Author Talk!

Shaneka Jones Cook lives and works as a freelance writer and a Case Manager for homeless families in Washington, D.C. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University Los Angeles and a BA in English from Trinity Washington University in Washington, D.C. She is a licensed Notary Public in Virginia and Washington, DC. She is a former elementary school teacher who writes fiction, poetry, short stories, and creative nonfiction. She has been published in The Record (Trinity Washington University), Trinity Magazine, and most recently Antioch University’s very own Lunch Ticket. She served as an assistant editor, interviewer, and guest interviewer of Lunch Ticket for Issues 11, 12, and 13. She served as an assistant editor for The Women’s National Book Association’s annual writing contest.  She is currently working on a collection of short stories. Shaneka Jones Cook has always been passionate about books and magazines, pouring through every page from cover to cover. So, she decided to create Shaneka Donte Enterprise, Black Cat Productions, and Literary Lenses. Publishing, film, and magazine that would become a community venue for artistic expression, popular culture, cultural diversity, and a protected space regardless of your sexual orientation. But most importantly she wanted to create a space filled with raw literary voices that will build connections through different genres of writing and diverse cultures that will shake up mainstream media.

B. Danielle began laying the groundwork for her career at the age of nine, and by the age of 15, Watkins had her first poem published in the “Poetry Gems Collection”, presented by the Famous Poets Society. In 2011 her first of 5 novels was published, and by 2013 she’d be introduced to writing film. Taking her career to the next level Ms. Watkins became the first and only African American filmmaker to write, produce, and star in a REVRY original series, “3030”. Starting at the end of 2020, Watkins added another amazing title under her belt, becoming the Chief Programmer as well as Long Form Content Coordinator for the new, black LGBTQ+ led and centered television network iElevate +TV. You can currently find her holiday film "Coming Home for Christmas" on Tubi, Roku, Amazon Video, and more.

Author, Pastor, Power Coach, Counselor, Preacher, Teacher, Entrepreneur, Mentor, Actor, Singer/Songwriter, and workshop facilitator; these words don’t even begin to describe the ministry of Joseph Benjamin-Owen Pridgen. The best way to describe the ministry of Joseph Pridgen is: Energetic! In every arena, he brings a spiritual energy and excitement that can be both seen and felt! He received his High School Diploma in June 1997 from South Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, N. C. He then matriculated at Shaw University in Raleigh, N.C., and received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Religion and Philosophy in May of 2004. Joseph attended Payne Theological Seminary for the next three years, receiving numerous awards and being elected Student Government Association President. After three long years of rigorous academic preparation, Joseph received his Master of Divinity Degree on May 18, 2007.