The main draw of Matthew Stevens’ page-turning debut novel, The Last Living Diva (Illusion Publishing, LLC, April 22, 2025) is its inspiration: Stevens’ stint as Mariah Carey’s assistant years ago during a period of the singer’s life that fans and media alike often consider controversial. While the book is a wild ride that delivers on the drama and humor (there are several laugh-aloud and wide-eyed moments), I was most compelled … Read the rest
The conversation continues with recent SBC guest Jim Coleman, a children’s and adult author, and the owner of Coleman Crest Farms, who’s excelled on Wall Street for decades. In part 2, he discusses his thoughts on wealth, financial independence, political power, and his favorite ways to uplift communities. During the interview, he encourages young people to not only attend college, but to maximize the experience.
“I tell students all … Read the rest
In a world where family legacies sometimes fade into obscurity, Jim Coleman symbolizes hope and inspiration. A fourth-generation steward of Coleman Crest Farm, the Kentucky-based landowner not only embodies the essence of generational wealth, but is passionate about imparting his wisdom. Whether it is through his three books, Hang ‘Em in the Middle, Don’t Sell the Goose That Lays the Golden Egg (both illustrated by Trevor Claiborn), and … Read the rest
Academic and author Rachelle Storm is bidding farewell to her science fiction romance series Absolution with the fourth and final book, Apocalypsis. In a recent interview with SBC, she reflected on what the success of her literature means. Her series has sold over 100,000 copies globally.
“It’s not about the numbers,” she said. “It’s about the people. I’ve always said from the beginning that I wanted to share a … Read the rest
Watty award-winning and queer novelists Philline Harms and Lux Raven recently participated in SBC’s debut Author on Author episode, which featured conversations about authorhood and Pride month, available now.
Raven, who is best known for her Siren’s Mark series, has more than 2 million reads on Wattpad. The California resident’s original works which include the new title, Arrow to the Heart: A Dark Cupid Romance, have garnered more than … Read the rest
Happy Easter! SBC is closing International Women’s Month with the second edition of Author Dialogue. Our panelists, which centers romance, include (pictured left to right) veteran and multi-award-winning novelist Deborah Fletcher Mello (The Stallions; The Boudreaux Family); bestselling indie novelist Sheena Binkley (Love, Life, & Happiness); Wattpad stars and awardees Romi Moondi (24 Hours in Paris) Fallon DeMornay (Stiletto Sisterhood); … Read the rest
Author Vanessa Rodriguez wanted to write about something she knew, which was being a latchkey kid. That idea catapulted into the new fantasy series A Key to Home (Priceless Publishing, October 31, 2023), which follows a diverse group of four friends, who are all latchkey kids. When asked if she looks at her characters solely as that or as people, here is what she had to say:
“They’re like my … Read the rest
It is only right that we make a post about American Fiction, the new award-winning upcoming film written and directed by Cord Jefferson. Not only are we enthused because of the nature of the story, but also because of the cast, as well as its relatable career-based topic.
This film is based on the award-winning book Erasure by Percival Everett, which released in 2001. This is a story … Read the rest
As we know, book store owners and booksellers are a big part of the publishing community and/or book world. We know them to give book recommendations—among other things. But what advice do they have for readers aside from what to read? Sherrele Goloversic, founder and owner of The Book Readers Venue, based in Humble, Texas, offered her perspective in a recent interview on SBC.
In addition to being kind … Read the rest
When Emmy-winning television host, marketing executive, and bestselling author Markette Sheppard returned to SBC in support of her new children’s book Ninja Nate (Denene Millner Books/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, September 26, 2023) illustrated by Robert Paul Jr., we asked if it starts with an idea or confidence.
It was during this topic that Sheppard revealed the success story of a book idea of hers that had gotten … Read the rest
