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An Interview With Sapphic Author Monika M. Pickett
No Strings Attached
(Washington, DC – June 12, 2024) – Get ready to learn more about the book The Darkest Shade of Blue in this discussion with sapphic author Monika M. Pickett. Join us for an exclusive peek behind the scenes as we quiz Monika M. Pickett about The Darkest Shade of Blue, writing, reading, and more.
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This book is part of the No Strings Attached category in the 2024 IHS Reading Challenge.
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Why did you write The Darkest Shade of Blue?
I wrote this book because I did not see the narratives and contributions of African American lesbians.
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Who is your favorite character in the book?
My favorite character is the main protagonist, Nikki Blue. Nikki is my favorite character because no matter the trial, she never gives up. This character is similar to me in that we both are optimists. The glass is always half full versus half empty.
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What inspired the idea for The Darkest Shade of Blue?
As I recovered from a stroke, there was a sense of urgency to recreate myself. I had to pivot in my career from a school administrator to an Indie author.
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Vegas Welcomes Erotica Author and LGBTQIA Advocate Monika M. Pickett
Pickett Also Launches New Website
(Washington, DC – November 27, 2023) – Meet Monika M. Pickett, #1 international best-selling author of the Pretty Boy Blue trilogy and LGBTQIA advocate, at The Analog Dope Store in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 9, 2023. The Analog Dope Store is a Black-woman owned bookstore that specializes in diverse titles by underrepresented groups, located in the heart of the vibrant Downtown Arts District of Las Vegas.
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“I am so excited to host this event at a Black lesbian-owned bookstore, in Vegas no less!” said Pickett. “In this time of book banning, it is important to have inclusive spaces where all stories can be told.”
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“At Analog Dope we pride ourselves on being a safe space and giving room to voices that are easily silenced. Monika M. Pickett’s book signing and reading will help to spark real dialogue about the challenges of finding oneself beyond societal labels and embracing the fullness of the human experience,” said Rachelle and Cierra Luster, owners of The Analog Dope Store. “All of this with an extra bit of kink; we're looking forward to the experience of Pretty Boy Blue.”
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Experience this unique event which includes book readings by Monika M. Pickett and a discussion of her popular, erotica series that follows protagonist, Nikki Blue, a young lesbian woman who is finding her way in the world. You will be forever changed once you meet Nikki Blue.
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“I think Nikki Blue’s journey toward self-love and acceptance is relatable,” explained Pickett. “We all have to make the decision to be our authentic selves in order to have the life that we want.”
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The universal story of Nikki Blue is a testament of perseverance, faith, audacity and love. The trilogy includes the titles Pretty Boy Blue, The Darkest Shade of Blue and The Evolution of Nikki Blue.
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This event coincides with the launch of Pickett’s new website, monikampickett.com. The updated site includes footage of an event that celebrated the completion of her popular trilogy as well as her deep archive of articles and blog posts. It will also feature the return of her voice in new blog posts.
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This free event will be held from 5 - 6:30pm at The Analog Dope Store at 205 E. Colorado Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89104. Signed copies of the three novels will be available for purchase. For more information, call The Analog Dope Store at 702-483-1567 or visit analogdope.com.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Monika M. Pickett, author of the international best-selling Pretty Boy Blue trilogy, is a highly sought-after speaker and LGBTQIA rights activist. A former advertising sales executive with the Washington Times and National Society of Black Engineers, she also authored monthly columns at Huffpost.com, EURWEB.com and Medium.com.
As a columnist, Ms. Pickett shares her thoughts, experiences and advice about coming out, same-sex marriage and divorce, navigating the U.S. healthcare system, ongoing cultural bias and other issues. Monika is also a veteran of the United States Army.
