Sonia “LeRoia” Russell is an author, publisher, poet, and orator from Long Island, NY. After one of her many poems, "I Thought I Knew", was published by The National Library of Poetry in 1997 compilation book of poetry entitled "The Other Side of Midnight," Sonia’s poetry really came to life.   Sonia’s love of writing poetry inspired her to write her first novel under the pseudonym, LeRoia. Titled “The Cost of Love,” this novel is the first of a series. “The Cost of Love,” debuted in September 2007. This novel, which is the first of a series, as well as the first publishing effort of her company SoniSpeaksVolumes Publishing, LLC, has sparked book clubs, book signings, and table talk book signings in several cities. “LeRoia” was the featured author at Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.’s Women’s Month “Meet the Author” in Jamaica, New York in March of 2008. LeRoia was also featured at Hue-man Bookstore in Harlem, on a panel of five authors called “First Voices,” where she discussed “The Cost of Love,” in April of 2008. LeRoia is currently writing the sequel.   Poetry has always been and will always be Sonia LeRoia’s first love. With a poetry ministry at Holy Unity Church in Jamaica, NY, and many requests to speak about and read her work at various venues across the country, Sonia LeRoia has become known for her writings and readings. In 2007 & 2008, Sonia gave readings of her poetry and a short story at the Gazebo in Oceanside during their Summer Gazebo Reading Series, and appeared at many venues where she performed her “Spoken Word.” Sonia delights in sharing her art in the form of “The Spoken Word,” and her book of poetry is also soon to be released.   Sonia recently obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in English, and endeavors to continue her education so she can teach creative writing on a college level.  

Sonia recently obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the College of New Rochelle and endeavors to continue her education so she can teach creative writing on a college level.