Word of Mouth: Elle Perrault
To learn more about this new author, may we present the following from Google Books:
Elle Perrault is a new author residing in Southern California. She has spent over forty years as an educator and curriculum specialist with the California Department of Education, making contributions to the field of early childhood assessment and quality classroom instruction. In 1996, she received the California Teachers of the Year Award. Elle served as the director of the Agape International Children’s Choir for 20 years. In 2015, she wrote and produced the music album Spirit Soup—a collaboration of inspirational songs written with children and parents. Always focused on the healthy growth and development of children and families, Elle continues to contribute to her beloved community.
May we add that Miss Perrault is also involved in her local community helping to set up events, block parties all to build a sense of camaraderie and togetherness within her neighborhood. It makes sense Elle would produce Oni, a tale of a young girl’s quest to find her missing father. Along the way, she meets spirit animals which help her on her journey. Oni is a story with a positive message, the love of family and the need for a father in the home.
This is, as you have read, Elle’s story that this author feels will gather the attention it deserves for its powerful story and incredible message. It is safe to assume the more Miss Perrault continues to produce good work, her star will shine. Here at ANF, we’re behind Elle all the way and hopes she continues to become the great author we know she can be.
Oni is available at Barnes & Noble, Amazon and Friesen Press (website) It’s also available at Target.
Word of Mouth: The Gibbs Sisters
(Taken from the Charles L. Chatmon blog on his website)
In this ‘Word of Mouth’ segment, I would like to present two of the hardest working sisters (biological and culturally) that I have ever met. In fact, I see them quite often. Their names are Shawnelle and Shawnee’ Gibbs. They are producers, television writers, authors, and they’re neighbors. Makes sense I would talk about them right?
Shawnelle and Shawnee’ have been on a tear of late. Their IMDB profiles show they have quite the experience in producing shows everyone might enjoy, their efforts have led to collaborations on Marvel Comics’s Women of Marvel (Monica Rambeau and Ms. Marvel) Barbie: It Takes Two and their most recent effort, Jessica’s Big Little World. Next year, their latest book called Ghost Roast is a tale of a young woman named Chelsea Grant who according to the synopsis of this upcoming novel:
For as long as she can remember, Chelsea Grant has tried everything she can think of to distance herself from the disastrous damage her father does to her social life. It’s not easy to shake her reputation as Ghost Girl when Dad keeps advertising his business as a “paranormal removal expert” in big, bold, loud letters all over New Orleans!
This year, Chelsea’s all grown up, attending one of the most prestigious high schools in the city, and she’s finally made friends with the popular crowd. Things are looking up—until a night on the town backfires spectacularly, landing her in hot water at home. Her punishment? Working for her dad at Paranormal Removal Services. All. Summer.
Worst of all, her new job reveals an unexpected secret she has to keep: While Dad hunts ghosts with his own DIY tech, Chelsea can actually see them. And when she meets Oliver, a friendly spirit, at the fancy mansion her dad is getting a handsome fee to exorcize, she realizes she has to save his after-life, even if it risks everything her father’s worked for.
Both sisters continue their goal of writing and producing quality works for an audience of young adults who desire the stories they like. Their website shares their past, present and future projects, so be sure to click the link and learn more about these talented sisters who are on their way to greatness!
(You may also click the picture above to visit their website)
The Gentleman’s Name is Iyapo Yapa
Please allow me to take a few minutes from your time to introduce an author who is an illustrator, cartoonist, with experience in the graphic artist field and a good writer. His name is Iyapo Yapa. I met Iyapo through a mutual online friend and supporter perhaps a year ago. Our brief interactions on social media have been respectful and polite. Although we have not met in person (yet), I must tell you this gentleman is culturally astute, passionate of the content he writes and isn’t afraid to express his voice on subjects that matter.
