Meet Dr. LaToya Geter-McElroy PhD

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. LaToya Geter-McElroy PhD. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr. LaToya below.

Dr. LaToya, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.

Every author has their method for completing a book. I’ve been an independently published Christian fiction author since 2019. In my books, I write what God instructs me regarding the plot and redeeming factors. Adding an unexpected, pearl-clutching, jaw-dropping, emotionally evoking plot twist is my creative addition. Before adding shocking twists and turns and exposing secrets of fictional characters, I must gain my writing flow. For my writing to flow, I must write with bold blue Cello Smooth ballpoint pens on bright white paper in a spiral notebook. I will write in a one-subject notebook, but I prefer to write in a two-subject wide-ruled notebook with bright white paper. The thickness of the two-subject notebook feels good to my wrist and the side of my hand as I write. The two-subject notebooks have more pages. I feel productive when I see I am filling the pages.

Writing my stories on paper allows me to tap into my emotions. My emotions create an empathetic relationship between my characters and I. A compassionate relationship and character development produce relatable stories for women living through struggles, unaware that God has assigned a loved one or created their husband to walk with them into the better days ahead.

Readers of my work have reviewed my typed books as rushed. The books I write on paper are five-star reads with life-positive, life-changing reviews. Readers help keep my creativity alive. I take into consideration what they are getting out of my work. Writing on paper seems a bit much to some authors, but for me, it keeps my creativity alive.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

If it’s not about a book, don’t ask me! I’m kidding!
That is a saying I’ve adopted because individuals still expect me to be heavily involved in organizations or activities that I was once involved in. I am focused on my books, publishing company, and non-profit organization. I write as author LaToya Geter, who publishes under Re’Nique Publishing. The Betty and Romunda Herman Foundation is the official charity of Re’Nique Publishing. The foundation supports the academic needs and social development of pre-kindergartens. Individuals can actually ask me about publishing, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy.

Individuals wanting to publish a book can ask about how to enroll in my author coaching program. New authors may inquire about consultations to help build their brand and presence in the literary world. Evolving authors are ready to write their next book, but they have been out of the industry for years! Things have changed! The Evolving Author Consultation aids authors in creating realistic goals to fulfill the purpose that is attached to their published book.

Another saying that I am proud to share is, “I am an author first!” Although I offer publishing consultations, I would prefer to write! My purpose is to write God’s word for His people who struggle with opening a Bible to read or for those who have been hurt by people in the building that houses the church.

If you are ever in Little Rock, Arkansas, stop by Re’Nique Publishing Bookstore and More! My bookstore is located inside Gavi Mall. The Re’Nique Publishing Authors Program allows authors to place their books in the bookstore and have a book signing. For more information on how authors can join “The Re’Nique Way,” visit www.reniquepublishing.com.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the two most impactful qualities on my journey to becoming a successful independent author were determination and perseverance. My writing skills led me to traditional publishing. However, I didn’t have the funds to continue publishing. Social media served as my area of knowledge. I knew how to search for other authors and join groups. I saw author Monica Walters publishing books once a month. Determined to publish more books, I gathered the courage to ask her for help. Monica’s guidance was pivotal in my writing career, which took me to the next level.

My advice for authors early in the journey is to search the industry for four authors: three who are more successful than they are and one who came before them. There should be one author who writes the same genre, an author who writes a different genre, an author with a different goal/purpose, and an author who is no longer living but paved the path for authors today to write. I encourage new authors to ask successful authors questions. Use the advice to create a brand that contributes to communities, society, and the world. Practicing gratitude and remaining humble are two actions that will keep relationships on the journey when writing is difficult, and to celebrate successful moments. I practiced gratitude and humility as I prepared my above response. Monica Walters and I have communicated on social media for six years. I reached out to her to be mentioned in this moment. My writing journey is not just about me. It’s about the willingness to help. Generosity is a character quality all independent authors must possess. A giving, helpful spirit is imperative for the success of independent authors.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

I am open to collaborating with independent authors who publish through Kindle Direct Publishing. I created a “Best Selling-Author Consultation” that assists authors with becoming best-selling authors. The consultation has led 10 authors to best-sellers in their respective genres. I would love to help other authors reach best-sellers if that is their desire. The Aspiring Author, New Author, and Evolving Author Consultations I provide are also successful with authors who choose KDP.

Authors wishing to collaborate can email [email protected]. I am also on all social media platforms as Author LaToya Geter.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Photo Credits: Re’Nique Publishing LLC, Author LaToya Geter

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