Writing is an art for me, a safe place and whatever my mind conjures up, whether this be a book that men can relate or women, I will take solace in knowing that whoever has sat down to read my book has found it to be quite pleasurable.
Lisa K. Stephenson – 6 June 2019
The Back Flap
Rescued from an abusive household, Irving Houston grows up with his foster mother but struggles to fit in and adapt to his new life. For years, Irving is standoffish, drowning himself in reading materials, enhancing both his book and street smarts. After landing in a coma from being bludgeoned by his abusive father, Irving is a rare case that happens to live and regain his vitality and abundant intellect. When his mentor passes away, leaving Irving an inheritance worth millions he finds himself in West Point Military Academy where he meets the love of his life, before learning his true passion: Becoming the Leader of the Free World. Now a man on the road to presidency, he must figure out how to hide his true sexual preference and avoid placing his loved ones in harm’s way—but will he be successful?
About the book
What is the book about?
Thirty-five-year-old Irving Houston has one goal: become the leader of the free world. Only, is America ready to accept an African-American Gay man for president?
From the tender age of seven Irving resided with his mother, Michelle Dudley and father Marvin Houston while spending time with the owner of the section 8 housing projects; Mr. Samuel. A studious young man Irving began developing faster than his peers, learning the American class system and honing both his book and street smarts.
Abused as a young child, Irving remained strong-willed. On the night his mother commits suicide a chain of events is set off; a fervent Rose from Child Protective Services takes a liking to the young boy promising to care for him after realizing his potential. Years later Irving is mentored by Lieutenant Colonel, Mr. Christopher Royal, while intermittently spending time with his other mentor, Mr. Samuel aiding him to become a student at the West Point Military Academy.
During his time as an undergraduate Irving is looking forward to a bright future, inheriting millions from his mentor Mr. Samuel after his untimely death, increasing his physical and academic training and then, he finds love—Shawn McDonald, a firstie like Irving, he and Shawn fall madly in love.
Under the direction of Mr. Christopher Royal, Irving is given a choice, take a wife and become the next President of The United States of America or remain with the love of his life and settle for living like the average American. Irving chooses the latter, deciding it best to conceal the whereabouts of his partner, taking a wife to appease the general public during the duration of his term. But when a jealous wife takes matters into her own hands, things take a deadly turn and Irving is unable to save the one person he would have given his own life for.
The Yellow Brownstone is a political drama about facing the injustices of the world, from sexual preference to race.
When did you start writing the book?
I began writing The Yellow Brownstone towards the end of February 2019
How long did it take you to write it?
The book took me about 3 1/2 weeks to complete
Where did you get the idea from?
I was browsing some sample cover photos for the title itself and came across the book cover photo. Instantly, I thought of a story and because the cover art features two African-American men I thought it was very important to speak to their intellect and their unique struggles
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
Yes, for sure. I believe towards the middle of the book, that rising action portion. I think I struggled because I really had to educate myself on comatose patients, their recovery process and then tie that into my main character. Some parts felt very mundane because although the book is fictional, the truth is still a pertinent factor.
What came easily?
Building the story, the dialogue, their conflict. As a writer one of my strengths is creating dialogue, sometimes I write out the dialogue and build the story or setting around it. This book was no different.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
This book is entirely fictitious. Which is a first for me as I do tend to draw characteristics from people or person(s) I may know or may have had a brief encounter.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
Most definitely Gillian Flynn, Nora Roberts and G.L. Lambert. There is this stigma that because you’re an African American author, then most likely the work you produce will be Urban Fiction or strictly for an African American audience. I think that because my taste in reading is so diverse, I am able to produce a multitude of different types of fiction and non-fiction.
Do you have a target reader?
No, I write for enjoyment. I write for just about everyone and although I am a feminist this does not mean that I write predominantly for women. Writing is an art for me, a safe place and whatever my mind conjures up, whether this be a book that men can relate or women, I will take solace in knowing that whoever has sat down to read my book has found it to be quite pleasurable.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
My writing process is unique to me, because I simply think of a title, and most of the time my ideas come to me as visions, dreams and then I wake up I piece things together from whatever I can remember. Then of course comes the dialogue and from there the magic happens. Especially if I myself am intrigued about building a particular character then in a matter of weeks I can complete a manuscript.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I do not outline. I only write.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I try to edit as I go along, I love using Grammerly. Also, I try to format as I go along too and before I submit my book to an editor, I print the entire manuscript once it is complete and then I edit, proofread, plot check and my language is sometimes verbose so I usually cut down words at that point too.
Did you hire a professional editor?
I do. I think its so important to do so and I usually get about two rounds of editing done before I upload my book for publishing. It’s the perfectionist in me, I can’t be confident in a book unless it’s been edited, thoroughly.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
Yes, always classical music from a playlist on YouTube and sometimes jazz by Miles Davis.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
Yes, a year ago I did and even up until recently I have.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
I decided to go Indie because over time I began feeling like in 2019 it maybe imprudent to rely solely on finding a traditional publisher. I think about the days ahead and I feel like as an Indie author there is more wiggle room, more room for me to be creative and I am in control more so of my outcome. I never want to be commercialized.
It was most definitely a gradual process because once I finished my self-help book immediately, I thought I had something so wonderful I wondered, who wouldn’t want to publish me? But then even after I found an agent I was still doing most, if not all of the work myself. I felt timid about contacting him for updates and the truth is, I had every right to feel that way, I had no leg to stand on. One time over lunch, he says to me, “Glad, you’re a new author just starting out because most other established authors are inquisitive of the process, a tad bit impatient,” which after listening keenly, I realized he was pretty much saying, “Well, kid, since you’re a new author, you can’t pester me and so, I’ll get to ya, when I get to ya,” and that’s exactly what he did.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
I do my book covers myself. I love learning, I love designing, overall, I just love being creative.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I think right now I’m pretty much winging it. Not because I do not see writing as a career, but more so because I am going the Indie route which to me the most important thing right now is writing the books. In three months, I completed three novels, word count ranging from 87k – 102k. Therefore, if I create marketing plans, then to me I am taking away precious time that otherwise could be spent writing.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
My advice to new Indie authors is don’t be afraid. Let your work speak for itself, don’t rely solely on seeking an agent for traditional publishing. There are pros and cons to this Indie world, especially when you’re seeking an agent, you don’t want to self-publish too much because then agents will think you are someone who likes to be in control and will opt out of working with you. But on the other hand, you want to self-publish just enough so that you build a following and can sell books if and when the traditional publishing happens. But most importantly, have fun creating. Also, if you land an agent and they are not producing results, don’t be afraid to fire them! I did.
About You
Where did you grow up?
The Bronx, New York
Where do you live now?
Haven’t moved a muscle lol, I still reside in The Bronx.
What would you like readers to know about you?
I would like readers to know the truth about me, I am a workaholic. I love writing and most importantly, I love being social. I like when readers inbox me, DM me, send screenshots and just hang out with me during some of my meet and greet events. I am completely down to earth and I am a proud pet parent 😊
End of Interview:
For more visit Lisa’s website and follow her on Twitter.
Get your copy of The Yellow Brownstone from Amazon US or Amazon UK.
