Five Questions with Author Dwan Abrams
Monday, May 07, 2007
Dwan, you wear multiple hats: "Novelist,Publisher, Professional Speaker, etc." How do you balance it all?
Being a novelist is my calling and my passion. Writing is my love. That part is easy. In regards to the publishing, I was led to do that after I accepted a two-book deal from Urban Christian. I’ve always wanted to help aspiring writers, and I’m thankful to have this opportunity. As far as balancing goes, I have help. I have a reliable staff to assist me with my publishing endeavors since that takes up the bulk of time between manuscript submissions, editing and the publishing process. My life is busy and can be hectic at times, but I wouldn’t change a thing. It’s all about balance…mind, body and soul. I make time for myself by taking a long bath every night, reading books for leisure, praying, meditating, exercising and taking time off. Depending on my workload, I may not have a set schedule and end up working until the wee hours of the night. However, I don’t allow myself to work like that on a regular basis, so I may take a day off during the week just to recuperate. I must admit that working on a set schedule is hard for me, because I get a lot of good writing done at night after my daughter goes to bed. I’m not sure if that’ll ever change. We’ll see.
One of your sites showcases other authors. What inspired you to add this feature? Yes, the site for my publishing company, Nevaeh Publishing, features other authors. I was inspired to do this because I like helping other authors. I believe that there are so many talented writers out there, writing quality books, that I’m happy to showcase them. There are enough avid readers out there for all of us.
What advice do you have for aspiring writers?
Don’t give up. The more you write, the better you’ll get. Also, make sure you read a lot, especially books in the genre in which you want to write. Hone your skills and learn your craft. Getting a writing mentor and joining some writing groups helps, too.
Tell us about your latest book.
My second book, Only True Love Waits, was released in October 2006. The story begins with Xavier Roberts receiving bad news - he has cancer. To spare his fiancée, Summer Love, the trauma of enduring his medical treatments, he ends their engagement. Being the brilliant and successful woman she is, Summer finds comfort in the arms of the handsome Ryan Kennedy. Of course, all is not what it seems with this rap music mogul. During their courtship she finds out many of his dark secrets that eventually lead to deadly consequences.
Where do you see yourself this time next year?
Prayerfully, I will have signed many new authors to my publishing company, Nevaeh Publishing. Through Urban Christian, my third book, Divorcing the Devil, will be released in April 2008. I intend to go on book tour. Those are my plans. And I want to thank you, Shelia for interviewing me.
Thank you Dwan. To learn more about Dwan Abrams, be sure to visit http://www.dwanabrams.com or www.myspace.com/dwanabrams.
Interview by Shelia M Goss, an entertainment writer and author of My Invisible Husband, Roses are thorns, Violets are true and Paige's Web. For more information, visit www.sheliagoss.com.
