LaToya Lawson is a crime thriller/ mystery author and caregiver, whose creativity, compassion and perseverance have all earned her the reputation as a service-centred leader. Born in Chicago and employed as a caregiver from the age of nineteen, LaToya Lawson has spent most of her life by the bedsides of the sick and infirm.
By age twenty-three, she had founded Mississippi Professional Nursing Care, LLC, which would go on to inspire her debut novel, MA’SITTER. Although this career choice offered many rewarding moments, it was her lifelong passion to write that ultimately helped create this original work. As an African-American woman living in Mississippi, LaToya is familiar with the bigotry and social injustices of life in the Deep South.
An intensely personal work, the book was born from LaToya’s first-hand experience with racism, faith, friendship and life as a single mother in a world shaped by privilege. Her main character, Victoria Lewis, is a strong, single-minded woman, determined to build a better life for her child, Mona. As a female writer, Lawson’s stories are at times filled with pain, but are ultimately uplifting, buoyed by the triumph and redemption of her characters.
When LaToya isn’t writing, she can be found by her oven, either checking her latest baked three-layer Red Velvet cake or cooking a soul food feast; she can also be found soaring down the highway on her motorcycle
Ma’Sitter looks like a great mystery thriller. Any plans to release similar books or turn it into a series?
Yes, MA’SITTER is a four-part series. So, we are just warming up with the first book.
What will readers get out of your book?
I hope entertainment! It’s a fiction book yet my main character Victoria Lewis is relatable to anyone who has struggled to make ends meet. While working for privileged individuals or super rich snobby corporate bosses. Every night millions of people dream and pray for a fruitful life. Or to sing and dance like Beyoncé, act like Hallie Berry, produce movies like Steven Spielberg or have an all-time best-selling book, movie and so much more like J.K. Rowling.
What inspired you when writing Ma’Sitter?
I started writing MA’SITTER in 2011 and I buried it not long after. My motorcycle accident on March 9, 2018 made me immobile, depressed, hopeless and bored. Therefore, my love DeLeón and sister-cousin Toroda encouraged me to complete MA’SITTER. Once, I started back writing I couldn’t stop. Writing and creating people (LOL) truly makes me happy. I love it!!!!!!
I also kept hearing my 8th grade teacher Mr. Lewis telling me you’re going to be a writer one day.
Side note too teachers: MOLD AND ENCOURGAE OUR CHILDREN.
The words of my 8th grade teacher Mr. Lewis at Chastain Middle School in Jackson, MS have stuck with me all these years!!
When did you decide to become a writer?
I was ordained at the young age of 13. Summoned into an imaginary world where I could be whoever I wanted. And speak my mind to whom ever I felt. It wasn’t until my motorcycle accident that I pursued this career.
When writing Ma’Sitter did anything stand out as particularly challenging?
I cried as I wrote about the character Zaka.
How did you come up with story for Ma’Sitter?
Well, since you asked! LOL
At the age of 23 I started my own private care sitting service. Therefore, I have seen and heard many things. Some of the people who signed my checks became the best inspiration and motivation. And not because they personally encouraged me but more so because they looked down on me. Therefore, I emptied my rage, feelings, thoughts, dreams and crazy ideas into MA’SITTER.
What do you like to do when not writing?
I am so ashamed to say this but, riding my motorcycle.
I also love to bake, cook and plant flowers. Seeing my flowers grow into huge, “FEED ME SEYMOUR PLANTS,” has been a thrill when not writing a thriller. LOL
How can readers discover more about you and your work?
FACEBOOK: LaToya Lawson or Latoya Lawson
Amazon Author Page: LaToya Lawson
Instagram: masitterbookseries
International Book Promotion 