His debut novel, MELANIN: A Novel is the story of a man-made disastrous event which leaves survivors who are granted that status by the pigmentation of their skin. Iyapo promises “twists, turns, and an ending that will leave you satisfied, but still begging for MORE!” MELANIN I feel will leave plenty of food for thought among readers and will introduce arguments which have been a part of our (the Black) community, yearning to be part of a larger discussion. His latest book, And What of the CARGO? is now available for purchase on this website.
Personally, I have been impressed by Iyapo’s online presence and I believe his first novel will not be his last. As most of you know I have met many authors through my association with them in book events and festivals, and even my time as the executive director of the L.A. Black Book Expo. Iyapo is one author I feel has a chance to make a name for himself and will do well.
In addition to writing stellar books, Iyapo along with his wife Angela hosts a podcast which you may listen to via his website. His topics are engaging, informative and thought-provoking.
MELANIN: A Novel along with And What of the CARGO? can be purchased via Amazon. He has a Goodreads profile in case book clubs or casual readers would like to support his upcoming works or podcast. I’m glad to know this author and support him in his endeavors to produce interesting written works for you, the readers. Please support him by subscribing to his Twitter account and any social media platforms he appears. This is one author to keep your eyes on.
Charles L. Chatmon
Wacky Woody Waters by Tamy (Tame Me) Hopkins
For years, ANF has featured authors who are unknown to the general public, but feel they deserve the opportunity to be heard. Let us introduce one such literary artist to you; Tamy Hopkins (aka Tamy (Tame Me) Hopkins), author of Wacky Woody Waters.
Ms. Hopkins is the author of this inspirational children’s book as she describes:
“Characters live inside this world without boundaries. Our children must face time and daily challenges when adults decide to help or hurt each other as if there is no meaning to peace on Earth. What we say and do to each other matters more than most may think. Positive humanitarian nature set forth through Water Warriors of Dallas, Texas, we might have a chance at freeing ourselves from harm.”
She has two places where you can support her in this endeavor: on Kindle and in print.
What makes Ms. Hopkins as an author who is always focused is her dedication in providing a soft haven for positive, uplifting literature especially for young readers. If you would like to show your support for Wacky Woody Waters and possibly other projects she has planned, you may click the link to her TikTok page and see what she has to say.
We wish Tamy all the best as she’s always staying in focus!
RELAY: The Charles L. Chatmon Interview
Note: Charles is the founder of this blog, but he was nice enough to allow his cousin to interview him for this piece.
Who is Charles L. Chatmon?
My name is Charles L. Chatmon. I’m an author and poet from Los Angeles, California. Born and raised in L.A., and I’m a proud native.
How long have you been writing?
For most of my life, beginning in what the young folks call middle school now, it was known as junior high school back then. I wrote for my high school newspaper in the sports section, then was chosen to be an editor for the paper. I contributed articles for my junior college newspaper, university newspaper, did freelance work for community newspapers here in the city and across the country. Starting in 2001, my first book The Depths of My Soul was published and I haven’t looked back since.
What inspired you to write RELAY, your first novel?
I started writing RELAY in 1991. I finished a few pages before life and other social issues took over. I didn’t touch this story again until recently when COVID hit. I was also recovering from a second stroke, so I just looked up projects I hadn’t finished in a while and just finished this story which turns out, is a novel. I’m very proud of this work.
You said you had a second stroke? What was that like and when did you encounter your first one?
Without going too much into detail, all I can say is that while I was in the hospital in July 2019, one doctor told my wife that I had an earlier stroke not long after my second one. It was as if I had one stroke after another. All I can say is that I’m thankful to God that I survived, which gave me a chance to write RELAY and the book before that, Storm Over South Central. To respond to your first question, I couldn’t remember a thing. My wife was talking to me about picking up items from the store, but I couldn’t remember a thing. It was a good thing she rushed me to the hospital to give me the care I needed. I feel that definitely saved my life.
What is RELAY about?
