Shelia M. Goss is a screenwriter and national bestselling author of over twenty-one novels. She co-wrote and co-produced the short film, A Day in the Life of Sarah Jane. In 2015, she received the AAMBC Literary Award for Romance Author of the Year. Her book, The Joneses, was chosen by the Library Journal as one of the Best Books of 2014. Her book, Montana’s Way, was a 2014 Emma Award finalist and nominated in the mystery category for a 2013 African American Literary Award.

She writes in multiple genres: romance, women’s fiction, suspense, contemporary fiction, Christian fiction, and young adult. USA Today says, “Goss has an easy, flowing style with her prose…”

The Joneses and The Aftermath are published by Strebor Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, The books are filled with scandalous situations and unexpected twists. The Joneses saga follows the eponymous family as secrets are revealed and drama leads to danger. USA Today says, “The Jones family can rival any TV drama series on prime time.” For more information, visit the Simon & Schuster website by clicking here. 

She also writes a young adult series, The Sweet Sixteen Diaries, under the pen name Sparkle. The first book in the series, Sade’s Secrets, delves into the dynamics of a mother/daughter relationship. Crystal’s Crush is the second book in the series. There’s nothing sweet about turning sixteen as Crystal quickly finds out in this edgy tale of drama, intrigue and teenage love.

Besides writing fiction, Shelia is a freelance writer. She’s received many accolades since embarking on a writing career. For example, she’s an Essence Magazine bestselling author, the recipient of three Shades of Romance Magazine Readers Choice Multi-Cultural Awards and honored as a Literary Diva: The Top 100 Most Admired African American Women in Literature.

Although Shelia has a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, her passion for writing has always been there. Shelia decided to pursue her life-long dream after being down-sized from a fortune 500 company.

For more information, visit www.sheliamgoss.com or email her at sheliagoss@aol.com.

Shelia is available to speak and teach workshops at literary conferences across the country, Shelia works closely with librarians supporting literacy and increasing awareness via workshops for adults and teens.

Five Questions with Shelia M. Goss

Do you have a favorite author of all time or someone who inspired you to achieve your goals as a writer?  
Shelia: I have too many “favorite” authors to list; however, I will say that meeting Maya Angelou when I was a freshman in high school is what set it all in motion. Her passion for words inspired me to write.

What is your favorite sort of character?
Shelia: One that is flawed. No one’s perfect in real life, so the characters in my books aren’t either. They have issues just like a friend, a co-worker or a stranger on the street would have.

What is your pet peeve?
Shelia: People who lie to me for no reason. I can handle the truth.

Where is your dream vacation?
Shelia: Dubai. I would also love to go back to Paradise Island, Bahamas.

What is your favorite motto?
Shelia: Life has two rules: number 1, Never quit!; number 2, Always remember rule number 1 ~Duke Ellington