Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamika Newhouse.
Tamika, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I had completed my first book by 12 years old and from that point on I told everyone that I was going to be a novelist when I grew up. But teen pregnancy and the death of my mother detoured me. I finished a book called The Ultimate No-No when I was 20 and would publish it months later. I had discovered self-publishing and from there I took destiny into my own hands.
Has it been a smooth road?
No. In my journey to success, I have divorced, had a broken heart, attempted suicide, and even thought about quitting. But I am still here.
So, what should we be on the lookout for, what’s next in store for you?
My future works have to do much with making the literary artist a mainstream star. I produce the AAMBC Literary Awards www.aambcawards.com and am the creator of LitIsh.com and many of these projects go into producing shows, documentaries, and events around the country.
Let’s explore some of the challenges you’ve faced along the way. What was the most difficult part of your career so far?
The hardest part of this journey was being embraced by my peers. Our people as a unit do fail to support each other and I was merely 20 years old when I stepped into the business. Many made it hard for me, hated my overnight success and so forth. I made my way through this battle with consistency and not truly caring about their opinions. Consistency gave me the leverage I needed to grow and soon many of those people were long gone.
What about “Wow-moments” – any moments that stick out? Any moments when you felt like you had made it?
I have had plenty of moments like these but the one I remember is merely 9 months after my debut I touched down in NYC for the first time. I was 21 and overweight and a horrible marriage but I was in the big apple to receive an award for my hard work. That was a moment of reflection for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tamikanewhouse.com
- Phone: 7706756579
- Email: aambookclub@gmail.com
- Instagram: bossladytamika
- Facebook: bossladytamika
- Other: snap chat and twiiter is @tamikanewhouse
