Middle Grade
Reader Spotlight
Knowing we're both all about books our I was Michigan Small Business Development Center advisor connected us. Vastly different but connected by the power of books, we jumped into conversation about our book journey.
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Not only is Ericka passionate about books, but she's inspired to channel what she's learned about herself and her journey to help others realize their dreams. She even has a special upcoming event to this end. Read on to learn more.
Ericka reading her book, "No Privacy. My Life's an Open Book."
Where did your love of books and reading come from?
I gained my love for books around 8 or 9. Reading was an escape from reality, I would interject myself in the stories, I was the character seeing and feeling each page. I still believe Reading Is Fundamental. (It's fun to mental) The mind is a terrible thing to waste! And I truly believe I gained so much knowledge and understanding just by opening a book.
What is the most inspirational book you have read?
Iyana Vanzant's One Day My Soul Just Opened Up! Don’t give it all away and every day I pray (I love self help books) and The Coldest Winter Ever and Midnight by Sistah Soulja.
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What has been the most rewarding part of your book journey? the most frustrating?
The most rewarding part of this journey is when a random person says thank you, or just wants to have a deeper conversation about the book. When people connect with me and want to start their journey as well. And the most frustrating thing is hearing all these great visions and people still don’t take that leap, spending hours, days or weeks trying to help someone over writer's block or certain hurtles just for them to give up.
Why did you decide to write your books?
I wrote my books, because writing was my outlet, it was my way of venting and I had been through a lot and I wanted to heal, and deep down my truth, my pain was similar to what I felt a lot of people could relate to and maybe we could heal together.
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What are the items shown in the book cover?
I had a traumatic three years, in the process of getting the book redone, I lost my little brother, my grandma, and my great grandma. I wanted to incorporate them someway somehow. At one point, I struggled with depression and got into drinking, drugs, and lottery. There was one point where I wanted to give up, and die! But I knew I had a higher calling than that, so I shared my pain because I wanted to heal. For those reading, I wanted them to experience that life long journey and heal as well!
What's happening at your book event in April?
On April 30th, Writing On The Wall LLC (Ericka's business) will be hosting our “Authorpreneurs Book Fair” - Where books and people meet.
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I was given the second chance to meet some wonderful local authors and I wanted to showcase that! I wanted to share stories! Share pain, trauma, victory, I wanted us to heal each other and uplift one another, and to be able to do that not just with the authors but the community is what it’s all about! See details below or visit Writing On The Wall page.
One of Ericka's book covers with her surrounded by photos and memorabilia from her departed loved ones.
What advice would you give wanna be writers in the area?
The best advice I can give, is when you have a story to tell, by all means tell it. I believe life is like one big book being told, by different authors, and I will never know your story unless you tell me.
What's your favorite thing to do in Saginaw and/or GLB region?
I always love trying new things. I love to skate, bowl, but of course my favorite thing to do is get me a cover some snacks and deep dive into a good book!
