It takes a certain drive and determination to be great at what you do.  Gifted and talented on levels we can’t begin to imagine, Erick Walls plays his hand at all things music and he delivers a striking beat that we want to hear over and over again.  A multi-instrumentalist, Grammy award-winning, Emmy nominated songwriter, producer, and powerhouse in the grand world of music, he got his start at a very early age playing in his father’s church.  With faith as his foundation, he has taken his childhood passions and dreams and turned them into his reality.  Erick has a musical resume that runs deep working with some of the most powerful names in the industry.  As a founding member of the international recording Alt-Rock duo, Black Waat3r, Erick shows us his true love for everything that is the creation and art of music.  To love music is to know it has the power to create something very magical, a combination of beautiful melodies meeting for the first time to deliver lasting memories.  It’s easy to strive for something, however, when you truly want it there is nothing that will keep you from achieving it!  Without further adieu, pull up a chair, get cozy and dive into this open and amazing conversation with a true MVP in the music world. 

Born and raised in Durham, North Carolina you developed a taste for music at an early age by playing in your father’s church.  As a multi-instrumentalist, you are an MVP in many aspects.  Talented on the guitar, bass, drums, and piano you can switch gears without skipping a beat.  Would you credit the time spent playing in the church as what shaped you musically, and what is your fondest memory from that time in your life? 
My early musical education came from being around my late father, George Walls, who was a gospel singer, recording artist, and preacher.  All my earliest memories are of watching him release and going with him to the studio, church, and everywhere else.

I vividly remember being very young and realizing how special being surrounded by music was!

My fondest memory of that time was performing on stage with him and his group when I was around six years old.  I actually have it on Beta video tape somewhere in the archives.

The life of a musician seems to move quite fast at times and your resume truly tells a story in itself.  Having worked with some of the biggest names in the industry.  From Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Beyonce, The Black-Eyed Peas, Shirley Caesar, Rihanna, Usher, and the list really does go on and on.  How do you remain grounded and focused working with such an eclectic array of talented musicians?  
My faith foundation is my absolute anchor.  Navigating the music business is tough and has many challenges.  My understanding is that God allows us to be in possession of our gifts, we don’t own them.  We’re simply vessels.  Good stewardship over the gifts yield returns and sustainment.  The Bible states “A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.”  Proverbs 18:16 KJV, and basically knowing that allows for me to feel like I belong in every room I might find myself in.
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Music is always and forever a vibe.  A connection that is both personal, and memorable.  With poetic and infectious energy, Susan Carol is entering the music scene smoking hot.  She has a voice that makes you sit up and pay attention to truly immerse yourself into the experience of her sultry and captivating voice.  Raised singing in her family’s church choir, music was and still is a huge part of her life.  Changing the game one freestyle at a time, you will fall into her care-free and classically perfect Neo-soul trance.  Come along, because this is a ride you surely don’t want to miss.

I believe that music is one of the truest forms of love and expression.  Tell us a bit about your background and how your musical journey began?
My dad was a pastor so I was raised singing in my family’s church.  My whole family was musically inclined in some way, so music always played a huge part in my life. The REAL musical journey or artistry that you guys see today, started in 2010 when I went away to college. I really found my voice and writing style in those years. That’s when I decided to start
performing and releasing music, essentially becoming Susan Carol - The Artist.

Your freestyle sessions are addictive.  I am certain I watched nearly all of them. You are giving classic, care-free, Neo-soul with a slightly raspy and sultry voice and it’s insanely infectious.  How does it feel when you are completely uninhibited and in your zone of creativity?
Thank you so much, I love that you love what I do! I love it! – When I’m in that creative space, I feel an extraordinary amount of liberation. That’s when I’m the most vulnerable and real. In that space, I can truly express my feelings without judgment and transform them into something beautiful to give to the world.
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Music serves as the backdrop of our lives in so many ways.  It is our solace in times of need, our energy when we feel that urge to get up and dance, and a head-shaking, feel it deep in your heart and down in your soul type of vibe that keeps us coming back over and over again to the hits that capture our attention and leave a lasting impression.  

R&B/Soul singer & songwriter Meli’sa Morgan does just that with her amazingly beautiful voice.  A legend is putting it mildly.  She got her start at a very early age singing in the Starlets of Corona gospel choir in Queens, New York and that shaped the foundation of what was to come for a very successful singing career.  Releasing her cover version of Prince’s “Do Me Baby” in 1985, the song topped the Billboard charts at #1 for 4 weeks.  Writing hit songs that you know very well; Do You Still Love Me, Fools Paradise, Good Love, and her latest song, “Footprints Of An Angel” which is currently #1 for 2 weeks on the BCFM Soul Charts & #3 on the UK Soul Charts.  A platinum award-winning songwriter who has worked with Whitney Houston, Freddie Jackson, Chaka Khan and so many more.  Fiercely talented, gifted, and unforgettable.

