  Today, Author and Poet LaToya Murchison is stopping by to chat with us. We'll get to know her a little more, what inspires her, and a little personal information, too. Chelle: We're all usually defined by our approach to our writing, in the terms plotter (organizing the details in an outline) or pantser (flying by the seat of their pants). So, which are you? Plotter or Pantser? LaToya: It all depends on what I am writing at the moment. For my 1st book and the current book I am working on now I created an outline. However, for my 2nd book which is full of poetry I wrote what I felt at the time. Chelle: Tell us a little about yourself? LaToya: I was born and raised in Southern Pines, North Carolina, and started writing poetry as a junior in high school. I found writing allowed me to be creative and discovered my interest in becoming a published author. My life experiences have been filled with very colorful people and experiences. With the stress of battling with health issues and loss of loved ones, I found writing provided me with a source of therapy and healing. I am passionate about encouraging, helping, and building up others. My first book entitled: A Praying Heart was published on November 21, 2014. My second book, Poetic Expressions, released on May 30, 2015. I love to read motivational, self-help and business related material. I have always been passionate for reading and writing. I fell in love with, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou as a junior in high school. That is when I was introduced to poetry and the importance of using your words when you could not speak. Chelle: Pandora or iHeart? What would we find on your playlist? LaToya: Pandora Gospel music mostly. I have a few R&B stations but I don’t listen to them much. Chelle: Did you keep a journal or diary as a child growing up? If so, what secret did you not want your parents to read? LaToya: No I did not keep a diary Chelle: What genre do you write and why? What authors have influenced your writings? LaToya: The genres that I am currently writing in are Christian Nonfiction and Poetry. Christian because I love to motivate and encourage others through God’s living word. Poetry because what better way to express my feelings good or bad. Some of my favorite authors are Maya Angelou, Joyce Meyer, T.D. Jakes, Barbara Joe, Yvette Bentley, Adrienne Thompson, Imani Wisdom, Joy Hinton Avery, and LaDonna Marie, just to name a few. Chelle: If you could pair up with another author to write, who would you choose and why? LaToya: Maya Angelou because I am often told that I am a mini version of her. Her book I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings is one of the first books I’ve read and is why I love reading. Chelle: If your latest release were turned into a movie, what actors would you select to play the starring roles, and what music would comprise the soundtrack? LaToya: Well that is a hard one because my latest book is a poetry book. But if I had to choose someone to read it I would pick Jill Scoot because she is soulful artist. Chelle: We often fear that dreaded "writer's block." How do you handle writer’s block? LaToya: I walk away for a while and come back to it later. When I am working on one of my devotionals I pray for God to give me the words he would like for me to share with others. Chelle: Mountains or the beach? LaToya: Beach of course Chelle: Authors love the art of writing; however, they sometimes struggle with the marketing aspect. Can you provide one marketing tip for upcoming authors that has worked for you? LaToya: Make sure your online presence is clean and remains professional. You are only representative of your brand. If you are messy people may conclude your work as being the same. Chelle: If there was one thing you would want your readers to know after reading your works, what would it be? LaToya: As long as you keep God first in everything you do there is nothing that you can’t accomplish. Allow God to be your beginning, middle, and end. Chelle: Writers often have to forsake time with friends and family when deadlines are looming, or the creative muse is flowing. What one person has been your greatest supporter on your publishing journey? LaToya: There have been so many however if it had not been for my pastor who continues to push me to share the ministry that God has put on the inside of me I would have never written my 1st book. Chelle: Describe your idea of the perfect “me-time.” LaToya: Cuddling up on my couch with my tablet and reading a few books or coloring as it is a way for me to relax and free my mind. Chelle: That's great. They are actually creating coloring books for adults now as a way to relax. We live life beautifully inspired here, at The Beautifully Inspired Blog. Leave us with an inspirational post, comprised of three words. LaToya: God will provide.  LaToya, thank you for joining us today and giving us a glimpse into your life. Readers, if you would like to purchase her works, you can get those here: Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/latoyamurchison Connect with LaToya: Website: http://latoyaauthor.wix.com/authorlatoyam Facebook: www.facebook.com/latoyamwrites Twitter: www.twitter.com/LaToyaauthor Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/authorlatoyam Instagram: www.instagram.com/authorlatoyam Blogger: www.authorlatoyamurchison.blogspot.com Tumblr: http://authorlatoyamurchison.tumblr.com/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/latoyam78/ For more author interviews, excerpts, inspirational posts and more, follow this blog. Simply click "Follow," "Subscribe," or the "Email" link in the upper right corner. Living Life Beautifully Inspired!
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Inspirational women's fiction author, writing the script to my beautifully inspired life! Be Inspired, Follow Me!Archives
June 2019
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