Today we’d like to introduce you to DD Hairston.
Hi DD, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I began writing when I was twelve years old because I loved to read. I spent hours in the library and began entering contests. It was not my dream to become an author, I actually stumbled onto this love of life. I was going through a difficult time in my life when my mother advised me to write to help me through this phase. That is when my first book, Love Child, was born. It was just a hobby at the time. I received great feedback on the manuscript. My son convinced me to submit it to publishing companies. I thought nothing would become of it. To my surprise, I was contacted by two different companies, and my career as an author began. I now have ten fiction books on Amazon (Love Child 1,2 & 3, Caught Up In His World, Instagram Queens 1, 2, &3, Ramseys Rising 1 & 2, and A Piece of Me) and one non-fiction book Political? Porn; When Is Enough, Enough). It has been an incredible ride.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As easy as it was to get my first contract, the road was not smooth. As much as I enjoyed working with my first publisher, I had to learn reading your contract is a must. After my second publisher, I decided to go Independent. It was a lot to learn in the publishing world. As a creative person, I just wanted to put my thoughts into a book. You learn that with publishers, most of your royalties go back to the publisher. When you are just starting in your career, it is acceptable because, as a writer, you do not know what you are doing, and you want to concentrate on your content and characters. As you grow, you begin to want creative control of your covers and the stories you write.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an author of realistic Urban Fiction… In my writing, I take you through the everyday life of Los Angeles through love, life, death, forgiveness, and struggle. Each book deals with how a family must overcome life challenges and bring themselves back together as friends and family. Whether it’s the death of a father or a sibling. I also deal with learning to deal with love and social media and leaving the streets behind you. Each story is realistic and tugs at your heartstrings.
I am really proud of how my books shine a different light on Los Angeles. Even as I keep them true to life, I focus on what most Urban authors don’t: family. I also send free books to inmates. It gives more outlook on life instead of “Hood Books.”
What sets me apart from other authors is I also have a YouTube channel where I give sneak peeks of my books and also do Book Reviews of other independent authors. I also have a YouTube show, Conversations In The Hookah Lounge, where we discuss everyday issues as well as bring on guests to promote their books or products. Also, we started a publishing company to assist authors in their writing careers. If they need any assistance from editing or publishing, an author is not losing their royalties.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
A mentor is very important. I have a few from the literary world as well as spiritual. A mentor helps guide you and lift you up on days you feel defeated.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/dd_hairston?
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085096242589
- LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/ItsMeDD
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVAyx0ufTQ1G5WnYc-bExGA
- Other: https://youtu.be/S5s7nwoOukg
