E-Spire Entertainment News

This week marks the last week of the author series on e-Spire. What a better way to end the series than with Heather Covington, the author of Literary Divas: The Top 100+ Most Admired African American Women in Literature. Literary Divas is a compilation of biographies about powerful African-American women who made their mark in the book publishing industry.

When I originally interviewed Heather Covington, I had no idea that I too held an honor to be among the women listed in this book. I won't attempt to list them all, but here are a few others that are listed: Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, Oprah Winfrey, Terrie Williams, Carol Mackey, etc.

Shelia Goss: Heather, you've been very supportive of the literary community. What motivated you to do a book honoring African American Women Writers?

Heather Covington: Shelia, thank you so much for having me.

My inspiration for writing Literary Divas: The Top 100+ Most Admired African American Women in Literature came as a result of my need to responsibly document the history of African American women in literature who should be celebrated 365 days of the year. I feel that children can also be motivated, encouraged and inspired to tell their stories as well as writers who decide to become authors. I have read so many works from great authors as yourself Shelia and many other Literary Divas as featured in the book who have also inspired me. I know people will enjoy reading Literary Divas as much as I enjoyed writing it.


Shelia: What criteria did the writers have to meet in order to be included in the book?

Heather: When my publisher, Tony Rose, CEO of Amber Communications Group, Inc. approached me with a 4 book deal at the QBR Wheatley Awards in New York 2005, I had no other choice but YES! This company has sold over a million books. This was my chance to get to change the images of Black females to a mainstream audience like only ACGI can deliver. This company rules with Self Help Books, Career Guides and Celebrity Bios that are image building and reflect the best African American experience ever. I thought I would have to select authors who were bestsellers only, but Tony entrusted my vision. So with all that, no criteria was needed, just the vision.


Shelia: With such an extensive list, how long did it take you all to put the book together?

Heather: Shelia I am not going to lie to you. It took every breathing, living and waking moment. As everyone of those African American Literary Divas breathed, I, Heather Covington, Literary Diva, breathed with them. I walked in their shoes, sorrows, triumphs and I overcame obstacles with them.

Shelia: When will the book be available and where can we purchase it?

Heather: It just went to the printer today. Literary Divas: The Top 100+ Most Admired African American Women in Literature is available on online stores, and in a bookstore or local library near you. You can order direct at www.AmberBooks.com for the lowest discounts or visit my website over at www.LiteraryDiva.com to connect to all order links.


Shelia: What's next on your agenda?

Heather: I am planning a huge literary convention along with the YOUnity Guild Annual "Literary & Media" Infusionary Awards in NY. I like to bring people together. People can visit my site at www.Disilgold.com to RSVP for some exciting panels we're planning and to load up on their favorite books. I want to continue giving back to youth by donating scholarships from literary contests. I love giving back in special ways. I want young people to learn how to receive their blessings as givers because until you start giving, you've got nothing to receive. My life is a testament to this. I too, am a Literary Diva and get ready for the next installment, Literary Dons: The Top 100 + Most Admired African American Men in Literature.

Literary Divas: The Top 100+ Most Admired African American Women in Literature by Heather Covington is available for $16.95.

www.LiteraryDiva.com