5 Questions with Author Shelia M Goss
Shelia Goss has stopped here on my blog for her Delilah When Love Deceives tour. She's celebrating the release of her tenth novel. Delilah is her first Christian fiction novel and is in stores now.
Where do you get the inspiration for your stories?
Inspiration comes from life. I can be dreaming, on the phone, watching TV, at the store...etc. Ideas will pop into my head at odd times. I wrote Delilah because I kept hearing people trying to blame others for their transgressions instead of taking responsibilities for their own actions. I decided to take a tragic love story from the Bible and give it a modern day twist.
What is Delilah about?
Delilah is an entertaining novel with a Christian message that is not preachy but allows the readers to see how our choices can affect our lives. The characters face many temptations but there is room for redemption. I think even if you don't normally read Christian fiction, you will be able to enjoy Delilah.
Are any of your characters based on real people?
The characters in my book are only figments of my imagination. I may take personality traits from a variety of people (whether it be someone I know or a stranger) but for the most part, if a character resembles someone you know, it's strictly coincidental (smile).
What would you like readers to learn from your novels?
Each one of my stories have at least one message. The messages vary. I hope readers of my books are able to not only be entertained, but think and learn something from the characters.
No one is perfect and we all fall short, but even with our imperfections, God gives us grace and shows us mercy.
What advice would you give aspiring writers?
If you feel that you have a God given talent, then practice your craft and be the best you can be. Despite the rejections you may get, do not give up. Believe in yourself. Take a chance on yourself and do not accept no. Also, it is very important if you want to be a writer to WRITE. Get at least the first draft done and you'll have something to work with.
DELILAH is Shelia Goss' tenth book. It's available in hardcover and paperback.
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/1601628854?tag=officiwebsi03-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=1601628854&adid=19YJPN9NQBAAXDJN59CQ&
Barnes and Noble http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Delilah/Shelia-M-Goss/e/9781601628855/?itm=1&USRI=delilah+shelia+goss
Borders
BlackExpressions.com (HARD COVER ONLY)
About Delilah:
Behind every successful man is a good woman. The downfall of a good man is a woman up to no good.
Thirty and fine, Samson Judges is preacher of the Peaceful Rest Missionary Baptist Church . He’s beloved by his congregation, but temptation is about to strike in the form of divalicious beauty Delilah, and only the Good Lord knows if Samson will be able to keep his head on straight with her. Especially considering he’s about to be married to Julia Rivers. Julia helped shape Samson into the man he is, but Delilah wants to knock him down. He doesn’t know she’s been hired to distract him by real estate developer William Trusts, who wants to acquire the land where Samson’s church stands.... Samson feels like his relationship with God puts him above it all, but his weakness for Delilah may just cause him to lose everything. ~ Black Expressions Book Club
About Shelia M Goss:
Shelia M. Goss is the Essence Magazine & Black Expressions Book Club Best-Selling author of My Invisible Husband, Roses are Thorns, Paige’s Web, Double Platinum, His Invisible Wife, Hollywood Deception and the teen series The Lip Gloss Chronicles. Delilah is her tenth novel and first Christian fiction novel. To learn more, visit her website: www.sheliagoss.com, www.twitter.com/sheliamgoss or www.facebook.com/sheliagoss.
Good Morning Shelia! Thank you for making The Author's Hideaway on your Delilah - When Love Deceives Tour. I have to first thank yhou for writing such an awesome story. I did not expect the end at all...and am a bit disappointed that Samson's consequences weren't more abundant. Do you think you'll bring Samson back in another story?
ReplyDeleteGood morning Yolanda, thanks for hosting today.
ReplyDeleteNot to give away the plot for those that haven't read Delilah, I will say that in comparison to the real life Samson, I feel Samson got his just rewards. I will not be bringing Samson back at this time, but who knows, things can change. The next book, in what I call the "Bad Women of the Bible" series will be about BathSheba and David.
I can't wait to read Bad Women of the Bible. I'm an avid reader of your work and although you've always written clean, crisp story lines, it appears that you have gone in the route of Christian Fiction. Do you plan on writing for other genres including romance, which I'm used to? or any other genre for that matter?
ReplyDeleteGood questions. Keep them coming.
ReplyDeleteDelilah was the first book in the "Bad Women of the Bible" series and Bathsheba's story will be book #2. Title forthcoming.
Writing Christian fiction was a natural transistion for me. When the romance line that I was writing for was discontinued, I had Delilah already outlined and ready to shop. I was fortunate that the editor at Urban Christian wanted to pick up the story so I didn't have a big gap between releases.
In addition to Christian fiction,I will continue to write romance, young adult, suspense, etc. I don't think I have to limit myself into writing in just one genre.
In fact, I have a suspense novel, Savannah's Curse, coming out at the end of February.
In addition, I'm currently releasing some of my older romance stories as eBooks. One of the most popular ones is Love UnExpected. It's been in the top 10 of Amazon Bestseller's for Multicultural Romance for the past few weeks. As of this post, it's at #4, right under my shero, Brenda Jackson (smile).
You are most certainly a woman on the move. I have to say I love your innovation and the fact that you're always doing something. As I've told you way back when, I want to be like you when I grow up! :-) I hope to get to review Savannah's Curses and I can't wait to read all that you have planned for 2011. I know it's going to be a great year for you and I can truly say, you truly deserve it!
ReplyDeleteYolanda, thank you!!! I will be sure to get you a copy of Savannah's Curse.
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Everyone,
ReplyDeleteI agree Yolanda I did not expect that ending.
Shelia I love your writing. I just had to stop by to let you know that. Also the questions and answer (interview) was great. Same questions I wanted to know..
Barbara thanks for stopping through. This is the first time that one of my endings has gotten such a huge response.
ReplyDeleteShelia..thank you so much. I can't wait to read it. I also love the advice you give to aspiring writers. However, if you're not serious about it, don't try to fake it.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, thanks for stopping through...please tell all your friends to stop by.
ReplyDelete