Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Elizabeth LaShaun. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Elizabeth , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
My mission is provide a voice for the black woman and family via my books. Also to guide aspiring romance authors in finding their author voice.
In this day of social media where everyone is expected to be perfect or face ridicule and possible cancellation, I want to be a place of refuge for women who look like me. We all know no one and nothing is perfect even though the illusion of such is king. I want to bring back honest connection and communication. Where getting to know a person and bonding over coming like and interests are more important than selfies and ulterior motives of how a person can benefit your cause. That is what holds us through life, connections, love, friendships. My stories have everyday women who grow and find loves despite their flaws. They most times hide them or aren’t even aware of them, but eventually they find out they are worthy of love. Again worthiness, love needing no requirements, accepting imperfections are all common and commonly heard but are they commonly accept? I want women to realize they can be and should.
Elizabeth , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am born and raised in Chicago, but now call Dallas Texas home. I’ve always been an avid reader, who loved to talk about a great book. So much so I formed an online book club. Where readers and authors alike came together to discuss books. In 2008 I had an idea that simply wouldn’t leave me alone. I loved reading, not writing lol. Tell that to my characters! My first story was born soon after. I cook up dramatic romance novels. Sometimes they’re served with a side of dark romance, women’s fiction, criminal romance but the family ever after always comes….eventually. Typically Romance novels focus on the hero and heroine. Most times that’s not the case in my books. I have an ensemble cast because that’s how we live. I don’t do sweet romance, my heroines are innocent porcelain dolls waiting to be rescued. They have lived life and have the scars to prove it. I right for boss women, and that has nothing to do with financial status and everything to do with attitude. Women who are busy managing their life and family life. They want to see themselves in the books. Women who are constantly growing, evolving, and worthy of love and respect.
How’d you meet your business partner?
I co-author with KR Bankston on several novels under our imprint Hard Konfections Publishing. I met her over a decade ago when she joined my online book club. She was writing and shared excellent excerpts that pulled readers in. I honestly believed she was a man from her writing style. She killed one of my favorite characters in her book and I lost it! I not only threatened but I also blocked her from the book club and rewrite the ending! Now do you see why I write dramatic romance lol. She took it all in fun and friendship began from there. Soon after a partnership and business.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding part of being an author is definitely connecting with my readers. Hearing how my stories have effected people. It never gets old honestly.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.elizabethlashaun.com
- Instagram: @elashaun
- Facebook: Elizabeth LaShaun
Image Credits
Vanecia Johnson