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Tysha is a native of Youngstown, Ohio and grew up on the same gritty streets she speaks of in her urban tales.  Her love of reading began in the fourth grade when her first poem was published in a hometown newspaper.  During her high school years, Tysha’s English teacher discovered her talent for writing and encouraged her to utilize the gift.  After high school graduation Tysha’s lot in life was altered and at age twenty-one, she was a single mother of two boys.

Jobs were scarce in the poverty stricken city and Tysha found it impossible to live off of her monthly welfare allotment.  In order to take care of her boys, Tysha began two hustles; braiding hair out of her home and silently playing a small role in the drug game. Tysha was determined to provide for her sons by any means necessary.


Years late, Tysha relocated to Columbus, Ohio and turned her life around.  Tysha secured a good job, a home and purchased her first car within her first six months of living in the capital city.  Tysha was able to leave the illegal hustle behind and enter the literary game eager to claim a spot on the best sellers list.  Tysha describes her work as fiction with a bit of truth peppered in.  Her story-lines originate from her life experiences, dreams and some struggles.  In addition to entertaining, Tysha hopes to send a message to her fans about various issues resonating throughout the African-American community.  
    
Tysha currently lives in Columbus, Ohio and her boys are now adults living on their own.  Her first published work, 'BOSSY' is featured in Street Chronicles – Girls In The Game.  Tysha’s debut novel, 'THE BOSS... the story of a female hustler,' from Urban Books became an Essence Magazine Best Selling title three months after being released.  The title is available anywhere books are sold.  The short story, Keepin’ it in the Family, is Tysha's contribution to the Urban Books best selling anthology Around the Way Girls 5Knowing the short story would simply wet the fans pallet, the full length novel by the same title Keepin' It In The Family - A Relative Saga will be released soon.  Fans can also look forward to the authors highly anticipated Urban tale, Young Minded Hustler in the near future.  

Tysha refuses to be locked into one genre. Her first Christian Fiction short story titled Ghetto Luv is her contribution to the Even Sinners Have Souls Too anthology from End of the Rainbow Projects.  Fans can find the riveting anthology anywhere books are sold.     

 

Frequently asked questions of Tysha:

When did you first consider yourself a writer?  The first time I considered myself a writer was when the first case of books was delivered to my home.  Opening the box and seeing my name on the book cover and on the pages made my heart race.  I get that same feeling the first time I see a new title.

Do you have a specific writing style?  I don't think that I do.   I've learned to read as a writer instead of a fan.  I take time out to study other authors writing styles. I also keep up with college writing text and books on writing styles.  It's important for me to study my craft.  I am always trying to improve and grow with my writing.

How do you come up with titles?   Titles usually pop into my head right along with the storyline.  I don't know why but it always works out that way.


Is there a message in your novels that you want readers to grasp?  I try to input a message with each title.  In The Boss... the intended message was despite popular opinion, drug hustlers have to work for theirs too.  Quick money is never easy and there's always a price to be paid; freedom or life.  The most underlining message was meant for young women.  Knowing your self-worth is absolutely necessary for any type of growth.


Are your story lines based on events in your own life or figments of your imagination?  There is always some truth associated with fiction.  My story lines include things from my own life but are mostly created in my imagination.  I do include a piece of myself inside every main characters.

Who are your favorite authors in your genre?  Kwan, Ashley & JaQuavis and Nikki Turner are the best story tellers of Urban Fiction.

What book are you reading now?  I just finished a title by Ericke Gray but to be honest, I'm rereading one of my titles.

Are you working on any new projects?  Yes, I currently have two novels in the makings.  I'm looking for another anthology project to lend my name to.  Short stories are fairly easy to write.

Name one entity that you feel supports your literary work outside of family members  The local book clubs in Columbus, OH., (Black Women Advocating Reading and Generational Shades) are the best.  Monica at The Book Suite and Rhonda with MochaReaders.com have also been strong supporters of my work. 

Do you see writing as a career?  No I didn't.  Never in a million years would I have imagined myself as a best selling published author.  I worked many years in the banking field.  What's ironic is that I held a position composing business letters.  Who would have thought it?

Is there anything you find particularly challenging about the writing process?

Who is your favorite author and what is it that strikes you about their work?  The late BeBe Moore-Campbell is my favorite author.  Her title Your Blues Ain't Like Mine is my all time favorite book.  Ms. Campbell storytelling is hypnotizing and keeps you wanting more.  She painted vivid pictures of her characters and even their personalities.  Her contribution to the literary world is priceless.  Her talent will truly be missed.

Is there anything you want to say to your readers?  From the bottom of my heart, I say THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING MY LITERARY WORK!  Without your love of reading my stories would be untold.  Thank you!