Sharika Forde

Author Bio :

Leading her life by love and laughter, Author Sharika K. Forde has a passion for creative expression. She started jotting down notes of poetry many years ago.

What started as a form of personal healing, she now shares her poetry and children’s books to awaken others to bare their gift.

Author Interview:

1.What inspires you most to write?

My books are about my life or the life of someone close to me. So life experiences are my inspiration. The good and the bad. 2. What is your favorite genre?

Non-fiction. I love real-life stories that tell how the underdog came on top. 

3. Who is one author you admire if any and why?

Since my writing foundation is poetry, I would have to say Maya Angelou. She sets an image when you read her words which allows you to feel her passion. 4. How do you overcome blank writing spells?

Music! I can't write without it. Usually rap music. But the volume has to be turned down low. 5. What legal publishing advice can you give?

To do your research. Whether you are writing about a specific topic or trying to figure out a price-point for your book. Always research.

6. How many books have you written, are any a bestseller yet?

So far, I have written two poetry books and I am about to publish my third children's book. I also just completed writing my memoir. Bestseller would be an awesome achievement.

7. If you had the opportunity to rewrite one movie script which would it be, why?

Hmm, that's a hard question. As far as movies, I prefer thrillers. So any movie that falls into that category, I would say the more suspense the better the movie.

8. What are some difficulties you've experienced in your writing career; how do you handle book critiques/criticism?

Marketing can be difficult. Whether its through social media or in-person events. But the more you do the more you learn what works and what doesn't. I handle criticism fairly well. My books are like my babies so its never good to hear something negative about them. But its important to keep in mind that regardless of what you do, you are never going to please everyone. 9. What are your best experiences in your writing career?

Receiving a Certificate of Recognition from the Court of Common Council from my town two years after my first poetry book was published. It confirmed that I was on the right path. 10. Do you prefer to write in silence and or have some sort sound in the background?

Music playing at a low volume. 11. What are some encouraging words you'd give to another author/writer?

To keep writing. If it is your gift then you will see the rewards.

12. How did you decide the pricing of your material; how did you go about promotion/advertising and distribution of your work?

My books are published through Watersprings Media. They assist self publishers with bringing their vision to the marketplace. I collaborated with them on the pricing by looking at the price of similar books and they also assist with distribution. I handle promotion largely through social media.

13. Why should anyone read your book?

I think my poetry books are very relatable and are in-line with what's going on today. They cover love, heartache, injustices and self-worth. My children's books are inspired by my grandson and are playful as well educational.  14. Did you have a book coach?

I don't, although I am open to one. For now, I'm learning things as I go. 15. What was your favorite subject in school?

I wasn't much of a scholar, but I always loved to write, so I'll have to say English. 16. Are you self-published or have an established publishing contract elsewhere?

Self published.