Interview with A Cold Piece Author Ni’cola Mitchell

UM: Introduce yourself to the audience.

Hello, my name is Ni’cola Mitchell, and I am an author and I run an independent publishing house NCM Publishing. Originally from Jamaica, I am a proud mother of two beautiful and talented girls Destani Imani 18 and Diamond Lynn 13. Currently we reside in North Las Vegas, Nevada.

UM: Tell us how your career started as a writer.

My story is actually different from other writers. Unlike most writers, that knew that this was going to be their profession, my dreams were totally opposite. I wanted to be a CEO of a hospital, not my own publishing company. My book career started from a dare. I graduated from college in 2008 and my friends and family dared me to turn my journal entries into a book. That is when I wrote my debut novel, Over and Over Again and then shortly after, The Appetizer, When You’re Not His Main Course. Two months after the release of the Appetizer, my eldest sister (whom raised me) passed away. She was my main cheer leader in my journey as an author. I went through a deep depression and penned out Twisted. Almost three years later from the release of my first novel, my fourth title A Cold Piece will be released March 31, 2012.

UM: Tell us about your upcoming release A Cold Piece.

Well I am really excited about this novel. This one is not like my usual drama filled novel. A Cold Piece is a Suspense Thriller revolving around three main characters: Lisa, Anthony, and Gabrielle. Lisa Oliver was comfortable in her lifestyle. She had everything that one can ask for, anything that money could buy and a husband that treasured her. Everything changed once Anthony found about some horrible secrets that Lisa was hiding and divorced her. Two years go by, and Anthony remarries Gabrielle, they are happy and settled in their life, until everyone around the happy couple either becomes missing, hurt or dead.

UM: How do you balance your writing / publishing with your personal and social life?

It wasn’t until recently that I realized the importance of balance. The only way that I can continue being successful in my career, is if I separate my family life from my career. I have incorporated my team more and began scheduling time for my family. This includes turning my phones off, and not checking my emails.

UM: When you attend an event(book signing/festival), what last impression or message do you want to leave visitors with?

I want the readers to see that I am a real person. Even though I am professional and grind out everyday, that I am also funny and down to earth. I hope that a person can see me pursuing my dreams, and that will in turn motivate them to pursue their own.

UM: Can you give us your contact information:

My websites are as follows: www.nicolacmitchell.com, www.ncmpublishing.com, www.nicolaandtamika.com. You can also find me on facebook and twitter: www.facebook.com/msnicola and www.twitter.com/msnicola

Interview with Author Rekaya Gibson

Introduce yourself to readers.

Hi Readers! I am Rekaya Gibson, Author of three fiction titles: “The Food Temptress” and the sequel, “The Food Enchantress”. The latest is “Mama Don’t Like Ugly” by NCM Publishing Company. I started my freelance writing career in 2005. Some of my magazine articles have appeared in Cabo Living Magazine, Lake of the Ozarks Second Home Living Magazine, and Relocating in Saint Louis Magazine. In my spare time, I am a freelance grant writer and consultant.

When I am not writing, I am dancing, eating, and/or promoting my work. I have lived in more than five U.S. cities and I am not in the military. Currently, I reside in Hampton, Virginia.

Tell us about your novel Mama Don’t Like Ugly?

“Mama Don’t Like Ugly” is a fiction story about Dana, a dark-skinned girl, growing up in a household with a mama who dislikes her because of her skin color. Her mama not only abuses and neglects her, but she constantly compares her to her light-skinned sister. In spite of her situation, she still loves her mama unconditionally.

You have written several titles, how would you describe your writing style?

I write – on the computer – when I have something to say. Then, I let it all out until I am done. This can mean five minutes or several hours. I am not good at writing during a slotted time; it is the rebel in me. However, sometimes I have to write on paper first to get the juices flowing.

What separates Mama Don’t Like Ugly from your other titles?

It has a good balance of drama, humor and suspense. Also, it will resuscitate nonfiction discussions about beauty and skin color. I am hoping folks will stop being in denial about their prejudices.

Who is your favorite character in the novel? Which character do you want readers to connect with the most and why?

My favorite character is Dana. I want readers to connect with her because she is intelligent and resilient. In spite of her situation, she still loves her mama unconditionally. Most importantly, her beauty radiates from the inside and she does not let her imperfections dictate her destiny.

You write about food and it is even the subject of two of your titles. Tell us about your relation to food and literature?

I cannot do one without the other. Plus, I love making people salivate while they read. I must admit, it excites me.

If you could meet any author over dinner, who would it be and why? What would you eat?

I would invite Jennifer Weiner. She is an amazing writer; I loved “Good in Bed.” In my opinion, she gave birth to “chick lit” and successfully introduced readers to a plus-size heroine. I would like to get some tips on writing and promoting. I am interested in getting to know her personally; she has a wonderful sense of humor. Lastly, I have to talk to her about stealing my leading lady, Raven Symone, for her upcoming TV show “The Great State of Georgia.” I want her to play Ambrosia in a movie or television series based on The Food Temptress.

