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Brenda Hampton
Celebrate with us as we recognize and highlight just a few women making a mark in the literary industry as we bring you…
The Real Housewives of Literature They are mothers, wives, daughters, aunts and sisters, yet they have found time to make a name for themselves and pursue their dreams. O.O.S.A.’s goal is to not only acknowledge African American women in literature, but to educate and encourage others. We hope that you will join us as we recognize, respect and applaud their efforts as these phenomenal women make history or in this case, HERstory!
Status: Married
Children: 3, ages 14 and 29-year-old twins
Books: 25
Brenda Hampton, the writer who brings the heat, is mostly known and recognized for creating one of the most addictive book series in literature, The Naughty Series. Hampton’s name has graced the Essence Magazine Bestseller’s List.She was named a favorite female fiction writer in Upscale Magazine.She was also named in the Top Most Admired African American Women in Literature. Hampton's mystery novel, The Dirty Truth, was nominated for an African American Literary Award and her Hell House Series was named 2012 top book choice by the Sankofa Literary Society. In addition to writing, Hampton works as a literary agent for several established and upcoming authors in literature. In an effort to celebrate literature, she created The Brenda Hampton Honorary Literacy Award and Scholarship Fund. The award not only celebrates writers, but it also represents unique individuals who put forth every effort to uphold the standards of African American Literature.
Behind the Books
How do you juggle a career, writing and home? Since I don’t work a nine-to-five job, writing is much easier for me to juggle. I can spend as much time as I want writing, and if I close the door to my office, I can get a whole lot done!
What is the writing process like for you? Is it more work? It is more play? Never, ever does writing feel like work to me. It’s purely fun and very enjoyable. Even when I have to meet deadlines, I don’t feel burdened. I feel like it’s time to play hard.
What advice would you give to female aspiring authors? The same advice I would give to any author—be patient, do your research, read other books, and write every day.
Why do you write? I write because it is my passion. It relieves stress and I have so many people’s stories that I still want to tell.
What female authors have influenced you? Terry McMillan.
The Real Housewives of Literature They are mothers, wives, daughters, aunts and sisters, yet they have found time to make a name for themselves and pursue their dreams. O.O.S.A.’s goal is to not only acknowledge African American women in literature, but to educate and encourage others. We hope that you will join us as we recognize, respect and applaud their efforts as these phenomenal women make history or in this case, HERstory!
Status: Married
Children: 3, ages 14 and 29-year-old twins
Books: 25
Brenda Hampton, the writer who brings the heat, is mostly known and recognized for creating one of the most addictive book series in literature, The Naughty Series. Hampton’s name has graced the Essence Magazine Bestseller’s List.She was named a favorite female fiction writer in Upscale Magazine.She was also named in the Top Most Admired African American Women in Literature. Hampton's mystery novel, The Dirty Truth, was nominated for an African American Literary Award and her Hell House Series was named 2012 top book choice by the Sankofa Literary Society. In addition to writing, Hampton works as a literary agent for several established and upcoming authors in literature. In an effort to celebrate literature, she created The Brenda Hampton Honorary Literacy Award and Scholarship Fund. The award not only celebrates writers, but it also represents unique individuals who put forth every effort to uphold the standards of African American Literature.
Behind the Books
How do you juggle a career, writing and home? Since I don’t work a nine-to-five job, writing is much easier for me to juggle. I can spend as much time as I want writing, and if I close the door to my office, I can get a whole lot done!
What is the writing process like for you? Is it more work? It is more play? Never, ever does writing feel like work to me. It’s purely fun and very enjoyable. Even when I have to meet deadlines, I don’t feel burdened. I feel like it’s time to play hard.
What advice would you give to female aspiring authors? The same advice I would give to any author—be patient, do your research, read other books, and write every day.
Why do you write? I write because it is my passion. It relieves stress and I have so many people’s stories that I still want to tell.
What female authors have influenced you? Terry McMillan.
Mz. Robinson
Celebrate with us as we recognize and highlight just a few women making a mark in the literary industry as we bring you…
The Real Housewives of Literature They are mothers, wives, daughters, aunts and sisters, yet they have found time to make a name for themselves and pursue their dreams. O.O.S.A.’s goal is to not only acknowledge African American women in literature, but to educate and encourage others. We hope that you will join us as we recognize, respect and applaud their efforts as these phenomenal women make history or in this case, HERstory!
Status: Divorced
Children: None
Books: 12
Mz. Robinson’s love for writing started in elementary school. As time went by she used writing as an escape from her day to day life and a way to keep herself occupied. Her stories became more intense with every new one she told until one day she sat down and created a short story. Falling in love with the characters she created, Mz. Robinson continued to write and develop the storyline until she had a full length manuscript that would later become her debut novel, What We Won’t Do for Love, which she later abandoned because of rejections from publishing companies.
