Author Profile: Adwoafuaa

 

Meet Author Adwoafuaa 

Tell us about yourself.

            I am a first generation Ghanaian American born and raised in Illinois but now I am a Texan. I have five children and am married. I graduated from Northwestern University for undergrad and University of Illinois at Chicago for medical school. Currently I work as an emergency room physician although I have a background in General Surgery and Family Medicine. I have an unconventional hobby doing aerial aerobics and I love to travel.

What inspired you to become an author?

        I've been writing books for the past ten years but was always too afraid to publish them. I still have some drafts that need some tweaking in the works. I have been writing in my journal since I was in the fifth grade and haven't stopped writing since. Not to mention that my father was an English teacher and we grew up surrounded by books. He would even pay me and my brothers for each book we read.

How would you describe your feature book in a nutshell?

        This is my debut memoir and it took a lot of coaxing for me to publish it. It is a tale of two medical students from completely different backgrounds who fell in love despite many red flags. We eventually got married and I endured abuse in various different forms. I finally gathered the strength to divorce him. There was a time of peace prior to him unleashing hell with the assistance of the family law system.

Did you ever consider changing the ending of your book?

        No, I wish it was a happier ending in which I maintained custody of my children but reality is not so pretty.

What do you think makes a book memorable?

        For memoirs you have to be extremely vulnerable, utterly and completely exposed. No matter how embarrassing, hurtful or revealing it may be. Just speak truth, nothing more, nothing less.

What advice would you give to authors who are trying to get published?

        Do the marketing beforehand. Do a soft launch. 

What is your biggest dream?

        For the family court system to actually work in the BEST interest of the children.

Do you prefer reading physical books or e-books?

        Physical 

What would you like to say to your readers?

        I would like my readers to know regardless of if they've been married, divorced have kids or not that everyone has a story to tell. You don't necessarily have to tell your story in book form, but get your story out there. Open up your truth to anybody, especially people that you trust. Since writing my memoir, I've had women that I've worked with for several years now coming to tell me that they too have experienced the same custody battle that I had. I wish I knew at the time when they were going through it because it could have served as a resource for me and for others. But the shame associated with what we've been through as women, mothers, working mothers and as professional mothers it's just unheard of and you feel alone. But that's when you let your silence win.

Follow Meet Adwoafuaa on the following social media platforms:

Facebook- Adwoafuaa Nwokocha 

Instagram- Custodymdllc

In Custody MD: Fighting for the Woo, Dr. Adwoafuaa Nwokocha delivers a raw, gripping memoir chronicling her descent into the high-stakes hell of family court. What begins as a love story between two med school students unravels into a devastating custody battle against her ex-husband—an elite cardiac surgeon with the money, lawyers, and manipulative tactics to weaponize the legal system.

Told with vulnerability, humor, and razor-sharp clarity, this book is far more than a courtroom drama. It's a powerful indictment of how race, gender, and power intersect in modern custody disputes. It’s about motherhood under siege, the systemic bias against working Black mothers, and the resilience it takes to fight back—not just for justice, but for your children’s future.

You’ll meet unforgettable characters—from scheming nannies to indifferent judges to a community of women who refuse to back down. Through it all, Dr. Nwokocha proves that love, truth, and maternal instinct are forces even the most stacked system can’t erase.

If you’ve ever felt powerless in the face of injustice—or wondered how far a mother would go to protect her children—this book is your answer.

Locations or links where books can be purchased:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Ingramspark 

Draft2Digital 

Kobo

Author Profile: Audriana Yasmeen

 

Meet Audriana Yasmeen

Tell us a bit about your journey as a writer.

        Well, to be honest, I never planned on being a writer. I’m an African American author, and I write Southern Gothic, but this entire journey only started about six months ago. It was born out of necessity. I had a severe back injury that left me laid up at home, and the world started to shrink. I just had this deep need to create something, to feel productive needed needed somewhere to express my knowledge lol you know aunty stuff. 

My first step was a bit of a misstep, actually. I signed up for a class that was all about using AI to churn out books. The instructor's big line was, “Just get your book out—people will buy it.” It didn't take long to realize he was selling software, not sharing wisdom. It was a hustle. I salvaged what I could from that experience and then hit the books myself, researching how the publishing world works.

