Meet Published Author N’Tyse

The author who well, just does it all: writer, documentarian, literary consultant, and film producer are just a few titles N’Tyse (pronounced “entice”) has listed on her résumé. Beginning her writing journey back in 2007, she self-published her first novel, My Secrets Your Lies. Through the advice of Mary Honey B. Morrison and Torrian Ferguson she invested in herself, dipped into her savings and made the decision to be in charge of her publishing future. Selling thousands of copies underground and at bookstores within the first few weeks of the novel’s release, N’Tyse was on fire.

N’Tyse was immediately touted as one of the early creators of the lesbian/street-lit sub-genre by Library Journal.

By 2011, N’Tyse wanted to rise above the indie publishing fame and enter the world of working with a major publisher. Pitching Twisted Seduction, the first installment of a four-book series, directly to New York Times bestselling author Zane, the publisher of Strebor/Simon & Schuster quickly recognized N’Tyse’s talent. The rest is history as N’Tyse continues to produce entertaining and passionate novels, mentor and coach upcoming writers, produce and direct documentaries, all while being a wife and mother.

We were able to catch up with N’Tyse to learn more about her and her latest projects:

A former private banker and financial counselor for over twelve years, what made you turn to writing?

Deep down I have always been a writer, however, I didn’t answer the call to write my first novel until 2006. I was actually still working in corporate America as a banker up until 2011. When I had my daughter, I decided to take a much needed break and focus solely on my new role and being the best mommy I could be. The time off also helped me to realize that it was time I pursued my passion for writing full-time.

You wear many hats as writer, literary consultant, ghostwriter, blogger, relationship columnist; which is your your ultimate favorite?

I love all of my roles but my passion is creating original content.

Mary Honey B. Morrison, another great author was someone that lead you to the path of self-publishing, tell us how you connected with her and what advice she gave to take you on this journey?

I had taken several notes from her personal journey as a self-published author. She would often publish advice for aspiring writers on her website, which is where I gained a great deal of knowledge about the publishing process. I followed every step, even used the same printer and negotiated my own deals with them and the bookstores. When I was done with A-Z, I called her up for a consult and she gave me some more gold nuggets. One thing she told me that I took to heart was to make my book my business. Once I grasped that, I began to put together a strategy and focus on sharpening my concepts, diversifying my products, and building a brand that could cross over into other mediums. I then began to envision my content and enterprise growing beyond books.

In your opinion, how has time changed in the literary world from the time you self-published to now?

It’s a completely different era that’s for sure. I published My Secrets Your Lies in 2007 and that was before social media was as popular as it is now. Borders (now Barnes & Nobles) bookstore was my second home and I had never heard of Amazon or an e-book. While I do miss the good old days, I have embraced the advancements in technology, how we sell books now, and the platforms we have to interact with our fans virtually. I think it makes us more accessible, and…present. Readers get to venture beyond the pages and join us on the journey of writing a new book, family life, etc. It was an inevitable change but it gave us a longer reach. Today, in this digital age, we have more creative ways to establish rapport with prospective supporters, and even for building business synergies with fellow creators. We can learn and grow from one another’s experiences.

How important does social media play in today’s age for authors?

It has a significant role in establishing an online presence, ongoing social interaction with fans and book clubs, networking opportunities, promoting upcoming works, and it’s a way to engage prospective readers. It’s a great vehicle if used right.

You currently have a publishing deal with Strebor/Simon & Schuster Zane’s publishing company; how did this happen and is being signed everything you hoped it would be?

I think the universe lined things up for me then, and it has continued to do this. I happened to hear about an anthology submission call that Zane had put out. I wrote a short called Caramel Latte and submitted it to Strebor . A few months after that, Zane came to Dallas for a round-table event at The Black Academy of Arts and Letters. I was gifted a ticket to attend at the last minute. I met Zane for the first time and in conversing I told her that I had submitted my short for the book. I honestly just wanted her to put a face with the name N’TYSE, but when I introduced myself and gave her the name of the short, she gave me a brief summary about what my story was about. I could not believe that the queen of erotica herself had read my work. Fast forward a couple of months later and I received an email that my short had been selected. That was the beginning of the next chapter in my literary journey. I have since enjoyed my experience as a traditionally published author and I will say that Strebor spoils their authors. They are one of the best publishers out there. Your voice and creation remain intact and they allow you room to grow as a career author. I will forever be grateful for the experience and mentor-ship along the way.

