How did your author’s journey begin? Where are you now?

I have been writing books and stories all my life. It started when I was about 5 years old, writing songs that told a story and eventually grew into me writing short stories. I’ve always had a love for reading, being transported to a different world at all hours of the day. If I wasn’t outside playing, I was inside reading. In October of 2019, I dreamt about this story idea and told myself I had to write it. Prior to this, I’ve never fully finished a manuscript if it wasn’t a children’s book. I would start them, but leave them tucked away in my notebooks, abandoned and forgotten. I told myself this one would be different. And it was. I randomly found out about NaNoWriMo the day after I had the dream, and started planning out this elaborate story. The next thing I knew, I wrote an 85k word novel in only 30 days. This gave me the motivation and push I needed to actually pursue one of my dreams. Ever since then, I’ve been writing and popping out books like it’s nothing!

Was it something you always wanted to pursue?

The writing was definitely always a dream of mine, but I figured if I didn’t land a book deal, it would never come true. Then I did research and found out there were millions of indie authors and resources that allowed you to publish a book yourself.

What are the titles of the books you’ve published or are publishing? When were they released or when will they be released and where?

• On A Cloudy Day – February 2020
• Lunar Thoughts: A Poetry Book – October 2020
• When in Tokyo – January 2021
• Clouds Are Like People – March 2021
• While in Tokyo – September 2021
• A Holiday With The Devil – December 6, 2021

Tell the W.E. Bookstore Online readers about the book/books mentioned in the question above.

On A Cloudy Day is a new adult romance with sci-fi elements mixed in. It follows the journey of Jordan and Malakai, two college juniors who meet in the most unlikeliest of places. They help each other navigate hard obstacles in their lives, while simultaneously growing something between them. This is book one of a duet, with book 2 coming out in early 2022.

Lunar Thoughts is a poetry book filled with poems that I wrote while going through a rough mental time a few years ago. The writing was always my outlet, and this poetry book is basically like my diary. It’s highly personal but also very important because I want other people out there to know that they aren’t alone in whatever it is they’re going through.

When in Tokyo is a favorite amongst my supporters and is a cute love story between a psychology intern named Ariana and international sensation Hendrix, the lead singer of a band. They bump into each other on a Friday night while Ari is out exploring her new temporary home in Tokyo. He offers to give her a tour and they go all around Japan, getting familiar with the city and each other.

Clouds are like People is my second poetry book where every poem has to do with the weather. There’s a hidden message within all of them, making it my favorite poetry book I’ve written to date. While in Tokyo is a short novella of extra content from When in Tokyo. Filled with bonus chapters and other surprises.

A Holiday With The Devil is my new holiday romance, following Lucius and Grace. Lucius hates everything that has to do with Christmas, while Grace is completely obsessed. Lucius is the Devil in his world and Grace is the angel in hers. A car accident forces them to tolerate each other, while also opening doors they didn’t even know were there.

You can find out where to purchase all of these books on my website www.manitheauthor.com

Since becoming a published author are there any challenges that you’ve faced?

Yes, definitely. The biggest challenge is getting reviews from readers! A lot of them don’t understand just how important it is to us. I love to know what exactly you liked about my work, and also what you didn’t care too much for. This allows me to grow and better perfect my craft, so I can deliver what I know my readers enjoy.

Please please please, leave a review for us authors! We love hearing from you!

Are you working on any new projects? If so please share the details!

Yes, I’m currently working on Clear Skies, which is the second book in my Cloudy Day duet, and also working on something special for the anniversary of On A Cloudy Day.

I’m also finishing another duet that you’ll know the details of in early 2022.

If you don’t know, I’m also a part of K. Bromberg’s Worlds, and my book Forsaken (set in the Driven World) will be coming out sometime next year as well.

I also have my whole lineup of releases set for 2023 and 2024, so I don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon! You’ll see a lot of me in the coming years.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years, I see myself working on a movie or series based on my books. I also see myself thriving in what I love, being able to take care of everyone in my family.

What’s your favorite quote and who’s it by?

“Write what should not be forgotten” by Isabella Allende

If you could co-write with any author dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Kennedy Ryan!! All-day! Every time she puts her pen to the paper (or fingers to the keyboard?) it’s magic. She tackles so many issues like domestic violence, missing indigenous women, and even lupus! She doesn’t shy away from saying what needs to be said and informing her readers on bigger-picture issues. I learn so much from her every time I read one of her books, and it would be a dream to collaborate with her on something one day. I even DM’d her and told her how good her latest release “Reel” was. Seriously, if you haven’t read it, please go check it out.

Where can readers find you on social media?

• Instagram.com/manitheauthor
• Facebook.com/manitheauthor
• Twitter.com/manitheauthor
• Www.manitheauthor
• Goodreads: Imani Lewis
• Tik tok: manithecreative

… I think that’s all of them lol