January 2023 Authors

Author, Editor, & Model

Adaeze Okoli

Adaeze Okoli
How did you begin your author journey?
I discovered my love for writing when I was in elementary. I remember becoming immersed with the book "Anne of Green Gables" at school. I finished reading the book in one day. I wanted to try to write my own books after that. I would come up with different ideas off the top of my head, and write them down at recess. In the 5th grade, my teacher used to make us write stories using our spelling words. She would always save my stories for last because the students loved listening to what I wrote. Once I saw how I was able to captivate an audience, and with the help of my mom, I was hooked.
Can you tell us more about your book "For the Love of Peter Jones?"

Of course! "For the Love of Peter Jones" is a book I began writing when I was 12 years old. This story is close to my heart because I wrote this book while dealing with depression. My novel is a young adult contemporary fiction that follows the life of a young sixteen year old boy. The passing of Peter’s mom has started a domino effect, making things go from bad to worse in a matter of months. Peter and his father have a strained relationship that has become worse as his mother's illness progressed. In the midst of all this chaos, Peter meets Trinity King, a girl he wants to trust, but doesn't know if he should. A turn of events causes Peter to be on the streets. No shelter, no money, and no food. Every move Peter makes can either have a positive or negative impact on his life. He doesn't know who he should or shouldn't trust. Peter Jones is losing his once stable life. Can he survive all these tragedies that are coming at him fast, or will Peter give up the fight and let this cruel game of life consume him?

What are some other hobbies that you enjoy outside of writing?
Outside of writing I love running, thrift shopping, traveling, and playing video games. Also, I'm a lover of music. I can watch music videos for several hours straight.
Who are some of your favorite authors and favorite books?
A book that has been a favorite of mine for years is titled "Third Girl from the Left", written by Martha Southgate. I highly suggest you read that book. It’s life changing. One of my favorite authors would be Sarah Dessen. She is a YA contemporary fiction queen!
What are some words of advice you would give future authors who want to self-publish?

Currently, I'm signed to a small publishing company called Tell Our Vision Publishing. My publisher is fantastic. She has believed in me since day one! One thing she has always pushed me towards is self-publishing. She believes in teaching you the right tools so that you can self-publish. The best advice I can give to future authors who want to self-publish is to go for it. Don’t be afraid of what others might think. There is someone out there dying to read a book like yours.

For the Love of Peter Jones

"The best advice I can give to future authors who want to self-publish is to go for it. Don’t be afraid of what others might think. There is someone out there dying to read a book like yours."

Very random question! Have you ever thought about starting a book club?
Honestly, I’ve considered it once or twice. I think I get way too distracted to start a book club of my own. I wouldn’t mind joining one though!
How do you set your mood and vibes for writing?
This is a good question! Personally, I have to be away from people and distractions. I turn my notifications off of my phone, and get my music playlist going to set the vibe. I typically seem to flow better with my writing at night.
Tell us more about your modeling career? How did you get started with modeling?
I have been modeling for seven years now! I got started in the industry when I was sixteen years old. There is never a dull moment! Modeling has helped me express myself. I never saw myself as becoming a model while growing up, but one day I was asked to do beauty shots. Now I’m here!
What kind of modeling do you do. Fashion? Print? Runway? Commercial?

I typically do fashion, print, and commercial work. I am on the shorter side for a model, but have been asked a few times to do runway shows.

Follow at:
Instagram:@authoradaeze
@Shecraze

 

Adaeze Okoli

Photos by: 
@aaronlacy
@photographybymjd
@altheagarden_photography
@j.m_west

Amazon Hard Copy Book

https://a.co/d/968tNp7