AUTHOR INTERVIEW 13

Jill Shawntaye Kapri

Hoes In Da Hood, take you through the lives, and everyday struggles of women, who’s seeking love, attention and a free meal ticket out of the hood, when it comes to their wants they will stop at nothing to get it, whether it’s betraying friendships, family members and etc. Nothing matters to them but material things and which nigga have the most money to take care of them, Hoes in da hood is filled with drama, jealousy, and envy. The hood doesn’t sleep, and the women apart of the hood doesn’t either! They are always plotting and scheming their next come up. Treasure is on her second child stuck between several men in her life. Lala, Lynn, and Krystal have one man in common two want his heart one want whatever is in his pockets. Cousin Woo sets the neighborhood on fire every time she steps outside of her front door, from gossip to throw downs Woo is always there to get the first seat. As the tables turn, Trinity the main woman in a dope boy’s life finds herself stuck in the hood, while living lavish but at a price to pay of belittling herself to fit into the small hood world. these chicks comes from all type of hustles, some hustle harder than others, while some play even harder, Hoes In Da Hood will leave you speechless, waiting on the edge of your seat for more drama to fill your cup.

The projects of Foreign Gardens are about to get even crazier as the hoes are getting sneakier and nastier and the niggaz are getting more reckless and restless. The beating of Treasure and Trinity leave the hood in an uproar. Each event that happens causes a ripple effect. As the violence increase and H.I.V. affect many more people. The drama in the projects intensifies.

Love, trust, loyalty, deceit, along with broken families and friendships fill this sequel. Are Kane and Treasure dead or alive? Will Deck get to Trinity in enough time to save her? Is Cousin Woo still the messiest person in da hood? Jill Shawntaye Kapri is back with Hoes In Da Hood Part 2. This drama filled sequel will have you snatching your wigs off, trying to figure out what happens next.

Romelia: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

Jill Kapri: As my love for short stories grew I was a teenager reading urban fiction books.

Romelia: How long does it take you to write a book?

Jill Kapri: It really depends on the mood I’m in. I completed my second book within a month.

Romelia: Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

Jill Kapri: I write what I like to call freestyle writing. I simply sit at my computer and just brainstorm my ideas. I don’t write anything down. I let everything come off the top of my head.

Romelia: What literary pilgrimages have you gone on?

Jill Kapri: Honestly I haven’t gone on any.

Romelia: What is the first book that made you cry?

Jill Kapri: Chyna black by Keisha Ervin. I loved that book.

Romelia: What is the most unethical practice in the publishing industry?

Jill Kapri: Based on my experience I would say those who have already made it successfully, turn their nose up at other authors that are coming after them. It’s like they forget that they were once at the bottom. That is something I have a problem with, but I also know my worth and I know that I don’t have to settle for being around those types of individuals or need their approval to know that I’m a great writer.

Romelia: does writing energize or exhaust you?

Jill Kapri: A little bit of both as I previously stated I freestyle in my head when I write so I also have to constantly remember not to write the same scenes over and further my imagination it’s a very big challenge but the energy comes from the excitement of my imagination.

Romelia: what are common traps for aspiring writers?

Jill Kapri: Competing with others. Losing hope and feeling like they can’t do it. Lack of consistency.

Romelia: Does a big ego help or hurt writers?

Jill Kapri: I personally think it hurts them. Once your ego becomes too much for people in the industry to deal with, you start to lose business and people begin to paint a bad image of you, but that falls back on that person with the big ego. What you put out is what you will receive in return.

Romelia: what is your writing Kryptonite?

Jill Kapri: I would definitely say mine was and still is sometimes, procrastination, being consistent as well. I have so much going on in live sometimes I get distracted from my goals of becoming a world wide author.

Romelia: have you ever gotten a reader’s block?

Jill Kapri: Yes, especially when think too much into m characters or my next big scene. I lose sight very easily because of stress sometimes.

Romelia: did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym?

Jill Kapri: Yes I have tried several until I chose the one that represented me and my brand.

Romelia: Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?

Jill Kapri: I try to think outside of the box. Whatever I deliver to my readers they will love it no matter.

Romelia: Do you think someone could be a writer if they don’t feel emotions strongly?

Jill Kapri: I can’t speak for others on that aspect. I personally feel like we all have stories inside of us. It’s left up to that person/people to find them and put their pen to work.

Romelia: what other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?

Jill Kapri: I’m mutual with everyone for the most part. I came into this writing industry to make a name for myself and ride my own wave. Some authors I have met and talked to have been a big help to me and do everything they can to help guide me as a self-published author. Others have their picks and choose who to acknowledge, help and deal with. I’m perfectly fine with that. the ones who support me and show me love I wholeheartedly do my best to give them the same love back.

Romelia: do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?

Jill Kapri: Either or is fine with me. I have so many books and book ideas they will be around for a very long time to stand on their own or stand together.

Romelia: if you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

Jill Kapri: You should have stepped out on faith a long time ago.

Romelia: how did publishing your first book change your process of writing?

Jill Kapri: It made me push for greatness and prove to myself that I can do it. it doesn’t matter how many times I have to stop or start over, keep going until I’m satisfied.

Romelia: what was the best money you ever spent as a writer?

Jill Kapri: Spending wise? I don’t have the best moment. I will say I know that I have to spend money to make money. And once I started spending and investing in myself I started to open a lot of doors for me as a writer.

Romelia: What authors did you dislike at first but grew into?

Jill Kapri: I don’t or ever have disliked an author. If the book isn’t my style or taste I move on to the next and still wish that author love and prosperity.

Romelia: what did you do with your first advance?

Jill Kapri: Never had one but when and if I do get one, I’m going to buy my own land and place mobile homes on it for my family each will have their own home. We will have our own family address lol.

Romelia: what was an early experience where you learned that language had power?

Jill Kapri: When I go to interview for jobs. You have to sell yourself with your words, the right words.

Romelia: what are the most important magazines for writers to subscribe to?

Jill Kapri: Not sure, I’ve never looked that deep into it.

Romelia: from where you get inspired with your first book?

Jill Kapri: My first book came from my trials and tribulations as well as me overcoming domestic violence. I poured all of my tears into that book.

Romelia: describe yourself in a few sentences. Tell us something we do not know about you and something you hate about the world.

Jill Kapri: I’m very outspoken, very shy, I love helping people. I don’t like seeing others hurt. I’m a great listener, and a great person to talk to and seek advice from due to my experience in this lifetime. Something I hate about the world is the separation of the world as people. The world isn’t filled with love like it used to be.

Facebook: author jill shawntaye kapri

Instagram: @iamjillkapri
Book1:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089TV9LVR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_btf_t1_f2aHFb6EQZ8WA

Book2:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08F6R3WRZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_btf_t1_22aHFb2V56EFK