Interview with Anchal Singh, Author of Rise And Fall: The Unpredictable Life

“I want to make a positive difference in this world by amplifying my voice. Be it ten people or thousands; if I have helped someone bringing a change in their life, my heart is full.” – Author, Anchal Singh

A couple of months ago, I read and reviewed Rise And Fall: The Unpredictable Life by Anchal Singh. After reading Singh’s work, I wanted to know more, so I asked, and she answered. This is what she had to say. 

At 17, Anchal Singh published her first book, Rise And Fall: The Unpredictable Life, and says it has always been her dream to be a published author. “I had certain thoughts like what if I couldn’t finish it? What if it gets rejected? But it was one of my dreams to become a published writer, so I just wrote it, and after, I felt a sense of happiness like yes, I did it! Finally, I accomplished it!”

MLR: What inspired you to become a published author?

AS: You must’ve heard this line: either write something worth reading or do something worth writing. I aim to reflect on different aspects of life through my writings. Observing nature and people has been one of the inspirations in writing my debut book. I believe a writer can transport readers outside of their circumstances. Create worlds that no one else would dream of. To create something with their work that can change someone’s perspective or vision towards certain things.

MLR: Do you follow a specific method regarding what and how you write?

AS: No, but I try to write every day, even if it is 250 words, we as writers need to sit down and write through busy days, writer’s block, self-doubt, and heartless criticism. We also have to revise our writings and make final changes to the draft. You have to give yourself permission to fail, learn, and improve your work. The only way to get better is to keep writing. 

And she continues to write. Typically, when I ask whether the interviewee has something they are working on that they’d like to share, they elaborate and discuss what they’re doing. Singh’s answer to this question was rather interesting. “I believe we shouldn’t reveal what we are doing until it’s completed, and the day we reach our destination, we should share it with the world. So that’s what I do. I try to work in silence without letting anyone know about my future work, and then when it’s done, I tell them.”

Singh states that she will continue working on her writing in the future. She hopes to write for different genres and wants to give the best to her audience. “I believe in the line “stay on track & allow your results to speak for themselves.” 

MLR: What do you want people to take away from this interview?

AS: One thing I would like to share with you all is that whatever you want to do in your life, make an effort and try to reach it. It may seem impossible in the beginning, but with your continuous effort, you will get to the destination for sure. Never underestimate your willpower, and always look at the brighter phase of life. 

Singh says that when she was a child growing up, she was made to believe that you had to have one interest and follow it until you achieved it. If she pursued more than one goal, she would become average and land nowhere. She explains how at first, she believed what she was told, but as she pursued that one interest, her other interests only followed her, and that’s when she realized you could be good at more than one thing in life. 

MLR: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

AS: I want to be in a position where my work gets more recognition, and I would be able to add some value to society and influence someone’s life. If in the upcoming years, I would be able to help people in any way I can, that would be the best feeling for me.

MLR: Describe yourself in one word and why.

AS: Curious because when you get curious about knowing something, you learn many things beyond that particular thing. So, I love to dig into topics that fascinate me.

Overall, Singh wants everyone to stay focused on the present and not worry about the past or future. “You cannot predict the future, nor can you alter whatever happened in the past,” she says. She continues, “so, just let it go and move on. What you are doing at the present time matters the most. So, do not let negative things from the past affect your present-day happiness.”

Morgan Lee Reviews thanks Anchal Singh for this interview. 

Chelsea DeVries, Author of “Sticks And Stones” Interview

“My advice for a broken heart: feel it, grieve it, take it one day at a time, then when you start to feel like you have accepted the truth of it, begin to do one thing to help yourself grow or to help someone else. I guarantee you will forget your pain when you realize how powerful you are and how powerful it is to love other people.”

After reading and reviewing “Sticks And Stones,” I wanted to know and believed that others would like to know the inspiration behind the book. Chelsea DeVries channeled the heartbreak she felt by writing “Sticks And Stones.” According to her, she’s never been in a serious relationship, which never bothered her until she fell in love with who she refers to as Mr. Suncoast. “Sticks And Stones” was inspired by this gentleman. He found out about the book, and according to DeVries, he didn’t take to the news too well. 

Not only did she divulge the inspiration behind her book, but she also had this to say:

MLR: Who is Chelsea DeVries?

CD: I’m a friendly human with a huge heart for other people and dogs who always feels at peace when I’m near bodies of water, and I found my voice as a writer at 14 through poetry.

MLR: What has been people’s reaction since the publication of your book?

CD: Overall, my book has received a positive response now that it has been reworked and republished. Before launch day, it charted at #11 on Amazon Canada, and it won the 2021 Book of The Year in Poetry from OnlineBookClub.org. Recently, it was #67 on Kindle in the US for Religious and Inspirational Poetry. That blew my mind. 

MLR: What’s some advice you’d give to aspiring authors?

CD: Learn how to market yourself. And if you can’t figure it out, hire a good publicist. And never let an agent, publisher, journal, or anyone tell you that your story, poetry, and craft will never sell because if you hire the right people to edit and format it to market, anything can and will sell. So don’t give up!