ABOUT THE ANALOG DOPE STORE
Located in the heart of the Las Vegas Arts District, The Analog Dope Store is a lovingly curated bookstore and vinyl record shop. Our curated book selection features genres such as Fiction, Non-Fiction, Autobiography, Activism, Socio-Political, Spirituality, Artistry, Business, Young Adult and Children's books centered in Black Culture and the African Diaspora. Our curated vinyl section spans the genres of jazz, soul, classic rock, hip hop, r & b and reggae. We are Black women, LGBTQ owned and operated and welcome all to experience our nostalgic nook.
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Monika M. Pickett’s Sexy Book Sequel ‘The Darkest Shade of Blue' Available on Digital Retail Platforms Everywhere
(Washington, DC – July 1, 2019) – Nikki Blue, the unforgettable heroine of the eye-opening debut novel, PRETTY BOY BLUE, is back. In THE DARKEST SHADE OF BLUE, released on Friday, June 21, from iUniverse Publishing, author Monika M. Pickett pens a searing, sexy continuation of Nikki’s riveting story, a lesbian’s ongoing search to find acceptance as well as personal – and sexual – fulfillment in a complicated and sometimes hostile society.
Despite growing up in a New Jersey community where same-sex desire wasn’t accepted, Nikki always believed that she would find love and commitment with another woman, refusing to be held down by society’s standards. As a young person, she has dating adventures, eventually moving from college life to military service, and becomes pregnant while overseas.
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In this riveting second novel, upon returning to the States, Nikki is devastated after a breakup from her lover Katrice. Nonetheless, she draws strength from within, giving birth to her beautiful son, Karlos, while garnering the support of family and true friends. Determined to make it, she goes on to work in advertising for a major Washington DC publication, climbing the corporate ladder while exploring her erotic self in her personal life. She dares to open her heart again to two women: Danielle, a tall Virginian who adores Nikki’s son but for whom Nikki questions her attraction, and Valencia, a sales rep who hires Nikki as a birthday party dancer, with the two soon embracing moments of exquisite passion.
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The brand-new sequel should delight and excite fans of 2017’s PRETTY BOY BLUE, which drew praise from both straight and gay readers for its emotional honesty, erotic encounters, and raw examination of the realities in store for a young African American lesbian. In this second book of the fictional trilogy, Nikki tries to balance her sexual identity while serving in the military, frequenting the club scene, and trying to find love.
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“It’s a nice segue from the first book. Nikki always wanted a family; she always wanted that life. And in this book, she’s determined to find that,” says Pickett.
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“In the sequel, she comes into her own. She believes I am going to have a child; I can be a lesbian and have a child. I am going to have a wife, whereas years ago it wasn’t feasible or acceptable.
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“This shows Nikki’s growth, personally and in her relationships,” Pickett continues. “For this book, I want people to think about dispelling stereotypes and over-generalizations about the lesbian lifestyle. And in THE DARKEST SHADE OF BLUE, Nikki becomes more self-aware and won’t allow other people to define her.”
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Readers are in store for another literary treat offering both sensual adventures and life’s hard truths while rooting for Nikki every step of the way.
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THE DARKEST SHADE OF BLUE is available on Amazon and other leading digital retail sites.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Monika M. Pickett is a veteran of the United States Army, in which she served as a medic in Operation Desert Storm. She is an advocate and activist for the LGBTQ community. Pickett is a former advertising sales executive with The Washington Times and the National Society of Black Engineers. She earned an MBA from Johns Hopkins University, Maryland in 2005. Pickett is also the author of a monthly column, available online at EURWEB.com and Medium.com, where she shares her thoughts, experiences, and advice about coming out, same-sex marriage and divorce, navigating the U.S. healthcare system, ongoing cultural bias, and other issues. She currently lives in Woodbridge, Virginia.
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Ms. Pickett is a highly sought-after speaker and LBGTQ rights activist. She is available for press interviews and book signings. For more information, go to the website: www.monikampickett.com.
