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.
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.
