Conversation with Tamika Newhouse, Teen Mom to Self Published Author and CEO, and Founder of the African American Book Club Awards
Tamika Newhouse is a self-published bestselling author who founded Delphine Publications, at the age of 21; Tamika appeared on various bestseller lists and won Self Published Author of the Year at the 2009 African American Literary Awards only 9 months after her debut novel. In 2010 she was inducted into Who’s who in Black San Antonio and she landed a major publishing deal without an agent and still continues to write independent projects. In 2011 her company Delphine Publications won an African American Literary Award for Best Anthology as well as Tamika won for the second time Self Published Author of the Year. She was also nominated by the National Women in Business Association for the 2011 Entrepreneurial Spirit Award. In 2013 she was honored with the Author of Distinction E. Lynn Harris Award. Her latest award for the 2013 African American Literary Award for self published author of the year.
Tamika Newhouse a teen mother who had a dream of being a published author since the age of twelve. “If Terry McMillan can do it, I can do it too!” By the time she was 20 she had two children. My teen pregnancy became my motivation not a crippling circumstance in my life. I had the attitude that I am going to prove everyone wrong. My mother passed when I was 20. I was in a clinical depression for months and did not know it. When my mother passed the only way to get through the heartache was to write. “We control our characters destiny.”
How do you balance being a mother and being an author?
You have to become obsessed with books, brand, and writing, and managing your time. You have to make it a family affair for yourself and your children. I have my son sell books, and work with me at different book signings and other events. You have to understand who you are as an artist. You have to remain consistent and have a continued obsession for your craft. “Respect your craft.”
What advice would you give to an aspiring author?
The more visibility that you have the better, get your name out there with bloggers. The artist should focus on the quality of their stories and not the quanity.
When did you launch your publication company?
I launched Delphine Publications in 2008. I am to people what others cannot be for me. I am the only person that I can depend on financially, emotionally, and spiritually, I am to people what others cannot be for me. If I do not help other writers I am missing out on what God has for me.
When did you launch the African American Book Club Awards?
I launched the African American Book Club Awards in 2009. I felt that it was time for writers and authors to become acknowledged for all of their hard work. If they are not going to acknowledge us than we have to take it.
What is next for Tamika Newhouse?
I have my new book coming out “Plain Jane,” touring, speaking engagments, planning African American Book Club Awards for 2016, and Mahogony Red Books to go along with Delphine Publications.
We graciously enjoyed the interview with Miss Newhouse. It is refreshing and encouraging to see the success and strength of a woman presented with so many challenges. Wonderfully written. It has my wife to move forward with her nutrition Web site. Thank you