7 Questions with Shelia M. Goss and Giveaway
Shelia M. Goss is a national bestselling author
and a screenwriter. The
Joneses is her seventeenth book
in print.
Where
are you from and what jumpstarted your writing career?
I am from Louisiana – home of good
food and good people (smile). I’m also an alumni of Southern University. I’ve
been writing since I was 9 years old. When I was in elementary school, my
teachers submitted my poems to Seedlings. In school, I’ve been on the yearbook
staff, newspaper, etc. I decided to pursue writing as a career back in 1997. My
first book outside of school was actually a collection of poems. It was called
Embraced by Love – The Relationship.
Writing was always something that
I wanted to do, but I originally had planned on waiting until I retired. After
losing my dad and hearing of Princess Diana’s death, it dawned on me that life
was too short and I shouldn’t wait to pursue my dreams. So, while I was still
working, I would write at night, during my break, at lunchtime, etc. When the
right opportunity came, it was just the right time to go ahead and put
everything I had into it.
What
genre(s) do you write?
I write in multiple genres:
women’s fiction, romance, Christian fiction, suspense, young adult, etc.
What
is your favorite sort of character?
One that is flawed. No one’s
perfect in real life, so the characters in my books aren’t either. They have
issues just like a friend, a co-worker or a stranger on the street would have.
What's
something about yourself that readers may not know?
I love to play spades and
dominoes. I'm a Virgo and Prince is my all time favorite music artist.
Were
there things from “your world” incorporated into this storyline?
I don’t write about my real life. All of my
books are fiction; any resemblance to anyone real is purely a coincidence.
What
words of advice would you give an aspiring writer?
The best advice I could give an aspiring writer
is to write, write, write. Write a complete manuscript, revise, join networking
groups and research. Google is a writer’s best friend. When asking questions to
other authors, be specific. A generic question like “how can I get my book
published?” will not yield you the response that you want. Why? Because there’s
no magic formula to getting your book published, but yet, there are many books
written on the subject. Asking specific
questions will show that you’ve taken the time to do your research and possibly
read some of those books or articles and that you’re serious about the craft of
writing.
What's
next for Shelia Goss?
2014 is off to a good start. I have several
pending projects that I hope to finalize in the first quarter. I'm working on a
couple of new books as well as writing a couple of screenplays. Thirsty-The Movie that's based on one of my
original screenplays has a Facebook page. To keep up with the process of what's
going on with the movie, be sure to "like" the page: https://www.facebook.com/theThirstyMovie
To keep up with all of my projects, be sure to
bookmark my website www.sheliagoss.com.
About The Joneses:
Keeping up with the
Joneses isn’t all it’s made out to be. In this intriguing novel full of drama
and plot twists, one family tries to hold on to their “perfect” life before
their secrets, lies, and scandals are exposed.
On the outside, the Joneses seem like the ideal family: Royce Jones, a funeral home mogul, and his wife, Lexi, are parents to Charity, Hope, and Lovie—and everybody wants to be them. But it’s true that money can’t buy happiness, and the Joneses are harboring secrets that can’t stay hidden forever…It’s only a matter of time before the Joneses’ perfect life goes spinning out of control.
On the outside, the Joneses seem like the ideal family: Royce Jones, a funeral home mogul, and his wife, Lexi, are parents to Charity, Hope, and Lovie—and everybody wants to be them. But it’s true that money can’t buy happiness, and the Joneses are harboring secrets that can’t stay hidden forever…It’s only a matter of time before the Joneses’ perfect life goes spinning out of control.
Order your copy of THE
JONESES from Simon & Schuster or purchase from other online retailers such
as: Amazon and Barnes & Noble: and IndieBound
Available in stores
everywhere on February 18, 2014.
More
About the Author: Shelia Goss writes in multiple genres. USA
Today says, “Goss has an easy,
flowing style with her prose…” She's received many accolades in her career,
including being a finalist in the mystery category for the 2013 AA Literary
Award Show and a 2012 Emma Award Finalist. Her books have been on several best
sellers lists, such as: Essence Magazine, Dallas Morning News and Black Expressions Book Club. Shelia loves to hear from readers so feel free to contact her via
her website: www.sheliagoss.com or follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sheliagoss or Twitter: www.twitter.com/sheliamgoss.
THE JONESES GIVEAWAY
Lexi
Jones, one of the main characters, from THE JONESES loves her
handbags so it’s just befitting that the grand prize be a handbag.
Contest ends on February 25, 2014.
GRAND PRIZE:
One (1)
random entrant will receive a small Coach handbag {Retail value: $188.00, 10
3/4″(L) x 7″(H) x 3 1/4″(W)} and Bath & Body Works minatures (Retail value:
$19.75)
RUNNER UP:
One (1)
random entrant will receive an autographed copy of Montana’s Way.
10 ENTRANTS:
Ten
(10) random entrants will receive the electronic version of the book Hollywood
Deception.
Open
to U.S. & Canada residents only. Avoid where prohibited by law.
To
enter please use the rafflecopter form below.