We would have a three-course meal. First, I would serve homemade spinach artichoke dip with tortilla chips. I cannot forget the white zinfandel. Second, I like to keep it simple by having broiled lamb chops with homemade garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed summer vegetables. Third, I plan to whip up a chocolate mousse and serve it in a martini glass. As an added touch, I would insert a Pirouline and top it with a fresh raspberry.

You also write a column. Tell us about your writing column.

I write for the Hampton Food Examiner. It is an online site for locals living in Hampton, Virginia. I write about everything related to food. In addition, I started writing cookbook reviews for Cuisine Noir, a foodies and wine magazine for African Americans.

How will readers be able to connect with you and learn more about your titles for purchase?

Readers can connect with me by becoming a fan of Author Rekaya Gibson on Facebook and following me on Twitter. Also, they can find me on the Food Temptress Blog and my website. All my books are available at online retailers such as Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords. In addition, folks can request them at their local bookstores and libraries.

Rekaya Gibson, Author and Hampton Food Examiner
Mama Don’t Like Ugly – (Order Today or Download on Kindle!)
The Food Temptress and the Sequel, The Food Enchantress

The Appetizer by Nicola Mitchell

Nicola Mitchell is an author on a mission. After the debut of her first novel Over and Over Again, she learned more about the nuances of publishing and how to succeed in the industry. She followed up with her novel less shortly after. We got the chance to talk to Nicola Mitchell about her growth as an author /publisher and her second novel The Appetizer.

UM: Introduce yourself.

NM: My name is Ni’cola Mitchell and I am originally from Kingston, Jamaica. I am a single mother of two daughters Destani age 16 and Diamond age 11. I am currently in graduate school, pursuing a degree in Healthcare Management. I am also a head coach of a youth football league cheer team. I am the CEO of NCM Publishing and a member of the Literary Sistahs National Touring Group.

UM: Tell the audience about your new title The Appetizer.

NM: The Appetizer is a story centering my three main characters Nia, Yazmin, and Monae. They are three friends that live in Los Angeles, California. Nia, even though beautiful, has many self-esteem issues. She is poor trying to find a man that is typically in a relationship, because she believes that they can provide a better life for her three children.

Yazmin is pregnant with twin babies, and is engaged to Trey. She is caring and loving, and will do anything for anybody. She believes that she has the perfect life until one night she has a near death experience, which resulted in her finding out that Trey has been living a double life being married to Jill for the past ten years.

Monae is career minded and very focused. She is one of those people that we all know who can pass judgment on everyone around her, but never finds fault in her own self. While in the mist of setting a date for her own wedding, she finds out that her fiancé Malik has skeletons in his closet as well.

This book is a behind the scenes story of the mistress, and how one falls into this role. This book also will also shed light on how in some instances, the mistress doesn’t even have a clue that she is a mistress until it is too late.

UM: Describe how you came up with the title?

NM: I wanted to incorporate the true meaning of the word mistress. She is not the main course, but just as important. The title too the point, but at the same time still leaves you with mystery.

UM: Who is the audience for your book? What would you like the reader
to take away from your novel?

NM: Men and women are both the audience for this book. I want readers to find entertainment while learning life lessons at the same time. I want people to understand and see first hand that there are always two sides to every story. This story will hit home on so many levels because we all know one of the characters in this book.

UM: The Appetizer is your second book and an introduction to
publishing. What are a few misconceptions you had about the publishing industry before your debut book? Have any of the misconceptions changed?

NM: Over and Over Again was actually my introductory lesson in the publishing field. I learned a lot though from both of these projects. I knew that it was going to be a hard road, so I was actually prepared for the kinks that have been thrown at me. The only misconception that I had was that at some point it was going to get easier. I am faced with a different challenge everyday, but in essence I am always up to a good challenge as well.

UM: Multitasking (marketing, promotion, etc.) becomes apparent after
the debut book. Did your writing process change any?

NM: The only thing that changed about my writing process is the speed. In writing The Appetizer, it took me six months from start to finish; vs. Over and Over Again that took a year.

I try to start off every project in an outline form. I take the topic and use it as the foundation. Then I try to put in as many subtopics as possible. I do not write from beginning to end. I write whatever is in my heart.

UM: Have you learned something unique about your publishing journey or some advice you’d like to share?

NM: The only advice that I have is too never get comfortable. Stay hungry, focused, versatile, and grounded. Remember, whatever God has given you, he can easily take away.

UM: What upcoming projects or plans do you have that you’d like to share?

NM: My next novel is Twisted, and this is the direct sequel to Over and Over Again, and that is not due out in the fall. Candy my villainess in Over and Over Again, has gained her own story, entitled Candy, and it will be out in the end of the year. Also I will be included in several anthologies.

NCM Publishing is also going to be very busy with the releases of Mama Don’t Like Ugly, by Rekaya Gibson, and Strawberries, Stilettos, and Steam by Imani True and Dreama Skye.

UM: How can people contact you or learn about your latest news?

NM: Check out:

www.nicolacmitchell.com

www.nicola.ning.com

www.ncmpublishing.com

www.facebook.com/msnicola

www.myspace.com/nicolacmitchell.com

www.twitter.com/msnicola

Tags: African American Books, Erotica fiction, NCM Publishing, The Appetizer by Nicola Mitchell