Book Details
Title: THE DARKEST SHADE OF BLUE
Author: Monika M. Pickett
Publisher: iUniverse Publishing
Distributed by: iUniverse Publishing
Publication Date: June 25, 2019
ISBN: 9781532076992 (Hardcover)
ISBN: 9781532074196 (Softcover)
ISBN: 9781532074189 (ebook)
Price: $ 26.99 (HC), $16.99 (SC), $9.99 (EB)
Format: E-Book, Perfect Bound Softcover, and Dusk Jacket Hardcover
Page Count: 218
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'Invisible Life' Meets 'The L Word' in Pretty Boy Blue
On July 20, Virginia native and author Monika M. Pickett will be unveiling her new book Pretty Boy Blue to the DC area’s LGBTQ community.
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With the setting of the book taking place in Washington, DC, it was only fitting that Pickett host her book reading and signing at Busboys and Poets.
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Pickett is a former advertising sales executive with The Washington Times and the National Society of Black Engineers. She also is a veteran of the United States Army where she served as a medic in Operation Desert Storm and received an honorable discharge in 1991.
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Pretty Boy Blue is a unique yet timeless narrative, sure to connect with many in the LGBTQ community eager to see their lives chronicled with honesty and compassion. At the same time, Pickett doesn’t shy away from describing the main character Nikki Blue’s moments of steamy passion, emotional pain, questionable choices, and struggle to walk in her truth.
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“The book is a coming-of-age story—think Invisible Life meets The L Word,” says Pickett, referring to the groundbreaking 1994 novel by the late E. Lynn Harris and Showtime’s influential TV drama focused on a group of lesbian friends. “This book is needed in the marketplace to create understanding, communication and compassion between LGBTQ young adults and their families. Although the country is moving towards equality, there are many individuals who suffer in silence.”
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Pickett based some of the novel’s story line on her own life, and wrote it to heal from a rare brain disorder. She discusses more about her health in her article on Electronic Urban Report.
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She wants people to attend the reading “to create an open dialogue on self-awareness and sexuality.”
The Pretty Boy Blue Book Talk & Signing takes place on July 20 at Busboys & Poets, 2021 14th Street NW, Washington, DC at 6:30 pm.
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Coming-of-Age Novel PRETTY BOY BLUE Hits the Shelves
Nikki Blue knew that she was different from other girls. One day, her slice of the American dream would include a white picket fence and a wife. While she looks like a debutante, she has the swagger of a cocksure boy-a dichotomy that is as mystifying as it is alluring.
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In the debut novel PRETTY BOY BLUE by Monika M. Pickett, Nikki finally learns the value of self-love and the wisdom of the old adage "that which does not kill you will make you stronger." PRETTY BOY BLUE (Next Level Publishing) is available on Amazon.com.
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PRETTY BOY BLUE is unique yet timeless narrative, sure to connect with many in the LGBTQ community eager to see their lives chronicled with honesty and compassion. At the same time, author Pickett doesn't shy away from describing Nikki Blue's moments of steamy passion, emotional pain, questionable choices, and struggle to walk in her truth.
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"The book is a coming-of age-story-think Invisible Life meets The L Word," says Pickett, referring to the groundbreaking 1994 novel by the late E. Lynn Harris and Showtime's TV influential episodic drama focused on a group of lesbian friends. "This book is needed in the marketplace to create understanding, communication and compassion between LGBTQ young adults and their families. Although the country is moving towards equality, there are many individuals who suffer in silence."
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PRETTY BOY BLUE is available in paperback and e-book formats on Amazon. For more information, visit monikampickett.com.
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About The Author
Pickett based some of the novel's storyline on her own life, and wrote it to heal from a rare brain disorder. A former advertising sales executive with The Washington Times and the National Society of Black Engineers, Pickett is a veteran of the United States Army who served as a medic in Operation Desert Storm and received an honorable discharge in 1991. She earned a Masters of Human Services degree from Lincoln University, Pennsylvania in 2001 and an MBA from The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, in 2005. She currently lives in Woodbridge, VA.
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Next Level Publishing
Paperback ISBN 13: 978-0-692-888848-3
E-Book- ISBN 10: 0-692-88848-9