Meet the Writer...

A native Memphian and graduate of Howard University, Laurinda has been called a “literary juggernaut” by journalists and a “uniquely gifted storyteller” by critics. Laurinda successfully self-published her first novel, Fire & Brimstone, in 2001. The title, along with its sequel UnderCover, was optioned by Strebor Books, the then rapidly-growing publishing company of national best-selling author, Zane. Fire & Brimstone was selected as a national finalist for the coveted Lambda Literary Award for Best Debut Fiction in 2004.

While Brown's first two books drew worldwide, critical acclaim and helped her secure a spot as one of the top writers in her genre, it was her third title, Walk Like a Man, that catapulted her to national fame. Pursued by yet another publishing house, Laurinda was signed to a two- book deal with QBoro Books, now Urban Books, in 2006, subsequently releasing Walk Like a Man and later Strapped in 2007. Brown's creative genius took center stage in this collection of more than 20 short stories where she single-handedly captured the essence of the community for which she wrote. Walk Like a Man earned Laurinda yet another finalist position for the Lambda Literary Award – the highest honor in LGBT literature, and this time she won.

After contributing to one last project, The Cathouse with QBoro, Laurinda returned to Strebor which had since become an imprint of worldwide publishing giant, Simon and Schuster, Inc. She completed her fifth title, The Highest Price for Passion, a historical fiction piece about a mulatto slave named Passion and her journey during the Civil War. In 2009, Laurinda signed a new two book deal with Atria Books/Simon and Schuster, Inc. Laurinda has contributed to numerous anthologies as well as The Journal of African- American Studies, and her works have been studied on college campuses throughout the United States and abroad.

Laurinda D. Brown

2006 Lambda Literary Award Winner

Author, Simon and Schuster Inc.