"The Interview with Tina Brooks McKinney"

THE ROCK: Who is Tina Brooks McKinney, tell us something about you?
McKinney: Tina Brooks McKinney was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. She claims that even though she does not live there anymore, Baltimore will always be her home. In 1990 she and her two children Shannan and Estrell) moved to Georgia to be closer to her parents who had previously moved to Atlanta.

She currently reside in Covington, Georgia with my supportive husband Williams as both of her children are away at school. She is currently working on her third novel, Fool, You Just Trippin. She is also going to have a short story in an anthology that is due in 2006.

She loves hearing from readers and likes to share the knowledge that she has acquired. In her spare time she likes to read, acting and of course writing. You can contact her at tybrooks2@yahoo.com or visit her website at www.tinamckinney.com to get a glimpse of her next novel.

THE ROCK: Where are you from, and currently residing?
McKinney: Baltimore living in Covington, GA.

THE ROCK: Are there any other writers in the family?
McKinney: My son is a poet.

THE ROCK: When did you start writing?
McKinney: I have written all my life but I never finished anything until "All That Drama".

THE ROCK: What prepared you to become an author?
McKinney: As an avid reader, this was the next step for me.

THE ROCK: What inspired you to become a writer?
McKinney: The love of the written word and the fact that I had all of this weird ideas floating in my head and I had to get them out.

THE ROCK: What inspired you to write your book?
McKinney: Real life. I had a friend who kept sharing all of her pain. It was weighing me down. I had to let it go so I did on paper.

THE ROCK: Tell us about your newest creation. What is the premise?
McKinney: I'm waiting on the release of Lawd Mo' Drama and I also penned a short story in an anthology called Chocolate Seduction.

THE ROCK: Any publishing contracts in the working?
McKinney: I am currently under contract with Strebor/Simon & Shuster for two more books.

THE ROCK: Have you ever self-published? Why or why not?
McKinney: No I didn't but I would have if I didn't get signed.

THE ROCK: What are "traditional publishers" looking for?
McKinney: Something different, fresh and new. Not the same old story told with different people in it.

THE ROCK: If you were a publisher, what would be your niche? Why?
McKinney: I would be really looking into the self published authors. I have read some real gems and they don't get the exposure they deserve.

THE ROCK: For an author, is having a publishing contract with a "traditional publisher" important professionally? Why?
McKinney: Yes it's important because your book gets more exposure and you don't have to pay the stores to stock your book. I have heard horror stories of authors who gave books to stores and they sold them but never paid the author.

THE ROCK: What are some of your professional achievements?
McKinney: I am currently being considered for the Manchester Who's Who list.

THE ROCK: What are some of your personal achievements?
McKinney: Raising a family and finding the love of my life after having failed the first time.

THE ROCK: Who are some of your favorite authors?
McKinney: Long list, Mary Monroe, Allison Hobbs, Darrien Lee, Shelley Halima, L.A. Banks, JD Mason, Nancy Turner, Brandon Massey, Zane I have tons of them.

THE ROCK: Where do you want to be in 5 years?
McKinney: I hope to be a full time writer with my novels available in all formats including film.

THE ROCK: Where can readers find you?
McKinney: My book is available from all book stores, amazon.com, walmart.com, my web site www.tinamckinney.com, and a lot of libraries I'm told LOL.

THE ROCK: Thank you.