Shawan Lewis received a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from James Madison University. She worked as an insurance professional for eleven years before she became a realtor and novelist. Shawan enjoys reading fairy tales to her young daughter and spending time with her family. She resides in Baltimore, Maryland and is currently working on several projects, including a series of children's books.

Onyx Devoe dreams of becoming a famous R&B singer. By day she works as a claims adjuster and by night she works on her demo. One of her new clients happens to be NBA player, Wayne Griffin, whom she quickly falls for. He's attractive, charismatic and shares her love for music. Before she knows it, she's pregnant and living with him. She suspects he's cheating, but nothing could prepare her for the devastation to come.

Paris Parker is a single mother with an out-of-work boyfriend. The respect level in their relationship has dwindled to nothing. When she lands an internship, her boyfriend is the least of her worries. Somebody at work is trying to sabotage her projects and get her fired. Meanwhile, her boss, a married man, has made more than one pass at her. When she comes home early from work and catches her man having sex, all hell breaks loose. What's disturbing is the identity of "the other woman."

Effie Peters has been married to Clarence for forty years. They've experienced many ups and downs. So when Clarence announces that he is leaving Effie for a younger woman, she laughs it off. However, when he moves out, reality sets in. Clearly, the young girl is only after Clarence's settlement money, but he mistakes the attention for love. When he becomes ill, guess who's at his bedside?

All of these women, though weathering different storms, share a common link. Discovering their heavenly bond will forever change their lives.

Purchase HELP WANTED today at Amazon.com.

Insurance work is mundane, so after years of pushing paperwork, I decided to pursue creative interests.  Around 1994, I began dabbling in poetry.  I was in my early twenties, wrapped up in the dating scene/living single mix.  The experiences, coupled with my imagination helped me build a foundation for fiction writing.

HELP WANTED, your debut novel:  pitch it to us in 25 words or less.

The dramatic lives of a dope fiend, depressed diva, single mother, virtuous woman, and ex-stripper intertwine in a scandalous, yet enlightening tale.  Buckle up!

How did the idea for HELP WANTED come about?

The idea for HELP WANTED came from the belief that there is a higher power who will order your steps, beautifully...if you let Him.

In 2001, I was dealing with a difficult pregnancy.  I began writing a story around a character named Onyx Devoe, who is in HELP WANTED.  Her trials were similar to mine.  The morning of September 11th, I was driving back from the Department of Motor Vehicles because I'd lost my wallet in a mall parking lot.  In the midst of hearing about the tragedy, I prayed for healing, not only for myself, but also for the families affected by the events taking place.  A few days later, the wallet I'd lost at the mall had been mailed back to me.  Everything was intact: my money, credit cards, etc.  I wanted to thank whoever had returned it, but there was no return address.  I truly believe Divine Intervention brought my wallet back.  I took account of my blessings, and decided to be optimistic, no matter what the circumstances.  Numerous literary agencies rejected my query letters, so I started my own company, Jaya Lane Publishing, LLC in order to showcase my works.

Describe the writing process of HELP WANTED for us; did you jump in and write, or did you take time to outline the story?

I jump in because I'm too impatient to construct a formal outline.  It is probably best to do the outline, but I never get around to it.  When I wrote HELP WANTED, I started out the gate, typing dialogue for one of my characters.  Somehow, I managed to tie everything together.  Last Christmas, my husband gave me a digital Dictaphone and a laptop, so the process is easier now.

What would you hope readers take away from reading HELP WANTED?

I hope readers get the message that one bad situation doesn't dictate your future.  Sometimes we need help from a higher source to show us how true love feels.  Also, be careful what you pray for...you just might get it.

What are some of the goals you have for yourself as a writer?

I want to gain more knowledge in other areas of the literary industry, such as editing, publishing, and artist development.  Eventually, I'd like to host my own writer's conference, to assist aspiring authors with the business side of writing.  My goal is to share information with writers on how to effectively distribute and market the novel once it's written.

What/Who inspires you as a writer?

Veteran writers J. California Cooper, Pearl Cleage, and Terry McMillan inspire me.

What's the perfect writing setting for you?

Sitting in bed, typing on the laptop in my favorite pajamas, with a mug of hot cocoa steaming on the nightstand.  No phone, no husband or toddler in sight.  The house is quiet...pure paradise.

What projects are you working on now? Are there any conferences or book signings in the near future?

My next novel, Collide, will be released Spring 2007.  Collide is an erotic tale of lovers, past and present, whose lives merge in the wake of a senseless tragedy.  My third novel, Rock-a-Bye, is an urban Desperate Housewives tale, which will be released Fall 2007.  I am also writing a series of children's books.

Please visit my website for the latest news and author events, www.shawanlewis.com.  I'd like to thank all the readers and proprietors who have supported my debut novel; and thank you, Shon for the interview.