Q&A with LaShonda DeVaughn, Author of "A Hood Chick's Story"
Q: When did you decide you wanted to write?
A: I decided that I wanted to write once
I realized that I had many stories to tell. I always loved writing, English was my favorite subject in school and once I read
urban literature, I fell in love with the whole concept.
Q: How many novels in all have you written?
A: My first novel, "A Hood Chick's Story"
is my first completed novel, I have others in the works, many others actually.
Q: How long did it take you to write your first novel?
A: It took me about four months to write
my novel.
Q: Where do you get your inspiration for your stories?
A: I got the inspiration for most of my stories through
my life experiences.
Q: Are the characters based on real people?
A: The characters in "A Hood Chick's Story" are made up, however few
are based on real people such as the main character Tiara. The
inspiration for Tiara's character came from my life, but I made her character
endure way more drama. But the people that she lost in her life are the same
people that I have lost in my life.
Q: After writing your first novel, did you self-publish?? If so,
how was that experience?
A: Yes, I self-published my first novel.
It is a great learning experience and I'm glad that I decided to self-publish. Everything that I'm learning I'm
definitely sharing with new authors. One thing that I'll recommend to new authors is asking a lot of questions, it's
the only way to master something.
Q: What feedback have you received from fans?
A: The feedback has been all positive.
They love the book because they can relate to it. Whether you live in or out of the hood you'll identify with some of the
situations in A Hood Chick's Story. Even older women come up to me telling me what they took from the book or what part they
identified with so this book is not only for teens and young adults, it's for everyone.
Q: What authors do you admire? Did one of them inspire you?
A: I admire Vickie Stringer and Nikki
Turner because they are doing it real big right now in this game. I did get inspired by reading about them in a magazine one
day and I decided that I would stop talking about it and start being about it. I started writing A Hood Chick's Story and
the rest is history.
Q: Is writing your only passion?
A: For right now yes, I plan to master
this game.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A: In five years I see myself having
a prosperous writing career and owning my own publishing company. I plan to launch StreetDreamz Publications
ASAP so in five years it should be an empire.
Q: What advice would you give aspiring authors?
A: Ask questions!!! I can't express that
more, if they don't want to answer, keep asking. I ask a lot of questions so that the next time around, I won't need that
person or company, I can be my own source.
Q: What would you like readers to learn from your stories?
A: I want them to learn that with
every struggle, there is a lesson. There will always be a positive side to my stories, even amongst all the drama.
Q: Are you working on another novel?If so, What is it about?
A: Yes, right now I'm completing "A Hood
Chick's Story, part 2." Just when my readers thought Tiara's life couldn't get any worse, part 2
would make you want to jump in the pages to help her yourself. I'm also working with collaborating with two Best
Selling Authors on a novel that we plan to have completed by summer 2008, I'll keep everyone posted on my website.
Q: Where can people purchase your books? Do you have a website?
