Children's Author Spotlight: Chance to Dance by Keisha Bussey

Keisha Bussey 

Chance to Dance by Keisha Bussey Illustrated by Tyrus Goshay

Author Bio

Keisha Bussey is the author of Chance to Dance. She is also a dance educator. Keisha has a passion for dance and life with her students and colleagues.  She has been a dance educator for 19 years.  She believes in implementing dance books into dance curriculum.  As a little girl, she always had a love for books.  Her mother taught her to enhance her imagination while reading.  Keisha credits her early reading with her mother for an increase in her reading fluency as she became a more effective reader throughout school.  She also credits her third-grade teacher, Ms. Curry with inspiring her love for reading and books.  

Author Interview

DF: Tell us about your journey as a writer.  When did you start?  

KB: My journey as a writer was a long process because I started with a chapter book then decided I to change it to a children’s book. I started writing years ago, brainstorming on ideas I could write  in my journal to creating my manuscript. There were a few life changing things that came up so the process was longer than I expected.  I’m happy for the  learning experience in becoming an author. I’m a visual person so I wanted lots of illustrations for my children’s book. 

DF: Who are some of your favorite writers? 

KB: Maya Angelou and Alice Walker 

DF: Tell us about your current children's book. 

KB: Chance to Dance tells the story of Keisha, a fierce, sassy, dancer who full of energy and excited to learn how to dance. This book allows children to “Dream Big,” follow their hearts desires, believe in themselves, have a vision, and pursue it!

DF: What inspired you to write this book? 

KB: I have always wanted to write a children’s book because I have a passion for dance. My inspiration came from  my third grade  reading teacher.

DF: What has been the reaction to your book?

KB: The best reaction from my book has been my adult friends have said, “I love this book, it  makes me inspired to do what I want in life. You have giving me hope to “DREAM BIG” too. 

DF: In what ways do you keep a connection to your readers and audience?

KB: I’m getting ready to do a Chance to Dance book tour . I have social media to keep us connected, and I also have a book club I will start to do. 

DF: What advice do you have for aspiring children's authors?  

KB: My advice is to do what you love to do. Learn lots of things  while you are young. Continue to read books and  challenge yourself to new adventures. 

DF: What’s next for you (projects, events, etc.)? 

KB: Book Signing and book launch coming up soon. Chance to Dance book tour, and book club coming up next. 

DF: How can we connect with you on social media? 

KB: Facebook Dancing Keisha and Chance to Dance 

Instagram @dancingkeishachancetodance
www.fierce6elitedance.com 

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DuEwa World News! blog is created by DuEwa Frazier. 

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Author Interview: Keke Chanel

Author Interview:  Keke Chanel 

Author, Keke Chanel

Silence by Keke Chanel

Keke Chanel is a delightful author who I meet online a few years ago.  She promotes via her blog and websites and is the author of several books to date. Read my interview with Keke to find out more about this powerhouse author! 

~ DuEwa

About the Author 

KeKe Chanel grew up in the small town of Greensburg, Louisiana in a home filled to the brim with siblings and personalities, so it’s a wonder how she found a quiet space for anything. “I hid under my bed.” That’s the answer she is likely to give if ever asked how she managed it. Sharing a house with three other children was very trying at times. Yet, KeKe always found solace in a book. In third grade, KeKe began writing poetry. Over time, her collection of notebooks expanded as did her love for the art of writing.

In 2006, she started work on her first book “Wicked Love” which will be released sometime in the near future. Starting a blog in 2010 opened up a great platform to showcase her work. Receiving positive feedback from her audience, KeKe decided to put her short-stories into book form and published her debut novel Deadly In Stilettos in 2012. KeKe Chanel won her first Literary Award in 2014 “The Artie Award for Literature,” and has been featured in VTWILLI Magazine. She is also a recipient of the BWABC Literacy Rocks Author of The Year Award. KeKe has been showcased on blog talk radio shows such as My Cultural Conversations with Verona Mitchell and Let’s Talk with Ms. Shanell.

