Interview with Feminist Book Club Box

Sarah sits down to discuss Kenya Nelson’s debut novel, UNGRATEFUL. Listen in as they chat about Kenya’s process when developing characters, the #metoo movement, and the alternative rock industry.

Happy Women’s History Month

It’s still March and this month, the world has continued giving every female trailblazer (past and present) her flowers. I made a brief presentation that I intended to share at my virtual book launch. However, because of timing and technical issues, I left it out. Therefore, I’m going to share Black female rock trailblazers, with...

The “Ungrateful” Virtual Book Re-Launch!

I didn't get a chance to share these photos the day after the book launch. I was in a whirlwind of anxiety and excitement. Like Alimah says, "my nerves were a balled-up piece of paper thrown against the wall". I was up and down. Frazzled and a bottle of rosé was my saving grace. I...

The “Ungrateful” Book Trailer

My brother and I collaborated on my book trailer, and it turned out amazing! This trailer truly embodied the mood and aesthetic of the novel. My brother, Ken Nelson Jr., is an award-winning filmmaker and editor, with an even more impressive resume. You can learn more about his work at http://www.raymediacreative.com. https://youtu.be/cTYixhPgtsA https://read.amazon.com/kp/card?asin=B08R8FNFW2&preview=inline&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_YWVZG89NN60EX5HXQ4B3

Creating a Monster: Elliot Hunter (Pt. 2)

Elliot Hunter’s celebrity persona, and role in a very dark scandal are inspired by every prominent hip-hop/R&B mogul, Dr. Luke (top pop music producer), the Elite Models sexual abuse controversy, and Jeffrey Epstein. I won’t name the names of the moguls for legal purposes. Dr. Luke (left) and Kesha (right). Kesha filed a lawsuit against...

Creating a Monster: Elliot Hunter (Pt. 1)

Elliot Hunter is the antagonist of Ungrateful. I won’t give away much about him since I’d rather people follow his dark journey when they read the novel. 😉 However, in two parts, I will give some insight into where I drew inspiration into creating his character, and the psychological features of what makes him a...

Soundtrack for “Ungrateful”

I created a Spotify soundtrack for my novel Ungrateful. It’s a two-playlist soundtrack called RED/BLACK, based on the promotional images’ red and black color scheme and the colors’ symbolism in the book. I played certain songs while writing particular scenes. Like creating a score for a movie or TV show, I selected music that best...

Creating Alimah: Her Personality

Alimah suffers traumatic events in the music industry. Therefore, I sought extensive research to portray an accurate survivor of sexual, psychological, and spiritual abuse in the entertainment industry. While I have reached out to people who have worked in the industry or are still active in the music industry, the bulk of my research came...

Creating Alimah: Her Music/Sound Pt. 2

Alimah performs lead guitar and rhythmic guitar, performing for her own music as well as collaborating with other artists. And as far as her mastery as a guitarist, I was inspired by the guitarists Jimi Hendrix, Ernie Isley, and Pat Metheny. Hendrix's "Crosstown Traffic" and "Are You Experienced" were two songs that greatly inspired how...

Creating Alimah: Her Music/Sound Pt. 1

Alimah's Vocals I had fun imagining Alimah’s vocal style and type. For her voice, I gave her a raspy, sultry, mezzo-soprano vocal type similar to Stacy Barthe. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJ5UqwEmoXU However, in many of her rock ballads, her vocal pitch can go higher and sound similar to singer-songwriter Diana Gordon (FKA Wynter Gordon) in this video below:...