Slyce: Brothers and Sistah’s, please welcome our sistah, Author Coffee Jones to “The Interrogation Room”!! Welcome my sistah :-). Are you ready?
Slyce: What inspired you to become an author?
CJ: Reading is what inspired me to become an author. Particularly one book, “The Two Princesses of Bamerre” by Gail Carson Levine. The story was so vivid and beautiful. It inspired me to create worlds of my own.
Slyce: What is the name of your publishing company?
CJ: Leo Sullivan Presents
Slyce: In what genre do you write?
CJ: I am published in the urban fiction genre but I can and have wrote in many different genres. My favorite being fantasy and realistic fiction.
Slyce: Have you penned under another name?
CJ: No
Slyce: You wrote a book titled, “Can’t Live Without Your Love”. What was this book about?
CJ: From the banks of the Mississippi to the concrete streets of Cali, King rules it all. Inheriting his father’s crime empire caused him to lose a wife, father, and brothers.
Family ties are tested, hearts are broken and loyalties are challenged as King tries to hold onto the reigns. When the ravishing Mija, a Dominican hottie enters the picture, she rocks his entire world with hard core secrets of her own that will threaten to tear apart everything he is struggling to keep.
With the little family that King has left, he is determined to stay on top no matter what, but will Mija cost King his empire?
Slyce: Is this book a stand alone or a series?
CJ: This book is the beginning of a series.
Slyce: How important are interviews?
CJ: Interviews are very important, and special. They allow the readers and the author to connect and learn things about each other they wouldn’t know from just reading the works alone. They also give insight to the author and their personality. This allows the reader to form a tighter bond with the books and the stories, especially if they can relate to the author.
Slyce: How important are reviews?
CJ: For me, reviews are very important for two reasons. One: I thrive on constructive criticism, especially from readers who don’t know me. They provide me with information about the books that I need so I can become a better writer. Two: I am in love with every story that I put out. I could spend all day talking about my characters, and the choices they have made, so I love to see readers as invested as I am in the stories I write, excited about the scenes that I was most excited about, etc. It not only helps me become a better writer, but it makes me more excited and determined to put out more and better content.
Slyce: What does the term, “Building a Brand” mean?
CJ: Building a brand means making and upholding a continuous reputation and statement about your life, products, beliefs etc. For example, each celebrity has their own brand/gimmick that they stand by. For Chance the Rapper, it’s good music and community change. For Beyonce’, it’s womanhood and empowerment.
Slyce: What steps are you taking to build your brand?
CJ: The first step in building my brand is remaining true to myself and what I believe in and never conforming to anyone for any reason because that’s a sure fire way to lose what you stand for and what makes your brand unique. I believe in not being afraid to try new things, and taking things slow to ensure that everything is being done in the most efficient and informed way. Also, I’m getting myself out there by networking, being open minded, and generally having a positive attitude. All of these things have been helping me to build my brand and become the woman I want to be.
Slyce: What goals would you like to achieve as an author?
CJ: The main goal that I want to achieve as a author is writing books that I and the reader’s love. I have many manuscripts in the vault in many different genres waiting to be shared with those who love a good story. I also want to be financially independent. It has always been my goal to become a boss, instead of working for one. If I can do this by doing something that I love, that would be amazing.
Slyce: What advice would you like to share with aspiring authors?
CJ: Never be afraid to fight for what you believe in or challenge yourself with a new genre or a new idea. Make sure you know how to properly write including punctuation, quotations, and format; it will definitely work for or against you when it comes to being published. Also, don’t jump into anything without doing research first. Your books are your babies, please take care of them. Never give up, everything takes time and patience.
Slyce: Is there anything else cooking in the lab for Author Coffee Jones?
CJ: There are many things cooking in my kitchen. I have plans to release four more books this year, and many more in the years to come. I also sing, write spoken word, so anything is possible for me right now.
Slyce: Do you write for the passion or the profit?
CJ: I write primarily for passion. I love reading and creating worlds, sharing experiences through characters and stories, but if I can turn my hobby into my hustle, that’s even better. I get the best of both worlds.
Slyce: Name three authors you’d love to work with.
CJ: I would love to work with Ashley& JaQuavis; they have written one of my favorite series, “The Cartel”. The kind of stories they write are captivating and they aren’t afraid to go there. I have always wanted to work with Zane, because she was one of the first urban fiction writers I have ever read and she knows how to make a story sizzle; plus she is a veteran in this genre and I would love to take notes. Finally, Kiki Swinson; most of her stories are gritty and hardcore. She doesn’t shy away from hard topics, which is inspiring and motivating.
Slyce: Where can our viewers purchase your book?
CJ: Both books are available on Amazon.
Slyce: Is your book an eBook and/or paperback?
CJ: These books are currently available as E-book only.
Slyce: How can our viewers contact you?
CJ: All of the viewers can email me.
Slyce: I’d like to thank guest Author Coffee Jones for joining us in “The Interrogation Room”!! Thank you my sistah. You were wonderful!!
Everyone, please go purchase “Can’t Live Without Your Love” by Author Coffee Jones. Also, remember to check out her page on Facebook at: 
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