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Latrese N. Carter

Latrese N. Carter was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. As a girl, Latrese possessed a vivid imagination. She loved writing in a journal, and sharpened her writing skills through her studies. Latrese loves reading and possessed a long-standing desire to write. Through God’s grace she was moved to pursue her dream of becoming a novelist.

After completing her first novel, Latrese received many rejection letters. But with the
encouragement of family and friends, she pressed on, knowing that all it takes is one “Yes”.
Maintaining this faith & determination, Latrese was offered a contract by Q-Boro Books.

Latrese is a graduate of University of Maryland Eastern Shore where she received a BS degree in Criminal Justice. She then attended Coppin State University and received a Master’s degree in Special Education. Latrese is a Special Education teacher and her favorite subject is English, where she shares her love of writing with her students.

Latrese enjoys reading, writing, Florida vacations, watching reality shows & soap operas. She is a member of African American Sisters in Spirit Book Club, Ebony Readers & Black Writers United. Latrese currently resides in Alexandria, Virginia with her husband, Reginald, & their daughter, Reagan.

Her future plans include writing more novels that explore the complexities of relationships.

Read An Excerpt from Liar Liar: Click Here

Author's Official Website: http://www.latresencarter.com
Publisher's Website: http://www.QBoroBooks.com
Author's Myspace Page: http://www.myspace.com/latresencarter
Order Your Copy Today: Click Here

Urban Reviews: Tell us about Liar, Liar.
Latrese N. Carter: Liar, Liar is the story of a young woman, Stormy Knight, who has endured many hardships in previous relationships. But just as she is about to give up on love, she is reacquainted with a childhood friend, Camden Brooks. After months of dating, Camden proposes to Stormy, but just as they are about to wed, Stormy is hit with the revelation that Camden lives an alternative lifestyle. Months after the wedding is called off, Stormy is informed that Camden has been delivered from the demons that made him unfit for marriage. Believing in Camden's transformation, Stormy marries him hoping to start a wonderful, married life. What Stormy later learns is that Camden hasn't changed at all and to add fuel to the fire, he has a scorned ex-lover who isn't willing to let Camden go.

Urban Reviews: What inspired you to create this novel?
Latrese N. Carter: This is a story I've heard over and over again but, I wanted to add a little twist. I wanted to shed some light on what happens when you enter into a marriage knowing your mate lives an alternative lifestyle.

Urban Reviews: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Latrese N. Carter: It is my hope that readers will read the struggles of the three main characters, Stormy, Camden and Malik and learn what not to do in these various situations. It is also my hope that readers will take the message of personal responsibility to heart.

Urban Reviews: How did you go about getting your book deal?
Latrese N. Carter: I obtained an literary agent two months after querying several agents and my agent was instrumental in getting the book deal with Q-Boro Books.

Urban Reviews: Are you working on any upcoming projects?
Latrese N. Carter: My second novel will be published by Q-Boro Books in June 2008. I am currently working on my third novel.

Urban Reviews: How did you feel when you first held the copy of your book in your hands?
Latrese N. Carter: Oh my goodness. It was absolutely amazing. The funny thing is that one of my students had the book before I did. He found that the book was in stock on a particular website three weeks before its actual release date. He informed me that he ordered the book and that the estimated delivery date was three to five days after he placed his order. After getting over the shock that my student had ordered my book after I told him he couldn't read it until he was 35-years-old, I began to wonder if the book was actually available. Well, sure enough, five days later, he walked into my classroom with my book in hand. When he placed the book in my hands, it was like holding a newborn baby for the first time. I had tears in my eyes. Then I walked around my school showing all of my co-workers who congratulated me and teased me as well because my student had actually seen the book before I did. It's a day I'll never forget.

Urban Reviews: What have you learned about the book industry being a relatively new author? Is it what you expected?
Latrese N. Carter: The book industry is a whole new world to me. It's been an exciting journey meeting so many great people such as my Q-Boro Family and other great authors, editors, librarians, and booksellers. It's also been interesting learning new things about the industry. It isn't at all what I expected, but that's not a bad thing.

What I didn't expect was the crabs in the barrel syndrome from the people who know me. But a very dear close family member simply told me that "God places people in your life and it's up to you to decided who stays and who goes." I also received an inspiring e-mail from a loved one that said, "When you seek growth, peace of mind, love and truth, the easier it will become for you to decide who gets to sit in the FRONT ROW and who should be moved to the balcony of your life.

You cannot change the people around you...but you can change the people you are around! Ask God for godly wisdom and discernment and choose wisely the people who sit in the front row of your life." So, I'm now in the process of choosing those who will be sitting in the front row of my life...all the while knowing that NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST ME SHALL PROSPER!

Urban Reviews: How do you balance your writing career with your every day life?
Latrese N. Carter: At times I feel overwhelmed, but with my supportive husband, Reggie, I'm able to accomplish every task. Usually, I do work at work and leave it there at the end of the day. Then I come home and tend to my family and if there's any ounce of strength left within me, I write at night when everyone is asleep. I also do a lot of writing during the summer months, since I am on summer vacation from my job as a special education teacher.

Urban Reviews: What's the best advice an author or someone in the literary industry has given you ?
Latrese N. Carter: I've had several authors to embrace me, take me under their wing and give an abundance of advice. First and foremost, they always tell me to trust in God and never lose faith. They have helped me learn the industry and how to promote my book. I'm forever grateful for their words of wisdom.

Urban Reviews: What do you want the world to know most about you?
Latrese N. Carter: I'd like people to know that I love the Lord and without Him none of this would be possible. I would also like to thank all of those people who have been supportive of me and my endeavors including those who are trying to block my blessings. You keep me motivated to keep on keeping on!