SPS 077: From Writing In Prison To 4x New York Times Bestseller & 1M Copies (Wahida Clark Interview)

TL;DR

Wajita Clark shares her inspiring journey of becoming a four-time New York Times best-selling author while in prison and offers advice on creating raving fans for a successful fiction series.

Transcript

hey chandler bolt here and joining me is wajita clark uh wahida is a four times new york times best-selling author uh she's been working with us at self-publishing school she's written over a dozen books and her novels include the wildly popular thug series she's got an amazing story she started writing while in prison which we're going to talk abo... Read More

Key Insights

• ✊ Wajita's journey showcases the power of determination and resilience in overcoming adversity and achieving success.
• 🎯 Understanding one's target audience and writing to their interests and preferences is instrumental in creating a successful fiction series.
• 🪭 Engaging with readers through personal interactions, such as answering fan mail and being active on social media, helps build a loyal fan base.
• 🔑 Utilizing networks within niche communities, such as the prison system, can be beneficial for spreading the word and generating sales.
• ❓ Flexibility and adaptability are essential for success, as Wajita expanded her publishing company into different genres like erotica and fantasy.
• 😤 Collaborating with a strong and motivated team is crucial for managing a successful publishing business.
• 🥺 Continuous learning and improvement, such as studying the craft of writing, can lead to better storytelling and increased reader engagement.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Wajita Clark start writing while in prison?

Wajita started writing while serving a prison sentence, inspired by an article about another inmate who had written a book. She visualized her name on book spines and took a creative writing course offered in prison.

Q: How did Wajita get her books published while in prison?

Wajita sent her handwritten manuscript to a publisher, Carl Weber, who had just started a publishing company. She faced challenges with a bounced royalty check but eventually landed publishing deals with major companies.

Q: How did Wajita create a successful fiction series?

Wajita listened to her readers and engaged with them through fan mail and social media. She understood her demographic in the street lit genre and kept the story going based on reader feedback.

Q: How did Wajita market and sell a large number of books while in prison?

Wajita's story resonated with her audience, and the prison system served as a powerful network for spreading the word. Engaging with readers, answering fan mail, and utilizing social media helped her build a loyal fan base.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Wajita Clark started writing while in prison and went on to become a four-time New York Times best-selling author.

• She created successful fiction series, such as the "Thug" series, by understanding her demographic and engaging her audience.

• Wajita utilized the powerful network within the prison system and leveraged inmate support to sell her books.