What was your biggest writing mistake?

       Leaning on AI in the beginning. As I mentioned, I stumbled into that world first and just didn't know any better. But you learn, right? Since that initial fumble, I’ve completely changed my approach. I joined a fantastic horror writing group, Spawn of Nightmares. I wasn't even trying to write in the horror genre. I wanted to write about romance. I joined anyway, and it was the best decision I ever made.

 It has been invaluable, and I've sworn off AI for the writing part. I write the stories. I don't allow the program to add to what I have written. I learned that you  can use Etsy for clip art and Canva for covers. AI is a great tool to use when you are starting out. It helps you sift through information; it teaches with the analysis about plot points. As I got better and learned new things, I used graphic artists from Black Girl Can Write Too!.  We have ‌very talented people there. Joy Caldwell and Erica Zarieff are wonderful people and artists. I purchased the cover I have for the 13th from Erica. And made the cover for Mary Vance’s Bleeding Heart Grimoire. But Joy Caldwell brought Mary‌ to life with the video. 

 I also just learned how to use an outline, and it made a world of difference in my writing. My focus now is on growing as an artist. I’ve been taking some incredible online classes through Domestika—one on immersive storytelling really blew my mind. It’s all been about finding my voice and learning how to craft stories with intention.

Tell us about your new book.

         I’m so excited about this. My debut novella, Mary Vance’s Bleeding Heart Grimoire, will release on July 26th. 

The story centers on Dr. Mary Vance, a gifted medical student who leads a clandestine life. Motivated by the murder of her mother and aunt, she uses a unique combination of ancestral magic and clinical precision to systematically enact her revenge on those responsible. She operates under the belief that she is an autonomous agent of justice, in full control of her mission.

The protagonist is thus thrust into a dangerous conspiracy where she is no longer the hunter, but a pawn in a game of power that she is only beginning to understand. To survive, she must delve into the true nature of her inherited abilities and confront a complex web of betrayal. The question becomes whether she can seize control of her own destiny or if she will ultimately become the weapon her manipulators intended to create.

 It’s polished, sharp, and I promise it packs a punch. 

And that’s just the beginning. After the novella, I’m diving into a dark fantasy romance series called The 13th Grimoire. It invites you into a darkly enchanting parallel dimension, where familiar lore takes a thrillingly sinister turn. Prepare for a rich, steamy dive into ancestral magic, complex relationships, and the shadows lurking beneath a world you thought you knew.

  

How do you choose your book titles?

        The title is never the first thing , for me; it has to earn its place. I need to live with the story for a while, usually getting about four chapters deep before I even hear what it wants to be called. I might get a whisper during the outlining phase, but the correct title always emerges from the fog during the writing and editing. One day, it just clicks into place, and I know—that’s it. That’s the name.

What’s your biggest publishing achievement so far?

        Getting eight of my short horror stories published in Spawn of Nightmares. That was everything to me. It was the first time I really put my work out there and got that validation. It was proof that I could do this, that my stories had a home. That experience taught me so much about the craft and, more importantly, about having the guts to keep pushing forward.

What genre do you enjoy reading but don’t write in?

        I love a good young adult novel. I can get lost in them. But I could never write one. My voice, my themes… they’re just too intense, too grown. I have a natural pull toward the deeper, darker corners of human experience, and the stories I need to tell just don’t fit in the YA space.

How do you approach romance or emotional scenes?

        With raw honesty. I have to dig into my life—the good, the bad, the moments that left scars. I pull from those actual experiences and relationships, and then I weave in imagination and research to build the scene. The goal is always to make the emotion feel true enough to touch. If it feels forced or fake, it gets cut. It has to be real.

Do you take part in any writing communities?

      Absolutely, writing can be a lonely road, so community is essential. I’m active in Ladies of Doom and Spawn of Nightmares. Being surrounded by other writers, especially in the horror space, is a significant change. It’s where you get motivated, where you find room to grow. We trade ideas, give honest feedback, and basically just keep each other going.

Black girls can write too! Also, they have been a big part of my journey. They have a lot of legal information that you need to know. 

How do you balance writing with everyday responsibilities?

