Swerve Right into the Stories of Author Michelle McGriff

The Author



Michelle McGriff has been writing professionally for 12 years. Currently she is writing fiction for Urban/Kensington Books. Her nonfiction work includes contributions to the writing guide: Your Published, Now What? (Universalwrite, LLC, 2009). A Ph.D. candidate attending Capella University, Ms. McGriff is pursuing her terminal degree in Organizational Management.

Ms. McGriff's love of food has turned into a venue for the pen as well as the skillet with her work on a vegan cookbook.


[Website] [The Vegan Writer] [Twitter] [Facebook]


The Book



My latest project is a change from the norm for me. Swerve is a spy novel with a female antagonist – Romia. Romia’s life takes a sudden turn when a mysterious stranger approaches her with news of her past, a past she never knew she had. The news disrupts her already eccentric lifestyle and proves to her that life can be stranger than fiction. Chasing a shadow, Romia sets out on a mind bending journey to find out the truth about who her parents really were. One twist after the next will leave the reader guessing what is real and what is smoke and mirrors.

Lots of action can be found in this book 1-prequel of the upcoming STONE series.


Click the cover above to pre-order YOUR copy of Swerve today!


Interview

When did your love of writing first appear?
I started writing at a very young age. My first love was telling a story and as soon as I got old enough to pen it, I did. My first complete project was done at the age of 14. It was submitted to a large house and was rejected (of course), but I was told then that my story was of exceptional quality for a girl my age. That was all it took for me to know that writing stories would be my life’s blood.


Why do you write?
I write because my brain cannot hold in the universe that exists in there. I have to free the characters, the places, and events that I dream and that are so real to me. It’s a relaxing catharsis as well—I mean where else can we commit the most heinous of crimes and get away with it? haha - just a little writer’s humor.


What has been the struggles with being a writer?
The biggest struggle, of course, is the money. There just isn’t enough out there for mainstream minority writers. I say that not to sound political but it’s a fact. There are many minority writers out there and we have saturated the market. It’s a lottery as to who will be the biggest star. It’s just like any industry where there is money to be made; many rush to it and then there is no money left to be made because everyone is a seller and there are no buyers. In the meantime, just like the movies, there are only so many slots for our books, even when the market was good so it’s just worse now. The next struggle is, because of that first struggle, getting people to understand why I still do; it is difficult. I write because I love it and that’s hard when there are so many other opportunities out there for folks to squeeze out a meager living… doing what? Who knows but normally it’s something you don’t even want to do. At this age and place in space I do not want to waste a day doing what I don’t want to do.


What has been your most joyous moment as a writer?
Seeing my book on a half-page ad in Black Expressions and in the supermarket—without a doubt those are at the top (equal pitch of my squeal).


How does being a black woman integrate itself into what and how you write?
Being a black woman is a unique journey. I find that my spirit gets to experience many things a woman in another space would not. I feel being a black woman I am afforded so many deep reaching stories that go past my flesh and into my soul. Each of my stories has a little bit of that ‘depth’ in there. Many readers miss it, but when I get an email from one that ‘got it’ I’m so excited and it makes it all worth it.


What advice do you have for those who dream of a writing career?
Stop dreaming it and start achieving it.

The Importance of Sisterhood: A DDIW Chronicles Commentary

They say that behind every great man there is a great woman.

I really think that saying is beside every great woman is a great sister who always comes with the straight, no chaser advice, warm hugs, and a ready-to-take-on-all-challengers stance when things get a little sticky.

Every woman can recall at least that one sister—from birth or from another mother—who has been there to listen to her frustrations over a relationship, her aggravation over a job, her devastation over a loss, and her infuriation over being done wrong. And she can recall that sister railing with her over her man and then getting real to show her where she went wrong. She can recall the friend telling her to look for another job, to find something that will make her happy and keep her living well. She can recall sistergirl sharing tissues with her as they both cry over the emptiness she feels at having lost someone. She can recall sistergirl saying, “OK, where’s my Vaseline and sneakers?” when it time to crack a skull or two open on her behalf.