KeKe attends events within her community and throughout the state, as well as meet and greets with local Book Clubs who feature her work. In January of 2014, KeKe along with her best friend and Manager Latarra started The Purple Hugs Foundation. A non-profit organization geared to help teenagers, grades 7-12 prepare for life after high school. Their goal is to inspire and motivate youth with a positive mindset and environment. For more information about The Purple Hugs Foundation, please visit www.thepurplehugsfoundation.org.“Giving back to the people who support me is very important.”

KeKe is a wife and mother. She enjoys reading, making up her own songs, watching football and movies, shopping, spending time with loved ones, and playing games on her IPad. She resides in Louisiana with her family. For more information about Keke Chanel visit her website: www.thekekechanel.com.

Tell us about your journey as a writer.  When did you start? 
My Journey as  a writer began in the third grade. It started due to my love for poetry after being introduced to it by my teacher. Years later, I would make up short stories about my family and friends, and as they say, the rest is history. I didn’t write my first novel until 2005, but it was lost when Hurrican Katrina hit. My computer hard drive was destroyed and I hadn’t saved it anywhere else. I took that as a sign to pursue a different path and stopped writing for a while, but I wasn’t able to escape it long. I found myself writing something daily at my job. So, in 2006 I started what would become my debut novel Deadly In Stilettos. Since then, I have released ten books. 

Who are some of your favorite writers? 
That list can become quite long. Lol. There are so many writers a love and admire. My top five would have to be: Eric Jerome Dickey, Brenda Jackson, Stephen King, Kimberla Lawson Roby, and Octavia Butler. Since becoming a full-time author, I’ve met many amazingly talented authors that are now on my list of favorites. I am an avid reader when I’m not writing. Books ROCK!! 

Tell us about your current book (s). 
My current book is called Silence. It is my first paranormal suspense. I’m super excited about it because paranormal suspense is my favorite genre. It is set in the fictitious small town of Milledgeville, where an eight-year-old girl was taken and never found. She is trapped in limbo and blames the town for her current state, so she seeks revenge on anyone deemed fit. Savannah Rose, the main character is out for justice and won’t stop until it’s had.   

What inspired you to write this book? 
I was inspired to write this book from a dream. The concept just kinda happened and I was hooked. The questions plaguing me were: “What would happen if people saw but wasn’t really paying attention to their surroundings? Through all the Noise, can we truly hear the Silence?” Silence is the deadliest scream! I want readers to place themselves inside the story. As I developed the plot, it played out in my mind like a movie. I wanted the story to evoke every emotion to the reader as they take the journey through the eyes of Savannah Rose and what happened to her. 

Who is your audience? 
My audience is very broad, from age 13 and up, male or female. It doesn’t matter the cultural background. Silence has a cast of characters that will challenge readers. Some you can figure out, others, you cannot. I don’t like to totally give away the ethnicity of my characters. I want readers to see themselves within the story. 

What do you hope your audience will get from your work? 
In any KeKe Chanel work, readers will definitely be entertained and inspired. I want my audience to feel they can handle any obstacle thrown their way and come out a better person. My stories and characters are all faced with challenges, but they always persevere. My goal is to uplift, as well as provide an escape to a world of wonder, intrigue, and unpredictability.         

What has been the reaction to your book(s)? 
I’ve received great feedback about Silence. Just the other day I received an inbox via Facebook from a reader saying how much they enjoyed the story. Silence has been out a few weeks, and I’m very pleased with what readers are saying. If I can get them to post a review, that would be even better. I don’t know why, but lots of readers don’t post reviews. My other books are receiving amazing reactions as well. I don’t like reading the same plots and storylines, so I do my best to stay away from that. You can bet your last dollar that a KeKe Chanel book won’t be like any other. There will always be something different, special, and genuine within each and every one of them. I pour more and more of myself with each new work. I’ve had readers to tell me that. It makes me a better writer. 

