The Literary Diva: Ms. Sammie Ward
 

My good friend, author Eric Pete—yes, I name drop—uses an unforgettable motto for his literary madness: Can't Stop. Won't Stop. Believe That! This definitely holds true for Ms. Sammie Ward.

If you haven't heard of this literary diva, then you have been living under a rock or haven't been reading Black Romance, Black Confessions, Black Secrets, Bronze Thrills,  Jive, True Black Experience, and True Confessions magazines. Nor have you visited Nubian Chronicles, Nubian Mindz, and Timbooktu.  As a contributing health writer, Ms. Sammie's articles are read by millions on the DOENetwork, W3 Lifestyle, Health Net Web site, as well as in Amag/Awareness, Family Digest and Jive magazines. Short stories like A Line In The Sand, Bait, Love By Regulations, Toi, and What Are Girlfriends For? have captivated readers all over the world. With two novels under her belt—a third to be released this year—and an undeniably sparkling personality, Ms. Sammie is definitely a literary force to be reckoned with.

Ms. Sammie began her career writing confession short stories for True Black Experience, Black Secrets, Black Confessions, Black Romance, Bronze Thrills, Jive and True Confessions. “It was a great stepping stone for me. I learned a lot working with Marcia Mahan, Pat Byrdsong, and Nathasha Brooks-Harris. That has helped make the transition to writing full-length novels easier.” Today, she is still thrilling the world with her hot and spicy love triangles for the magazines. “I never planned to become a writer. The thought  never  entered my mind. I love to read. I began writing when I was in between jobs. What began as a journal developed into a short story. I submitted the story, it was bought, and I never looked  back.”

When it comes to being concerned with the tone and shape of drafting a novel, Ms. Sammie says, “I'm not concerned when I begin a draft. I like to free write, throwing around different  plots, characters, and go from there.”  She further notes, “The story does change, it can change up to the final edit.”

When asked what surprises her most about her books, she says, “The books are completed and on the shelves. It's been a long road. But the biggest surprise is that they were released through my publishing company, Lady  Leo. I never saw that coming!” In addition to being a well-known, talented storyteller, Ms. Sammie is also the Founder and Publisher of Lady Leo Publishing (www.ladyleopublishing.com). I invite you to visit her site and explore the excerpts. You will not be disappointed!

Sammie enjoys the challenge of pushing her characters as  far as  they can go. But, she says, “I have to be careful not to push them beyond what's not in their nature. I know that sounds strange in the world of fiction, but characters have personalities. I try not to let them do anything they wouldn't normally do.”

Keeping her writing fresh is not an issue for Ms. Sammie. “Every novel is different. I approach it that way. It's a challenge to surpass the previous novel and produce a book that readers will  catch on to. In this business you're only as good as your last book.” Ms. Sammie does her best to come up with something different, fresh and unique, and says, “I believe I've accomplished that with Seven Days. Readers who know my work know that I'm  known for writing romance fiction. Seven Days is a military/mystery novel. I crossed into a different genre, something I've always wanted to do. As an Army veteran, I had fun writing it.” Of her three novels, Ms. Sammie proclaims Seven Days to be her favorite.

The talent of this sassy lady doesn't stop at penning romance novels or spicy short stores. With a medical background, she also writes health-related articles. “Writing the articles are second nature to me. Writing about health and wellness issues that affect our community is enlightening, not only to the readers but to me as well.” Ms. Sammie's articles have appeared in Amag, Jive, and Family Digest magazines. She was also a featured writer for DOENetwork.  

As an author, it's an overwhelming experience to come across someone reading any of my novels. I asked Ms. Sammie how she feels when she sees someone reading one of her books. “Very proud. I'm always tempted to ask what do they  think?  Are they enjoying it? I guess I'm critical that way.”

Ms. Sammie lists the following reference tools as a “must have” on her shelf: The Writer's Digest Handbook of Novel Writing, You Can Write A Romance and Get It Published by Yvonne MacManus, How To Write A Romance For The New Market by Kathryn Falk, and the writer's bible, The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. She also attended writing workshops and took Creative Writing classes in college. She defines success as “Loving what you do and having fun doing it.”

When asked what she would do if this world were hers, she smiled and said, “It would be a world without wars, famines, or discrimination. In my world, everyone would live in peace, be well-fed, and the color of the skin wouldn't matter.”

Needless to say, Ms. Sammie Ward adds to the list of phenomenal authors who have graced J.T.'s Book Corner. Her books can be purchased at: Amazon.com, Barnes & Nobles, Black Book Direct, Books-A-Million, CushCity, JustBookz, Lady Leo Publishing, The Black Library, and bookstores every where.

What's next for this literary diva? I can see contributing writer for O Magazine, Essence, Ebony, even Black Enterprise, in her future. Mark my words. You have not heard the last of Ms. Sammie Ward.

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Novels by Ms. Sammie Ward
To read excerpts, visit www.ladyleopublishing.com

In The Name Of Love, tells the story of a love triangle between Dr. Shari Thomas and successful businessman Derrick Rawlings. After a nasty breakup, thanks to Derrick, Shari moves on with her life—a thriving medical practice, a renowned Cardiologist love interest, and a son who means the world to her. Years later, a chance meeting at a fund-raising event,  brings these two ex-lovers together again, and buried secrets begin to unveil.

Never been married, wedding planner Valencia Hill is invited to a swanky party. She's introduced to a handsome, professional baseball player—Michael Gomez. She can't deny her attraction to Michael, but emotional scars from a previous relationship and mistrust of dating a professional athlete leads her to believe she will never get her chance to walk down the isle in Love To Behold.

After sixteen years of military service to his country, Lieutenant Colonel Victor Sexton of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, is looking forward to retiring in Seven Days, but when an army nurse is found murdered in the officer's quarters, time is against him to find the killer. When the evidence leads to his former commander, Victor is involved in the most important battle of his military career.