 Brenda Hampton:
A New Star
by Seth "Soul Man" Ferranti
May 2007
“Nobody’s man is safe, not even your man,” reads the cover of Slick, Brenda Hampton’s Essence Magazine Best-Selling novel of betrayal, deceit, and relationships. The author who is blazing her own trail in the urban fiction market is doing it her own way with grimy tales of sex and lust. Slick, her latest on Voices Books and Publishing, is only one of the eight novels Brenda has written and published. The girl has been busy and her productivity has been rewarded.
“I am signed with a well-known, reputable publisher and have a new release expected in September of 2007,” Brenda says. “I would describe my writing as addictive, sexy informative, funny, entertaining, enjoyable, original and the best ever. Of course, I call it as my readers see it. Many of my titles are self-published by me through Voices. I was provided publishing opportunities through Black Pearl Books, which unfortunately did not work out.” And that is putting it lightly.
In the acknowledgments for Slick Brenda writes that her experience with Black Pearl ended up being one of the most regretful decisions in her writing career. But through it all she has learned a lot.
“Because of my own experience I view the book industry just like the music industry—shady. There are too many unknown publishers that are popping up and taking advantage of authors trying to make it in this business.” She says. “Many of us are so anxious to get a deal and publishers will take advantage of your lack of knowledge and vulnerability. Upcoming writers need to be aware of scams that are out there. It’s a scary and risky business but you can’t let these kinds of people deter you from pursuing your dreams.” And to Brenda its more than her dream, it’s a way of life.
“Writing gives me peace and comfort and it continues to do it to this very day,” says this St. Louis native who will be 40 this year. “I’ve been writing as far back as I can remember, in an effort to express my feelings.” As the pages turn, the world spins mad and the characters traverse the battered landscaper of love and betrayal. Who inspires her?
“Terry McMillan inspired me to start writing novels. Once I read Disappearing Acts I put my pen to the paper and got busy.” She says. “But the one person I admire the most in this business is Carl Weber. He is a hard working business man who has successfully taken Urban Books to a higher level.” She admits that her favorite authors are K’wan, WS Burkett, Keisha Ervin and Darrin lowery. Brenda says that her future includes “Writing and more writing” and that she also has plans “to open a book store as well as taking my publishing company, Voices to the next level.” And when I asked what the world needs to know about Brenda Hampton this is what she ends with.
“The world needs to know that Brenda Hampton is a wonderful individual who God put on this earth to leave an impact on those who cross her path,” she says. “I’m very approachable and my spirit, energy and enthusiasm are capable of lighting up a room. I don’t like to be judged and my biggest disappointment is for those who do. My novels might suggest that I am an aggressive woman, but surprisingly there’s a shy side to me too. I can be the best friend and also a worst enemy. Most of all I am thankful for the woman that God created and I wouldn’t change for the world.” So check out Slick and support Brenda Hampton and Voices Books Publishing.
Seth Ferranti is a contributing writer for The Urban Book Source and accomplished journalist having written articles for Don Diva, Slam, King, Feds and many more. View more of his articles at: www.gorillaconvict.com
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Chicago Author, Darrin Lowery