Toshia Shaw is the creator of On the Road to Queendom, a blog that not only showcases wonderful loc styles and the beautiful women who wear them, but is composed of inspirational insight, natural hair information, products, fashion, interviews and more. High Stakes, the first of her many novels, is a fast-paced roller coaster ride, that you wont want to end.
We have all heard the saying, "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas", but with High Stakes this is not the case.
Shaw places the reader right in the middle of the drama-filled lives of her characters, providing a front row seat view to the events that unfold. Everyone will be able to relate to each of their struggles to overcome the obstacles of life in an effort to achieve self love and happiness.
From the prologue to the very last chapter, High Stakes will have you eagerly awaiting to find out how the characters are going to get out of the situations they are in, and anticipating those to come. You will not be disappointed with the results. High Stakes also teaches lessons through the lives of its characters about the importance of self worth, true friends and family.
Toshia’s inspiration for High Stakes ...
High Stakes was inspired after I did a brief internship at a local runaway shelter. It was there I was introduced to young ladies who were from all over the United States, they were picked up for being on the streets after hours. Those same young girls were working in the sex industry of Las Vegas. Also, I have firsthand knowledge of exotic dancers, their stories, and struggles out here in the city. So the story is a work of fiction, but their situations can easily be anyone.
Synopsis of High Stakes ...
High Stakes is a story of greed, loyalty, being true to oneself, and selfishness. It tells the tale of three best friends; Shauna, Dawn, and Felicia who are bonded as 'partners-in-crime' while trying to survive in the nightlife of Sin-City. Their friendship becomes compromised once Dawn's fiancé enters the picture. Although happy for their friend, Shauna and Felicia quickly begin to question the validity of their friendship when they aren't allowed into Dawn's new picture perfect life.
Desperate to keep her old lifestyle a secret from her fiancé, Dawn comes up with an elaborate scheme to make sure she weds him at any cost. Felicia is caught in the middle, and when it proves too much, she goes against her better judgment and becomes lost in her own world where promiscuity and drug abuse become the major players in her life.
This book will keep you guessing, and the pages turning as you try to find out who wins and who 'craps out.'
Toshia’s advice for those contemplating writing their own book ...
Well the best piece of advice I can give any new author is to do your research. You cannot do anything by just jumping in. You need to know your market, and create a business plan. Although, you are a writer you must know who is going to pick up the book and read it when you put your pen down. This goes for authors seeking a contract with a traditional publisher, or self-publishing.
Can High Stakes fans expect more?
Oh yes, you didn't think this would be the last you would hear from the girls did you? The follow-up to High Stakes is Roulette, and it will be out Spring of 2011!
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