Intimate Conversation with author Chaz Kyser

Intimate Conversation with author Chaz Kyser

Chaz Kyser is a journalism instructor/newspaper advisor at Langston University. She is also the author of Embracing the Real World: The Black Woman’s Guide to Life After College. This career guide was created for Black women making the transition from college to the professional workforce, and has been nationally praised, most recently by Tyra Banks.

She lectures throughout the country on topics relevant to college students and recent graduates of all ethnicities.

Ms. Kyser is also a freelance editor and writer. Her career columns and advice have been published in numerous publications and websites, including Essence, The Miami Times, and blackcollegian.com.

Ms. Kyser received a masters of science degree in publishing from Pace University in New York, and bachelor’s degrees in print journalism and sociology from Texas State University-San Marcos. She is a native of Fort Worth, Texas.

Ella: Tell us about your passion for writing.

"Embracing the Real World: The Black Woman's Guide to Life After College," is the first book published and the only one on the market geared toward Black women making the transition from college to the professional workplace. Readers will get "schooled" on everything from applying and interviewing for jobs, succeeding in a new position, choosing where to live, handling conflicts with co-workers, managing their boss, networking effectively, budgeting, negotiating their salary, and coping with job loss. The book has received national recognition, most recently by Tyra Banks.

Ella: Finish this sentence for me-I am Powerful because...
I am Powerful because...I realize the potential I have and am not afraid to go after what I truly desire.

Ella: Where are you from? How did you start your writing journey?
I was born in San Diego, Calif., but raised in Fort Worth, Texas. I have been writing since high school and became interested in books when I was 21. I understood at an early age how powerful the written word was, and I have always desired to make the world a better place, in some small way, by writing articles and books that inspire and encourage others.

Ella: What makes your book stand out and would entice a reader pick it up?
One of the problems with the average career guide is that it doesn't discuss sensitive topics or issues pertinent to people of color. My book gives informative, inspirational and candid advice on how to handle racial and sex discrimination in the workplace, build a positive image, and free oneself from self-doubt and the fear of failure. Most career guides just stick to the basics of how to find and keep a job. Black women-all college graduates actually-need to be armed with more information than that.

Ella: What is the most surprising thing you have learned in creating books?
That people have a real respect and admiration for authors-whether they are self-published or not. Many people look at creating a book as a significant achievement.

Ella: What would you say has been your most significant achievement as a writer? How did you do it?
Many opportunities have been presented to me since publishing the book, including the chance to present workshops on career-related topics. I never once thought about being a speaker when I was writing the book, now I love speaking as much as I love writing. So, discovering that I have a knack for public speaking is actually one of my most significant achievements as writer.

Ella: What can we expect from you in the future?
In the summer, I am going to launch a company called BookBound Editorial and Self-Publishing Services to help other writers produce quality books. The company will offer editing, layout and design, and web design services. However, those who are in need of these services now can still contact me.

Contact info:

Chaz Kyser, Author of "Embracing the Real World: The Black Woman's Guide to Life After College." Website: http://www.embracingtherealworld.com/.

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