It’s a story of a varsity track team representing Appleton High School in the San Fernando Valley. All four young men are seniors dreaming of their goal to win the state title, something that eluded them the year before. We meet Felton, Malik, Troy and Harris. They have different personalities and interests, but they stick together like brothers. They met and ran together as members of a community track club and have remained friends ever since. Felton’s uncle, Wilson is their coach and mentor. His girlfriend and fiancée Beverly gives him the emotional support he needs. One of the track team members is killed in a violent death. The rest of the team uses that death to move forward, motivated to win the state title in honor of their fallen teammate. Hector is the dead runner’s replacement and together with the survivors, they deal with personal issues while staying focus on winning state. There’s a lot to take in, but I feel good and I hope readers will feel the same once they purchase a copy.
Without spoiling the plot, what’s your favorite part in the book?
The arcs of two characters in the book. I don’t want to say their names, but I feel their personal stories were the best. I enjoyed giving life to the supporting characters in their lives and I hope somehow, the readers will see how much these characters have gained from their challenges.
What is the one thing you hope the readers learn from your book?
I reference Alexandre Dumas’s The Three Musketeers a lot in RELAY. I hope what the readers will get out of this novel is that friendship and brotherhood is important. Love is also another theme I hope the readers will pick up as they are reading the book.
Outside of writing this book, I understand you’re involved in other projects. Would you mind sharing what those are with us?
Sometime this year I plan on publishing a science fiction anthology called Strange Tales of Science Fiction. The title comes from an former local channel’s program featuring movies of that genre. I was going to name the book something else, but I felt the title fit the L.A. theme just right. I don’t have any other projects I’m working on beside that this new year, but that could change (smile).
Do you plan on attending any events soon? If so, please tell us where you will be?
Although COVID isn’t the same fearful virus as it was three years ago, I have no plans for now to attend festivals or fairs in the near future. I do have a dream of returning to the L.A. Times Festival of Books here in L.A., but that will happen on its own time.
How can the readers contact you if they would like to receive a personal copy? Do you have a website?
Readers can reach me on my website, charleslchatmon.com. My books are also available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble if they like to buy a copy. On Twitter and Instagram, my handle is charleslchatmon.
Do you have advice for someone just starting out as an author?
I taught a series of writer’s workshops for thirteen years, so I have experience sharing what I know with folks who want to break into the writing field. All I will say is that there’s plenty of opportunities to publish that first book, and resources to help. Do as much research as you can to prepare yourself to write that first book. Amazon has a ton of information for anyone who wants to publish a book. Make sure you talk with experts who will take a look at your manuscript and lead you in the right direction.
Is there anything else you would like to say in closing?
Perseverance is a word I feel every author needs to learn if you plan to write books long term. There was a eighteen year gap between The Voices of South Central in 2003 and Storm Over South Central in 2021. I never lost hope that I would publish another book, but it took going through two strokes and a pandemic to have a good friend tell me how to publish Storm, which I did. I’m so happy to be moving forward with my other projects and I plan to keep doing this for a long time. That’s what perseverance means to me.
That’s it! Thank you for this interview!
The Trials and Challenges of a High School Track Team in RELAY
LOS ANGELES – The four young men who make up the Appleton High School varsity relay track team, Felton, Malik, Troy and Harris embark on a quest to win the state title in their senior year, having been denied that opportunity the previous year. Along the way, they face tragedy, opposition from a rival squad, complications in their personal lives with the challenge of returning to the state finals.
RELAY is the latest novel from author Charles L. Chatmon focusing on the senior track team as they go through a multitude of difficulties in their track competitions and personal lives in the book. This is Chatmon’s first novel, which promotes the messages of friendship, perseverance, and faith with the members of the track relay team.