Her personality and spirit match her voice and that’s simply beautiful.  She proves the magic and love for music are here to stay, and we are here to listen!

Born and raised in Queens, New York, you sang in a gospel choir, called the Starlets of Corona. Many singers and songwriters have given credit to their start in the church as the foundation for what was to come.  Tell us about your childhood and how your experiences molded and prepared you for the music industry.
I loved being raised in Queens, NY.  It was during the time when the neighborhood was a real neighborhood.  Everyone knew each other, we all went to the same school.  We visited each other homes.  We knew their parents, they knew my parents.  A great time to be a kid.

​The year 2020 was difficult. Despite its many challenges, writer Alicia Jones made the most of it.

A conversational storyteller, AJ casually builds relatable scenes using genuine emotions and unforced humor. Readers immerse themselves in her never-ending thoughts on AJsDiary.com.

AJ also uses her outlet to introduce her audience to accomplished writers from across the country with her “In The Writers Den” interview series. In addition, admirers can read more of her tales in Groov Magazine.

AJ shared some of her time with us by answering THIS questionnaire about her life in 2020 and what to expect from her in 2021.
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How would you summarize 2020?
The year reminded me of an ex who just wouldn’t go away. We had our time, it wasn’t great, so please just go on and leave my life to never return.  Just when I thought he was gone, there he was staring at me from around the corner. [Laughs] Honestly it was my year of great revelations. In the beginning I was doubtful, towards the middle of the year I was thankful, and by the end I realized I had tapped into an entirely new part of who I am and what I’m all about. The year was exactly what I needed.

A complete honor to hear from Clancy Tucker who wears many hats as a Storyteller, Author, Publisher, Photographer, Human Rights Activist, Social Justice Campaigner and poet.  Wow!  Such a pleasure to chat with him about my love for writing and how it all got started.  Take a peek and see what I have to say!  

​G'day folks,

Today, I'm happy to introduce a blogger from Georgia, U.S.A. 

Welcome, AJ ...

•      TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR BLOG’S JOURNEY. 

I had a conversation with a great friend and told her I always wanted to write on a different level and share that with others.  I started thinking of ways to make that happen and decided to start my blog site in 2018.  It was important for my site to be genuine and reflect my true personality, from the colors of the pages, down to the way my website flows.  It's been almost two years and my blog is finally finding her voice and I couldn't be happier with the progress and what's to come.


•      WHAT IS THE AIM OF YOUR BLOG?

When you visit my page I hope that you receive a good vibe and feel my energy.  What you see is what you get, and it's all me.
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What a pleasure it was to chat with Emily Collins who is a Creative Writer/Freelance Copywriter and Editor.  I appreciated the memories the interview brought back to life and the subtle reminder of why I continue with my passion.  See what I had to say below!

Welcome back to the Literary Copywriter spotlight where I feature professional writers with creative pursuits. Today I interviewed Alicia Jones, a creative writer/blogger and founder of AJ’s Diary.  I sat with Alicia to learn more about her journey. Let’s hear from Alicia!

Literary Copywriter: Tell me about your writing journey. When did you first realize that a.) you are a writer, and b.) you want to make a living off of your writing?

A.J.  I think I was around 12 or 13 years old when I got my first diary.  Back in the day there were mobile libraries where the bus would come up to the school and the students would have about an hour to buy whatever they wanted.  I recall begging my mom for money just to buy one book.  When you stepped inside this mystical bus, it was a book lovers dream.  Books upon books, beautiful bookmarks and little quirky boxes with locks and keys.  That is when I saw my first diary.  My eyes lit up, and I'm certain my heart skipped a few beats.  The smell of the new pages turn after turn is something that is hard to describe.  You either love it, or run towards the nearest exit.  I couldn't begin to tell you how much I wrote in my diary or what I actually had to say.  As much as I would love to see that old diary I would likely cringe at my thoughts back then.  At that age I am sure it made absolutely no sense or perhaps it would have gone down in history as the most profound writing from a pre-teen.  Either way, buying that diary on that day sparked something in me that would be everlasting. Self expression is an art and a gift, all in one.  Learning how to get into that special space in your mind and convey your feelings for others to enjoy is simply magnificent.  Would I love to make a living off of my writing?  Most definitely.  But even if I never make one single penny from my work I will always love it, forever cherish the process and appreciate the journey.
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For me I truly felt like that I could claim the title of author when I wrote my first short story, 'The Scent Of A Woman'.  I allowed myself to have fun creating the characters and just going with it.  My readers have requested a sequel, so we shall see what happens with part two of this story.  Stay tuned!