In what ways do you keep a connection to your readers and audience? 
I keep a connection to my readers by inviting them to join my Facebook group KeKe Chanel Books. I also engage with them via various social media platforms. I have a blog: www.kickinitwithkeke.blogspot.com where I encourage them to comment and connect. I have a page on my website www.thekekechanel.com. where they can leave comments and send emails to me, which I manage myself. I do several events where I personally interact with the people. I take photos, sign books, etc. to stay connected with my readers. It’s essential in maintaining relevance and longevity in this industry. People tend to support someone they can relate to or feel comfortable with. Saying “hello” or offering a warm smile has never hurt anyone. 

What advice do you have for aspiring authors? 
My advice to aspiring authors is to study your craft, practice makes perfects, and never allow a negative comment about your work to deter you from pursuing your passion. Surround yourself with people who support you and return the favor. Write daily whether it’s a sentence or a paragraph to keep your creative flow. And lastly, humble yourself accordingly. People don’t have to support you, appreciate the ones who do. 

What’s next for you (projects, events, etc.)? 
I am working on my next book project as we speak. It will release in 2017. It’s called Deliver Me From Darkness. This upcoming year will be wonderful for KeKe Chanel. I have a few things brewing. I will also be attending several events throughout the year as always. Go to my website and subscribe to stay in the know.

Follow DuEwa on Twitter @duewafrazier1

9/19 RADIO INTERVIEW: Author Dan O' Brien on Rhymes, Views & News Talk Radio

Author Dan O' Brien will feature on DuEwa Frazier's Rhymes, Views & News Talk Radio! Dan will discuss his latest book, SIXTH PRIME.  Listen live on Monday, September 19th @ 7:30pm EST. Call in and talk with the author (929) 477 - 11177.  

CELEBRATION: January 27th is Multicultural Children's Book Day!

Thanks to author, blogger Mia Wenjen , and team of children's authors, illustrators, and book promoters - Multicultural Children's Book Day is happening again this year on January 27, 2016!. I am happy to be an Author Sponsor for this celebration of multicultural children's books!  

We STILL need #diverse children's books! And we need to celebrate them widely.  We need more children's authors of diverse children's books and more children's editor/publishers who have an interest in a myriad of stories, told by diverse author perspectives AND FOR diverse young readers around the globe.  Support this wonderful initiative and find our more about Multicultural Children's Book Day here!

- DuEwa
Author of Alice's Musical Debut (2019), Quincy Rules(2016), Deanne in the Middle(2014), Goddess Under the Bridge: Poems(2013), Ten Marbles and a Bag to Put Them In(2010), Check the Rhyme Anthology (editor 2006), and Shedding Light From My Journeys (2002, 2012).
Follow DuEwa on Twitter @duewafrazier1

10/20 RADIO INTERVIEW: Poet, Tamara Madison on Rhymes, Views & News Talk Radio

 

Poet, Tamara J. Madison

 

 

Kentucky Curdled by Tamara J. Madison

Rhymes, Views & News Talk Radio is ALL NEW this month with your host DuEwa Frazier!  Listen live on October 20, 2013 @ 5:30pm EST with featured guest poet and author TAMARA J. MADISON!  Tamara will discuss her new book Kentucky Curdled and share her poems.   Call in to the show, at (646) 716-9474 to join the discussion! 

Barbecue & Books Go Hand in Hand: 5 Crazy Ways to Promote Your Book!



How do author's promote? Well there's the good ole' word of mouth, and then there's email blasts, postcards, in person signing/readings and TV/radio talks (if you're really big time). And what about if you're on a budget? Or your publicist quit? Or you've realized that the world that was formerly round to authors is now flat before there's no more "The Oprah Show?"

