Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written five books all together, but two of them were ghost written. The other three were self-published.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is Selfishly. I was inspired by life and all of what I have gone through the last few years. I have had a lot of bumps, bruises, and scars that got me through my day to day, but I have been left with a piece to write about each day.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I think today it is unusual for writers to still use pencil and paper or journals. I still use my pencil and paper. I also like to go back to my writings from high school and look at who I was back then and see how much I have changed now.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Maya Angelou. I don’t think any poet can say that she has not influenced them in the greatest way. I also like Stephen King because of the thrill he brings to his writing. Sista Soulja is another author that I find most appealing because of her urban style and Donald Goines is one I discovered who touches ,my heart because his look at life is real.
What are you working on now?
I did just finish a book of poems, but I do want my next project to be a nonfiction historical biography about Venus Hottentot. I have quite few ideas for my next couple of books, but Venus Hottentot is definitely one I am interested in writing about.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t really have a best website. Right now I am kind of new to the whole promotion thing. So I always look at different ways to explore publishing and promoting and trying something different and being that this is my first book in five seven years, I have to say that the resources for promotion is definitely different.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
The only advice that I can give is to stay inspired and always be ready to try new and different things with your writing. Never shut yourself down from a new style or idea, because these new ideas and styles will help you become a better writer.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice that I have heard in my life is to always push myself.
What are you reading now?
Right now I am reading Hip Hop Illuminati: How and Why the Illuminati Took Over Hip Hop
What’s next for you as a writer?
I would like to write a few more books and maybe even start a journalism site. I work in broadcasting as a digital content producer and I think that it has taught me a lot about the world with just seeing the many different events take place and how the world reacts to them.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Coldest Winter Ever, Anything Emily Dickinson, Anything Zora Neale Hurston, and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Author Websites and Profiles
Leatra Hernandez Website
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