Much LOVE & THANKS go out to The Sistah Circle Book Club.  You are a true gift from God to Authors.  Thank you for the venue you provide, the passion you have, and the support you give.

Peace & Blessings...
L.B. Ransom

I thank you, L.B. for participating in our author interview project.  I truly appreciate your support of the SCBC!  -The SCBC, Inc.

Tell us your latest news?

I have been extremely busy visiting book clubs that have selected me for their selection of the month.  I am booked with book clubs through June in additional to a Borders book signings and a beauty shop visit.  I’m working on a book tour in Tulsa and Oklahoma City with Labor Day weekend.  A friend of long standing and event planner, Mrs. Monique Lewis, in Tulsa is planning the tour.

Where are you from?

Chicago

When and why did you begin writing?

I use to read a substantial amount of fiction, in particularly African American fiction.  I decided to write on a whim, a challenge to myself.  I just wanted to see if I could achieve it … and I did.  

Who or what has influenced your writing, and in what way?

I found writing an excellent vehicle to excerpt some built up energy.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

I consider the follow persons a mentor in the since that their love and compassion for exceptional literature has inspired me to write.  Not that I have had the pleasure of personally meeting and working with these writers: 

Terry McMillan, Jacket Collins, The late Harold Robbins, LaJoyce Brookshire, Lolita Files to name a few.

What are you reading now?

I usually read a couple of books simultaneously.  I’m currently reading Preconceived Notions, which has taken over 6 months for me to finish.  I started reading it last July when I was traveling.  I was half way through when I lost the book.  I purchased the book for the second time at the beginning of the year and have just got the chance to pick it back up again.  Then I will read Terry McMilliam’s new book and Who Moved My Cheese.

How do you feel overall about self-publishing?

I am in love with Print on Demand, it has exceeded all of my needs.  They stores books electronically, and prints, binds, and ships within 24-48 hours.  This eliminates the need for warehousing, as well as the risk of “over printing” books.  In addition to keeping cost down, this technology means my book is never out of print, customers never find books out of stock, and the author retain all rights which is very important if a film or screenplay every be made from the book.  Books can be ordered by phone, money order, check, or credit card.  This technology will provoke The Revolution of the Publishing Industry.  

What are the strengths and weaknesses of promotion for self-published authors?

The main weakness that immediately comes to mind is distribution.

Do you feel more African Americans are reading?

Yes, I think so, this is proven by the number of book clubs such as yours.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Yes, how things from our past prevent us from being the best we can be today.

How much of the novel is realistic? 

90%

How did you come up with the title for your book?

I had no idea over 2 years ago when I came up with the name LinkAge how popular it would be.  Everyone is talking about Linking and Connecting. We are in the Age of ... 

 Linking …         Connecting …         Interacting …

We are in a Link Age:
Politicians tell you how they can "connect" to your issues ...
Socialites tell you how well "connected" they are ...
NBC TV is committed to keeping you "connected" ...
A leading Communications corporation "links" people’s dreams with technology’s promises ...
City-Alert.com is "Connecting" Communities, Creating Opportunities ...

Webster defines LinkAge as an old bond, a connection that has withstood the stand of time.  My book ... LinkAge is about how things from our past can prohibit us from being the best we can be today. Is your luggage check in or can you carry it on?  What is Linking you and not letting you go of your past?  

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

That would be unfair.  There were so many entities and paths I crossed that were supportive and encouraging in time of need.  I tracked my progress of writing and getting LinkAge published, then I called it ‘The Making of LinkAge’ which can be found on my website @ www.lbransom.com.  I acknowledge just a few of the entities who helped make LinkAge a reality.  Among them is Lisa Cross and to The Sistah Circle Book Club.  Without Lisa’s love for literary and unselfish offering of her contacts my journey would have been a huge hardship.  Thanks to Lisa Cross and The Sistah Circle Book Club along with the many other wonderful people that supported and encouraged me.