Indie Author Tuesday: Shana A
Shana A
Shana A is a Chicago Lesbian Erotic Author, Poet, and Host of, Greatness with Greatness on IG Live...
She infuses novel writing and poetry together when creating her books. Shana is a versatile writer, who pens about love, motivation, erotic poems, songs & short stories. She has a standout urban exotic style to her poetry. Shana wants her writings to influence people to read more poetry and be able to relate, feel and visualize her words... “The way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”- Shana A.
Shana released, Purple Flames: Inferno of Poetry December 2021. The fiery poetic tale is book 1 of the Purple Flames series and it definitely compliments its name!
Her fusion of novella like writing and poetry made the literary journey more interesting for me.
The intro passages to her poems are solid. Shana uses potent descriptions and vigorous imagery so concisely, I sometimes thought I was Jaeda, chile!
“Jaeda inhaled her Hawaiian Kush rolled tightly in a green-white owl. Sulking in the reality of losing what she thought was her soulmate. No matter what she heard or tried to tell her mind, body, and soul, she couldn’t help but love her. Seated in her purple palace under manmade stars glowing before her eyes in a fascination of desires with sounds of love speaking to her heart.”
Speaking of the above section (chapter one) Shana makes it clear that Jaeda’s character correlates with anyone who feels they have met the love of their lives…and the ache that comes with an unfortunate requited love (so far…gotta read book 2 to see if it’s really unrequited). It was intense. I loved it.
I enjoyed the literary sauna. I loved Jaeda. She's got a good head on her shoulders. Even during the moments when it would have been understandable for her to give in to momentary desires- she chose her soul. She chose herself. Such as the sexy bathroom scene between her and Cairo. I was cheering for Jaeda at that moment. Cairo made her a second fiddle. Nah- she gotta work for it. Go Jaeda! There are seven chapters in total.
The number of times I mention how much I love alliteration…AND I’MMA MENTION IT AGAIN…
Shana’s use of alliteration and consonance with her blank verses feels steamy. Of course, her use of metaphors and details- but the coalition of the aforementioned caught my attention quickly. Although her use of alliteration is not as pronounced, you know damn well I shimmy from just one line of it.
Her poem, If Only, was my favorite poem from that chapter. It kept the ache, the feeling of strain from the separation that Jaeda was feeling consistent. Our Battle of Love was a cool nod to the video games and Barbies many may recognize playing (Like Street Fighter or Mario). I really thought I was doin’ something peepin’ the gamer nod too.
I loved Tammy! Although the bond between Jaeda and Tammy doesn’t stray far from friendship, I was still rooting for them in my heart. Read the book and you’ll get what I mean. Once Shawty was eyeing Jaeda’a booty cheeks in the kitchen and had a hissy fit because Jaeda wouldn’t stop chattin’ ‘bout Cairo…I knew. I knew.
Purple glass, purple tank dresses, purple pillows, a purple abode. Even the club Jaeda and Tammy went to see about Cairo at, there were purple fluorescent lights! The value of the color purple, when it comes to the writer, is vital. I can dig it.
Shana A E-Interview
1. What was your writing process like when writing, Purple Flames?
My writing process was as simple as pouring my heart out. I focused my energy on love and my true feelings and let it flow naturally. I don’t do a lot of preparation like people think. Mostly everything flows naturally as I want it to. My words are not over exaggerated and set forth to be as real as possible. Everyday I meditated and let the words flow from my soul…
2. Purple seems to be your color outside of Purple Flames…What’s the significance of purple in your life and brand?
Purple is my aura of life. It’s a spiritual connection of my inner light. I always felt good with purple around me. It’s a source of love and energy. Ever since I was a kid, I loved the color purple. I’m a very sensuous person and purple represents love and power. It’s a high frequency color of royalty.
3. Inferno, Blaze, Fire, Candles. What is the significance of fire to you when it comes to your poetry?
I’m a Sagittarius so I’m a fire sign. That’s the main connection with me and fire. I can go from 0-100 real quick. Also my story line is about loving my twin flame. The flames represent my love for another fire sign and having that spiritual connection. I burn of love and desire. I will also blaze a storm if I have to to defend myself.
4. Is there a background story for, Unhappy Eyes? If so, care to share? No, there is no background story that was just a piece at the moment.
5. Simmering, Sensual Blaze was my ISH! What was your process like writing that chapter? Are there any chapters that you enjoyed writing the most?
That was my favorite chapter as well. I really immersed into my desires in those chapters. It’s important for me to let my soul speak as much as possible. All my writing comes from my inner desires and when I wrote those pieces I just focused on how I wanted the reality to be. I wanted to be as sensual as possible. Which actually comes natural for me. It’s hard to explain because it’s not deeply thought about as you would think.
6. Whom is Jaeda based on? Is she a potpourri of people, completely made up by you? Is Jaeda a piece of you?
Jaeda is my alter ego. She is the fire side of me. I’m a very shy person so I learned to create an alter ego to help me transform into a warrior and goddess. She is me in a sense mixed with fictional characteristics.
7. I was surprised you had Tammy confess her feelings so early on in this poetic tale. Why?
Because Tammy has her own story line so, I wanted to get that out the way in the beginning of her adventure which will be coming soon. I wanted to showcase that Tammy and Jaeda had a real bond and sometimes those bonds can be confused with being in love.
8. When Jaeda allowed Cairo to enter her Zen room, was that symbolic? If so, what were you saying here?
Cairo is Jaeda’s twin flame and she adores every single part of her. In order to understand Jaeda’s and Cairo’s connection you have to read Watering Flames. She trusted Cairo enough to allow her into that special place that is not open to anyone else. That’s how much she loves Cairo… She feels the safest with her and since they share the same energy and she welcomed her into her private space.
9. Purple Flames 2 is out. Congratulations! Will Cairo make an appearance? Are new characters introduced?
Watering Flames is the Sequel and conclusion to Purple Flames. Yes Cairo is on the cover and there are new characters so make sure you check it out.
10. How significant is writing poetry for you? How imperative is reading poetry for you?
Poetry is my life. I not only write it, I LIVE IT! That’s how significant it is for me. I love to read poetry that is raw and straight from the heart. I feel those words more than someone who over thinks. Poetry is a daily goal for me. Reading and writing poetry is my daily priority that comes naturally…
Purple Flames: Inferno of Poetry
A story of a blooming romance burning of desires, walking through the walls of fire. This book has passion, love, eroticism and heartbreak. It is the story behind realistic lesbian love. In between the story lies poetry. The main character is the aura of a beautiful rose growing as she fight her fears and follow her heart to love and new beginnings.Snag your copy today!
Watering Flames
The conclusion to my first book; Purple Flames: Inferno of Poetry. Watering Flames is a novel and poetry with a combination of fictional and a nonfictional story line. This book is filled with passion, intimacy, love, pain and a heartwarming ending… This lesbian erotic fairytale is a roller coaster of emotions and poetry. Highlighting the journey to get to true love. The trial and tribulations of sacrificing to receive what’s deserving… A rare love story… Snag your copy today!
I am celebrating the birthdays of 3 my poetry collections in September! "Long Live Phoenixes," "Orange September," and "My Quintessence." No matter how old or new, I hope my vulnerable works inspire readers and showcase my evolving poetry journey over the past 6, 1, and 10 years.