Author and poet, Untamed brings about enlightenment and amusement through real-life, everyday stories with resonating characters. This Cum Laude graduate of UMUC attributes her passion for the literary arts to her magnet school educational background. Her unique style of writing landed her awards such as Coca-Cola Young Writers Award and UBAWA’s Top 100 Authors 2018. Her creative talents afforded opportunities with SWAG Magazine, Boss Magnet Media, and a multi-book deal with Urban Books. An expert movie quoter with a hankering for the 90s, Untamed resides in Georgia and relishes family time with her husband and children. She continues to push the creative envelope—delivering content that is unapologetically real and undeniably untamed. Something for the real, ratchet, raunchy, and righteous!
Tell us a little about yourself.
Heyyyy! I’m Untamed, author, ghostwriter, event columnist, podcaster, publisher, and movie producer! Or as my Vestie calls me, a powerhouse! Aside from that, I am most proud to be a spoiled wife, a comical TikToking mama, and an Aries chick with a hankering for all things 90s- the best era ever! Not up for debate lol.
Tell us about your name ‘Author Untamed’ and how you came up with it.
The name came about because I used to be afraid to write how I wanted because I’m a PK. I knew that was holding back my creativity so when I decided to fully embrace my craft, I chose a pseudo that embodies being freely out of the box. From there, Untamed was birthed.
Tell us the title of your book and what it’s about.
My latest book is Never Again, No More 4: What Goes Around.
Never Again, No More 4 explodes with secrets and lies that begin unraveling from one character to the next, showcasing what goes around, truly comes around again.
As Pooch works tirelessly to realign the Dope Boy Clique from prison, Trinity and Terrence seem to be falling apart at the seams. Trinity wonders if Terrence is truly the man she thought he was, and Terrence begins to question Trinity’s actions around those closest to him. Although they love each other, are they right for each other? Unknowingly, they must brace themselves for the wrath of Pooch.
Life has moved on for LaMeka. She has the career and the new man she’s always wanted. Gavin is playing for keeps, but Tony is alive and well. With a new lease on life, he wants his family back and will do whatever it takes to remove Gavin from the picture.
Lucinda struggles to adapt to the new normal of her stepdaughter, Jessica, and Aldris’ ex-fiancée, Jennifer. Admittedly, Aldris doesn’t make the transition easy, and as Jennifer and Aldris get close again, it causes a rift between Lucinda and Aldris. When Lucinda finds solace in an unexpected friend, Aldris is left struggling to keep his blended family together.
After Lincoln shows up and wreaks havoc for Charice and Ryan, it’s Ryan who’s left having to correct his errors to make his wife happy again. However, the secret they are withholding about the paternity of their baby may be the one thing that rips this perfect union to shreds.
What was the inspiration for this book?
This is a continuation in my series. My inspiration for the series was to follow four young girls who were teen moms and best friends as they try to navigate life as young mothers growing into young women while seeking the best for their kids and with love. It is partly based off my life as a teen mom.
What was the hardest thing about writing this book?
Finding ways to keep my characters interconnected while they branch out into their own lives was probably the hardest facet of writing the book.
What was one thing you learned about yourself while writing this book?
I learned how imaginative my mind truly is!
What is your favorite part of Never Again No More: What Goes Around 4?
I think my favorite part of writing is the same throughout each book, the fact that I do not shy away from the real-life issues that we face. The ones we often hide or gloss over especially in African American communities.
Describe your novel in one line.
Never Again, No More will read real, raw, and untamed urban fiction such as this!
Why did you choose to self-publish your novel?
Initially, it was self-published because I wanted creative control. That is something that you sometimes do not have under a publisher. It’s about finding the right fit for you.
When will your book be available for purchase?
Never Again, No More 4 is available now in paperback [click image below] and audiobook. It’ll be available in eBook on September 21st.
Where can our readers find you on social media?
You can find me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Clubhouse on @authoruntamed
Do you have a website?
Yes! My website is www.authoruntamed.com. Please sign up for my mailing list while you’re there. I give discounts, freebies and exclusive stories there.
Audra Russell is a blogger, freelance writer, and published author. She holds two undergraduate degrees in journalism as well as a Master of Science degree in Education. She also completed the Wesleyan University online Creative Writing Specialization course series.
She is an avid reader and writer’s advocate. Her passion for promoting the works of up-and-coming authors inspired her to create her podcast, Between the Reads, as well as her website, Read It Black to Me. Her debut novel, BLOOD LAND, was published on August 29, 2020, as her fiftieth birthday gift to herself. She lives in Maryland with her husband of more than 20 years, her 3 amazing children, a 12-year-old perpetual puppy, two dueling cats, and her lone surviving chicken of 8 years who she affectionately renamed Gloria (she will survive!)
