Naleighna Kai's Literary Cafe Magazine Cavalcade Issue of NKLCM | Page 8

What do you think about the current state of the What has been the most valuable lesson you literary industry? learned as an author thus far? It still amazes me how indie writers have shaken things up in the literary world. In 2011 when I decided to self-publish an anthology, there weren’t many people taking the leap. Since then, so many persons have made their dream of being published writers their Some smart person said a career in writing isn’t a reality. I’m happy to see people of colour being represented sprint, but a marathon. This is how I think about what I do. Despite what I believe, I never know which book in the stories being told, especially romance, which is going to sell well and which one won’t. With that in is a personal favorite. I also believe, that as far as mind, more than thirty books later, I continue penning traditional publishing goes, we still need more stories stories as they come, knowing I’m working toward my with characters that look like us. goals. Speaking as an editor, it’s disturbing to see books I’ve learned the value of staying consistent. I know writers who have given up simply because sales are dismal and there’s no encouragement to continue. I love writing, so whether sales are little or large, I’m in this as long as I have the strength to write. riddled with errors being sold as finished products. How has the reading community in Jamaica What’s more surprising is that these books sell. I’m hopeful that as these writers mature, they recognize responded to your work? the necessity of improving their skills. It may seem weird, but my readers here on the island Are you #teampaperback or #teamebook? find me online. The same as Jamaicans in the diaspora. Other than having Dissolution in the local libraries, I haven’t done enough to promote my books in Jamaica. #teamebook mostly. An ereader makes life so much This is something I intend to change in the short term. easier. Mine goes everywhere with me. Still, I like the feel of a paper-and-ink book in my hands. One word that best describes your writing? Eclectic What are some words of advice to new writers considering a career in the literary industry? My best advice is this: learn the craft. There’s nothing better a writer can do to equip himself/herself What’s next for your writing career? than knowing as much about writing as possible. We’ll never know everything, but it’s important to learn the There are some stories that have been calling basics and continue to read and study. my name for a while now. They will most likely be It’s also critical to align yourself with people who classified as edgy Christian fiction, but I won’t label you can learn from. Even if you have money to hire a them ‘Christian’ because they won’t be typical faith publicist, it pays to know something about marketing stories. I’ll be releasing these starting early in 2019. and promoting books. The internet is rife with information. It’s part of our job to make the best use of what’s accessible to us. 8 | NKLC Magazine