#1 National Best Selling Author, Shanté J, is a 37-year-old, mom of two teens and a native of Memphis, Tennessee. She’s a self published author who has been apart of the literary industry for 3 years. Shante’s love for writing started at a young age. She started off by writing poems, songs & short stories. Being an avid reader, a hopeless romantic, and a lover of urban fiction stories, is what inspired her to try her hand at writing books.

In 2017, she signed to a major publishing company and released her first novel. To date, she has written 6 books. 5 in which were deemed as best seller’s. Her book “Turned Out by A Hustla” was released September 2019. It peaked at the #1 spot on Amazon’s best seller’s list where it remained for 1 consecutive month. In 2017, Shante’s debut best-selling novel, “Something in My Heart” was featured in XXL Magazine. As of June 2020, Shante began her self publishing journey. In the near future, she plans to continue to pen dope novels and branch out into multiple genres.

To keep up with all things Shante, follow her on social media.

Instagram: authoress_shante_j

FB Like Page: AuthorShanteJ/

Twitter: author_ShanteJ

1) First, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me! When did you know that writing is what you were called to do? What is it about being a writer that you love the most?

It’s such an honor to be interviewed by you. Thank you so much for the opportunity. To answer your question, I knew writing was for me when I released my first book back in 2017 and the positive feedback I gained from the reader’s.

What I love most about being a writer is interacting with my reader’s. I love seeing how hype they are about my work. It’s an incredible feeling.

2) Can you tell us a little about your book(s) and where our readers can find out more about them and you?

Certainly! My books are about every day people with real life issues. They love hard, work hard and provide for their families. Most of the characters are good people while others are bad but they may change over time. With each book I pen, I try my hardest to include current events and life lessons.

You can find out more about me as well as my work via social media. On Facebook my username is Authoress Shante and on Instagram & Twitter, the name is Authoress_shante_j

At the moment I’m self publishing so I don’t have anything published. All of my previous work is being edited and revamped and will have new book cover’s. I should have something available as soon as the end of May.

3) Where do you draw your inspiration from for the stories that you manage to weave together and the characters that you create?

My inspiration mostly stems from a vivid imagination. Music also helps. I could be listening to a song and bam, a whole new storyline. Lol

4) Do you have a schedule for when you write? Do you outline your novels? How long does it generally take you to finish a novel? What projects are you currently working on?

Actually, yes I do have a set writing schedule. I typically write during the early morning hours between 12am until maybe six am. Those are the hours when my home isn’t so busy. Everyone is in bed and it’s quiet, which gives me time to work uninterrupted. I do outline my novels, however sometimes I may freestyle. It typically takes a month or two to complete a full novel. Right now, I’m currently working on a new storyline which will be a novella.

5) What’s the first book you ever read that really moved you emotionally? Who is your favorite author to read? What book are you currently reading?

Hmmm. I’d say The G Spot by Noire. That’s my favorite book ever and she happens to be one of my favorite author’s. I’m not reading anything at the moment. I’m currently only focused on my projects.

6) What has been your most significant achievement as a writer thus far? Where do you see yourself within your career in the next five years?

The biggest achievement of my career was my book cover being featured in XXL Magazine in 2017 & becoming a #1 best selling author via Amazon. I’m still in awe. Within the next 5 year’s, I see myself writing in more genre’s and hopefully having a book signing. I’ve been a published author for 3 year’s now and have yet to have a book signing.

7) How have you dealt with rejection within your writing career? What are your thoughts about how the publishing industry is drastically changing in terms of traditional and self-publishing?

Fortunately, I can’t say that I have had any rejections. In regards to the changes, I think it’s very beneficial to the author’s whom were rejected and now have it easier. Nowadays you can upload your own manuscript and cut out the middle man, i.e a publisher or a publishing company.

8) So many writers say that they hate reading their own work. Do you ever enjoy reading your own work back to yourself?

This question is funny to me because I’m actually a writer who absolutely hates to read my own work. My reasoning for not wanting to read it is because I wrote it and I already know how the story goes.

9) Do you believe that there is ever a point in life where it’s too late for an aspiring writer to become successful in this industry? Do you feel a late start would hinder their chances?

No, absolutely not. There are new author’s I’ve never heard of releasing books and make the best sellers list on Amazon. Some author’s have been out for years and haven’t made that list.

J.K. Rowling didn’t pen her first novel until she was 26 years old. It got rejected many times before she got her big break so anything is possible.

10) I feel like writing is a remarkable tool to help people not only express themselves, but also to cope emotionally and mentally. I know for me I write to be and feel more authentic. What unique quality is there about you, about your art, that you feel represents your authenticity? How does writing help you to be more empowered in your purpose?

A unique quality I possess is thinking outside the box. I’m a hopeless romantic and a huge fan of black love so I try to write more love stories versus street lit. Some of my reader’s are single women so my purpose is to encourage them that they too can find true love like the heroes and heroines I write about. When reader’s read my book I want them to feel good about themselves and to maybe see themselves as the characters. I want them to have a connection.