Self expression is an art and a gift, all in one.  Learning how to get into that special space in your mind and convey your feelings for others to enjoy is simply magnificent.  Would I love to make a living off of my writing?  Most definitely.  But even if I never make one single penny from my work I will always love it, forever cherish the process and appreciate the journey.
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Julie M. Tuttle who is an amazing author and chef reached out to me and asked if I would be a part of her Featured Foodie Interview.  It was an honor to speak with her and tell her more about my writing journey.  See what I have to say below!

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND HOW WE CAN CONNECT WITH YOU. What you see with my work is always authentic. I have many things swirling around in my head, so you never know what you are going to get.  My website is where you can find my blog, a bit more about me and a few of my favorite pictures.  www.ajsdiary.com/blog.  Instagram: www.instagram.com/simplymeaj and on twitter I can be found @Ajonesy8)

WHAT IS THE NAME OF YOUR BLOG OR BOOK AND HOW DID YOU GET STARTED? AJ’s Diary.  I started in 2018, I’ve always had so much to say and so many thoughts in my head and had an idea to bring that to life in a broader approach, so I started my website.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD? Mexican, the sauces and the flavors create this excitement within me that make me want to dance.  Literally!

WHAT FOODS DO YOU CRAVE ALL THE TIME? Rice. I’ve loved it since I was a little girl.  A little butter and a pinch of salt and I have a meal

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COMFORT FOOD? Homemade soup

IF YOU COULD LEARN HOW TO MAKE ANY FOOD WHAT WOULD IT BE? Gnocchi

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT BEING A BLOGGER, WRITER, OR AUTHOR? Speaking from my heart.  I love the ability to create something that not only I have enjoyed but others have as well.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR NEW WRITERS JUST STARTING OUT?  Don’t be too critical of yourself.  Just go with your first instinct.  As you continue writing, you will see how much you have changed over time.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO FOR FUN?  Garden.  I like watching things grow.  It’s amazing

WHAT HELPS YOU TO STAY MOTIVATED AND KEEP WRITING?  Quite simply, the passion for it.  It makes me feel so good.

HOW DO YOU ATTRACT NEW READERS?  Of all the social media platforms, I would have to say Twitter is the most active, so I do most of my promoting there.

WHAT HAS INFLUENCED YOU THE MOST AS A WRITER?  Other writers who have paved the way.  Whether new or seasoned.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GENRE TO READ?  Fables.

WHAT ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW? Just started The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

WHAT IS SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW? I am a huge tattoo lover.  Working on my idea for a beautiful sleeve

WHAT KIND OF MUSIC DO YOU LIKE TO LISTEN TO?  Every single thing that has a beat.  If I can groove to it I’m adding it to my music library.

IF YOU COULD LIVE IN ANY BOOK WHAT WOULD IT BE?  Tara Road by Maeve Binchy.  I fell in complete and total love with this book.  It’s like I was there.

WHO ARE YOUR TOP THREE FAVORITE AUTHORS?  Maeve Binchy, James Patterson & Clive Barker

DO YOU HAVE ANY BLOGS OR BOOKS YOU CAN RECOMMEND?  I highly recommend The Thief of Always by Clive Barker.  Also, Any and Everything written by Maeve Binchy.

IF YOU COULD HAVE SUPERPOWERS WHAT WOULD THEY BE?  Eradicate hatred from hearts.

WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY OF WRITING LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?  I never have a draft, I have the thought that came to me at 3 a.m. and I start there.  I edit it over and over to ensure it flows. Once I feel that it is ready to be published, I pour myself a glass of wine in celebration.

WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?  Started my first book at the beginning of this year, still going, not sure when it will be published but it’s coming.

ANY OTHER INFORMATION YOU WOULD LIKE TO INCLUDE TO OUR READERS?  I always want to know what they think about my work, but most importantly I appreciate their support.  And just stay tuned to see what I’m up to next.

Thank you Alicia for such a great interview! 

If you are a fellow writer, author, or blogger and want your own interview go to https://noshwithchefjulie.com/contact/
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To read more author interviews click here https://noshwithchefjulie.com/category/author-interviews/