Slyce: Brothers and Sistah’s, please welcome our sistah, Author Fawn Howard to “The Interrogation Room”!! Welcome my sistah :-). Are you ready?
Slyce: What inspired you to become an author?
FH: I have always loved books and reading, since i was a child. In college I studied Language Arts education intending to become an English teacher. All throughout college i participated in a community service organization called Harambee, and we also hosted open mic poetry nights. I started writing as a way to release some of my inner feelings. I had always been quiet and very to myself, not always opening up to others easily. Writing became an outlet for me. After college I did not write as much, falling into the everyday work routine. This novel pictured. N’Dea’s Passing was my first published novel. I coauthored it with a friend and coworker.
Slyce: What is the name of your publishing company?
FH: I provide literary services including copy editing, publishing, and cover design under my company Light In Darkness Enterprises, LLC.
Slyce: In what genre do you write?
FH: Mostly I write fantasy fiction and poetry. Besides the book listed here my most recent work was sort of a devotional with some poetry. Each poem or passage/message inspired by a quote or thought. Intended to give the reader a positive motivating thought for each day. It was meant to encourage the reader to take a moment out of everyday and to just be still and encourage themselves. Since we often do not stop to enjoy our blessings.
Slyce: Have you penned under another name?
FH: No I have only written under the name Fawn N. Howard. Except for stories and books that I was asked/hired to ghost write for.
Slyce: You wrote a book titled, “N’dea’s Passing”. What was this book about?
FH: This book was a vampire story. It followed my character N’Dea who was turned into a vampire while vacationing in Ireland. Upon coming home I am confronted by my co-author’s character Kat. It was intended to be the first in a trilogy of books, but life took some turns. We started the sequel, but never got around to completing it. I have been toying with the idea of completing it. We had some people very eager for the continuation of the story.
Slyce: Is this book a stand alone or a series?
FH: As of right now as mentioned above it is a stand alone book. Though in the near future, I may be revisiting it to complete what we started.
Slyce: Is your book an eBook and/or paperback?
FH: This book is available, as is my other book, in both formats. N’dea’s Passing available on Amazon.
Slyce: How important is research?
FH: It all depends on your content. With poetry it is all creative thinking and I am in control of what the end result is. The same can be for my fantasy fiction. I create my own reality. I did have to do some research on flight time, and just a general overview of Ireland and it’s landscape, because i wanted that part to be somewhat true to the original. But I do not mention any real city or place, so where my characters are is totally of my own making. I like being able to make my own reality and rules. But depending on the genre you write about you have to do some research or it must be a topic you know about intimately. You have to make your content believable to your readers, and there must be some element of truth to your writing. For example you cant write about crime and mystery without some knowledge of the criminal mind, and weapons, and some of the forensics that go along with it. It just wouldnt be believeable. At least that is how I feel when reading a novel or story.
Slyce: How important are interviews?
FH: I guess that too depends on the author, and their goals as far as their writing. This is the first interview that I have ever done. I don’t necessarily push and advertise my books as much as some. For me they were just a release. I love that I have some fans, and people that loved my books. And that they anxiously await my next one. But my business provides many services. So sometimes I have to force myself to stop and focus on my writing.
Slyce: How important are reviews?
FH For me, I appreciate them just so that I can get a feeling as to how my book was received. I do not get bent out of shape if someone leaves a bad review. I take it for what it’s worth. If i find their criticism constructive, i may apply it to my next project. If not. Well everyone is welcome to their own opinion.
Slyce: What does the term, “Building a Brand” mean?
FH: For me it is all about association. When someone hears the name Light In Darkness Enterprises, I want them to associate it with positivity, encouragement, inspiration, beauty, peace, and so many other ideals. Light In Darkness Enterprises, LLC was created to be a light in a world where we are constantly bombarded by negativity and darkness. In our personal lives. In our communities. In our professional lives. I wanted to be a breath of fresh air to my customers. I wanted to leave them with a positive experience. And i wanted to provide my services free of all of the rhetoric and drama that sometimes can come in business dealings. For example with my Instagram. Yes i do post some of my hand made products, but mainly i post positive, motivational, and encouraging posts. I want to encourage those around me to see their worth, and to find their purpose and peace. That is what i am trying to build my brand into.
Now on the other hand. We have my business partners company. Hazardous Material Inc. For his company it inspires a more urban feel. From his hip-hop music to his clothing line.
Slyce: What steps are you taking to build your brand?
FH: My brand is not just my writing and literary services. I also make hand made items including jewelry and crocheted items. I have been working with some marketing people to try to build my brand and my name. I attend local fairs and events to get my business out there. My brand has many umbrellas underneath it. From Literary Services, to Jewelry, Crocheted Items, Catering, Photography and Videography, Graphic Design and Digital Editing, Real Estate, and music Production. I do so much that sometimes i have to focus on whatever i am currently being commissioned or hired to work on.
Slyce: What goals would you like to achieve as an author?
FH: Mainly i just wish to continue doing what I’m doing. I do want to get more into my writing. I am currently working on another poetry collection, which I hope to also make into an audio cd, with me reciting my pieces to my own beats or some from my business partner. And i do hope to get back to the follow up to N’Dea’s Passing and create a spin off series. I would never be able to create the third book in the original trilogy, as ot was supposed to be about my co-author’s character. But I can finish the second book, and build from there. It was to be called Killian’s Claim… so be on the look out for it…
Slyce: What advice can you offer those aspiring to become an author?
FH: I just say keep writing. If it is in your heart to do, let nothing stand in your way. There are some of us out there that would help you to get yourself out there. But you have to be willing to first put yourself out there, and trust in yourself. And do not be afraid to resch out for help and guidance. Surround yourself with people that will push you, and people that are working towards the same goals as you. You must surround yourself with people that will encourage you, and you mist encourage them. It must go full circle.
Slyce: Is there anything else cooking in the lab for Author Fawn Howard?
FH: I am currently as noted before working on a new poetry collection and hope to release it collectively with a spoken word LP of my pieces recited over beats of my own production or produced by members of my circle.
Slyce: Do you write for the passion or the profit?
FH: For me it is all about the passion. I love hearing back from my readers and knowing that I touched them in some way. And knowing that my words made a difference in the life of someone else.
Slyce: Name three authors you’d love to work with.
FH: I really don’t know about this answer. I love supernatural and fantasy fiction. One of my favorite authors is Laurell K. Hamilton. I would also have to say Eric Jerome Dickey, he was one of my favorites from my college years. And finally I guess Anne Rice, I loved her Vampire stories. They really are what got me interested in the genre.
Now deceased authors and poets I would have to say Maya Angelou and Langston Hughes.
Slyce: Have you done blog talk radio?
FH: No I have never done a blog, video blog, or talk radio interview.
Slyce: Where can our viewers purchase your book?
FH: Please see the links above. Also if you visit my website there are links where you can buy directly from me. Or just search my name at lulu.com, amazon.com, or barnesandnoble.com or any other online book retailer.
Slyce: How can our viewers contact you?
FH: You may contact me through my website there is a contact form. Or you may contact me here through Facebook and through my business page. Or you may email me at lightindarknessent@gmail.com
Slyce: I’d like to thank guest, Author Fawn Howard for joining us in “The Interrogation Room”!! Thank you my sistah. You were wonderful!!
Everyone, please go purchase, “N’dea’s Passing” by Author Fawn Howard. Also, remember to check out her page on Facebook at: 
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