If you're an author (self published or not), who has ever wanted to think outside of the box to promote your book but just didn't know what the heck would make your sales "POP!" this post is for you!


Here are humorous yet totally doable event ideas, for the writer who's book marketing game really needs a boost.

*****5 Crazy Ways to Promote Your Book!*****

(Warning, some of these may tickle your funny bone)

1. Host a Book Signing Barbecue - Hey it's summertime and who doesn't love a reason to gather for good food, drinks, laughs and a BOOK READING! LOL Create an online invite that's very snazzy. Insert a picture of you in your most attractive grilling attire, smiling and holding your book. That's right. Reserve your spot at your local park. Get the grill pit/smoker going with dogs, brats, veggie burgers, shrimp and ribs. Bring the ice, coolers, beers, soda and kiddie things. Hire a security guard in case you run out of hamburgers and the crowd gets rowdy. Make sure to set up a table and chair with tablecloth for you to sign books. Have plenty of chairs for folks to eat, relax and hear your read exderpts of your book. Thank everyone for coming and vow to host it again, when your next book is released. Hopefully they thank you for the free food.

2. Host a Book Signing Beauty Bar -- Who cares if your book isn't about beauty or style. Ask your favorite spa or beauty shop to host a party just for you. Nevermind that they still have customers in there getting shined, buffed, waxed, combed and colored. No, just work around them while you work your book hustle. Create a very beautylicious invite - complete with you all dolled up, or a picture of you in hair rollers (getting ready for your close up of course) while holding your fabulous book! Be sure to invite all of the men and women you know who love pampering. Offer some kind of package deal "Spa Special: $85 2 Services + My Book" and they you pocket $30 for each person you bring in who says "I'm here to see Ms. Author."

3. Host a Book Signing Fashion Show -- You betta work gurl, because there's nothing sadder than an out of work writer.  You've seen enough of "Project Runway" with Heidi Klum to know how these things go.  Pick a venue and schedule several designers to show their collections.  Make sure you let them know that YOU'RE THE BOSS!  You know how those fashion people get - very testy. Have them "donate" models, you can't pay the $5,000 model fee they're used to getting. If you pick a nightclub, everyone has to pay for their drinks and food when they order.  No freebies for anyone, well with the exception of you. Get your BFF or sister to help you with the logistics of it all, but make sure you find some way to get your reading/signing in there. If the attendees like any of the fashions, say a dress for $300 - give them the package deal - for every fashion item sold - you get a cut right off of the top! LOL

4. Host a Book Signing Car Wash -- Everyone likes a shiny, clean from top to bottom set of wheels. Get all your friends together, when it's warm and breezy, dress in matching tees and shorts and take over a car wash on a Saturday afternoon. Your t-shirts should have the name of your book "Ms. Author Becomes a Millionaire Part 1." Make a deal with the car wash, that every car you bring in from the hours of your "book signing", 1 - 3pm you get 60%-%75 of the sales. Don't forget to bring a change of clothes, since you're probably helping to wash the cars anyway. Have your assistant (BFF) set up a podium, mic, table and chair for you to give your signing. You can also set out ten or so chairs for people to listen to you while they wait for their car to be washed.

5. Host a Book Signing Exotic Vacation Fantasy Party-- Well if you can't go to Turks & Caicos you can fake it until you get there!! Reserve a venue and trick it out in the type of decor that is sure to make your guests believe they're in an exotic locale. If you're idea of an exotic locale is Dallas, Disneyland or Topeka, KS I would hire an event planner. LOL Now, you want to make sure to have the proper lighting, and whatever plants and trees might be fitting to totally "transport" your guests. If you have a good friend who's a travel agent, you can have them throw in two tickets to Paris or the Carribbean and then raffle them off.