How do you empower other women?

I am an advocate for women entrepreneurship, continuing education, as well as physical and mental health awareness. As a wife, mother of two, entrepreneur and student, I often share with other women how I juggle work and school with a busy family life. I try to be a resource and an inspiration for those in my circle and social network who need to see that it can be done. My go-getter energy is usually contagious, so I embrace my gift and empower others to live in their purpose and to take control of their destiny.

Under your production company A Million Visions Productions, you released your first documentary feature, Beneath My Skin, which you also directed and executive produced – was this a difficult transition going from writing novels to a documentary?

Beneath My Skin is unscripted so there was no writing involved, only a hard truth from women who shared what life is like for them as African American lesbians in today’s society. Once the cameras started rolling, I forgot all about being a producer, creator, writer, director, etc. and became so embedded in the process of getting their stories across as organically as I could. I will say, however, that because Beneath My Skin was my first independent film, it came with its own set of challenges, but nothing that my team and I couldn’t conquer together. Just like writing a book, I took it one piece at a time.

Do you have plans to turn any of your books to film?

Absolutely! Having my novels adapted for film, and even as a television series, has always been a goal. I believe it is slowly becoming a reality for me and my fans who believed in me and my creations from day one.

For writers today, do you say self-publish or get signed and explain why?

It really depends on the author’s career goals. I believe an author can be successful either way. One thing I will advise that they do is plenty of research; understanding the pros and cons of self-publishing vs. being traditionally published is imperative. At the end of the day, the question they really need to ask is, “Am I ready to invest in myself?”

What is your biggest challenge to date?

Squeezing everything on my to-do list in a day’s work and over committing. I’m learning to be more selective about what I take on so that I don’t tip the scales too much. It’s all about balance and connecting with what is meant for me.

Your favorite authors…

Way too many to name, but lately I have been reading more self-help and inspirational novels. My two favorite are Produced by Faith by DeVon Franklin and Act Like A Success, Think Like A Success by Steve Harvey. Both are filled with compelling anecdotes, inspiring messages, and great advice and tips on how to make your dreams a reality without compromising your faith and character. Next on my reading list is The Power of Broke by Daymond John and The Power Playbook by Lala Anthony.

Name something a writer should never leave home without.

An open mind.

How do you balance motherhood, being a wife, entrepreneur and writer?

I put my family first and I try to adhere to a schedule. It is not super easy, but on most days it works out. I do a lot of my work and writing at night when the kiddos are asleep. It’s when I’m most productive, because I don’t have to worry about being distracted. I always refer to my working hours as NTZ (N’TYSE Time Zone) and everyone that I work with knows this so they are not at all surprised when they get an email at odd hours of the morning or night. They know I’m in my ZONE. Earlier in my career, I reached out to one of my mentors when my daughter was born. I asked for advice on how to juggle and she kept it all the way live with me. She shared stories of when she would write with her baby on her hip. She refused to allow room for excuses. So after that conversation, there have been days where my children are in the office with me while I’m cranking out work, and even more days where I’ve taken a business call or radio interview and had to mute the line every so often, because they were starting to add their own remix to the soundtrack. LOL

What’s next for N’Tyse?

I am currently writing a collaborative novel with Shakir Rashaan, working on a screenplay, as well as in pre-production on my latest documentary, Behind The Mask: My Naked Truth which openly discusses mental illness in the African American community. I am excited to have NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Dallas Chapter as one of our official partners and supporters in providing education, resources, peer therapy and counseling to those in need. I am also co-executive producer on the upcoming documentary film Collisions: Rocking The Scars, which strives to break through congenital heart defect (CHD) awareness. Collisions is a project near and dear to me, because I am the daughter of a CHD warrior.

The VIRGO GIRL 5 THINGS TO ASK:

What would you tell your 21 year-old self?  

Stay faithful and patient, it will come.

I start my day with…  

Hugs and kisses from the family and then a cup of coffee.

If you could invite any woman to dinner, who would it be?

Oprah Winfrey.

Best advice you have received?

Manage the process, don’t let the process manage you.

Life motto you live by?  

Transforming thoughts into visions and visions into reality. Just Do it!

Check out the Twisted trailer here

Check out the Collisions trailer here

Pick up a copy of her books wherever books are sold in paperback or e-book, including Walmart, Target, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Simon & Schuster. And connect with N’Tyse on Facebook and Twitter.