Interview With Author Zarinah Hameen
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m the Chief Visionary Officer for Au’loni Media Group, LLC and we were most recently selected as a Marquis Who’s Who in America, received the 2022 Philadelphia Award in the areas of Business and Coaching, and inducted into The Philadelphia Media Founder’s Exchange with The Lenfest Institute of Journalism. In addition, our podcast #BlackWealthIsBack was rated #13 of the Top 90 Podcasts for “Black Wealth and Finance” by FeedSpot.
We focus on merging traditional media with modern technology. Through Broadcast, Digital, and Print. We minimize the gatekeeper’s influence over the voice of the underrepresented and disenfranchised, to better strengthen our global community. To date, we’ve written 3 books. The Melanoid Chronicles: Encyclopedia Series which is the first encyclopedia series in the new millennium for the African Diaspora. We’ve also published two titles under our “mini-eBook series” called, Seafood for the Startup Soul and The “Strategy” in Struggle.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Our latest books are, The Melanoid Chronicles (Collector’s Edition): Encyclopedia Series and The “Strategy” in Struggle which is Part II of our Mini-Ebook Series.
The Melanoid Chronicles: The inspiration behind it was to change the trajectory of how black history is told and documented for all members of the African Diaspora, in hopes that our future generations will NEVER experience what every generation before them had to endure by not being told or knowing their history and having the ideas that only slavery defines them in the U.S. In 100 years, our stories of today will help shape the ideas of our children and how they value themselves. This is a “historical piece of art” to lay the groundwork for future generations.
The “Strategy” in Struggle: The inspiration behind this was to revive the “Chicken Soup” books into a new age and new technology with a focus on inspiring entrepreneurs and innovators since this is the industry that is fueling a new economy.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, oddly enough I’m at my most creative height while watching horror films. I think it’s because I grew up reading Stephen King books and watching his movies so his work, tends to get the creative juices flowing. Also, I have to give myself interludes of celebration for small victories. I set a goal when I start writing (For example, finish a chapter in X amount of time…) and when I complete it I celebrate with 30 minutes of listening to music or a good meal. It keeps my energy and mood in tact for long-term writing projects such as books and essays.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King, Maya Angelou, Nikki Giovanni, J.K. Rowling, Augustus Burroughs, and celebrity authors such as Tina Fey and Issa Rae. When I was a child, my biggest influencers were R.L. Stine and Judy Blume.
Books: The 7 habits of highly effective people, Tiger Eyes, Bossy Pants, and The Misadventures of an Awkward Black Girl.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently focused on gathering research for the next edition of The Melanoid Chronicles and securing co-authors for the 3rd book in our mini-ebook series. Coming Soon!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My own website for most promotional material but also BookBub, Barnes & Noble, and Online Book Club. I do general social media marketing but those are the sites that I prefer for target marketing.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Like anything else that’s worth it, stay in it for the long-haul. Most likely, your book won’t become a best-seller overnight. It could take months and even years to see that kind of success. Approach your book sales and notoriety as you did your writing. Focus, slow pace, creation, management, and long-term story telling as long-term story “selling” for your work. Be patient.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
All money isn’t good money.
The worst that anyone can ever do is tell you No. Fear is an illusion
What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m concentrating more on writing than reading but I’m excited to finish reading, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fu*k.
What’s next for you as a writer?
We will continue with our series and hopefully in the next few years or so, I’ll move on to some passion projects that are fiction based. I like to tell different and unique stories.
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 first 4 books I can find about life lessons and of course, how to survive on a desert island!
Author Websites and Profiles
Zarinah Hameen Author Profile on Smashwords
Zarinah Hameen’s Social Media Links