        It's a constant juggle, that's for sure. My life is full. Between a part-time job, a ton of doctor's appointments, and a personal weight-loss journey, my schedule is packed. But you make time for what you love. I protect my weekends—especially Sundays—for my husband. During the week, I snatch writing time wherever I can find it. It’s not about having a perfect, rigid schedule; it’s about finding a rhythm that lets you live your life and feed your passion.

If you weren’t writing, what would you be doing?

        Oh, I’d still be in customer service. That’s where I work part-time. Let’s be real: being an author has costs, and publishing isn’t free. That day job is what pays the bills and gives me the freedom to build this dream. It’s the reality of a working artist.

How do you want to be remembered as a writer?

        As a storyteller, who wasn't afraid to tell the truth. I want my stories to linger, to get under your skin and make you think long after you've closed the book. I'm not here to preach, but I want you to walk away with something — a new question, a different perspective, a deeper understanding of the shadows. My goal is to write stories that matter, stories that leave a mark.

What would you like to say to your readers?

      First, thank you. Seriously. If you’ve ever picked up one of my stories, I see you, and I am so grateful. For those who read my early work, you were with me when I was still finding my sea legs. Those stories were my training ground. Now, something has shifted. I’ve learned to get out of the way and let the characters speak for themselves. I think you'll feel the difference in my new novella. My promise to you is that I will never stop growing, never stop pushing myself, and never stop trying to deliver stories that feel like they were pulled from real life.  

        

Follow Meet Audriana Yasmeen on the following social media platforms:

Amazon: Audriana Yasmeen

Facebook: Audra Sousa 

  

        

Author Profile: Author Shawanna R. Hall

 

Meet Author Shawanna R. Hall

Shawanna  R. Hall is a quiet, and quirky person who specializes in live entertainment as a production stage manager. They have been writing for the last four years. They are aspiring to be amongst the visionaries, using speculative fiction to explore race, gender, and power in the modern day fantasy world or with mythic settings.

What inspired you to become an author

         I have always been an avid reader of history, mystery and fiction. Watching Disney and reading fantasy books inspired me to put my own spin on these types of stories. I would always dream about these stories with a different plot, setting, added characters and obstacles. I wanted to put my dreams on paper so that someone else can dream of these stories in their own way.

How do you research for your books? 

        I read books by authors who write in the same genre/subgenre. I make sure to read best sellers as well as indie authors. I look at the best parts of their writing and come up with a plot and setting that would flow as a companion piece.

What is the most rewarding aspect of being an author? 

       Getting to put my thoughts on paper for everyone else to read. It's cliche to say this, but I really do feel naked when I release a book. I am putting myself out there for others to judge in a sense. 

What is your favorite quote from your book?

        I have two "Happy itch bitch." & "That troll is NOT my sister. She's a stain on the Walls' name. A mistake that should have never been born."

How did you decide on the ending of your book?

         I wanted it to be a continuation of the story of how the villain gets her revenge. I want the series to flow one right after the other.

How do you feel about the rise of e-books and audiobooks?  

         If you would have asked me this question 2 years ago, I would have said audio books are for lazy people. It's not actually reading. But I have just finished 'reading' Octavia Butler's Mind of My Mind, on audible, and loved it! I think ebooks and audiobooks are a great way for those busy on the go, to have a chance to get into reading or continue that passion, without compromising space or comfort.    

What genres of books do you enjoy reading?

         I am a glutton to my writing style. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE fantasy and historical fiction books. To be taken out of my world and into someone else's in terms of a different time, place, or cultural setting helps me cope with my own reality.

What is your favorite TV show?

     Oh, that's a hard one. I would say it is either Found or The Neighborhood.

What would you like to say to your readers? 

        Thank you for stepping into my fantasy world with me. I hope you get a sense of peace from our current reality and can see the world through my eyes and the eyes of my characters.

Follow Author Shawanna R. Hall on the following social media platforms:

Instagram:  Authorsrh

Threads: Shawankabar

Facebook: Shawanna Hall 

Locations or links where books can be purchased: 

https://www.dreame.com/story/4164101120

https://www.dreame.com/story/1247631616

After he murdered his treacherous ex, he was all mine. But he couldn’t have me that easily. He had to suffer. He had to pay for all the pain he caused me these last four years. Don't get me wrong, I will forgive him-- eventually. But there is no way I will let him forget how he has tortured me, and now he must be tortured in order to have me, Beta Wolf or not.

