Noyek is an acclaimed author and word enthusiast who has written two books. She is the founder of The Sassy Writer brand, with which she aims to nurture the confidence in new and seasoned writers, connecting them through different resources and the art of writing.
In this exclusive interview with Burning Desire, Noyek talks about her books, life as a writer, inspiration behind creating The Sassy Writer, favourite books and authors, and more.
1. Let’s begin with a brief introduction of yours and an overview of The Sassy Writer brand.
Hi there! I am Noyek, and I am a 2x author based out of Atlanta, Ga. The Sassy Writer is my brand designed to uplift and spotlight the confident writer.
2. How exactly does The Sassy Writer help emerging writers, authors, and bloggers?
Well, one of the primary issues I faced as an emerging writer was finding promotional opportunities. Either the guidelines didn’t allow for my work, or the paid placements seemed to be astronomically high. The Sassy Writer spotlights the confident writer, the writer that’s making waves.
3. Please tell us about your unique, weekly newsletter called ‘Books, Boys & Blunts.’
It is my baby! I named it Books, Boys & Blunts to nod to the fact that life is all about balance. It is a clear description of our writers. A little badass, a little sweet, all wrapped in intelligence, talent, and wit.
4. What was your inspiration behind the innovative idea of finding The Sassy Writer?
I’ve tried a few different ideas over the years. I’ve had writing businesses, but they’ve taken me away from my writing more so than plugging me into it. I wanted to merge celebrating the writer and continuing to be that writer at the same time.
5. Being an entrepreneur and an acclaimed author, share three tips for the emerging writers that can help them to reach new heights.
I used to defy a book/story outline, yea, I’ve learned that’s not the smartest thing to do. So, outline your story.
Make writing a daily habit. Even if you feel like you are writing a bunch of nothing, keep pushing. You can address that in the editing/rewrite. It may not be crap and can fit elsewhere.
Finally, read books in your genre. I should have said that first!
6. How many books have you written to date? Please tell our readers about your writing work?
I have written two books. The first, Tales from Pandora’s Box was a collection of short erotic tales. We are coming up on a special edition re-release for that one, so that should be entertaining. The other, Dear Infatuated, is a thriller.
7. Share with us the journey of the Dear Infatuated book once the manuscript was ready on your laptop. How much time did you take to finish writing the book?
I finished this story in about nine months, I believe. It was quite a bit of time. I had completed nearly half, then walked away from the manuscript with intentions to scrap it. I sat down one day with plans to start something new and somehow ended up reading what I had written. Seeing the story with fresh eyes took it in a new direction, and I was able to complete it.
Related author interview: “Luck is great and will get you some places, but hard work will get you everywhere” —Nicole Knapp, Author of Hook & Crown
8. What sort of reviews are you getting from the readers for Dear Infatuated?
The feedback from this book gave me that feeling that I had been chasing as a writer. The readers are asking for the next part and saying how they didn’t see a particular part coming and trying to guess what does happen next. It’s just overwhelmingly amazing. I am very grateful.
9. Whom do you consider your icons when it comes to writing? Any favourite authors?
Oh, hands down Zane is a favourite. Then there are Eric Jerome Dickey, Sista Soulja, Kimberly Lawson Roby, Ashley and JaQuavis, and so many more!
10. It is often said that writers have their hearts broken at some stage of life. Does that remain true for you as well?
I honestly feel that reigns true for anyone regardless of who you are. However, I think it shines more prevalent in the artist because we find our pains, and joys for that matter, as a source of inspiration. So, our hearts and emotions are always exposed.
11. A quick-fire round:
– One habit that you think makes you more productive?
Listening to music
– What compliment do people give you the most?
I have a nice smile
– Books that have influenced your life?
Night by Elise Wiesel
48 Laws of Power by Robert Green
– If you were to write a book about yourself, what would you name it?
There was this one Girl
11. What’s next for Noyek—the sassy writer? When do we expect your new book?
I am going to be participating in the NaNoWriMo (I’m stoked), and from that, I will be completing some of the 2020 releases. There will be a total of 4 releases, including the Bad Girl Trilogy. It’s three different books about three different women, so please connect with me to learn the names of each release.
This was really interesting stuff to read different