Interview With Author Demeteria Adams Kossie

CO-CEO/Publisher On The Rise Media

Demeteria Adams Kossie is a published author, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur hailing from Brenham, Texas. She is wife to Charles, her best friend, for over twenty years, and mother to four beautiful, awesome children. Three daughters Tashima, Cierra, and Charlesavia along with one handsome son Voderick. She is also grandmother to Nyla, Voderick Jr, Bailey, Jamaría, and Ryle.

Her published works include The Beaten Face, Don’t You Dare Laugh, and Bailey’s Survival Guide (which became a #1 best seller). Writing is her passion and making others feel loved and happy is very important to her. Educating children on safety and respect is huge for Demeteria Kossie. She is committed to living a happy life as an example for her children and grandchildren. Her prayer is that her story touches someone and helps them come out of the darkness, stand strong and survive through pain.

We caught up with Demeteria for an exclusive interview.

@AtticaLundy: At what age did you begin to write stories?

Author Demeteria Kossie: I started writing my first story at age 20.

@AtticaLundy: Why did you begin writing?

Author Demeteria Kossie: I started writing to ease my pain of grief and depression.

@AtticaLundy: Do you write poetry?

Author Demeteria Kossie: Yes, I do write poetry but not that much.

@AtticaLundy: What was the defining moment that you decided to become a published author?

Author Demeteria Kossie: I knew I had to get my story out after hearing so many stories of Domestic Violence.

@AtticaLundy: When you first began writing stories, who was your biggest supporter?

Author Demeteria Kossie: My biggest supporter was my brother. He’s my Best Friend, always cheering me on.

@AtticaLundy: At what age were you first published?

Author Demeteria Kossie: 39

@AtticaLundy: What are some of the struggles you have encountered in being a published author?

Author Demeteria Kossie: Getting supporters, and finances, especially during the COVID pandemic.

@AtticaLundy: Number 1 best seller is an impressive feat. How did you promote and market your book?

Author Demeteria Kossie: My Publisher did most of the work, then I would engage with groups on facebook as well.

@AtticaLundy: What inspired you to write BAILEY’S SURVIVAL BOOK?

Author Demeteria Kossie: I was Inspired to write Bailey’s Survival Book due to fact of so many children being kidnapped, and lost and not knowing what to do when home alone, and what actions to take if approached by a stranger. I would always say I can’t save the whole world but if I could just save one I know I have done my job.

@AtticaLundy: Well, I’m definitly going to get that BAILEY’S SURVIVAL BOOK for my grandkids. Was THE BEATEN FACE difficult to write?

Author Demeteria Kossie: Writing The Beaten Face was healing for me. At some point I became emotional.

@AtticaLundy: I can imagine. THE BEATEN FACE is a true story based on YOUR real life? Was it a struggle telling your story to the world?

Author Demeteria Kossie: Yes it’s about my childhood story. No, I wanted to tell my story way before now but was nervous about how my family would react.

@AtticaLundy: I was nervous for you when I read about you and your book online. True stories of domestic violence are often an emotional process to write about and to share. How did your family react to THE BEATEN FACE?

Author Demeteria Kossie: To this day my dad barely speaks to me and my oldest sister whom is deceased now tried to get a lawyer to sue me but couldn’t.

@AtticaLundy: Did you gain or lose relationships with family members when The Beaten Face was published?

Author Demeteria Kossie: I lost the relationship with my dad. He walks right by my door going to his brother’s house and won’t come speak to me.

@AtticaLundy: I’m sorry to hear that. I know that family is very important to you. Despite what’s going on with your dad, you have a large family of your own. Do you find it difficult to juggle family life and writing?

Author Demeteria Kossie: No my children are all grown. I spend time with my grandkids and husband then at night, that’s my writing time.

@AtticaLundy: What was the idea behind the book DON’T YOU DARE LAUGH?

Author Demeteria Kossie: It was to teach children not to make fun of disabled or different looking people because everyone has feelings.

@AtticaLundy: I love that. You have the best story ideas for children. Describe the place you write the most (your office, the library, in the bed, outdoors, etc).

Author Demeteria Kossie: I like to write at the kitchen table when it’s quiet.

@AtticaLundy: What led you to Motivational Speaking?

Author Demeteria Kossie: I know there’s someone somewhere who is going through or been through what I have been through and needs to hear my story on how I made it and how I’m getting through it.

@AtticaLundy: So true. It’s truly a motivational story to tell. Are you a member of any organizations? If so, which ones and what are they about?

Author Demeteria Kossie: I’m in several organizations mostly Domestic Violence which help battered women find help and shelter.

@AtticaLundy: Where have some of your speaking engagements been?

Author Demeteria Kossie: Mostly Houston Texas at Women’s conventions only one in Dallas, Tx so far.

@AtticaLundy: How did you become a motivational speaker?

Author Demeteria Kossie: Well for me I just started going to different places and just started talking. Then my crowd got bigger and bigger. But the best way is through a LICENSED Speaker.

@AtticaLundy: Tell us about your Event Planning.

Author Demeteria Kossie: I do weddings some parties or if someone needs a job like moving or planning an event.

@AtticaLundy: Finally, what projects are you currently working on? I know you have something new in the works.

Author Demeteria Kossie: I’m writing another children’s book and writing out my plan for my Nonprofit.