In the hot seat this evening is Lalaina Knowles author, publisher and founder of a small print house out of Central Florida. Fallen Angel Reviews, readers and staff are looking forward to a comprehensive interview that will shed more light into the world of an author who works on both sides of the printing world. Welcome Lalaina and thank you for sitting with us this evening.

You are quite welcome and thanks for having me.

Lalaina, I have to begin with your latest release Twisted Karma dealing with life issues that affect marriage from infidelity to major career changes told from an urban point of view. Can you tell our readers about the book and what kind of response you’ve received since its release?

Twisted Karma is based loosely on my life and events that occurred while I was going through a very difficult divorce. Initially, it started as a journal; which was my way of dealing with everything that was happening until it was suggested to turn it into a book. Back then was a very difficult time for me, trying to raise a family, keep a marriage together and run a company; so, I found solace in writing in my journal daily. The response I have received has been mixed; I have had fans write me stating they admire my strength and I have had some write me about airing out my “dirty laundry” to the world but, I had a story to tell and overall, everyone has been supportive and has enjoyed the book.

As the sole author published with your company Lady Elle what do you look for in authors when considering if they will fit your vision for your publishing company?

We look for authors who have a unique voice; we are not looking for anything trendy. We are not looking to change a writer’s writing style and we want all of our authors to feel as though they are not stripped of their creativity.

What drove you to open your own company instead of submitting your books to already established publishers with a niche customer base in the genre of urban contemporary fiction?

After doing my homework on the book industry and talking to a few personal friends that are already signed with major publishers, I found that the author still has to put in a lot of sweat equity to sell their books. There is still a lot of promoting and marketing that the author still have to do with or without a publisher in order for their titles to sell, therefore; I decided to self publish my own titles.

Lalaina, now that you’ve worked on both sides, as a publisher and author what are some of the struggles you’ve encountered and is there a definite front-runner in which part you enjoy the best?

The biggest struggle for me is looking through submissions and choosing stories that fit into the vision of LadyElle Publishing and sending out rejection letters. That’s particularly hard because I understand how difficult this industry can be. Also, I read and re-read all of the submissions that are received. During that process, my own writing is halted a little which brings me to the front runner; when I am able to devote my time to my next title, that’s the part I enjoy the best.

Do you feel there is a contradiction of principles as an author when you switch from Christian fiction to erotica? If so how do you come to terms with it?

Initially, I felt that way until, I realized that no matter what a person’s religion, everyone has problems and struggles. When writing Twisted Karma, it was edited approximately three times before being released due to that fact and in the end I was pleased. Where as I would not recommend anyone under 18 to read Twisted Karma, I still made sure that any sexual content and/or vulgar language was minimal.

One of your upcoming releases deals with the Juvenile Justice System and its effect on African American youth. Can you tell us a little about the book and your purpose for writing a piece that uses your tremendous experience and background in this field?

Yes, I came up with the idea of writing Criminal Just Us after working in the juvenile justice system for many years. During my employment, I saw a lot of biases and racial discrimination that occurred; things that I felt should not be happening and should be addressed.

Lalaina, now that we know a little more about your business and books I’m sure our readers would like a personal look at you the individual. Having watched the Oscar winning movie Dreamgirls earlier today I would love to know three movies you’ve seen that have left a lasting impression.

Absolutely, Dreamgirls happens to be a more recent one. It tells a story of hard work paying off yet it covers how crucial the entertainment industry can be. The Pursuit of Happyness is also a movie that I enjoyed; it tells a story on how a person be faced with so much adversity and find a way to succeed. Lastly, Daddy’s Little Girls; I love the way Tyler Perry portrayed the African American man in a positive note, by taking care of his children. Many people think that women are the only ones who can be effective parents and that is just not true! This movie proves this and I really do feel that there are men like that out here.

Name three non-fiction titles that I would find on your personal bookshelf.

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne, Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki and How To Succeed In The Publishing Industry by Vickie Stringer.

It’s the weekend and time to settle in for a little family time, what are a couple of the special things you and your daughters love to do when time permits?

Every other Friday we make it a ritual to go to the movies and to dinner.

With food on the brain and this being a Sunday evening what is your favorite meal to make for a family get together?

Unfortunately, with my schedule, I rarely have time to cook. Take out is my best friend these days but when the opportunity presents itself I love to cook pot roast, carrots, potatoes and cornbread!

As we come to the end of this interview I was wondering if you have any upcoming chats or appearances scheduled to promote your new releases? If so, please let our fans know when and where.

My fans can see me this year at the Harlem Book Fair in July. There may be more appearances added soon and my fans can find out about them by going to the LadyElle website, www.ladyellepublishing.com or my Myspace page, www.myspace.com/ladyellos

Lalaina, is there anything else you would love to share with our readers today?

Twisted Karma is currently available in your local bookstore; if it’s not on the shelf you can order it. It is a great and easy read and I know you will enjoy if you have not already read it.

Lalaina, I want to thank you for taking the time out to really give our readers an up close and personal look into your publishing company and life. In closing, where can readers and fans find additional information about you and your body of work?

You are welcome! Readers and fans can visit www.ladyellepublishing.com and/or www.myspace.com/ladyelleos. Don’t forget to sign my guest book! Also, fan mail may be mailed to P.O. Box 1342 Mulberry, Florida 33860

Interviewed by: Rachelle