Sonja Michelle Crockett was born and raised in Chicago, IL. She attended the Academy of Performing Arts in Chicago, IL majoring in Theatre, and Dwight D. Eisenhower High School in Blue Island, IL. She interned at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL. She earned a Bachelor’s in Speech and a Master’s in English from Chicago State University.
RARA: Why did you decide to publish?
Sonja: I decided to self-publish, because I was dealing with serious health issues, educated, and unable to work. Prior to becoming seriously ill, I wanted to write a children’s book after I lost my baby in 2003. I set the idea of writing a book to the side to fulfill other obligations, such as work and maintaining my household.
RARA: What titles have you published to date?
Sonja: Christianna, From Test to Testimony: My Memoir, Meriah Goes to Church
RARA: How are you currently marketing your book and what has given you the best results?
Sonja: s Network (CBAN), book signings at various events, libraries, radio and internet interviews, and Facebook (www.facebook.com/sonjamcrockett.author). I also have bookmarks I give away for all three of my books.
Additionally, my books may be purchased through many websites, including www.amazon.com, and www.barnesandnoble.com.
RARA: Are there any books or websites that you have found the most useful?
Sonja: I have found google to be the most useful. There is a lot of information out there and it is important to educate yourself on the process of publishing.
RARA: What has been your greatest challenge in self publishing?
Sonja: My greatest challenge in self-publishing was in the beginning when I was in the learning process and was looking for the right company to print copies of my first book entitled, Christianna. I discovered Mira Digital Publishing and they printed the first copies of my first book.
RARA: What is the best advice or tip you can give a new and aspiring author?
Sonja: The best advice I can give a new and aspiring author is do not give up on your dream of becoming an author. “Nothing beats a failure, but a try.” Do your research and ask the appropriate people, such as other authors questions. Join a group for authors, such as the Chicago Black Author’s Network (CBAN). Last, but not least, keep writing.
Thank you for taking the time and reading about one of my favorite authors, Sonja Crockett.
Crockett’s résumé includes being a full-time provisional teacher, associate editor, freelance writer, and case manager to name a few. She was also a volunteer for Chicago Commons AmeriCorps.
In February 2006, Crockett became paralyzed. Refusing to be confined to a wheelchair, she returned to walking three and a half months later.
In December 2006, Crockett became paralyzed again. This time, her speech and vision were impaired.
Crockett was diagnosed with a rare disease called Neuro Myelitis Optica (NMO), an auto immune disease likened to Multiple Sclerosis.
She credits GOD for allowing her to walk and talk again. She is still waiting for the full manifestation of her healing.
Her testimony is so that GOD may be glorified, that man may be exhorted and come to CHRIST, and to let people know that GOD still heals.
Meriah Goes to Church is Crockett’s third book. Her first book is a children’s book entitled, Christianna ©2010 and her second book is an adult, non-fiction book entitled, From Test to Testimony: My Memoir ©2011.
Currently, she lives in a south suburb of Chicago.
To read about more self-publishing authors, please check out my previous blogs.
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