Urban-Reviews.com - Inside Out with D. L. Sparks

D. L. Sparks

D.L. Sparks was formerly an accountant for over ten years before her career in writing evolved from a love of reading. She currently has her own book review column in Douglasville Georgia’s Chapel Hill News magazine which reaches over 40,000 readers. She was a contributing author in the 2007 Xpress Yourself Publishing release Erogenous Zone: A Sexual Voyage, with her short story entitled, “keySTROKES.” Last year she was nominated for Cush City’s Best New Author award in 2007 as well as being placed on the master list of entries for consideration of the NAACP Image award for Debut Author of the year. She is also currently nominated for Infini Promoters Best New Author of 2008.

D.L. dedicates all her novels to the scores of missing women across the country. After dealing with the blow of her best friend Monica Bowie being abducted, she felt that she had to do something, so each book will be dedicated to a different woman along with information of others listed in the acknowledgements page and the back of the book. This is one way she wants to keep hope alive for these beautiful women’s families. D.L. Sparks lives in Georgia with her husband and two children. When she’s not writing, she spends time with her family, likes to read and loves to go the movies. She is currently working on her next novel titled: Shattered Vows.

Read a full excerpt of All That Glitters: Click Here (.pdf file)
View the video trailer for All That Glitters: Click Here

Author's Official Site: http://www.dlsparks.com
Author's Myspace Page: http://www.myspace.com/dlsparksonline
Author's Blog Page: http://authordlsparks.blogspot.com
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Urban Reviews: Start by telling our readers about All That Glitters.
D. L. Sparks: All That Glitters is a gripping tale of self-discovery of a woman who tries to leave behind a life filled with frustration and disappointment. The story tackles the proverbial question: Can money buy happiness? When Santee Mitchell is faced with a chance to make some fast cash, she quickly realizes that all is not what is seems on the other side and it comes with a price that not even she wants to pay. Pretty soon she is longing for her old life back, but it may be too late when her friend is murdered and she is accused of the crime. All That Glitters brings to the forefront the issue of jealousy and greed while showing the reader that the saying is true: All That Glitters…ain’t gold.

Urban Reviews: What inspired you to create this storyline?
D. L. Sparks: I wanted to show the emotional side of street life. I wanted to tell a story of hope and overcoming, without playing up the street life. I wanted to bring the characters to life and show their raw emotions and how they deal with issues such as broken relationships and poor choices with men.

Urban Reviews: You decided to dedicate your novels to missing women across the country. Why did you decide to do this?
D. L. Sparks: My best friend Monica Bowie was abducted in July of 2007. She had gotten caught up in the fast lane of Atlanta’s night life and I truly believe that has a lot to do with why her story didn’t receive as much news time as the Natalie Holloway’s of the world. My decision to do this is strictly driven by the families. No matter what these women may or may not have been doing, they are still someone’s child, someone’s sister, aunt, friend. I wanted to be their voice even if I am going about it in an unconventional way. By doing these dedications I truly believe there is no limit on who the information may reach. Someone may pick up one of my novels, see a young woman’s picture or bio and say, “Hey…I know what happened to her.” You just never know.

Urban Reviews: Can you give us a sneak peak at your next novel?
D. L. Sparks: Ahhh...my next novel. LOL! That is going to be a psychological thriller with a whole lot of drama mixed in. The main character holds her career as a psychologist in the highest esteem, even putting it before her husband. But when one of her old cases comes back to haunt her, hearts are broken, secrets are revealed and pretty soon, no one is safe. I love mysteries and suspense so when I’m writing I find my books always leaning towards that “Oh my goodness!!” moment. I had a couple of those moments in All That Glitters. LOL!

Urban Reviews: Tell our readers how you started your literary career?
D. L. Sparks: I have always loved to read, so writing was like a natural progression for me. I have a melting pot of books on my shelf. Everything from Eric Jerome Dickey to Jodi Picoult and everything in between. I would have to say Eric Jerome Dickey’s book Cheaters is what inspired me to write. I just loved the way he told that story and I figured…why not me?

Urban Reviews: Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
D. L. Sparks: Just to keep writing and reading. Continue to work on your craft which will enable you to grow as an author. I think with every book an author should show some kind of growth. Work on “showing” your readers what’s going on as opposed to “telling” them.

Urban Reviews: What are your goals as a writer?
D. L. Sparks: Longevity. I want James Patterson or Stephen King longevity!! LOL!! And I hope to be able to develop a fan base that will enable me to do just that. The EJD’s, Danielle Steele’s and Terry McMillan’s of the world have mastered that and now it’s my turn. I always want my writing to be fresh and new, but above all else engaging enough that when you read it you can’t put it down until you’ve turned the last page. And then when you do I want readers to wonder: When is her next book coming out?

Urban Reviews: Name one thing that the world does not know about D. L. Sparks-the person?
D. L. Sparks: I wear my heart on my sleeve and I will give you the shirt off my back if you need it.