those who need encouragement through my poetic words. My first collection, Entangled Hearts, is available on amazon.com. My second collection, Reflections, is due to be released later this year. Order your copy of Entangled Hearts and remember to challenge yourself to face your fears. Check them off of your list one by one!

On Why Yet’s Watch with Sharai Robbin

Posted on January 29, 2016 by Why Yet

Anyone who knows me (and I mean REALLY knows me), knows that I LOVE a good book. I am a book nerd wrapped in a gorgeous face, lol! On my show, On Why Yet’s Watch, I recently had the pleasure of interviewing an author from my hometown of Philadelphia, Sharai Robbin. Sharai is the author of the novel, Candace Reign, which was picked up by Simon & Schuster in 2015.

Candace Reign Sharai promo

Sharai is an inspirational woman all by herself even before you get to her writing. Sitting and talking with her about her passion for crafting her words into book form was divine! I am at a loss for words to describe the interview. All I can say is you would have to listen for yourself and come to your own conclusion. We need more individuals who are looking to improve and inspire the current generations’ preparing to come of age so that they in turn can improve and inspire those that come behind them. That will create a better world for us ALL!

On Why Yet’s Watch with Darryl Carr

Posted on October 23, 2015October 23, 2015 by Why Yet

I just finished a wonderful interview with author Darryl Carr. He is the author of Victim of Love (which is FREE on amazon for a limited time). Being inspired by Stephen King, the writers of Dynasty, Falcon Crest and Dallas, Darryl strives to create believable characters that we can connect with. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY Darryl began writing when he was 16 years old. A lover of words, Darryl already has Victim of Love 2: Master in My Bed ready for release on October 23, 2015. Darryl Carr can be followed on http://www.facebook.com/darryl.carr3, and http://www.twitter.com/dcarr217 . Grab your free copy of Victim of Love, check out the interview On Why Yet’s Watch with Darryl Carr and follow Darryl Carr to keep up on new books being released!

On Why Yet’s Watch with Victoria Catherine

Posted on September 9, 2015September 9, 2015 by Why Yet

Thursday nights are energetic for me. Why you ask? Because every Thursday night I get to interview someone new. This week I have the pleasure (pun intended) of interviewing erotica authoress, Victoria Catherine. Chicago native who relocated to Fort Wayne, IN, Victoria has been writing since she was a “pure, innocent, and virginal pre-teen”. Most of her early stories were based off of the Red Shoe Diaries on Showtime. Fascinated with the psychology of what made people lust after each other she began writing what she coins as “bathtub lit”. Her debut novel, One: Sex & Lies, is available on amazon.com.

Victoria Catherine is the name of the alter ego created from the love of secrets, anonymity and all naughty things we hide away, but in real life she is a wife and mother with many pets. She is a foodie who has a day job and loves classic movie musicals. Victoria Catherine’s writing goal is to write at her own pace and have fun doing it. If you like secrets and finding out all naughty things we hide away then this is a not to miss interview for you. Join me, Why Yet, as I step into the world of bathtub lit with Victoria Catherine on blog talk radio. The call in number is 773-897-6297. Or you can check it out here. I broadcast live Thursday, September 10, 2015 at 9 pm EST.

Why A Thug Can’t Love Me by Monica Jeremie

Posted on September 4, 2015September 4, 2015 by Why Yet

I just had the pleasure of interviewing brand new author, Monica Jeremie on my show, On Why Yet’s Watch. A mom of two, she has her hands full but she didn’t allow that to halt her dream of writing a novel of substance. Her debut novel, Why A Thug Can’t Love Me, was published by Mahogany Red Books. With a Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies under her belt and beginning work on her degree in Public Administration, Monica has set her sights on her second novel, part two of Why A Thug Can’t Love Me.

Monica’s passion for writing began after reading Mary B. Morrison’s Soulmates Dissipate. With aspirations to help teens and young women learn to love and accept themselves for who they are and where they are in life, Monica’s goals include creating stories that are relate-able, entertaining, and original. You can follow Monica on facebook: @monicajeremie twitter: @monicajeremie and on instagram: @monicajeremie .

On Why Yet’s Watch with Mya Kay

Posted on August 28, 2015August 28, 2015 by Why Yet

I am truly enjoying my radio hosting gig at BRPP Radio on blogtalkradio.com. I have the pleasure to meet and interact with the coolest artists, writers, musicians and entrepreneurs. I have been hosting since March of this year. I started out co-hosting a show, Sistahs With Purpose, with my real-life sister, The Author Yani on BRPP Radio. She had to go on hiatus for a bit just as our “boss” Kim Morrow started a sister station – BRPP Presents: The Interviewers. It was scary when I began hosting interviews by myself in May. Since then I have learned to relax and have fun with my guests. That makes the show less stressful. Tonight’s show was proof of that.

Tonight I had the pleasure of interviewing Mya Kay. She’s an author, writer, philanthropist, entrepreneur and motivational speaker, whose energy and upbeat attitude is contagious. From growing up in North Philadelphia to teaching English in South Korea for a year – Mya is not afraid to open the door when opportunity knocks. During her year in South Korea, Mya took the extra down time she had after work and wrote three books. After many rejections from Barnes and Nobles, Mya succeeded in having one of her novels, A Song For Jordan, booked in one of their locations in Atlanta, GA for a book signing event where she ultimately sold 11 out of 20 books! Proof that positive persistence pays off.

