Author, Shelia Goss, shares information about herself with readers and her feelings on writing.

-The SCBC, Inc.

Where are you from? I live in the Dallas, but I'm originally from Shreveport, LA.

Tell us your latest news? I am currently collaborating on an anthology with several other authors. It's in the development stages, but I'm excited about this opportunity to contribute one of my stories. The story is about Alexia Broussard and she's a very lively character.

When and why did you begin writing? I began writing around 9. One of my teachers encouraged me to write. My first poem was published in Seedlings when I was 9.

When did you first consider yourself a writer? In 1997 when I finally decided to pursue my dreams of being a writer.

What inspired you to pen your first novel? My first novel is now an ebook, Love UnExpected; however I decided to publish ROSES are Thorns, Violets are True first because I really enjoyed writing the twins stories and couldn't wait to share it with others.

Who or what has influenced your writing, and in what way? I've received inspiration from so many sources. Maya Angelou's passion for words inspired me to write poetry. Listening and observing others has inspired me as well.

How has your environment/upbringing colored your writing? It hasn't.

Do you have a specific writing style? I usually write in first and third person.

What genre are you most comfortable writing? Mainstream fiction, Romance, Suspense

How did you come up with the title for your book? Several people have asked me why I chose the title: ROSES are Thorns, VIOLETS are True. My novel is about twin sisters - Rose and Violet Purdue. The title represents the personalities of each twin.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? I would like for readers to realize how important it is to NOT hold on to grudges and how important it is to forgive, not for the other person, but for oneself.

How much of the novel is realistic? ALL FICTION.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your life? No.

What books have most influenced your life? #1 would be the BIBLE.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor? I've been blessed to have several. Vincent Alexandria, Magdalene Breux, Linda Dominique Grosvenor, just to name a few.

What are you reading now? DARK CORNER by Brandon Massey

What new author has grasped your interest? Carla Curtis, Peggy Eldridge-Love, Cherlyn Michaels and Alisha Yvonne.

What are your current projects? Besides working on the anthology, I just finished MY INVISIBLE HUSBAND. I will be starting on a suspense novel, UNAUTHORIZED next month.

Do you feel that the boom in African American writers is a fad or another renaissance? I would say it's a renaissance. There have always been a lot of AA writers, but they are just now getting the recognition they deserve.

Do you feel more African Americans are reading? Yes and that's a GOOD THING.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members. Online writer's groups on yahoo and friends.

How does your family and/or friends feel about your book or writing venture in general? They are happy for me.

Do you see writing as a long- or short-term career? It's a long-term career. Besides writing novels, I want to do screenplays.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything? Yes, I would have majored in journalism instead of engineering.

Self-Publishing Questions:

How do you feel overall about self-publishing? It's been a rewarding experience. I've learned a lot about myself and the publishing industry.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of promotion for self-published authors? I truly enjoy promoting my book. I can be as creative as I want to be and it's fun to see what type of results I get from different promotional campaigns. The only weakness or drawback would be limited capital sometimes.

What do you feel is one major benefit to self-publishing your book? The major benefit to self-publishing my book is having TOTAL control: from the book cover to the finished product.

Would you encourage or mentor someone to become self-publish? Yes. I've actually taught an online workshop on how to self-publish and I'm always available for questions via my email address: sheliagoss@aol.com.

Is there anything additional you would like to share with your readers? I hope my readers can feel the same passion I feel when I'm writing my stories. Feel free to visit my web site: www.sheliagoss.com or contact me: sheliagoss@aol.com.