Aside from our personal and mutually professed love for Prince, The Artist Formerly Known As Prince and just the symbol that represents him all, we have something else in common, a love for writing and a love for bringing a story to life with words.
I've browsed through your website, and felt like I opened a vault to treasures. Seeing all of your listed and accredited titles made me feel like a kid in a candy store. I’m not sure which to choose first. Quite tempting! An early congratulations to all of your published successes.
It is evident that your passion for writing allows you to put out books with quality stories for all genres. You have written books for those of us "of age", and for the likes of my 15 year old niece Sapphire, who is "becoming of age". This widespread of novels shows your caliber of commitment.
In this interview I'd like to talk about your adult novels, especially the upcoming novel "Hollywood Deception" and your Young Adult (YA) series "The Lip Gloss Chronicles."
Onika Pascal: As we can see, your 'rap' sheet is quite a few pages long. Before we get to those, can you tell us how it all began? What made you want to publish a book?
Shelia Goss: I've always wanted to be a published writer. I've been writing since I was nine years old. I've always had a vivid imagination. When I was a freshman in high school, I got a chance to meet Maya Angelou. The seed or idea to be published was planted after hearing her recite from her book I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. My original plan was to wait until I retired to pursue a career in publishing but God had other plans for me. I was blessed to get a book deal in 2006, while in my thirties, and the rest as they say is history.
OP: As you know, my blog is all about a see through soul. Would you be willing to let my readers know your inner feeling about your first published book?
Shelia: My Invisible Husband is a book close to my heart. I wrote that book during the time I was unemployed so when the book got picked up and the majority of the readers embraced it; it meant more to me than anyone knew.
OP: You have many books in the form of series…The Invisible Series, the Women in Hollywood Series, The Lip Gloss Chronicles... what inspired you to publish books in sequels?
Shelia: Actually, between, you, me, and your readers, I didn't write them as a series. When I decided to revamp my website and put my books in a certain order; only then did I come up with the idea to group my adult books in a series. LOL I did intentionally write the young adult books as a part of The Lip Gloss Chronicles series.
OP: How do you transition between each series? What makes each different?
Shelia: When I write my women fiction stories, I talk about issues that adults deal with. When writing books for young adults, I make it a point to talk about issues teens face, but unfortunately there's a gray area because a lot of teens are trying to grow up too fast and find themselves dealing with grown up issues.
What makes writing for adults different than teens? Mainly, situations and dialogue. Adults have more experience under their belts so how they deal with situations would be in a mature way as opposed to a teenager in a similar situation.
OP: You’re way past first book and doing amazing things with your writing. Where would you like to see your writing take you?
Shelia: To the silver screen. I would love to see any one of my books made into a movie;whether it be a feature film or made-for-TV movie.
OP: You have novels for adults and for Young Adult. What sparked the desire to bring out novels for young adults?
Shelia: I got tired of hearing friends complain about their kids reading books meant for adults. I decided to write stories geared towards teenagers. In each book of the Lip Gloss Chronicles, the stories are told from one of the main characters point of view as they tackle every day issues--from boy problems to cyber bullying. I've actually wanted to write a young adult book since I was a teenager myself.
OP: When I think about it, I can picture the Lip Gloss Chronicles series as a TV miniseries. Can we make a petition to have these created into made for TV series?
Shelia: Please do. I'm all for that. My young adult books are entertaining, yet, each one has a message. Both the teens and their parents will be satisfied with the series.
OP: I’m still working on my first novel and here you are with novel number 9. How does it feel? What goes through your head when you think about how far you’ve gotten?
Shelia: I feel blessed. To have 9 books released in 4 years is a blessing. I thank God for opening the doors for me and allowing me to work my dream job.
I think once you complete your first novel; writing your second one will be easier. You have to come up with a system that works for you.
OP: Schedule for April 2010, is the release of your 9th novel, “Hollywood Deception” The synopsis prepares us for “two friends, one woman, and one deranged fan”. I’ve read the excerpt and it has an air of suspense and excitement…a page turner it seems to be. Can you give my readers an inside peek to what’s going on in Hollywood Deception?
Shelia: Hailey Barnes is an ex-model/now talk show host. Hailey is a drama magnet. The story opens up when she finds out her on/again off/again boyfriend is getting married. On top of that drama, she receives threatening mail from a deranged fan. The paparazzi won't leave her alone. Her life is one huge Hollywood production. With interesting plot twists and sexy leading men, Hollywood Deception is an exhilarating read.
OP: With so many characters and so many different plots. How did you come about creating Hailey, the protagonist in Hollywood Deception?
Shelia: Hailey was a minor character in one of my previous books--Double Platinum. She was the best friend of the male lead--Casper. Although she was a minor character, there was something about her that screamed--give me my own story. LOL
A year later, I wrote Hollywood Deception.
OP: Will you be willing to let your readers/audience know what’s coming next from you?
Shelia: I am currently working on several books; but the one I'm wrapping up now will hopefully be out in 2011. I will be sure to let you know when I have more details. I'm also working on book #4 in The Lip Gloss Chronicles series. Readers will get introduced to three new characters and there's a real good plot twist in book #4 concerning Jasmine.
Readers can get more information about my books by visiting either my main site: www.sheliagoss.com or the young adult book site: www.thelipglosschronicles.com.
Shelia, I wish you longevity, continued prosperity and success with your writing. You are necessary, as you keep us entertained…both adult and young adult. Thank you for your contribution to the literary world.
Books have been an important part of my life. Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to share with your readers.
For more information on Author Shelia M. Goss please visit the links below
Shelia M Goss - Author & Entertainment Writer
Main website: www.sheliagoss.com
Film Review website: www.filmreviews2go.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sheliagoss
Twitter: www.twitter.com/sheliamgoss
6 comments:
Great interview ladies. My daughter absolutely love The Lip Gloss Chronicles. She will be overjoyed when the 4th book comes out.
You're my inspiration Shelia. I'm in my 30s and I can only hope to be as successful as you are in my lifetime as you are in 4 years.
Best of luck in all you do.
I enjoyed the interview. I need to become inspired to stop dragging my feet and take bigger steps towards seeing my words in print.
Thanks JC. I appreciate your support with my YA series. As soon as I finish the books I'm working on now, I'll be writing book 4. I've already outlined the next 3 books in the series. :)
Ms. Shelia, you know you are my SHERO. I'm so glad you are in my life as a friend and mentor. I love reading about your endeavors and supporting you.
My niece is in love with your teen series.
Continue to do the damn thing, sister. Know that your BIGGEST fan will always be there!!
Shaye
JC, Lady Silver, Sharon...thank you all for stopping by.
My niece is enjoying the teen series so far...I can't wait to get her feedback on all.
Shelia..., like Lady Silver, you have inspired us to take bigger steps with our writing.
Thank you.
@Ladysilver, once you complete one, the others will come easier--so get to it :)
@Shaye, thanks for the support over the years.
@Onika, you have to finish because I'm always looking for a good book to read. Like I told Ladysilver--get to it!:) P.S. - Thanks for featuring me on your blog this week.
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