Not slowing down, I asked Mya about her newest venture – Empress by Mya Michele, a nail color line she just launched. Mya stated she was inspired by Tammy from an episode of Basketball Wives who had started a similar business of signature nail colors. Inspiration can come from anywhere as long as you remain open to it. To celebrate the launch of her new nail color company, Mya is currently promoting a giveaway. You can read about it here: I Love A Good Giveaway. I asked Mya for advice that she would give to new authors and entrepreneurs and she stated these three principles to follow:

Grace over Grind
Keep God First
Believe in your vision before you tell anyone about it

You don’t have to take my word for it. You can hear it in her own words On Why Yet’s Watch with Mya Kay.

My Interview with Lisa Sparrow and How Mental Illness Affects All of Us

Posted on July 31, 2015July 31, 2015 by Why Yet

Lisa Sparrow is an inspirational woman. She sat with me for an hour on my blogtalk radio show, On Why Yet’s Watch, and was completely open about her daily battle with mental illness. That in itself is bravery in my book. Mental illness is such a touchy topic to speak on because growing up we (as a society) were taught to only speak of such things in the house – especially when it pertained to a relative or close loved one. Lisa shared her story with our listeners and I am truly grateful.

Depression is the most common form of mental illness that people are familiar with. There is NO one single cause of depression. There can be a combination of causes that can trigger depression:

Trauma – a serious trauma that occurs early in life can change our brain’s response mechanism.
Genetics – mood disorders and risk of suicide tend to run in families but anyone with a genetic tendency would be more likely to show signs of depression at an early age
Life Circumstances – marital status, financial standing, where you live could all influence or trigger depression
Brain Structure – depression is associated with changing how your brain responds to hormone stimulation
Drug and Alcohol Abuse – 30% of people with substance abuse problems also have depression

16 million Americans had a least one major depressive episode last year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Women are 70% more likely than men to experience depression. Young adults aged 18-25 are 60% more likely to experience depression than people aged 50 and over. Unfortunately, Blacks and Latinos are more likely to be misdiagnosed.

There are many forms of treatment:

Medications
Psychotherapy
Brain Stimulation Therapies
Light Therapy
Exercise
Alternative Therapies
Self Management Strategies and Education
Mind/Body/Spirit approaches

Should you or someone you know suffer from depression or believe you do, seek help. There is strength in asking for help because we all need help at one time or another. For more information about depression and some of the causes of depression check out the following websites:

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Joyful Heart Foundation

To listen to the interview with Lisa Y Sparrow, listen to On Why Yets Watch with Author Lisa Y Sparrow

There is nothing to be ashamed of when dealing with ourselves or a loved one who battles mental illness.

Stay blessed.

Can’t Love What I Don’t Trust by Khara Campbell

Posted on July 16, 2015July 16, 2015 by Why Yet

Can’t Love What I Don’t Trust is a new urban romance novel by author Khara Campbell that was released by Mahogany Red Books. I am a lover of romance stories even when a part of me wants to run from them screaming (only because I have yet to discover my happily ever after).

But, I digress. Tonight on my radio show, On Why Yet’s Watch with Khara Campbell, I get to sit down with Khara Campbell and find out what makes her characters tick. I have been interviewing authors and artists for a couple of months now and I am discovering that I love it. The stereotype is that artists and published authors are unapproachable and I am finding them to be regular people, just like you and me. They have real life problems just like we do. We’re all human. Even the fictional characters in these novels.

That is what caught my attention with this novel. How can you love someone you don’t trust? You can’t, plain and simple. So many people want to convince others of how loving they are and fling accusations about like paint on a toddler easel. You may have guessed I have a bit of experience with this here.

A former significant other of mine constantly accused me of cheating on him. All the while professing how much he ‘loved’ me. Needless to say that gets tiring quickly, and before I change who I am to satisfy his accusations I will leave. Well, his accusations (unjustified I might add) continued and I said ‘sayonara!’.

That is what Cassandra is dealing with in the story. Undependable and not-yet-ready-for-committment type guys that we have seen or dealt with ourselves at one time or another. Here’s a brief synopsis from the author herself:

Cassandra had been in love before and if you asked her, love was pain; every day she was reminded of that with the hand she was currently dealt. She struggles to provide for the kids, working a dead-end job while going to school. Stuck in a meaningless relationship, which only involved midnight creeps into her bed, she ends things with Darius in hopes for something better in life.
Just when Cassandra isn’t looking for anything or anyone, that’s when Marco comes along; he’s handsome, a great father to his son, and a business owner. Marco’s had his share of women and often juggled relationships, but upon meeting Cassandra, his desire is kindled and he has to fight against wanting anything more than just a casual thing. With each day, they both fight the obvious; they want each other. A night of forbidden passion leads them into bed together; they soon wind up going back and forth, as Cassandra begins to date Damian to distract her from the one she really wants–Marco.

To hear more about Cassandra, Darius, Damian and Marco you’ll have to tune in to On Why Yet’s Watch tonight at 9:00 pm EST by calling in to 646-716-5330. We always have fun. Listen to Why Yet? Why not?!