A series of dramatic events took place in Mz. Robinson’s life, including dealing with her husband’s alcoholism behind closed doors and health scares. Overwhelmed with stress, she quit her fulltime job and focused on real estate and her marriage; devoting much of her time to taking care of her family. Shortly after she also returned to her pen, and revisited her abandoned manuscript.
Mz. Robinson has several published novels with many more on the way. She is the CEO of Mz. Robinson Productions, under which her first book is scheduled to be released spring 2014. She is the host of Truth Be Told which airs Tuesdays at 8:30 pm EST on Blog Talk Radio and the founder of I Define D.I.V.A.
Behind the Books
What is your favorite book? “The Power of a Praying Woman” by Stormie Omartian.
What is the writing process like for you? Is it more work? It is more play? When I’m creating my characters, weaving details throughout, and spinning twist it’s both work and play. I have fun stepping outside of reality, playing with the voices, and bringing them to life. It’s work because this is my career and I take what I do seriously. However, when you love what you do, it’s hard to label it as work.
Do you recall the specific moment you decided to make writing a career? Yes, it was during a bad time in my life and I was looking to make a change. I was sitting in my living room thinking of all my talents, gifts, and how I could use them to make my life better; that’s when it came to me that writing was the answer.
Is your writing, on some level, related to your life? Writing has been and continues to be my therapy. It has helped me avoid trouble, recognize and accept my flaws, and moved me to let go of unnecessary baggage. Also, there is a small part of me in every character I create.
What female authors have influenced you? There are a lot of female authors that I admire. However, two that have had an impact on me just through their words and passion for their craft are Iris Boiling and T. Styles. I recently had the opportunity to interview both of these ladies and I love how they’ve taken their careers to the next level while helping others along the way. Their words of encouragement have inspired me to not only continue to build my brand but to pursue each and every dream I have without fear or regret.
Stay tuned next week as we highlight another phenomenal woman!
The Real Housewives of Literature They are mothers, wives, daughters, aunts and sisters, yet they have found time to make a name for themselves and pursue their dreams. O.O.S.A.’s goal is to not only acknowledge African American women in literature, but to educate and encourage others. We hope that you will join us as we recognize, respect and applaud their efforts as these phenomenal women make history or in this case, HERstory!
Status: Divorced
Children: None
Books: 12
Mz. Robinson’s love for writing started in elementary school. As time went by she used writing as an escape from her day to day life and a way to keep herself occupied. Her stories became more intense with every new one she told until one day she sat down and created a short story. Falling in love with the characters she created, Mz. Robinson continued to write and develop the storyline until she had a full length manuscript that would later become her debut novel, What We Won’t Do for Love, which she later abandoned because of rejections from publishing companies.
A series of dramatic events took place in Mz. Robinson’s life, including dealing with her husband’s alcoholism behind closed doors and health scares. Overwhelmed with stress, she quit her fulltime job and focused on real estate and her marriage; devoting much of her time to taking care of her family. Shortly after she also returned to her pen, and revisited her abandoned manuscript.
Mz. Robinson has several published novels with many more on the way. She is the CEO of Mz. Robinson Productions, under which her first book is scheduled to be released spring 2014. She is the host of Truth Be Told which airs Tuesdays at 8:30 pm EST on Blog Talk Radio and the founder of I Define D.I.V.A.
Behind the Books
What is your favorite book? “The Power of a Praying Woman” by Stormie Omartian.
What is the writing process like for you? Is it more work? It is more play? When I’m creating my characters, weaving details throughout, and spinning twist it’s both work and play. I have fun stepping outside of reality, playing with the voices, and bringing them to life. It’s work because this is my career and I take what I do seriously. However, when you love what you do, it’s hard to label it as work.
Do you recall the specific moment you decided to make writing a career? Yes, it was during a bad time in my life and I was looking to make a change. I was sitting in my living room thinking of all my talents, gifts, and how I could use them to make my life better; that’s when it came to me that writing was the answer.
Is your writing, on some level, related to your life? Writing has been and continues to be my therapy. It has helped me avoid trouble, recognize and accept my flaws, and moved me to let go of unnecessary baggage. Also, there is a small part of me in every character I create.
What female authors have influenced you? There are a lot of female authors that I admire. However, two that have had an impact on me just through their words and passion for their craft are Iris Boiling and T. Styles. I recently had the opportunity to interview both of these ladies and I love how they’ve taken their careers to the next level while helping others along the way. Their words of encouragement have inspired me to not only continue to build my brand but to pursue each and every dream I have without fear or regret.
Stay tuned next week as we highlight another phenomenal woman!
