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MEET U.M. Hiram
(https://authorumhiram.com/):
U.M. Hiram is a three-time #1 Amazon bestselling, award-winning author, and literary consultant. She is also a human resource professional, 21-year retired Navy veteran and mom. The East Coast native currently resides in the midwestern Sunflower State of Kansas.
Her love for writing began at an early age, evolving into independent publishing and writing in multi-genres that include romance, romantic suspense, Christian fiction, and inspirational fiction. She enjoys reading, traveling, watching sports as well as spending time with her family when not putting pen to paper.
BLH: Introduce us to the first book you wrote. What’s the story about?
UMH: The first book that I’ve written professionally is Queen of Wilmette. It is a romantic suspense standalone novel and the seventh book in the Queens of the Castle series. The two main characters in this book are childhood friends from Chicago who reconnected after a number of years apart and are beginning their married life abroad in the fictional country of Durabia.
Vikkas and Milan Germaine are settling into their life abroad but one phone call changes everything. Due to her mother’s health crisis, Milan travels back home to Chicago. What was supposed to be a brief trip evolves into an extended stay due to past secrets being revealed and family members preparing to settle scores that causes a ripple effect of upheavals in their lives.
BLH: Tell us about the characters who move the story forward.
UMH: Vikkas Germaine, King of Wilmette, is an international lawyer and the eldest son of Khalil Germaine who is the Kings of the Castle founder. His wife Milan Germaine, Queen of Wilmette, has a background in social work and operates Second Chance Safe Haven which is a center that helps disadvantaged and underprivileged youth. Both of them are on a mission to make a positive difference in the lives of others using their connections, influence, and capital. There is more to this powerful couple than meets the eye.
BLH: What experience or person inspired you to become a writer?
UMH: Honestly, I have always been a creative person from a young age. Journaling and putting books together using colorful construction paper were two things that I loved to do. Both were engaging and fun for me until I started junior high school then my focus changed to music and drama. Fast forward to growing up and experiencing life – motherhood and the military – I turned back to writing as an escape along with reading more across genres.
One of the authors whose books that I really loved reading was national bestselling author J.D. Mason. Never in my life did I think that I would meet her in person but as my predestined path would have it, I did. She became my mentor as I made the decision to pursue writing professionally. Her advice has been invaluable, and she is the reason that I was able to meet the amazing USA Today and Essence bestselling author Naleighna Kai who is a literary powerhouse in her own right and has taken me under her wings. These two women have been a blessing in my life and I thank God for both of them along with the amazing Tribe Called Success.
BLH: Is Stop a sequel to Queen? Tell us what’s happening at the opening of Stop.
UMH: Stop in the Name of Love is not a sequel to Queen of Wilmette. I had the privilege to co-author the re-release of this book with USA Today and Essence Bestselling author Naleighna Kai. In the opening scene, the main female character, Elise Payne, is on her way to catch the train to head downtown for her first day of work but is stopped for speeding by the handsome police officer, Roman Montgomery. After having a tear-filled meltdown, Elise was frozen in place and feeling defeated because of everything that she had faced over the past few weeks especially the death of her sister. Officer Montgomery made the selfless decision to take her downtown in his cruiser so that she wouldn’t have to be dealt another blow. That ride was the beginning of their love story.
BLH: Give us a snapshot of the story’s setting. Also, what period does the story take place in?
UMH: The story takes place in Chicago and the way that it is written makes you feel as if you are currently experiencing everything in real time versus a specific period in the past or future.
BLH: Is Persistence your first non-fiction book? Share an overview of Persistence.
UMH: Yes, Persistence is my first non-fiction, inspirational book. It is based on select biblical stories which intertwine with true accounts of things that have happened in my journey on this earth thus far. No matter the situation, I have always held on to my faith in Jesus Christ and the fact that I’ve experienced the results of life-changing powerful prayers. The three biblical stories that I used to craft the inspirational stories in this book are Hannah (dealing with naysayers), Daniel (trusting God in the valley moments), and the death of loved ones (my mother and uncle). Although this book was tough for me to write, my hope was/is that it is a blessing and inspiration to others who may have faced any of these challenges that I did or something similar. The main takeaway is that there is power in fervent prayer.
BLH: You’re also a literary consultant. What type of consultancy services do you offer?
UMH: As a literary consultant, I offer my clients the following services: beta readings, coaching services, content editing, interior book design and manuscript assessment of the first two to three chapters.
BLH: After someone enters a literacy consultancy with you, what happens (i.e., do you help authors develop a story, even before they start writing; edit final manuscripts)?
UMH: My primary focus as a literary consultant is working with my clients through the process of writing their manuscript within 30 days. Accountability methods include setting word counts, weekly check-ins, and providing them with the tools they will need to successfully publish their books. Any services that are not offered by me, I do have great referrals that I’m able to provide to them.
BLH: What types of books are your interior design services for?
UMH: I offer interior design services for both fiction and non-fiction books which includes full interior layout and formatting.
BLH: What writing process do you follow (e.g., outlines, character sketches)?
UMH: The writing process that I use can differ for each book. Character sketches, photo boards, and story flows are the primary methods that I love to use for this process.
BLH: Are you working on any other new books? If so, please give us a glimpse into what you're working on.
UMH: Yes, I am currently working on a second chance romance novel titled Finally. It will actually be a re-release of a book that I had previously written prior to Queen of Wilmette. Additionally, there are two book projects in the works but I can’t share too much about those right now. Stay tuned!
BLH: We learn so much about ourselves while creating. What have you learned about yourself since you wrote your books?
UMH: Wow, that is a great question. I have learned to trust the process and lean in on this literary journey. It can be daunting at times and make you second guess your level of creativity. However, as I have been growing as an author, my level of resiliency and confidence has increased as well.
BLH: Please share three to four strategies that authors can take to spread the word about their books.
UMH: Networking, interviews, and social media are three strategies important to successfully spreading the word about your books. Why? Networking includes fostering relationships with book clubs, reviewers, and authors in your genres. Additionally, attending book conferences and events that include signings as well as speaking engagements can expand your audience exposure. Interviews - live, recorded, or written - are important because it can give readers a glimpse into who you are as well as your published works. Lastly, social media presence is vital because it provides a quicker connection to readers and those interested in you and your books. Sharing snippets of behind the scenes, events that you attend, and even everyday life moments can help to create a strong connections on a broader scale.
BLH: What last words of encouragement or advice would you like to leave with The Book Lover’s Haven readers?
UMH: If you are aspiring to author a book, take the first steps. Be unafraid to put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard. One of my favorite quotes by the legendary Dr. Maya Angelou says, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” Don’t sit on that story, whether fiction or non-fiction, because it can inspire others as well as unleash the creative nature that has been sitting inside of you. Make sure that you research and study the craft as well as the genre(s) that you plan to write in because being educated about the literary space as an author is vitally important.
Now if you don’t want to write a book but provide support to an author, here’s a few things that you can do for us. Follow authors on social media, be engaging on social media by interacting with or sharing our posts, sign up for our email list, write meaningful reviews of our books, making recommendations of our books, and of course making that purchase. The support of readers is priceless and what allows us to keep being creative. Without your support, we couldn’t continue to travel on this literary journey. Thank you for this amazing opportunity, Denise! I appreciate it and you very much.
“You have to take risks. We will only understand the miracle of life fully when we allow the unexpected to happen." — Paulo Coelho
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