Loyal
by Yasmin Shiraz
Interview:
Crystal: Today I have the pleasure of hosting Yasmin Shiraz today. Welcome Yasmin! I'm so happy to have you here today. Would
you share a little bit about yourself with us today?
Yasmin: I'm
an author, screenwriter and producer. Though I've written 7 novels, I've
ghostwritten several others and have written a couple of non-fiction books. In
addition, I've won a couple of awards for my documentary films. I'm a wife and
mother and I love yoga, meditation and great friends. The book Loyal is
dedicated to the close relationship that I shared with my brother when we were
teens. Though it was far from perfect, we were always close.
Crystal: Do
you have a favorite scene you would like to share with us?
Yasmin: There is a scene in
the book where, for the first time, Khalil realizes he's paralyzed. There is an
exchange between him and Tashera that embodies them both sharing fear of the
unknown. It speaks to the bond they share and how they both were afraid without
any words being exchanged. With my brother and I, we can sense each other
feelings sometimes without saying anything. I tried to capture those kinds of
emotions in that scene.
Crystal: Where did you come up with the idea
for Loyal?
Yasmin: The book is about loyalty. When the first scene came to
me, the title came at the same time as did the general flow of the story. I did
not search far and wide for the title, it just appeared. The concept of the
story was really about telling the fans of Retaliation how Khalil became
paralyzed in the first place.
Crystal: What are you currently working on?
Yasmin: I am
currently putting my novels on audio book. I've worked with a vocal coach but
narrating my books is quite the challenge. However, new readers have begun to
listen to my audio books and I'm getting great feedback. So, I'm so thrilled.
Crystal: Do you have any special routine that you
follow when you are writing?
Yasmin: When
I have scheduled a project, I stick to a minimum word count per day. On
deadline, no matter what happens, I stick to my word counts.
Crystal: Did
you have to do a lot of research this book or any other?
Yasmin: I present teen
empowerment workshops, conferences, bookclubs, girls' teas, and rites of
passage programs with youth across the country. I also produce documentaries on
those subject matters. So, I write stories about issues that I'm familiar with
due to my work with teens. The Retaliation series takes place in the inner city
and deals with youth and gang violence. My work with teens has allowed me to be
up close and personal in that area. In addition, I interview members of law
enforcement as well as teachers and community activists in order to make those
aspects of this series even more authentic.
Crystal: Who
are some of your favorite authors that you like to read?
Yasmin: I love poetry and so I
still re-read the works of Maya Angelou, Paul Lawrence Dunbar but also Antwone
Fisher. I love E. Lynn Harris--his prose was so effortlessly beautiful. I love
the authenticity of K'wan and the skillful writing of Brandon Massey.
Crystal: Is
there a genre you haven't written that you would like to try?
Yasmin: I've never tried
to write a vampire story, but as much as I have discovered my
recent interest in vampire novels, I probably could write a good one.
About
The Book:
When a gang member is shot at a heist, his sister copes with
trying to help him heal while he proves his loyalty to his crew. In the prequel
to Retaliation, brother and sister, Khalil and Tashera find themselves on
different sides of loyalty. Khalil's loyalty to his gang threatens the loyalty
he should have to his family. This book illustrates the dynamic between a
brother and sister and shows their love, challenges and desire to be there for
each other. Loyal, Retaliation and Accused make up the Retaliation Young Adult
trilogy.
Young Adult Novel
ASIN: B01KIIRARO
Purchase
Link
About The Author:
Yasmin Shiraz is an author, filmmaker, speaker and activist. She uses her passion for life to fuel her books, documentaries, speaking engagements and social activities. She’s spoken at over 100 colleges, universities, middle schools and high schools as well as non-profit organizations. She’s an award winning Writer/ Director and enjoys producing work on youth and community issues. By day, she’s the President of Still Eye Rise Media and runs the Yasmin Shiraz website.
Connect
Socially:
Website: http://www.yasminshiraz.net
Amazon author profile: https://www.amazon.com/Yasmin-Shiraz/e/B001IXUFWQ
Twitter: https://twitter.com/YasminShiraz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yasminshiraz/
Tour hosted by WNL Book Tours www.wnlbooktours.com
Follow the tour: http://wnlbooktours.com/yasmin-shiraz/
When a gang member is shot at a heist, his sister copes with trying to help him heal while he proves his loyalty to his crew. In the prequel to Retaliation, brother and sister, Khalil and Tashera find themselves on different sides of loyalty. black salwar suit design , black kameez shalwar ,
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