An Interview with Author Ericka N. Williams

I met Ericka in 2003 when we were neighbors in North Atlanta. During that time my business was so busy that I rarely stopped to chat with my neighbors, so although I had seen her, I didn't know who she was. It wasn't until a community Christmas party that Ericka introduced herself to me and said, "Hey, you're my neighbor", I smiled because she looked different but I couldn't figure out why until she said "I was the pregnant girl that lives next door".

Ericka later introduced me to the latest member of her family; Denim and as soon as I held him I fell in love instantly. Denim was the cutest, sweetest little baby boy I had held since I held my own son. So we quickly became friends. I later met Ericka's other two sons, Deshawn and D'Mario who are also very handsome young men.

What struck me most about Ericka was her passion for writing and for life in general. I use to get exhausted just watching her live her life. Although Ericka has gone through some trails and tribulations in this journey we call life, she always manages to come out on top. I was happy to see Ericka realize one of her dreams and become a published author. Ericka published her first work; "The Intercepted Pass" recently and now is working on her second offering, "Mama's Obsession, The Life-Long Punishment."

I recently caught up with Ericka and here's what she had to say:

A.C.: Hi Ericka. It is good to see you. You are looking great!

E.W.: Thank you Karen! You too! It definitely has been quite some time since last seeing you.

A.C.: Ericka, can you tell our readers a little bit about who Ericka Williams is and how things were growing up in Cleveland, Ohio?

E.W.: I am originally from Cleveland, Ohio. That is definitely where my roots are, but I know more about Atlanta than Ohio. Atlanta is home to me. I am a proud single parent to three adorable sons, two of which are teenagers and I am a published author.

A.C.: How do you think your past has affected your present?

E.W.: Positively I will say. My past has molded me to be the mother, friend and writer I am today. Nothing I have experienced is regretted. My experiences have made me a creative imaginative writer.

A.C.: When did you transition to the ATL?

E.W.: Let's just say Atlanta is all I know. I have been here since my schoolgirl days.

A.C.: What do you think about the Atlanta culture?

E.W.: When I think about Atlanta and the culture of the beautiful city, I am flooded with thoughts dating back to the nineties. That was Atlanta! Now I feel like a visitor of the city despite the fact that it has been home to me since a very young girl. Everything is different. I have a hard time even getting on and off of the interstate because of the addition of the HOV lanes. (laughing). For a reminder of the true culture of Atlanta, I love visiting Auburn Avenue, where some true history can be found and although Dr. King's childhood home is there, I am not talking about that. It is far more history on that street from one end to the other.

A.C.: Now, let's talk about your first published work, "The Intercepted Pass". What inspired you to write this piece?

E.W.: Often I see or hear women voicing their infatuation for athletes but often fail to realize that the uniforms that those much desired idols wear do come off temporarily and then at some point permanently. When they do, those icons are just like any other ordinary man. Some may be good guys, but some are jerks. The only difference between that superstar and a man with a casual profession, is one is often asked for an autograph and with that autograph comes a smile, but do you know how that man really treats his mothers, girlfriends or wives? How about how they treat the baby mama's, the women who nourish their children while someone is nourishing them, bringing them back to 100% from the scrapes and bruises they encounter during entertaining fans. It is important to look beyond the television screens.

A.C.: What insight can we expect to garner from this piece? Also, where can our audience pick up a copy of the book?

E.W.: After reading The Intercepted Pass, my audience will definitely consider thinking twice when it comes to their infatuation. They will think about who may be good for them versus who looks good to them. My novel can be found at some Books for Less Stores, Amazon.com, and of course my website: www.erickanwilliams.com

A.C.: Now, I understand you have another novel that you're working on called "Mama's Obsession, The Life-Long Punishment"? Can you tell us a little bit about what we can expect from that offering without giving too much away?

E.W.: Mama's Obsession, The Life-Long Punishment will open the eyes of people who encounter overweighing obstacles such as substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, suicide and the affects of keeping bad company. Regardless to whatever someone is experiencing within their private life, success is always right around the corner. Support can sometimes lie within the very hand that at one point pushed you down. Those very people who at one point strived to move you further from your destiny by surrounding your positive with their negative, are touched by God at some point too. Pray for them and keep pushing on and remember you are not better than the next person.

A.C.: I've known you for a little while now and I know that you are multi talented in many areas, but particularly in design and fashion, so are there any fashion lines in your future?

E.W.: No Karen, I think my fashion and design will be a hobby of mine in my own home and my closet. I will say I have fun extending it by designing my characters homes and their wardrobes in my novels. That is about it for me as far as that is concerned.

A.C.: What words of wisdom can you give aspiring writers? Where should they start if they feel that they too, have a story to tell?

E.W.: Word(s) of wisdom, do not procrastinate. Putting things off can become contagious. Make a plan and stick with it. Completion of The Intercepted Pass came about because I planned a specific number of words to write per day and for the most part, I stuck to the plan. I wasn't perfect with doing so though, but I didn't stray too much off of my path to completion that is why I am now close to completion of my second novel.

A.C.: How can our readers get in contact with you?

E.W.: I can be reached by visiting my website: www.erickanwilliams.com

A.C.: That was a great wealth of information Ericka and I thank you for your time and for sharing your heart with our audience today. I wish you all the blessings that God has for you and your family and I want to encourage you to keep pressing, keep writing and keep reaching for the stars!

E.W.: Thank you Karen. It was great sharing some of my experiences with you. I wish much success to you and others who inspire to be very the best they can be.