The
Joneses is Shelia Goss’ seventeenth book and
she’s in the middle of The Joneses
blog tour. Goss’ new novel is a page turner full of drama, plot twists
and turns, that is an excellent and entertaining read from the beginning until
the end. Get ready because The Joneses will definitely have you
salivating for a sequel.
I’m happy that this gifted author and screenwriter took time
out of her schedule to participate in this interview and giveaway.
Now, let’s get the 411 on the author.
Where are you from and
what jumpstarted your writing career?
I am from Louisiana – home of good food and good people
(smile). I’m also an alumni of Southern University. I’ve been writing since I
was 9 years old. When I was in elementary school, my teachers submitted my
poems to Seedlings. In school, I’ve been on the yearbook staff, newspaper, etc.
I decided to pursue writing as a career back in 1997. My first book outside of
school was actually a collection of poems. It was called Embraced by Love – The
Relationship.
Writing was always something that I wanted to do, but I
originally had planned on waiting until I retired. After losing my dad and
hearing of Princess Diana’s death, it dawned on me that life was too short and
I shouldn’t wait to pursue my dreams. So, while I was still working, I would
write at night, during my break, at lunchtime, etc. When the right opportunity
came, it was just the right time to go ahead and put everything I had into it.
What genre(s) do you
write?
I write in multiple genres: women’s fiction, romance,
Christian fiction, suspense, young adult, etc.
What is your favorite
sort of character?
One that is flawed. No one’s perfect in real life, so the
characters in my books aren’t either. They have issues just like a friend, a
co-worker or a stranger on the street would have.
What's something about
yourself that readers may not know?
I love to play spades and dominoes. I'm a Virgo and Prince
is my all-time favorite music artist.
Were there things from “your world”
incorporated into this storyline?
I don’t write about
my real life. All of my books are fiction; any resemblance to anyone real is
purely a coincidence.
What words of advice would you give an
aspiring writer?
The best advice I
could give an aspiring writer is to write, write, write. Write a complete
manuscript, revise, join networking groups and research. Google is a writer’s
best friend. When asking questions to other authors, be specific. A generic
question like “how can I get my book published?” will not yield you the
response that you want. Why? Because there’s no magic formula to getting your
book published, but yet, there are many books written on the subject. Asking specific questions will show that
you’ve taken the time to do your research and possibly read some of those books
or articles and that you’re serious about the craft of writing.
What's next for Shelia Goss?
2014 is off to a good
start. I have several pending projects that I hope to finalize in the first
quarter. I'm working on a couple of new books as well as writing a couple of
screenplays. Thirsty-The Movie that's
based on one of my original screenplays has a Facebook page. To keep up with
the process of what's going on with the movie, be sure to "like" the
page: https://www.facebook.com/theThirstyMovie
To keep up with all of
my projects, be sure to bookmark my website www.sheliagoss.com.
About The Joneses:
Keeping up with the Joneses isn’t all it’s made out to be. In this
intriguing novel full of drama and plot twists, one family tries to hold on to
their “perfect” life before their secrets, lies, and scandals are exposed.
On the outside, the Joneses seem like the ideal family: Royce Jones, a funeral home mogul, and his wife, Lexi, are parents to Charity, Hope, and Lovie—and everybody wants to be them. But it’s true that money can’t buy happiness, and the Joneses are harboring secrets that can’t stay hidden forever…It’s only a matter of time before the Joneses’ perfect life goes spinning out of control.
On the outside, the Joneses seem like the ideal family: Royce Jones, a funeral home mogul, and his wife, Lexi, are parents to Charity, Hope, and Lovie—and everybody wants to be them. But it’s true that money can’t buy happiness, and the Joneses are harboring secrets that can’t stay hidden forever…It’s only a matter of time before the Joneses’ perfect life goes spinning out of control.
Order your copy of THE JONESES from Simon & Schuster (http://books.simonandschuster.com/Joneses/Shelia-M-Goss/9781593095222) or purchase from other online retailers such as:
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-joneses-sheila-m-goss/1115884720?ean=9781593095222
Available in stores everywhere on February 18, 2014.
More About the Author: Shelia Goss writes in multiple genres. USA Today says, “Goss has an
easy, flowing style with her prose…” She's received many accolades in her
career, including being a finalist in the mystery category for the 2013 AA
Literary Award Show and a 2012 Emma Award Finalist. Her books have been on
several best sellers lists, such as: Essence Magazine, Dallas Morning News and Black Expressions Book Club. Shelia loves to hear
from readers so feel free to contact her via her website: www.sheliagoss.com or follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sheliagoss or Twitter: www.twitter.com/sheliamgoss.
THE JONESES GIVEAWAY
Lexi Jones, one of the main characters,
from THE JONESES loves her handbags so it’s just befitting
that the grand prize be a handbag. Contest ends on February 25, 2014.
GRAND PRIZE:
One (1) random entrant will receive a
small Coach handbag {Retail value: $188.00, 10 3/4″(L) x 7″(H) x 3 1/4″(W)} and
Bath & Body Works miniatures (Retail value: $19.75)
RUNNER UP:
One (1) random entrant will receive an
autographed copy of Montana’s Way.
10 ENTRANTS:
Ten (10) random entrants will receive
the electronic version of the book Hollywood Deception.
Open to U.S. & Canada residents
only. Avoid where prohibited by law.
To enter please use the rafflecopter
form below.
Copy and paste code
below for rafflecopter into your blog:
