Books2Mention is honored to have best-selling author Ericka Williams as our featured author this month.
She recently released her new novel, A Woman Scorned 2: Family Ties. It is the sequel to the novel A Woman Scorned.
Ericka is a mother of two, an elementary school Language Arts teacher, an actor, a director, and a producer of short films. She is currently starring in the cast of The Cartel Publications, feature "Pitbulls in a Skirt" movie due to be released in the summer of 2011.
Ericka is a humanitarian, a mentor, a public speaker and spiritually grounded in her faith. She has chosen to use her platform to demonstrate that all humans have unlimited access to redemption no matter what their plight has been in life.
B2M presents our exclusive interview with Ericka Williams.
Welcome to Books2Mention Magazine. Congratulations on the success of your books.
B2M: First of all, please tell our readers about your new book, A Woman Scorned 2 Family Ties?
ERICKA: A Woman Scorned Part 2-Family Ties shows how sometimes family is no different or better than haters and enemies in that they do not want to see you prosper, grow, or overcome your obstacles. Many families have generational curses that plague a whole family. We have got to learn how to break negative cycles and heal. And we have got to understand that sometimes even family has to be cut off.
B2M: When did you discover your interest in writing?
ERICKA: I remember taking Creative Writing in the 7th grade and loving it. And then going to college and having an expository writing class that required a whole lot of writing, I loved that too. It still didn’t hit me, the possibility of being able to become an author. There were not half as many black authors or independent publishers as there are today. When a close cousin died I knew that I must tell a story that would address young women. I decided to write a book and dedicate it to my cousin, Nadja.
B2M: What do you feel is the single most important ingredient necessary in creating stories that readers can relate to?
ERICKA: I would have to say there should always be a theme or a moral to the story. The story should have a relevant purpose. The writer should be able to answer the question, “Why is this a book that should be written?”
B2M: What has been the most striking fact that you have learned about the process of writing?
ERICKA: That the story takes on a life of its own. I always know what I want the story to do, but then it seems to come alive and do exactly that.
B2M: Do you have a favorite among the books you've written?
ERICKA: Not really. I like each one better as I go. I keep thinking the next one is better than the last one. I love them all because they all have a different theme.
B2M: Are you inspired by other writers? If so, who are some of your favorites?
ERICKA: I love writers because they do what I do, understand the passion, and have accomplished what is not an easy task. I respect all authors out here on their grind. I have become friendly with a lot of authors on the “circuit” and I celebrate all of them.
B2M: What has been a career high for you thus far?
ERICKA: From a business point of view, getting a distribution deal for my company ESharan Publishing. From a creative standpoint is being at a signing and having many women who have read A Woman Scorned come to the table and pick up Part 2 without even reading the back and taking it straight to the register, without asking any questions. That tells me how good Part 1 was and since Part 2 is even better, that is really HOT to me!
B2M: Your dream is to see your books turned into film. Which title would you like to see on the big screen first?
ERICKA: A Woman Scorned because I think it will draw a diverse audience and help me crossover into the “Pop Life” but if I had the money and power to choose, it would be All That Glitters, which I’ve already done a short film for.
B2M: If you could offer aspiring writers advice, what would it be?
ERICKA: To keep their blinders on. There is so much competition but there is room for everyone. Many people like to support authors because they respect our tenacity and perseverance to get it done. So even if you’re an unknown you can be consistent and successful doing signings. The book world is not like the music world or TV Land, we are not visibly famous but many people know our names. Don’t think that you have to be nationally famous to be successful, even though that should be an ultimate goal.
B2M: What can readers expect from your next title, Robbin Hoods?
ERICKA: A novel that deals with the culture of black men who have misunderstood their place in society and who have felt that crime was their only road to riches and a good life. The mentality of some of our men is so hopeless, destructive, and stagnant and it does not just affect them and their lives but the women, children, and family that love them. I grew up with more than a dozen men in my hood who got caught up in a life of being house robbers in a suburb, because of the sometime misconstrued opportunity to live the American dream. Some are born into the dream and others have to watch very closely other people prospering and living good right next door to them, while they live as working poor or just poor. The suburbs has a dark side. Not everyone in the suburbs has money or the opportunity to escape the trappings of city and street life.
B2M: Ericka we encourage you to continue writing books that offer great stories with interesting characters. We look forward to hearing more from you.
Thanks for interviewing with Books2Mention Magazine. Please be sure to come back again and keep readers informed about all of your future endeavors.
Much Success To You!
The Staff @ Books2Mention Magazine
Ericka is currently on book tour, so please click here to view our listing of her upcoming events. 
