Shaniqua Luster

Pre-Interview: Hello my name is Shaniqua luster, I’m an author, screenwriter and entrepreneur. My goal is to keep accomplishing mine and help to Motivate others. Speaking life into yourself and others is one of the best accomplishments. Staying true and blessed.

Author Interview:

1.What inspires you most to write?

Writing for me is like a breath of fresh air, it’s my truth, my story, my freedom. I’m inspired to write by the world around me, it’s beauty, its struggles, and the quiet powerful emotions that goes unspoken. Writing gives me a voice, it’s my way to untangle feelings that can sometimes be difficult to express, but more than just inspiration; I find deep satisfaction in the act of writing itself whether I’m expressing myself in a poem or creating a book; I like to take nothing and watch it form into something, it’s not just about being heard it’s about inner peace, clarity, and joy I get from expressing myself fully and truthfully through language. 

2. What is your favorite genre?

Romance drama is my favorite genre because it captures the beauty and complexity of love. I enjoy the emotional rollercoaster, the real life struggles and how deeply it connects from the heart, it often makes me reflect on my own experiences and emotions. 

3. Who is one author you admire if any and why?

I admire my Publisher and her writing skills, her name is Kennedee Devoe and she’s truly inspiring, not just in her writing but in the way she shares her story with honesty and strength, her books are raw, real, and very relatable, and I love how she uses her voice to empower others. She’s an author who proves that your truth has power and that’s something I deeply respect and connect with. 

4. How do you overcome blank writing spells?

When I get writer’s block, I love to take a deep breath and escape my reality for a moment, and what that looks like is maybe a 3 day juice cleanse, or a different cleanse to rid my body of toxins so I can get a clearer vision of fulfilling my purpose. I also like to go out in Nature, sit by the beautiful trees, stick my feet into the grass or if I’m at the beach into the sand. It’s something about being grounded and the intake of Nature that truly benefits me. 

5. What legal publishing advice can you give?

My legal advice is to register your copyright and obtain a ISBN under your name, make sure you understand any contracts before signing anything, and if you don’t understand what is written; hire a lawyer. Keep ownership of your work, unless you are agreeing to settle or sell, and lastly keep all receipts, emails, drafts and documents. 

6. How many books have you written, are any a bestseller yet?

I’ve written 3 books so far with only 1 being published, I’m actually in the process of publishing my other two books now, with me just finishing my part two to The Power of Manipulation; so that will be coming out soon. The book isn’t a best seller yet, but I am in the category of best reviews, but with faith and proper continuation of marketing and strategizing it will be up next, I’m speaking into existence. 

7. If you had the opportunity to rewrite one movie script which would it be, why?

I would rewrite my comedy Screenplay Mother’s Day- not because I don’t love it, but because even the best jokes could use a little more soul! I think adding more emotional depth would give it that perfect mix of laughter and meaning. I’d love to dive deeper into the characters and their relationships to give the story more heart without losing the laughs. 

8. What are some difficulties you've experienced in your writing career; how do you handle book critiques/criticism?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in my writing journey is dealing with life changes. Whether it was personal responsibilities, emotional ups and downs, or just the unpredictability of life, these moments have sometimes put a damper on my creativity and ability to stay consistent. You know the saying; how can you pour from an empty cup, so sometimes I’ve had to give myself Grace and space to heal or adjust before getting back to the pen. 

I’ve honestly had no bad criticism thus far with this book, all praises to the most high, but people did ask; why you left the book like that, it’s so good I’m eager to know what’s to come, and I let them know, I had to keep my audience on the edge and looking forward to part two coming soon lol. But criticism is not always bad in my eyes, I mean of course try not to let it bother you, because it’s out there for the world to see and everyone is not going to agree with this or that; but sometimes it’s valid points that someone can actually help you to get better at each one teach one. 

9. What are your best experiences in your writing career?

One of my highlights of my writing journey has been becoming a screenwriter. The ability to turn my books into scripts and bring my stories to life in a new format, has been both exciting and empowering. Seeing my words go from page to Up coming Screen, even in just concept is a dream come true. It’s opened up new creative doors for me and helped me grow as a storyteller in ways I never expected. 

10. Do you prefer to write in silence and or have some sort sound in the background?

When I write, I prefer to go out by the lake or a park. Watching the water waves gives me serenity and peace that’s heartfelt and warm. The sunshine, and the birds chirping is always so fulfilling and it entices my ability to bring out more creativity. 

11. What are some encouraging words you'd give to another author/writer?

Some encouraging words that I can give another author or upcoming author is just go for it, you don’t have to be perfect but brave enough to begin, always remember your story can inspire, heal, and change someone’s life so keep writing. The world needs your voice. 

12. How did you decide the pricing of your material; how did you go about promotion/advertising and distribution of your work?

I decided my pricing by comparing other books prices in that same genre, and did my research to understand that choosing my price was still within an affordable range without short changing myself. I hired a professional publisher who got my book onto Amazon platform and now it’s on Walmart, as well as in prisons. Have a book signing event and do a listening where people can hear parts of the book. Let them buy the book and read it and give their honest reviews where you can post it on many different platforms like YouTube, facebook, create book clubs. 

13. Why should anyone read your book?

You should read my book because it’s a true page turner, and anyone who wants to read an exciting and overall drama book this one is definitely it. Best friends were once inseparable with a bond that felt unbreakable. But secrets have a way of surfacing, and Manipulation knows how to destroy from the inside out. In the Power of Manipulation written by Author Shaniqua Luster delivers a raw and emotionally charged story about friendship and betrayal, and the high cost of not being truthful. Told from a passionate and honest voice, this story explores how love can turn into resentment, and how the closest people can become your worst enemies. 

14. Did you have a book coach?

No I didn’t have a book coach, just was my thinking and writing, my publisher did my editing. 

15. What was your favorite subject in school?

My favorite subject in school was English and literature, this explains my passion for writing as well, I always loved to write long essays especially if it involved telling my own story. 

16. Are you self-published or have an established publishing contract elsewhere?

Yes I have a publisher Ms. Kennedee Devoe and I’m grateful to be working with such a passionate and inspiring publisher, and if anyone out there need a publisher you can email her at kennedeedevoe@gmail.com and she will get you right.