Interview with Sherrie Walker, author of Mistress of the Game

young Sherrie Walker is one of the newest additions to the Triple Crown Publication family and debuting her novel, Mistress of the Game which is sparking the interest of readers who love the urban fiction genre. When it comes to publishing her works, Sherrie is not new to the game as she has also written plays that have toured the city of Ohio. In 1998, Sherrie and her partner Kecia Green were recipients of The Best New Playwrights award from Karamu House Performing Arts Theatre which is the oldest African American theatre in the country, located in Cleveland, Ohio.

Her partner, Kecia is someone that she continues to praise because she is not only her co-writer but she is also her very best and dearest friend. The two are recognized throughout the Ohio area for writing, producing and performing plays. Unfortunately, Kecia is currently serving time in the Ohio Reformatory for Women in Marysville, Ohio, but when they get together, they are a match. We had the chance to chat with Sherrie about her book and how she feels now as a Triple Crown author.

Congratulations on your debut novel, what is like to be a Triple Crown author?
All praises go to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! It’s a wonderful feeling to be a part of this giant urban literature family. Actually, it’s an honor. I feel as if God worked through Vickie Stringer to bring me to where I am today. I thank Vickie and I am ever so grateful that she brought me into the Triple Crown Publications family.

What did you think when you completed your book?
Relieved. Happy. Exhilarated. But most of all I felt as if I had begun a very important part of my life journey because even though this novel is completed, it is, hopefully, the beginning of a succession of writings.

You have been known for your plays, what made you choose to write a book?
I can’t talk about Mistress of the Game without talking about Kecia. She is my very best friend. Until she’s released, we’ve put our plays on hold and began to showcase another form of our writing skills which has resulted in Mistress of the Game. It was a very unique occurrence in which Kecia (and I) was introduced to Triple Crown Publications. Long story short, Kecia was introduced to actress/comedian Mo’Nique when she performed her HBO and DVD special, “I Could Be Your Cell Mate” at the institution in May of 2006. Kecia had the pleasure of engaging in extensive conversation with Monique.
While interviewing Kecia, Mo’Nique learned that Kecia (and I) enjoyed writing and had completed Mistress of the Game and was in the process of preparing the manuscript for submission to different publishing companies. Sherry McGee McCovey, who helped Mo’Nique pen “Skinny Women are Evil” as well as “Skinny Cooks Can’t Be Trusted,” was also present and took an interest in Mistress of the Game which she later submitted to Vickie Stringer. Some time later, Triple Crown’s editor and chief, Mia McPherson, communicated with us and let us know they were interested in publishing the manuscript. From that point on we moved forward.

How did your writing career begin?
There was a convention being held in Cleveland and the chairperson asked me and Kecia, if we would write and perform a play for the convention. In doing so, it turned out to be a huge success. From that performance on, we continued writing, performing, and touring with our plays throughout Ohio. Kecia and I have known each other since the early 80’s and began writing together in the early 90’s. The subject matter of our plays always dealt with the realities and consequences of inner city life and always provided God based solutions to the challenges of life.

How long have you been writing?
Professionally, about thirteen years.

How did you know that you have this talent?

When I realized that people enjoyed the work that Kecia and I was producing. We also acknowledge that God has provided this special way for us to communicate. We all have gifts and talents and, again, we are thankful for this opportunity to share ours with others.

Tell us about your novel Mistress to the Game.
The story is of three young ladies who have been best friends since their pre-teen years at an orphanage where, under the harshest circumstances, they forge a bond that is to last a lifetime. Upon their escape, the hard lessons and rules for survival learned at the orphanage set the stage for their entry and rapid success in a do-or-die game in the Cleveland streets. The girls try to forget the painful events that orphaned them as they rise to the top, but fate forces them to face the Ghosts of their haunted past. With Elise as the beautiful mastermind and brains behind the organization, the three women plunge into a ruthless battle against their faceless, relentless enemy in a winner-take-all war to the finish.

How would you categorize your book, Mistress to the Game?
It’s a work of fiction which entertains as it educates. It’s powerful. It’s intriguing. It’s a page turning drama, full of suspense and romance.

What is the message that you wanted your readers to embrace?
Life is based on choices made and the consequences of those choices. If the reader can just embrace or walk away with that one concept, we will feel that Mistress of the Game is a success.

How important is writing to you?
Writing is a passion for me. As an artist, my job is to observe life and then find a way to interpret and share those observations with others. I do that through my writing.

Do you think writing is a spiritual art?
Yes, I often feel that I am being spiritually guided.

You said that you have experienced friendships that are like the characters in the book, care to explain?
I think that any literature, fiction or non-fiction, has to be based on observations of the real feelings, actions, experiences, etcetera, of real people. If not, the work would not reach the reader and the reader has to be able to identify with the lives of the characters. Otherwise, the work would have no meaning.

What was the reason for writing this book? Did you see a need for this book?
Yes. There will continue to be a need for literature giving the female perspective on life’s lessons; literature that examines women in roles exhibiting strength, honor, loyalty, independence, determination and success.

What is something readers would be surprised to know about you?
I’m actually shy. I’m more of a one-on-one speaker as opposed to speaking to a group or audience. Unlike my co-author, Kecia, I’m more of an introvert, whereas she is definitely an extrovert.

How do you define success?
Success is discovering what your own special talents and gifts are and building on them with confidence so that you can have an impact on your world, however small or big.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Don’t be afraid of hard work. Never give up on pursuing your dreams. Remember no mission is impossible. Stay focused and stay strapped in prayer

What marketing tips can you provide to new authors?
Captivate and hold your readers attention from beginning to end. Make sure your first chapter features holding power. Provide a clean manuscript. Have it edited. Be prepared to receive rejection letters, but also claim and know that someone long the way is going to be interested in your quality piece. Don’t let a first, second, or third “no” discourage you from pursuing your dreams. Submit and re-submit your manuscript if necessary. Dreams do come true!

Now that you have published your book, what other projects are you working on?
I am presently outlining Book Two. I look forward to the comments that people have for Mistress of the Game.

Heather Elitou-Interviewer