Author Spotlight with Author A. A. Lewis
Meet Author A.A. Lewis
On Monday 5/27/2019 in the Facebook group Kween’s Book
Klique I had the pleasure of talking to the lovely A.A. Lewis. I must say that I
really enjoyed speaking to this Queen and getting to know more about her. Check
out our conversation below.
Shannon: What
name do you write under?
A.A.: A. A. Lewis
is the name I write under. My real name is Soyini.
A.A.: The A’s
stand for my both my middle names.
Shannon: Do you
have a website? What social media sites can you be found on? Please include the
links.
A.A.: I can be
found on Facebook at Author A A Lewis, instagram a_a_lewis, webpage
A.A.: here are the links to to my books just in case we have some
readers who want to check me out!! (please don’t be scared to leave a review)
The 716: Love & Consequences
The 716 Back to Business
Shannon: Thank
You
Shannon: How did you get started writing?
A.A.: I grew up in a very creative environment. I went to Buffalo Academy
for Visual and Performing Arts. I was at theater major my whole life. So, I was
introduced to creative writing at a young age. I would write poetry, songs and
plays as a kid. I think deep down inside, I knew I’d write someday.
Shannon: How did you get started
writing?
A.A.: I grew up in a very creative
environment. I went to Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts. I was at
theater major my whole life. So, I was introduced to creative writing at a
young age. I would write poetry, songs and plays as a kid. I think deep down
inside, I knew I’d write someday.
Shannon: Wow That’s what’s up
right there
Shannon: How long does it take
you to write a book?
A.A.: it all depends on the mood
of the book and how deep I’m willing to dive into the mind of the characters.
My first published book took me about 5 months to write. I think it took that
long because I wanted it to feel authentic to the era(90’s) and there were so
many characters with different points of view that I wanted to do each of them
justice.
Shannon: Where do you get your
ideas?
A.A.: it all depends on the
subject of the book. I definitely think my surroundings, upbringing, music and
personal experience play a big role in inspiration for my books.
Shannon: Tell us about your
writing style?
A.A.: as far as my style of
writing, I’ll classify as Urban contemporary. I think I say that because, I can
write romance, mystery, street, and sci-fi. The one thing I want to stay
consistent in is that my characters are relatable.
A.A.: The 716 Series was something
I’ve wanted to write for a while. It was inspired by the music of the 90’s.
Shannon: What is the name of the
first book you ever published? When?
A.A.: the first published book
would be The 716 Love & Consequences.
It was released in 6/2018.
A.A: I’ve written other books prior to The 716 Series, I just haven’t
published them yet. A few are in rewrites.
Shannon: OH, ok I got you
A.A.: I
guess I just wasn’t confident in my writing or willing to share/ be vulnerable
yet.
Shannon: I know how that is! I wrote
something last year but I’m not sure if I can hang with the big dogs lol
A.A.: yeah, I had to stop thinking
that way. I believe the first step is to just write it. Then let it go. Put
your thoughts out there so you CAN be among the top dogs. You won’t be one
unless you’re in the game! Sis, you need to put that book out there!
Shannon: I’m still thinking on
it
Shannon: How many books do you
have published?
A.A.: just the two so far, with 3
more scheduled to be released by the end of the year.
Shannon: What do you do when you’re
not writing?
A.A: I work a corporate job in
finance.
A.A.: my recent blog on my page
talks a little bit about the struggle I have wanting to be creative and live my
dream as a writer vs. a career that has afforded me a good life style.
Shannon: What’s the link to your
blog? I would love to check it out.
Shannon: What do you find the
hardest about writing?
A.A.: there are two things I find
hard about writing. First, I’m a horrible speller. I write knowing there will
be errors, which for any one writing your best friend in this process should be
proofreaders and editors. The second thing is allowing myself to be vulnerable.
I have to remind myself that I write because I enjoy it. That not all my books
will resonate with everyone. And that’s ok. I just have to be willing to share
these characters and their stories and hope people like them.
Shannon: What is the most surprising
thing you’ve learned in your writing career?
A.A: that not everyone is willing
to support you. What I mean by that is, your success is just that yours. You
sometimes need to be willing to open doors, just like the ones you had in the
beginning of your career. We all need assistance. New authors are not trying to
steal anyone’s thunder. There are enough readers/ fans to go around. When you
win it should be a win for black literature and we all need to be supportive of
that.
Shannon: Do you have a favorite
author?
A.A.: I have way too many favorites!
I like Teri Woods, Myss Shan, La Jill Hunt, Ty Marshall, Carl Webber, the late
E. Lynn Harris, Michel Moore, Sistah Soulja, the list could go on and on!
Shannon: I’m the same way... I
got wayyy too many to name 😂
A.A.: there are so many great
authors out there. Many that don’t even have the platform yet to shine.
Shannon: What is something you
want your readers to know about you?
A.A.: I’m every easy going. I want
people to be comfortable saying yes, I liked your book or no I didn’t. The
criticism is part of the game. I know I can’t please everyone, but if there is
something about my writing style that I can do better, I’m certainly open to
doing just that perfecting my style.
Shannon: Do you have any goals
for this year pertaining to your writing?
A.A.: since I’m a new author, I
just wanted to write a good introductory series. I think with the 716 Series
people will be surprised by my writing style. (and choice of music) this year I
just want to continue completing the series and introducing myself and my
writing style. I think readers will love my versatility as an author. So, the
plan is release 3 more books by the end of the year. That was my goal and I
think I’m still on pace to achieve that.
I
concluded the spotlight by thanking A.A. for chatting with me. I can honestly
say that I enjoyed chatting with her tonight. If you’re reading this and you’re
not already apart of the Kween’s Book Klique then you are truly missing out.
Click the link below to check us out. We not only do author Spotlights, but we
review and discuss books as well.
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