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.  

11/7 Check the Rhyme Teen Writing Workshop @ BPL

CHECK THE RHYME TEEN WRITING WORKSHOP  FREE!

Thursday, November 7th, 14th and 21st @ 4pm 

Brooklyn Public Library - Central Library - Youth Wing

10 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, NY 11238

(718) 230-2100

 

            Check the Rhyme Writing Workshop facilitated by educator, author and award nominated poet, DuEwa Frazier, is a workshop for teens focusing on supporting them in the creation of original poetry and short stories.  Each workshop will focus on a craft lesson which teen writers can use to elevate their writing and understand the elements of the genre. Teens can sign up to register in the youth section of the library!

Art + balance: Creativity and the graduate student

I've been in graduate school, since 2004.  Yes.  I'm on my fourth degree.  Some might say that I'm "over-educated."  I don't care.  People have asked me, "When do you find time to write?"  How about when do I find time to LIVE!?  Well I happen to believe that each degree program I've pursued, has been very useful for my work and career.  And of course my MFA degree was in writing, which I am still finding to be worthwhile as I work to strengthen my craft.  I love learning.  I'm proud to be from a family of educators who instilled a love of education in me.  The arts became a passion of mine early on, and so writing + education has been at the center of my life work.

But there is a drawback I've found to being an artist + graduate student.  The time and mental energy it takes to focus on classwork for graduate school, over time, can take away, from creative pursuits.  And that is if you do not structure your time, learn to say "No" to unnecessary activities or commit to what you say you really want for your art.  I've also found that over the years my eyes have become strained through repeated close reading and constant computer usage.  It could also be that with age, comes weaker eyes.  If you're an artist in an arts program that informs your work, it may be easier because you are constantly surrounded by people who are immersed in their art as well.  And perhaps they are giving you critique and helping you grow. 

So, how do you balance creativity with work + school?  Writers I know who are enrolled in MFA programs, find that their writing falls in line with their graduate studies.  But what if your grad program is not really aligned with your art?  One could refer to The Artist's Way by Julie Cameron, a daily, self help practice workbook for artists who need a an inspirational boost.  Cameron encourages artists of all genres to commit to solitude and writing "morning pages" in order to bring ones self back to creative balance.  I used the book years ago, during a summer when my mind wandered more than my pen did onto the page.  I also repeatedly read Creative Visualization by Shakti Gawain to inspire my creative vision as a writer. 

Listening to music while working or resting is a great way to inspire the artist within, especially if you have neglected your art for awhile.  I love the relaxing Cafe del Mar chillout and Buddha Bar hour-long playlists.  As a full-time educator and graduate student, I find that it's important to build in those joyous breaks between working and studying.  Academic life can be very non-creative and can feel like, "when will this be over" but it's necessary for certain career progress.  I have to build in time to write.  Early mornings.  Late evenings.  Sometimes only once per week.  I jot down ideas on my iPhone until I get to my computer or notebook.  When I sit down to really write and revise, I do it for three or more hours.  Water, herbal tea and a snack is close by.  And in this space I try not to think about the paper I have due in a few weeks or some other to do list.  Because I know that I will get it done and it will be thorough.

Self care for artists, whether you work full time in addition to graduate studies, or not.  How you take care of your mind and body is important.  Sleep is not overrated.  Our fast paced culture promotes the idea of "grind now, sleep later."  But you won't have a grind now or later if you don't sleep.  Lack of sleep can cause digestive problems, anxiety, depression and an overall bad mood.

Your mind, body and spirit need rest and intervals of quiet to rejuvenate and sustain.  That's the truth.  Studies have shown that lack of sleep can affect your heart, your mental stamina, and can accelerate aging.  Sleep, proper nutrition, hydration, even being around positive vs. negative energy all has an affect on your creative output, your mental outlook and overall productivity.  The next time you think you have some type of block, like writers block - ask if you are getting enough self care in the above areas.

There's light at the end of the tunnel.  Sometimes I feel my pursuit of "book knowledge" in higher education will never end, yet it is necessary for certain goals I may have.  There is always a gnawing inside of me, a reminder and a whisper telling me to "don't forget to write..." no matter how tired I am.  Eye strain.  Bad attitude.  Phone calls.  Assignment deadlines.  Hunger.  Need to be social.  Nothing should keep you from your art.  Otherwise, you'll search for something outside of yourself, to feed your soul. 

How do you fit your creative practice into your busy work + school schedule?

National Novel Writing Month November 1 - November 30

What is NaNoWriMo?

National Novel Writing Month is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to novel writing. Participants begin writing November 1. The goal is to write a 175-page (50,000-word) novel by midnight, November 30.

Valuing enthusiasm and perseverance over painstaking craft, NaNoWriMo is a novel-writing program for everyone who has thought fleetingly about writing a novel but has been scared away by the time and effort involved.

Because of the limited writing window, the ONLY thing that matters in NaNoWriMo is output. It's all about quantity, not quality. The kamikaze approach forces you to lower your expectations, take risks, and write on the fly.

Make no mistake: You will be writing a lot of crap. And that's a good thing. By forcing yourself to write so intensely, you are giving yourself permission to make mistakes. To forgo the endless tweaking and editing and just create. To build without tearing down.

As you spend November writing, you can draw comfort from the fact that, all around the world, other National Novel Writing Month participants are going through the same joys and sorrows of producing the Great Frantic Novel. Wrimos meet throughout the month to offer encouragement, commiseration, and—when the thing is done—the kind of raucous celebrations that tend to frighten animals and small children.

In 2008, we had over 119,000 participants. More than 21,000 of them crossed the 50k finish line by the midnight deadline, entering into the annals of NaNoWriMo superstardom forever. They started the month as auto mechanics, out-of-work actors, and middle school English teachers. They walked away novelists.

So, to recap:

What: Writing one 50,000-word novel from scratch in a month's time.

Who: You! We can't do this unless we have some other people trying it as well. Let's write laughably awful yet lengthy prose together.

Why: The reasons are endless! To actively participate in one of our era's most enchanting art forms! To write without having to obsess over quality. To be able to make obscure references to passages from our novels at parties. To be able to mock real novelists who dawdle on and on, taking far longer than 30 days to produce their work.

When: You can sign up anytime to add your name to the roster and browse the forums. Writing begins November 1. To be added to the official list of winners, you must reach the 50,000-word mark by November 30 at midnight. Once your novel has been verified by our web-based team of robotic word counters, the partying begins.

Still confused? Just visit the How NaNoWriMo Works page!

NEW ARTICLE: Beatiful Summer Nails with Non-Toxic Nail Color

Check out my new article:

"Beautiful Summer Nails with Non-Toxic Nail Color"


Published at MahoganyButterfly.com

READ ON!!!