Set in the confines of the San Fernando Valley, RELAY focuses on the individual members of the relay squad; Felton, a nephew to the team’s coach and all-around good student; Malik, a socially conscious youngster who isn’t afraid to speak his mind, Troy and Harris are two streetwise young men who hang around with one of the neighborhood gangs but are just as dedicated to the team’s goals of winning state. Chatmon believes the themes in the novel will convince readers of the quartet’s close friendships. When tragedy strikes, they must find a way to overcome their loss to proceed with their dream. Enter Hector, an eleventh grader from a different team who must somehow fit in to be accepted as a member to the varsity squad.
RELAY is a novel you will be sure to read over and over again. You will cheer for the Appleton relay team, you will mourn the sudden tragedy which threatens to tear the team apart, and marvel at the challenges they face on the track as well as off.
RELAY by Charles L. Chatmon. Published by Adrolite Press.
Charles’s Website: https://charleslchatmon.com
The Charles L. Chatmon Interview
Charles L. Chatmon is an author and poet who was nice to sit down and share his life, and written works with us here at ANF. His latest book is Storm Over South Central described as ‘an anthology from the heart of a man’. Let’s find out what he has to say.
Who is Charles L. Chatmon?
My name is Charles L. Chatmon. I was born and raised here in in Los Angeles, California where I live now. I work as a substitute teacher, a former proofreader for a biomedical company, and when I’m not working, I write.
How long have you been writing?
For a long time. I started writing in middle school, and it just continued from there. Professionally, I would say that I have been a published author since 2001 although I was a freelance writer for start-up and community newspapers and magazines before my first book.
What inspired you to write Storm Over South Central?
Publishing my short stories was a goal of mine. I love the poems I submitted for Storm, but I wanted to share my prose work too. I’m happy for the response to the short stories so far. I wanted to be more than just being known as a poet.
In the opening, it was mentioned Storm Over South Central is “an anthology from the heart of a man”. Why is it an anthology, and why is it from the heart of a man?
I’m glad you asked me that. This book when I started to write it, was going to be like my previous two books, The Depths of My Soul, and The Voices of South Central. I decided to add the short stories simply because I didn’t want to be known as just a poet. I wanted readers to know that I write short stories as well. I keep at least two college anthologies and decided to call it that, an anthology. I’m sure using the word Collection might have nice, but I felt there was nothing wrong in calling Storm an anthology.
What steps did you take to publish this latest literary work?
It’s funny. I spent years working on this book. When we were under quarantine, I sat down and worked on Storm some more. When I was done, I had a good friend of mine suggest I try Amazon to publish this book. I went through the steps, took my time and completed the process for me to publish Storm. It was easier than I thought.
What’s your favorite part in Storm?
The short stories such as Father’s Day, Storm Over South Central, Don’t Judge a Bum By…and I am very proud of the last story in the book, Last Night in the Club.
What is the one thing you hope the readers learn from your book?
I would like the readers to enjoy the poems and short stories in Storm. I hope they enjoy the themes and morals in the book, plus have a fun time while taking a look through the pages.
Outside of writing this book, I understand you’re involved in other projects. Would you mind sharing what those are with us?
I did some freelance work for the California Crusader Newspaper. (calcrusnews.com) I was happy to have the opportunity to write for a newspaper again. Before that, I worked on an upcoming novel that I can’t share right now, but soon. I promise (smile). Plus some other written work that will be published in the near future. P.S. I used to do work on this site (smile) a few years back.
Do you plan on attending any events soon? If so, please tell us where you will be?
It’s not possible right now because we’re still in a pandemic. I do hope that when things settle down, and everything is at least “back to normal”, I might try to go to an book fair or festival, depending on the crowd. I would like to say that I am open to Zoom meetings or other online events if possible.
How can the readers contact you if they would like to receive a personal copy? Do you have a website?
My website is https://charleslchatmon.com. If anyone is interested, they can buy a copy from the website. Readers can also connect with me on Instagram and Twitter at my handle, chatwrites.
What advice do you have for someone just starting out as an author?
