Black History Month Author Spotlight: Marshaun Olaniyan
Autherine Publishing is committed to creating more diversity in the publishing industry by supporting both emerging and established authors. In honor of Black History Month, we are amplifying the voices of black authors by featuring 28 emerging authors. Please read their stories and continue to follow their writing journey.
Our spotlight is on Marshaun Olaniyan. Marshaun, please introduce your book to our readers.
Introducing Amazon Best Selling Book 50 Reasons I Fell in Love With You: A Fill-in-the-Blank Book From Me to You
50 Reasons I Fell In Love With You Fill-In-The-Blank book From Me to You is a thoughtful fill in journal for that amazing someone in your life. After you fill in the blanks you will have a written book for your beloved. This book will be an amazing keepsake for him or her for years to come. It is pre-filled with 50 fill-in-the-blank statements designed to help capture all the great times you two have shared, what stands out about your partner and plenty of reasons why you fell in love with him or her. You decide if you want the statements to be witty, humorous or sexy! The thought-provoking prompts makes it easier to express your thoughts and will melt the heart of anyone.
Why was it important for you to write this book?
It was important for me to create this fill in the blank book because when I was trying to find one to gift to my husband, the other books like this on Amazon did not speak directly to the type of relationship my husband and I have created. So, I decided not to wait for a book like this. I was determined to create the perfect fill in book from me to him. Then I shared the book with the world for others to gift to their partners and spouses to remind them why they fell in love with their spouse in the first place and to deepen the connection they have already built.
Describe your writing process or writing schedule.
I write early in the morning before the sun comes up, while it is very quiet and I can think without the noise; before my day is hijacked by my toddler and husband as well as the other fires I may have to put out. When this does not happen, I write late at night and then skip the following morning in order to get a few hours of sleep. When I am working on a project, I can get obsessed with completing it. I work as much as I can, at every break in my day in order to get my ideas out of my head so they can become my reality. I love seeing my work come to life.
Who is your favorite black author and how has that author inspired your journey?
I do not have one favorite author. I love books that make me think, view my world differently and make me want to be better and to do something about the topic I am reading about. The books that pull at my emotional heart strings always do the trick to get me in action and I take note of how they word a phrase or create a character or a storyline within the book. I then am inspired to write similarly especially if I was drawn to move into action.
What words of advice do you have for aspiring authors?
My advice for aspiring authors is to keep going. Never give up if you believe you have a story inside of you. You must take the steps to pull that book out of you. The world is waiting on your genius! Also do not discount the type of book you are creating. When most people think about books they think about the long form books with multiple stories or one long captivating storyline with ups and downs. Remember there are many types of books out there. Choose which one you want to create and create it. There are many successful authors with low-content books such as calendars, planners, coloring books and journals to name a few.
What has been the most challenging part of the writing or publishing journey?
The most challenging part about the writing and the creative process is fighting off the urge to quit or believe what your critical inner voice is saying to you about yourself. Push past the need to believe in what that voice is telling you. Focus on the positives of the book. Get a team behind you for those days when you want to give up. Remember perfect is a falsehood. Get your material/ content out to the world. Do not worry about whether or not someone/ many people will purchase it. The real point is you know what the market tells you about your book based off sales: is it horrible, okay, good or great! Finally, do not stay in your head too long as you will find many ways not to complete your book due to FEAR. Feel the fear and do it anyway.
What is next on your journey and how can we support your book?
The next thing in my journey is to educate as many women as possible on how to be in a healthy romantic relationship because we all create the relationships we are a part of whether we realize it or not. Also, many of us were not taught how to be, who to be, who to choose or how to create a beautiful blissful, extraordinary relationship. We often just fantasize about it, never experiencing one. I am on a mission to decrease the divorce rate while simultaneously increasing the marriage rate one conversation at a time.
You can support my book by buying one for yourself to gift to your mate and/or gifting one to a friend who you know would enjoy it and telling others how you enjoyed the process by reviewing my book on Amazon.com.
Marshaun is also a Life and Relationship Strategist. You can continue to follow her journey on her Website and on Instagram.
Autherine Publishing is an independent, minority-owned publisher that specializes in books and educational materials that are culturally diverse with a preference for books that teach and inspire (self-help, memoirs, poetry, life and business instructional). EXPLORE OUR SERVICES. We are also the parent company of the Island Mindful Path, which publishes inspirational courses and products. We can help with all of your publishing needs including, book coaching, idea development, manuscript editing, cover design, production, book promotion and ghostwriting. We are committed to transforming your story into your legacy! Contact us if you have additional questions. Follow on Instagram.