There's room for you to be as conservative or outlandish as you want with all of the above ideas.  I could probably create more event tips, but I think you get the idea.  You may have to put out a bit of your own money and ask others to help you, but that's okay. The key word here is "entertainment." Even book lovers want to be entertained.  Social networking and bookstore readings are great, but sometimes you have to think outside of the box too. There are a million other authors out there all vying to get their piece of the pie. Wouldn't it be great if you can have your piece and theirs too? Exactly. Now you're thinking.

ARTICLE: Making It Online via TNJ.com

Here is an excerpt of an article I'm mentioned in via The Network Journal (TNJ.com).  

Making It Online

Kweli Joins the Ranks of Web Publications

By: CLARENCE V. REYNOLDS

Wednesday, April 20, 2011 Business

For better or worse, the Internet in the 21st century has certainly changed the ways we access information, be it academic, journalistic or literary; challenging the merit of content and offering a place for creative prose to flourish at the same time. The closings of bookstores nationwide along with the decline of print publications — particularly those with an artistic focus and a specific audience in mind — continue to leave readers, writers and publishers wondering about the future of hardcover books and outlets for literary works in general. Although low circulation, loss of advertising dollars, and even concern for the environment have led to rethinking strategies within the publishing market, the Internet has been the impetus behind the emergence of countless online publications. In 2009, Poets & Writers magazine, in the article “From Page to Pixels: The Evolution of Online Journals,” commented that “Today’s best online journals offer innovation as well as visibility.” So with a strong belief on that promise, Kweli Journal (www.kwelijournal.org), in 2009, joined the growing number of online publications.   CLICK TO READ THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE...

Rhymes, Views & News Radio is *ALL NEW* for April and May 2011!

The month of April and May is beginning to fill up with wonderful guest authors for Rhymes, Views & News Talk Radio Hosted by DuEwa Frazier!

Featured guests include:

Author and playwright, Denis Gray (Sunday, April 10th or 17th @ 5:30pm EST)
Poet and author, Darryl Alladice (Sunday, April 3rd @ 5pm EST)
Author and radio host, Anjuelle Floyd (Saturday, May 7th )

Visit Rhymes, Views & News Talk Radio to listen to past archived shows or contact DuEwa to suggest a guest author, life coach, artist or publishing professional.

RADIO INTERVIEW: 10/30 Book Marketing with Dave & Lillian Brummet

RHYMES, VIEWS & NEWS TALK RADIO is *ALL NEW* on Saturday, October 30th at 5pm EST!!

Join me for an informative interview featuring author/experts, Dave & Lillian Brummet. LISTEN LIVE or call-in to participate in the discuss with my guests! The listener call in number is (646) 716-9474.

SEE BELOW DESCRIPTION!

RHYMES, VIEWS & NEWS TALK RADIO Hosted by DuEwa Frazier

Date / Time: 10/30/2010 5:00 PM

Category: Books

Call-in Number: (646) 716-9474

Dave & Lillian Brummet are the authors of: Purple Snowflake Marketing - How to Make Your Book Stand Out In A Crowd, Trash Talk - Learn how you can impact the planet and Towards Understanding - a collection of 120 poems on society, the environment & overcoming trauma. The authors are also the hosts of Conscious Discussions Talk Radio Show.

Visit their websites:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/consciousdiscussions
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/authorsread
http://www.consciousdiscussions.blogspot.com

BOOKS: Authors get your {{BUZZ}} on!

I just came across a new resource - AuthorBuzz, which could give a new author quite a return on their investment in promoting their book. Every author needs an arsenal of marketing weapons. The competition is steep, this may help you make through the book marketing jungle! LOL

What is AuthorBuzz?
AuthorBuzz is a marketing service that puts authors directly in touch with readers, reading groups, booksellers and librarians, allowing them to offer excerpts, phone chats or visits with reading groups, material for newsletters, info about contests and freebies, mentions of new reviews — anything and everything authors want to buzz directly to the people who buy, read and sell their books.

And for authors, illustrators and publishers of children’s and teen books, see KidsBuzz.