This month I interviewed debut author Aliya S. King. Aliya has graced the pages of Essence, Vibe, Vibe Vixen, People, Black Enterprise and Uptown just to name a few as a veteran journalist interviewing your favorite celebrities. In this interview the tables have turned, Aliya will tell us about some of her favorite writings as well as what we can expect to see from her in the near future.

TR- Aliya, I would like to start off by telling you that the book was GREAT! Well written, and is filled with details that people have always wanted to know. I know you have held several editorial positions. Please tell the readers about Aliya S. King.

AK-Thank you so much!!! I have been writing since 1998. I’ve worked at Billboard and The Source. And I’ve been a freelancer for a variety of publications since 2000.

TR- What is it that you like about freelance writing/journalism? Is it the freedom it gives you on accepting or declining what you would like to write about?

AK-Yes, that’s part if it. But really, I’ve been writing since I was old enough to string sentences together. I would write if I didn’t get paid a single cent. It’s not just what I do. It’s who I am.

TR- You’ve written several pieces for different publications. Do you have a favorite and why?

AK-I have two favorites! One is a profile I did on Mariah Carey for GIANT magazine. She was so open and honest. The interview went really well and the story came out great. My other favorite is a story I wrote on Al Green that won an ASCAP Deems Taylor Award. I chased that story for several years and I really think I nailed it.

TR- You co-wrote Keep the Faith with platinum recording artist Faith Evans, the late wife of Christopher Wallace aka Biggie Smalls. How was it working with Faith on this book?

AK-I love Faith. She’s professional and she’s hardworking. We were both pregnant at the same time so that was helpful in working on the book. She’s just awesome to work with.

TR- You also co-wrote another memoir on Frank Lucas. Was that before or after American Gangster was released?

AK-It was actually published after the movie, which is unusual. Usually the book comes first. But after the movie was released, Frank wanted to showcase his life before the movie begins. And he did that well.

TR- Since you’ve had the opportunity to write both memoirs and fiction which did you find most difficult to work on?

AK-They both have their own challenges. But overall, I’d have to say fiction is more difficult. Bringing someone else’s story to life is not quite as difficult as making up a story on your own.

TR- Ok, on to your latest project, your new novel PLATINUM will hit book
stores in July. How was it writing your first novel?

AK-It was a blast! It was based on a story I wrote for VIBE in 2005 and I actually had fun writing it—which is always a good sign!

TR- Tell the readers a little about PLATINUM? Where did the idea come from to write this novel?

AK-In 2005, an editor at Vibe approached me about writing a story on the wives of several famous rap artist. I wrote the story and became intrigued by their lifestyle. That story gave birth to PLATINUM.

TR- How long did it take to complete PLATINUM?

AK-It took me about two years to write the book. I stopped and started a few times along the way when other projects, like the Faith book, came along. It probably actually took me four months to really write it.

TR- How did writing this book compare to your first book “Keep the Faith”? Where there any challenges you faced writing this book that you didn’t writing your first book?

AK-Yes! Fiction is harder! With Faith’s book, I had her there every step of the way, helping me to craft each word. With fiction, I’m completely on my own. Which can be scary.

TR- What’s next for you Aliya?

AK-The next step is part two to PLATINUM! I’m almost done with the sequel!

TR- What would you like to share with your readers?

AK-PLATINUM will not disappoint! It’s in stores July 6th and it’s an awesome read!

TR- What advice would you like to give aspiring writers?

AK-Write something—I don’t care if it’s just one sentence-every single day.

TR- How can readers contact you?

AK-Send me a Facebook friend request, follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/aliyasking and check out my blog at www.aliyasking.com

Thank you for your time and I look forward to more great novels from you!
Thank you!

Aliya S. King author of PLATINUM, co-author of Keep the Faith, and several other publications. Pick up her novel on July 6, 2010.