Thursday, March 28, 2024

Glo by Fatima Munroe

 

School.

Work.

Bills.

Repeat.


As her grandmother’s only caregiver, Glo has little time for anything outside of her bubble. Still holding on to love, she remains dedicated to her fiancé Javon, even when she questions their bond.

Second in command to the king of the streets, women bow down at the cadence in Ace’s demands. But when he bumps into the overworked and under loved college student at Wally’s one night on his way home, her beautiful spirit and radiant countenance pulls him in. He wants her, but all she wants is her college degree; nothing more, nothing less.


If I didn’t learn anything else on this journey, I learned to never let a man love bomb you to the point you don’t recognize yourself. This is my story.

—Glo

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

A Conversation With Author J.A. Butler

 Stepping into a new world takes you into unforgettable memories and experiences your inner child would never forget. Ultimately that child will grow to create what was once missing and upgrade fictional worlds in ways that can never be forgetting nor replaced. Author J.A. Butler steps into realms where she’s including her identity and building a community she can introduce to readers.

 
My Urban Books: What types of books/topics were missing during your childhood?
J.A.Butler: Growing up, I loved fantasy books. Unfortunately, there weren’t many fantasy books with a POC protagonist. The only time I actually read books with characters who represented me was if they took place during the Great Depression or slavery era. Although it’s important to have those books as well, it was also important to be able to read about someone like me having magical powers and discovering new worlds.

My Urban Books: What would your teenage self-think of you today?
J.A. Butler: I feel like my teenage self would be proud that I accomplish our lifelong dream of becoming a published author. I did a lot of work to get here. I will continue to work hard as to not disappoint her.

My Urban Books: How were your English grades in elementary - high school?
J.A. Butler: My English grades in School were always good. English was my favorite class in school.

My Urban Books: What has changed about you in the last five years, and do you welcome the change?
J.A. Butler: Over the last five years, I have undergone many changes as a person, mother, and author. It’s been quite the journey. Though not all the changes have been positive, I welcomed them all as they taught me much-needed lessons. There’s always room for improvement, and I have been working on the changes that impacted me negatively.

My Urban Books: In your opinion, what makes your writing style stand out?
J.A. Butler: My writing style is characterized by the inclusion of personal experiences, which allows me to inject a part of myself into the narrative and create a believable and authentic ambiance.

My Urban Books: Was there anything surprising concerning writing in your anthology Love Unhinged? If so, what was it?
J.A. Butler: I was very hesitant about adding the SA. This was not a fiction story; it was a part of my life I was sharing with readers, and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to allow myself to be that vulnerable.

My Urban Books: Is there a type of character your apprehensive about writing? If so what type and why?
J.A. Butler: I’m not apprehensive about any type of character. I see it as an opportunity to grow as an author. And who don’t like a good challenge?

My Urban Books: Which of your novels has the most intense message?
J.A. Butler: I feel as though Love unhinged has the most intense message. IT has three stories and three different outcomes about being in a toxic relationship.

My Urban Books: Please give aspiring authors one piece of advice.
J.A. Butler: I’ll give the same piece of advice that was always given to me. Write about what you know. That’s the easiest way to get the ball the rolling.

My Urban Books: Please tell readers where they can find your work.
J.A. Butler: All seven of my books can be found on Amazon and Kindle unlimited. Just search J.A. Butler.