Sammie Ward

Sammie Ward

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"The Interview with Sammie Ward"

THE ROCK: Who is Sammie Ward, tell us something about you?
Sammie Ward: I am a fiction and nonfiction writer. I'm also the founder of Lady Leo Publishing.

THE ROCK: Where are you from, and currently residing?
Sammie Ward: I'm from North Little Rock, Arkansas. I currently live in Silver Spring, Maryland

THE ROCK: Are there any other writers in the family?
Sammie Ward: No. I'm the one and only.

THE ROCK: When did you start writing?
Sammie Ward: I began writing in 1996. I was out of a job at the time. Between job interviews I began working on, In The Name of Love.

THE ROCK: What prepared you to become an author?
Sammie Ward: *LOL* That a stuff one because I never planned on becoming a writer. It's something that just happened. So, my answer would have to be I was destined to become an author.

THE ROCK: What inspired you to become a writer?
Sammie Ward: Reading. Growing up I enjoyed reading especially romance novels. I remember reading Harlequin and Silhouette books like they were going out of styles. Each time I finished one, I remember thinking to myself, 'I can write a book." I never did. I believe that several years later when I was out of work that, though I was in a awkward situation that was my inspiration to began working on my book. I haven't look back since...

THE ROCK: What inspired you to write your book?
Sammie Ward: Life experience. I could relate with the characters. My mother is an Evangelist. I know how it is to deal with scriptures flying at you every day.

THE ROCK: Tell us about your newest creation. What is the premise?
Sammie Ward: My latest novel is, It's in The Rhythm. It's the story of Garrett Martindale a R&B singer who was raised in the church. His father, a well-known Baptist preacher is disappointed with his son career choice. When Garrett comes home for a relaxing two-week vacation, the vacation is far from relaxing. His father is determined for him to return to his gospel roots, his sister is keeping an embarrassing secret from the family, and the woman he loves becomes engaged to another man.

THE ROCK: Any publishing contracts in the working?
Sammie Ward: No. All of my books are published through my own publishing company, Lady Leo Publishing.

THE ROCK: Have you ever self-published? Why or why not?
Sammie Ward: Yes. All of my books are published through my own publishing company, Lady Leo Publishing. I like having control over my own work.

THE ROCK: What are "traditional publishers" looking for?
Sammie Ward: It varies from publisher to publisher. But the bottom line is, they are looking for that fresh, crisp voice that can write a good story. Something original that can SELL.

THE ROCK: If you were a publisher, what would be your niche? Why?
Sammie Ward: I will be taking on authors in the near future. I will be accepting, Romance, Mainstream, Inspirational, Young Adult, Mystery, Suspense, and Chit Lit. The genre are very appealing to me.

THE ROCK: For an author, is having a publishing contract with a "traditional publisher" important professionally? Why?
Sammie Ward: I don't think so. Many Self-Publish authors are getting just as much exposure, selling just as many books, and go on to get picked up by traditional publisher if they choose too. The only difference I see is as a self-publish authors you have to do all the work, without a traditional publisher behind you. You not only write, you are the publisher.

THE ROCK: What are some of your professional and personal achievements?
Sammie Ward: In 2005, I was voted Best New Drama and Fiction Writer of the year for the novel, In The Name of Love. In 2006, I was recognized as a Literary Divas. One of The top 100+ Most Admired African-American Women in Literature. That was indeed an honor.

I never gave up. In 1996 when I sat down to write my first novel in 1996. I was rejected over, over, and over again. On the advice of a friend, I wrote a romance short story and submitted it to Black Romance Magazine (a confession magazine for people of color) it was accepted. That built up my confidence to continue writing. Today I have written over 25 short stories for that magazine, 20 health-related articles, four novels, and I formed Lady Leo Publishing to publish my own work. I had to prove others wrong.

THE ROCK: Who are some of your favorite authors?
Sammie Ward: I like James Patterson, Donna Hill, Rochelle Alers, and Brenda Joyce.

THE ROCK: Where do you want to be in 5 years?
Sammie Ward: By then Lady Leo would have grown by leaps and bounds. You will see numerous authors’ books on the shelf published by Lady Leo. Hopefully, one of my books will be on the small or big screen.

THE ROCK: Well done, Ms. Ward. Where can readers find you?
Sammie Ward: They can reach me at: Website: www.ladyleopublishing.com
Email:ladyleopublishing@comcast.net

Thanks to The Rock Magazine for having me. It's been a pleasure.

THE ROCK: Thank you very much, Ms. Ward.