Take your time writing your poem, short story, etc. Always have a thesaurus or dictionary with you at all times.
Is there anything else you would like to say in closing?
It is strange to be on this side of an interview because I used to be the one on this site speaking with authors about their written works. I can say is that I’m very happy to finally have a book published after all this time and have more on the way. I would like to add that as a stroke survivor, I know now that you can’t take any day for granted. You just have to enjoy life and live it the best you can. You never know what could happen, and as for that, I’m happy to see where this journey will take me next.
Thank you Charles!
(He wants to remind us Storm Over South Central is available on his Amazon page)
The Return of an Old Friend
On March 1, 2022 an old friend returns on the airwaves. Wonder who or what that might be eh?
That’s right….Authors N Focus the video version is back. There are no plans to interview authors at this time but when and if we do, you will see them here. We’re glad to be back and we hope you support us by subscribing to our new YouTube channel.
As always, keep your literary (and other) dreams in focus!
The Sad, Sad Story of Tuffie
Or It’s a Bad Idea to attack Book Reviewers
Once upon a time in a land not that far away, there was a person named Tuffie. Now Tuffie is a first time author who clicked on a book review website. Tuffie looked with anticipation as authors both great and – well, great authors judged Tuffie’s book with perfect reviews. Tuffie smiled as the positive reviews flowed in:
“Great!” One bestselling author praised.
“Brillant!”
“Can’t be beat. This is the best book on the market today!”
“This book is fantastic! Why hasn’t this author received a Pulitzer yet?”
One by one they poured in, positive perfect reviews filled up the review section of the website Tuffie’s eyes absorbed. Each and every perfect score means Tuffie in her first book made it to the big time! Her mind dreamt of becoming a guest on many talk shows discussing her masterpiece. It would go down as one of The Greatest books of all time. She was meant for superstardom, for glory except………..
Tuffie became annoyed by the comments of two reviewers who dared to post:
“Excellent book! I enjoyed it a lot. I might score it up.”
“I loved it! It was great! I plan to score it down.”
Tuffie could not comprehend the reviewers’ rationale. “Score it up? Score it down? Who are these simpletons who call themselves reviewers? The nerve of these nitwits to ‘score’ my beautiful, unblemished work of art up or down! It should be all the way up in my opinion. Best selling authors agree! How dare these heathens? Well I’ll fix them…..”
Tuffie took action by screenshotting their comments on her social media account, cursing them for their offensive atrocity of scoring the work up or down! The nerve!
Later that evening as Tuffie’s post gained more attention, Tuffie blocked all who sympathized with the offensive reviewers, even providing harsh commentary by the way of more posts on the social media feed. Tuffie’s reactions gained more and more attention. By the end of the night, the League of Ungrateful Idiots assembled like superheroes using their platforms to call out Tuffie’s behavior. To counter the growing backlash, Tuffie used the platform to compare this situation with an act of sexual assault. It confused and bewildered the haters for a moment before they were compelled to cancel Tuffie’s book on the review website.
Tuffie received the fame sought. It was unfortunately not what Tuffie anticipated when the book was published. In the aftermath, Tuffie’s book sank on the reviewer’s website along with whatever reputation Tuffie had, burned to the metaphorical ground like a simmering pile of ashes.
Ladies and gentlemen, and all you good folks out there……
This was based on a very true and unfortunate story involving a first-time author. It may be their last book they will ever publish. Ever. Moral: first-time authors, while it would be nice to receive near-perfect reviews from readers, remember even almost-perfect reviews are just as encouraging. Never fall for the hype of believing you ‘made it’ if all you received were five stars. That’s it.
Charles L. Chatmon
Authors N Focus
Still Here
Everyone deserves a second chance, including Authors N Focus.
Not sure how long the second time around will last,but I plan to have fun with ANF this time and I hope you will too.
Let’s do it again!
Charles L. Chatmon
President, Chatmon’s Books
Authors N Focus 