Follow the story of the rightful Beta Luna, who was tossed aside for the slutty bad girl. Her revenge will be long and sweet.

        

Author Profile: Author Kawonia Neely

 

Author Kawonia Neely

Meet Author Kawonia Neely. Neely has been married for 14 years to her childhood sweetheart and has 2 children. She is a proud business owner of a home health care agency that works with people who have developmental disabilities. Neely currently resides in Cincinnati, OH.

What inspired you to become an author?

            I have been a writer for as long as I can remember but was too shy to share my work. I inspired to finally release some of my work this year to raise money and awareness of the lack of inclusive, safe and free play spaces throughout Africa and specifically Senegal. We have acquired a space to build a park/ playground here. We are donating $50, 000 from our family foundation but we still need to raise additional funds. This book, Mari Built A Park, is one of the ways we plan to raise funds as 100% of the proceeds from the book will go to the building of the park until its fully funded. Then 10% of the sales for the life of the park will go to maintaining the park.

Tell us about your featured book.

            In the heartwarming story Mari Built a Park, six-year-old Mari sees a need in her community
—a lack of a safe, fun place for children to play—and boldly decides to do something about it. Using recycled materials and boundless imagination, Mari begins building a playground from scratch. Despite skepticism from her neighbors, she continues with determination, turning “junk” into joy.

As she constructs the park, Mari thoughtfully considers the diverse needs of children, adding features for sensory play, quiet corners for those who feel overwhelmed, and accessible paths and ramps for children with mobility challenges. When setbacks arise, like a swing that won’t stay up, the community comes together to help, transforming Mari’s solo dream into a shared triumph.

Themes and Lessons: 

    Empowerment and Initiative: Mari shows that even the youngest voices can spark change

    Creativity and Resourcefulness: She builds a park using everyday materials and imagination

    Inclusion and Accessibility: Mari makes sure her park welcomes all children, regardless of ability or need.

    Community and Collaboration: What starts as Mari’s project becomes a shared community effort

    Perseverance: Mari overcomes obstacles and learns the power of resilience and teamwork.

Ultimately, Mari Built a Park is a celebration of compassion, creativity, and what’s possible when one child dares to dream—and a community joins in to help.

How does your family and friends feel about your writing career? 

         Everyone is really excited. Especially those who knew that I secretly wrote.

Do you ever get writer's block while writing?

        I had writers block for years after having my children. Or maybe I was just so busy with life I didn't feel inspired to write. 

How do you overcome writer's block?

         I usually overcome writers block by quieting myself and coming back to my center. I pray meditate and look for the why and purpose in a thing. I almost never write just to do it. There is always a why for me.

What is your favorite book of all time?

        Wow I have so many. But I would definitely say the Bible. No matter what y9ou believe, there so much inspiration, questions that can be answered and encouragement from the words in that Book.

What are your plans for your next book?

        I several projects in the work with the Mari- Verse that will be launched over the next few months. My next stand along book will be "Sar and The Amazing Bouncing Binky" its inspired by son who would often lose his pacifier in the weirdest places. 

What do you think about the role of literature in society? 

        Literature is one of the most important forms of art. It has the ability to inspire, transform, spark imagination, heal, give joy and add color to life. Literature has carried me through some of the toughest times in my life.

What’s one random fun fact about you?

        When I was little (and sometimes now), I would talk to myself as my characters as part of my writing process. Lol. I am talking full on conversations. And I would even answer as other characters. LOL!

What would you like to say to your readers?

     Please support this project. Its deeply personal for me as my daughter is autistic and I understand the importance to a child's development to have these kind of spaces where they are safe and can be themselves. Also, get involved with or launch something bigger than yourself. Even if you are afraid. Do it! You will never know who's life you may change. To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world!   

Follow Author Kawonia Neely on social media:

YouTube: AmSar Media

TikTok: Amsarmedia

Facebook: Amsar Publishing and Media 

Instagram: Amsarluv

Website: www.amsarmedia.com