N'tyse
Celebrate with us as we recognize and highlight just a few women making a mark in the literary industry as we bring you…
The Real Housewives of Literature They are mothers, wives, daughters, aunts and sisters, yet they have found time to make a name for themselves and pursue their dreams. O.O.S.A.’s goal is to not only acknowledge African American women in literature, but to educate and encourage others. We hope that you will join us as we recognize, respect and applaud their efforts as these phenomenal women make history or in this case, HERstory!
Status: Married
Children: 1, almost 2 years old
Books: 4
N’Tyse is an erotic romance author and executive producer/director of the documentary film, Beneath My Skin. She met her soul mate when she was sixteen years old. While the couple endured tumultuous times during several pregnancy losses, their faith never wavered. It was during this time that N’Tyse’s love for writing grew. In an attempt to escape her own reality, she penned her first novel. It was her debut novel that would open up many doors for her literary and film career.
In 2011, N’Tyse delivered her first “earth” baby, Zanaiah, who she and her husband call their little miracle.
A former private/personal banker for nearly twelve years, N’Tyse decided not to return to corporate America, and instead opted to become a full-time mother and wife. With having penned more than seven novels and contributed to multiple anthologies, N’Tyse is just getting her feet wet. The author is no stranger to hard work and wears several hats. Author, literary agent, publisher, and documentary filmmaker, just to name a few. She believes balance is the key to keeping things intact on the work and home front.
Behind The Books
Knowing the path you took to where you are now, what is one thing from your experiences that you wish to save other authors from experiencing (OR hope all authors experience)? I can’t say that I had any terrible experiences that I don’t regret. I learned from everything that I went through in this industry. I believe authors nowadays have it somewhat easier than I did when I entered the industry because there are so many resources available. I had to learn everything from scratch. Trial and error. I also had to negotiate with printers, distributors, bookstores, etc. I had to store my paperbacks, (there was no POD), and then sell the paperbacks as if my life depended on it because I had money tied up in them. Every penny I had invested in myself derived from hard-earned clock-punching money. E-books were barely getting started and I didn't participate early on because I was skeptical. So if anything, I wish every author experienced or was exposed to the traditional aspect of the business. I believe it helped tremendously. It also shaped me into the business savvy woman that I am today. I was able to be hands-on with everything.
How do you juggle a career, writing and home? With me working from home it makes it a lot easier. I’m able to enjoy my daughter all day and tend to my domestic duties as a wife, without worrying about if one or the other is suffering. I write when my time allows, and that’s mostly at night when hubby and baby are asleep. Throughout the day, I handle all the administrative tasks, including reviewing manuscripts, pitching proposals, and working on pressing project matters. Sometimes I feel like there aren’t enough hours in a day, but I just do what I can and save the rest for another day. I also make it a point to incorporate a family day and date night every week. That means NO work. Well, I may answer an email or two. LOL!
How supportive is your family when it comes to a deadline? My entire family is extremely supportive. I am so blessed to have them. My mom and sister babysit my daughter whenever I ask. Whether it be to get caught up on writing or some much needed “ME” time.
From your perspective, do you think female authors have it better or worse than their male counterparts? I would have to say I think we have it better when it comes to persuading a reader to read our works. I really don’t want to make a generalization, but from what my male author friends have told me, this leads me to believe that. I would think it’s because women tend to read books that they can relate to. I can imagine it being quite difficult for a man to get inside a woman’s head and emotions so accurately, but I respect and commend the great male authors who have proven that they know what women like and how they think. I'm sure the genre also plays a factor.
What female authors have influenced you? Zane. She has been a true inspiration to me. I couldn’t be happier to be writing under her publishing imprint Strebor/Simon & Schuster, and working with her on my first documentary feature film. She is one of the executive producers of Beneath My Skin. Zane and I are both risk-takers and that’s why I gravitate to her work, but it’s her humbleness and superwoman mentality that inspires me. She’s the hardest working woman I know. When my daughter was only a few months old I asked her what advice could she give me so that I didn’t fall behind on writing. She told me to do what she did, and put my daughter on my hip in one hand, and type with the other. That was the realest advice I’ve ever gotten, especially from a woman of her caliber. I apply that to everything. Where there’s a will, there’s a way!
Stay tuned next week as we highlight another phenomenal woman!
Operation Nomination
OOSA Book Club is calling all Readers, Book Clubs and Friends! Nominate your favorites for the ALL THINGS LITERARY AWARDS.
Please keep in mind:
Nominees must have a new and original work published within the time period of March 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014.
Books that are solely eBooks are not eligible.
Multiple nominations will be disregarded.
Incomplete entries are void.
*Nomination process ends on Tuesday, April 30th.*
Follow this link
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1im1KFCx9P-_6DtS3u8Q5dqLxc0cJyfYuTW-EatU7e8M/edit
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