with Vonda Howard
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Vonda Howard
Born in November 1975 in southeast Washington, DC, LaVonda
Patrice Howard has always had a vivid imagination. Having
written her first unpublished novel at the young age of 9 years
old, she has always had the dream of seeing her own words in
print. Creative by nature; outside of her first love writing,
she enjoys dance and graphic design.
In 2004, LaVonda started LaVonda Howard Designs, in which she
did freelance graphic designs for small businesses, family and
friends. Although she enjoyed (and still enjoys) graphic design,
there was always that pull for her to write.
After the birth of her son in 2005, LaVonda started an erotic
fiction website, Sizzle Stories ( www.SizzleStories.com),
which has been a huge success for her in that it consistently
gets hundreds of views a month and has readers all over the
country. Her writing has been hailed as hot, steamy,
vivid, and realistic.
In 2006, LaVonda finally decided to put pen to paper to write
and publish her very first book, Diamond Lives, Platinum Lies.
It was a long road filled with self-doubt, frustration, but she
stayed focused and brought it to completion on March 1, 2008.
Since its release, the book has received mountainous kudos among
her early readers.
LaVonda doesn't plan to stop. She has two more books set to
release within the coming months, It's Always the Pretty Ones in
August 2008 and Nasty coming in December 2008.
She currently resides in Springfield, Virginia with her husband
of 12 years and her two children.
Author's Official Site:
http://www.lavondahoward.com
Author's Myspace Page:
http://www.myspace.com/sizzlestories
Order Your Copy of
Diamond Lives, Platinum Lies:
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Urban Reviews: Tell us about your latest book Diamond Lives,
Platinum Lies.
Vonda Howard: Diamond Lives, Platinum Lies is a story
surrounding Simone, an A-list super starlet that has trouble finding
what she believes to be, true love. After a very public break up
with her on and off again fiancé, Hollywood super stud Trent
Michaels, she begins to think that she will never really find "that
one." Until she meets, Darius "D-Smooth" Barnes, a rap megastar and
business mogul, known for his player tendencies and business savvy.
She ends up falling hard for him. Who wouldn’t? He’s charming,
smart, and sexy as hell! Her friends and family all tell her there
is something "off" about him, but she just doesn't see it. There is
just no way the man she is head over heels about could do the type
of things she is hearing! Before she knows it she is thrown into a
world of drugs, lies and murder and the cost of her finding “true
love” may be way too high.
Urban Reviews: Where did you come up with the idea for this book?
Vonda Howard: Actually, it
"fell" into my head after riding in the car with my husband talking
about Jay-Z and Beyonce' (Not based on them AT ALL!). I initially
had a totally different concept for the book, but it really just
wrote itself! The characters (all my characters really) became like
real life people to me. My books play out in my head like movie and
I just put it down on paper!
Urban Reviews: What do you have on the horizon for the future as far as new
material is concerned?
Vonda Howard: I have 2 books coming in the near future; It's Always the Pretty
Ones (8/15) and Nasty (12/5). I plan on releasing a sequel to
Diamond Lives, Platinum Lies next spring (after many requests from readers), and I
would love to do some historical fiction.
Urban Reviews: Where did your passion for writing start? Did it come to you at
an early age, or was it a recent revelation?
Vonda Howard: I can say my creative streak and love of books and writing came from
my mother. I think it started for me very young. My mom would read
to me and make funny voices with my stuffed animals. They always
seemed like they were real. I tell her she should get a job on
Sesame Street because she can make just about anything come to life!
LOL! I wrote my first book when I was about 10 years old, named
Roses Are Red. I actually still have it! I have always had a love
of books and writing; a PASSION really.
Urban Reviews: What do think has been the most rewarding experience for you with
regards to your book?
Vonda Howard: I truly can say that it has been all the wonderful people and new
friends I have made. Most of all, it has been finally seeing my name
in print; the sense of accomplishment and success.
Urban Reviews: Is there anything you would have done differently in preparing
for the release of your debut novel?
Vonda Howard: Not really. I have learned SO MUCH and met so many people, strangers
that have been so willing to offer their help and CONSTRUCTIVE
criticism to me just out of the kindness of their hearts. I know so
much more now than I did when I first started. I wouldn’t give that
or my new friends back for the world!
Urban Reviews: Do you have any favorite authors or books?
Vonda Howard: Zane (When I’m feeling freaky), Mary B (If I’m feeling REALLY
freaky), Jodi Picoult (When I want to cry), Bebe Moore Campbell
(When I want drama) and Joel Osteen (When I want inspiration). Oh,
and Jenna Jameson when I am just curious. (Yes, she has a book! It
was actually very good!)
Urban Reviews: What do you like to do outside of writing?
Vonda Howard: I like to tap dance (I have been doing it since I was 16), and
graphic and web design (I graduated from Sessions Online School of
Design (www.Sessions.edu) with a Master’s Certification in
Web/Graphic Design, (www.DesignsByVonda.com).
Urban Reviews: What are your goals as an author? Do you see this as a long-term
career?
Vonda Howard: My goals as an author are simple; to be a success. I fully intend to
make this into my long term career. I look forward to the day where
my writing is allowing me to support my family and I can look at my
husband (whom has been my anchor and support since the day we met)
and tell him, "Baby, I got it." I want to show my kids that if you
put your heart and mind to it, you can achieve ANYTHING you want.
Urban Reviews: What do you want the world to know most about you as an author?
Vonda Howard: Get used to this name and face! (Smile) |
Read our review of Diamond Lives, Platinum Lies in the
AA Fiction section.
Click Here To Order Your Copy Today!
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