Wednesday, October 3, 2018

Interview with author Shailah Edmonds




Wild Child to Couture Style: The Shailah Edmonds Story


1. What really inspired you to write your book, to force you from taking an idea or experience and conveying it into a book?
I have always kept a journal during my travels as a model, just to have something to reflect on when my career was over. After reviewing all of my adventures, I realized my story would make a great book. After putting it in book form, I then realized the underlying message of inspiration, dedication, perseverance and faith, which is important not only to models, but to people in all walks of life.

2. What is it about and whom do you believe is your targeted reader?
My book is my memoir of my journey from a small town, Portland, Oregon, and my tumultuous journey to becoming a “supermodel” on the Couture runways of Paris. I forfeited a family life, made many bad decisions, had near death experiences, traveled extensively and sometimes recklessly, yet made it as a successful model, and was able to enjoy my children as a family. This book is aimed at aspiring models that need to know what it takes to survive a difficult business. Towards the end of the book, there is a tutorial for aspiring models, however this book is also a
page-turner with life lessons for any adult who wants to know the perseverance and dedication it takes to be successful in any business.

3. What do you hope will be the everlasting thoughts for readers who finish your book?
What should remain with them long after putting it down?
This book not only chronicles my life, but also encompasses the history of a time when Black models were the rage in Paris. There are rare photos, and names of unsung Black models, who came from everywhere, that were expats due to the difficulty of finding work in America, and how they were muses for all the top designers.

4. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers?
My advice to writers is to not be afraid to tell your story. Writing a memoir and exposing your true self is one of the most difficult things to do. Many of my friends were, and probably still are in shock at the things they found out about me, but that's what makes a GREAT book, everybody has a story, so go for it!

5. What trends in the book world do you see and where do you think the book publishing
industry is heading?
It seems that EVERYBODY is writing a book these days and competition is thicker than
ever, but on the other hand, new bookstores are opening, and people are beginning to read
more physical books instead of online. There are also many online marketing opportunities. I believe there is a long prosperous road for the book industry.

6. What great challenges did you have in writing your book?
My biggest challenge in writing my book was putting in the time. Even if it's a chapter a
day, you must dedicate yourself. Believe me, when you’re in the thick of it, it is a lonely,
tedious time, but it is so worth it in the end. My publication has given me new life, I am
so proud of my accomplishment, great reviews and having the time of my life.

7. If people can only buy one book this month, why should it be yours?
People should buy my book, not only because of the amazingly BEAUTIFUL cover that
will grace their library, but they will gain a true historical story of the modeling industry
in the ‘80’s, when designers and fashion were at their peak. They will be so inspired and
enlightened to go out and find their true calling.

A native of Portland, Oregon, Shailah relocated to New York, to pursue her modeling career. After signing with the Ford agency, she soon moved to Paris, where she lived for over two years, and became a much sought after, International Couture model. She traveled to places like Germany, London, Milan, Rome, Japan, Portugal, Finland, Africa, and more, modeling for the most prestigious designers in the world, including Yves St. Laurent, Givenchy, Dior, Valentino, Versace, Armani, just to name a few (see gallery of pix). After a very successful, lucrative career in Paris, she moved back to New York City, where she is now based. After retiring from the runway, she continues to do print work, as well as coach models from top agencies, preparing them for major shows. She also produced a top selling instructional dvd, entitled "THE RUNWAY TO SUCCESS" and most recently, published an intriguing memoir entitled "WILD CHILD TO COUTURE STYLE" (See Wild Child Book page or Amazon or BarnesandNoble.com) which chronicles her journey from Portland to Paris. For more info, please consult: https://www.shailahedmonds.com

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Brian Feinblum’s insightful views, provocative opinions, and interesting ideas expressed in this terrific blog are his alone and not that of his employer or anyone else. You can – and should -- follow him on Twitter @theprexpert and email him at brianfeinblum@gmail.com. He feels much more important when discussed in the third-person. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog © 2018. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester. His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s Independent.  This was named one of the best book marketing blogs by Book Baby http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs and recognized by Feedspot in 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. Also named by WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.” He recently hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America and participated in a PR panel at the Sarah Lawrence College Writers Institute Conference

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