There are a plethora of self-help books written about how women can find the man of their dreams and keep him, but we often forget about the importance of having a great sisterfriend, that woman who can see you bare, ugly truths, lies, secrets, and all, and who will still stand beside you, like a trooper, helping you to grow into the strong woman you are destined to be. There are many components to a person, and a romantic relationship can satisfy many of those components; however, nothing can replace the relationship of sisterhood and how it, too, can feed your soul.

Jovan Parham-Anderson from Death at the Double Inkwell [Amazon] has a sister like that: her twin, Cheyenne.

These two may look alike, but their personalities are polar opposites. Whereas Jovan is often quiet, reflective, and quick to find fault with herself, Cheyenne is loud, opinionated, and always ready to put blame on the right person.

Despite their differences, the two connect in powerful ways when the other steps up to be there for her sister.

When Jovan thinks her husband Cordell is having an affair, who does she run to? Cheyenne

When Jovan suffers an unimaginable tragedy, who does she run to? Cheyenne

When Cheyenne's temper places her in harm's way, who comes to protect her? Jovan

When Cheyenne catches feelings for someone who seems to be her arch-nemesis, who does she spill the beans to? Jovan

Even when Jovan’s and Cheyenne’s lives are put in danger, they rely on one another to make it through.

As betrayals and lies surface, and the twins find themselves in peril, will relying on their sisterhood keep them alive?


You'll have to read Death at the Double Inkwell to find out.


It’s available NOW at [Amazon].

2nd Excerpt from Death at the Double Inkwell [podcast]

In podcast #4 of The DDIW Chronicles, I offer yet another tasty excerpt of my mystery novel, Death at the Double Inkwell.

This podcast features the first couple pages of chapter two. If you haven't bought the book yet, this excerpt will surely pique your interest!

You can check out the podcast through my one-stop DDIW shop at my website [link].

While there, you can also listen to me discuss my journey to publication, read commentaries, and most importantly, PURCHASE the novel!

Writing in 140: Finding the Desire to Write

What can I say relevant about writing in 140 words or less? I'm not sure myself, but I'm starting a new series of commentaries called WRITING IN 140 where I attempt to do so. The first commentary, "Finding the Desire to Write" is live at the [Blood-Red Pencil]. Check it out and leave your own thoughts on the subject!

BEING SOCIAL: Promoting Your Literary Wares through Social Media

Becoming a Lifelong Learner of the Craft of Writing



By author, editor, educator Shonell Bacon aka ChickLitGurrl™


The Write Life for You is a series of articles on the writing craft. Past articles have focused on building character, developing a solid plot, and harnessing a writing style.

In June's article, I look at using social media tools/platforms to help promote your literary wares.


Head to APOOO Books to read my latest article in The Write Life for You series and see how Twitter, Facebook, Ustream, and more can be used to help you sell books. And also lend your OWN thoughts or experience with social media to the discussion!

The Agent Experience with Death at the Double Inkwell - [podcast]

In the third podcast of The DDIW Chronicles, I talk about my agent experience with Death at the Double Inkwell.

You can check out the podcast [here]. Definitely consider ordering YOUR copy of DDIW through Amazon.com [link].

I (along with Death at the Double Inkwell) Am Featured at Myst Noir!

Not only is my mystery, DEATH AT THE DOUBLE INKWELL a featured title for June at Myst Noir [LINK] (mysteries written by African-Americans and/or featuring African-American sleuths), but also I sit down for an interview with Myst Noir founder, author Angela Henry to talk about DDIW and writing. Come check out the interview [HERE].

The DDIW Chronicles: Excerpt of Death at the Double Inkwell [podcast]

This month with The DDIW Chronicles, I'm offering a juicy excerpt of my solo debut project, the mystery Death at the Double Inkwell.

This podcast features the first couple pages of chapter one. Will definitely make you want to see what happens next!

You can check out the podcast [here]. Definitely consider ordering YOUR copy of DDIW through Amazon.com [link].