MLR: Is there anything else you’re working on that you’d like to share?

CD: My next publication will be a rewrite of the novels I published while I was in high school. It will be a NA romantic suspense novel centered around my love for street skateboarding. 

MLR: What’s one piece of advice someone has given you that’s kept you motivated?

I love the quote: “No one else is you, and that is your superpower.” It’s what I sign in my books for readers because it completely sums up what I believe about myself and how I relate to others: We are all unique, worthy, and bring something to the table. So there is room for everyone to eat. No one should ever be turned away. 

MLR: Where can people find you if they want to learn more about you and your work?

CD: I only use Instagram. You can follow me there at @onegirlrevolution26_. I also try to update my website with current book-related information: chelseadevriesauthor.wordpress.com. They can buy my book directly from me at www.etsy.com/shop/unicornpixiedesigns Authors and musicians can also hire me to do their marketing via thesmartcookiephiles.com.

Having bared her soul in her poetry book and provided readers with words of encouragement during tough times, I asked her what was something that others might not know about her. Interestingly enough, she admitted that she liked bowling. “I joined a league to make friends, but now I’ve discovered I’m quite good at it too, which makes it more fun,” she said. 

When asked what she wanted people to take away from this interview, DeVries stated: “There is power in the painful moments we go through. We can allow them to break us and reshape us if we are open to the lessons they provide, and every painful season has a beautiful sunrise on the other side of it. I know because I am living proof. “

Morgan Lee Reviews, thanks, Chelsea DeVries, for this interview!

She’s Definitely a Vibe: Erotica Queen, India T. Norfleet Talks Books, Advice For Aspiring Authors, Plus More

“Never give up. If you love what you do, never give up.” – Author, India T. Norfleet

Becoming a published author isn’t easy. It takes time, effort, and having a passion so deeply rooted for your story to get told that you’re willing to sacrifice it all to see your dream come to fruition. You endure the self-doubt, the constant rejection, the moments of wanting to quit, all for the moment you’re able to hold your book in your hands. It’s at that moment you realize that everything you’ve endured was well worth it.

India T. Norfleet is an example of precisely this. Author of 53 books, 49 of them published, she was willing to do what she had to do and release that inner voice encouraging her to write. More importantly, write stories about, as she puts it, “people who reflected my skin color. I loved it so much; I wanted to try my hand at it.” She states further, “reading inspired me. I’ve always been a reader since childhood. I kept my nose in a book growing up.” She says reading became an escape for her, and though excited about the possibility of becoming an author, she wondered if she could do it and wondered if people would like what she had to say. She continues, “after years of fear, I decided to step out on faith, sit down and write my first book, which was titled, “Playing For Keeps.” She says it took her almost two years to write and publish the book, and that it was well worth it because it became a bestseller.

I first discovered Norfleet’s books on Amazon. I’d had my fair share of mystery and thrillers, so I decided to explore another genre, a different author. Her characters and narrative are why I gravitated to her books. They are two key components to every story, especially if you want your book to resonate with your audience. So, how does Norfleet determine the representation of her characters within her books? Simple. She listens.”It may seem weird, but I decide by listening to my heart and emotions. And sometimes by people close to me. The stories are always tucked away in between the two.”

“I just wanted to write about love with some very satisfying sex mixed in.”

Few authors know what they’re going to write about once they begin writing, not to mention the genre or specific audience they’re catering to once their book is complete. And Norfleet could relate. She grins but not before covering it with her hand. “It wasn’t until I kept getting feedback about my sex scenes that I began to pump up and give more details to my sex scenes and market myself as an erotica author. I absolutely love it.” Even though she markets herself as an erotica author, she says her books are a part of other genres like mystery, suspense, and thrillers.

When asked if she’s working on new material, she says she is but could not divulge what her new book would be about. However, she did mention that she would like to explore other genres like teen romance or self-help books. Moreover, she offered advice for aspiring authors stating, “never give up. It’s going to be one hell of a ride, but if you take the Lord with you every step of the way, you’re going to be amazed at the sheer beauty of your outcome.”

These days Norfleet can reap the rewards from her hard work. But she makes note that it wasn’t without struggles and heartache. “Just thinking about the pain I’ve endured as a result of being in this industry used to leave me heartbroken, but now, I can smile because I survived and overcame the hurdles. I did a lot of praying because it was just one mess after another. It was a lot, and I’m so grateful the Lord brought me out of the darkness.”

When she’s not writing her next novel, you can find Norfleet spending time with her husband and kids or drinking a glass of wine.

“I’m a vibe—a magical black woman with a 90’s R&B heart.”

If you would like to learn more about India T. Norfleet or purchase her books, visit: haveyouhadthepleasure.net, Amazon, or Google. “I want those reading to be excited about learning more about my work. Be hopeful of your aspirations and dreams. Maintain the strength to keep going after what you love. Stay prayerful and thankful through the good times and the bad. Always remember that God’s always got your back. And thank you to my readers. I love my readers. They’re so amazing. They keep me encouraged and motivated.”

Morgan Lee Reviews would like to thank India T. Norfleet for this interview.