Erika J. Kendrick, a Chicago native who holds a Stanford degree and an MBA, is an acclaimed author/writer/producer… on love! Kendrick lives in Manhattan and writes industry-chic, behind the scenes HAPPILY EVER AFTERs, executive produces glossy television content for the glam and sexy, about the glam and sexy, and is the head architect of her luxe lifestyle and media brand(s).

Previously an NBA cheerleader for the Chicago Bulls, her first novel, CONFESSIONS OF A ROOKIE CHEERLEADER (Random House), was released in 2007. The second title in the series, APPETITE (Random House), was released nationwide Summer 2009.  Her Erotica Short Story, THE ACCIDENTAL ESCORT will be part of the Erotica Anthology, CAN’T HELP THE WAY I FEEL scheduled for an April 1, 2010 release. She is currently working on two “top secret” manuscripts/film projects with her literary and film agents in New York City.

In addition to her literary success, Kendrick is also the creator and producer of a Manhattan cable television show, SWAGGHER, which explores the entertaining, often epic dating dynamics of the millennials.  Erika currently has a documentary in post-production about the Fabulous And Black and Single 30-Something Set, their dysfunctional dating dilemmas, and the ticking time bomb inside (read: AGE). Both are produced through her production group, Stiletto Stories.

When she isn’t writing and producing, Kendrick is touring the country with The Cheerleader’s Empowerment Academy™ and working to educate, entertain and empower young women through REAL TALK IN REAL TIME. She recently toured Tennessee State University, Fisk University and Meharry Medical College speaking to the young leaders about her personal truth: suicide and mental health, rehab and recovery, and the 5-Star Strategic Plan for personal and professional success.

Kendrick is also the thought leader behind Publishing Prep™ (publishingprep.com), a comprehensive literary learning curriculum designed to assist the aspiring author as they navigate the publishing landscape. Through a series of publishing panels, lectures and workshops, PREP helps the writer effectively get their stories into the hands of their fans. She is also the former New York chapter President of NABFEME (National Association of Black Female Executives in Music and Entertainment), an active member of the Stanford Black Alumni Association, the National Black MBA Association, and a recipient of several “Who’s Who” honors. Kendrick is under contract with the Girl Scouts of America Scholars Program to teach creative writing to high school girls… and proudly, her heart pumps to the crimson-and-cream stomps of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

A quintessential mover and maker, Erika has been a guest of THE WENDY WILLIAMS EXPERIENCE, BETJ's My Two Cents, V-103, AOL BV and a host of others, and has been featured in several publications, including PAGE SIX of The New York Post, THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE, SET (Sports and Entertainment Today), Ebony, Upscale, Honey Magazine… to name a few.

Erika can be reached through her agent, Stephany Evans, President of Fineprint Literary Management, or Twitter: @thecheerleaderE, Facebook: erikakendrick, or on her blog, “YOUR BIGGEST CHEERLEAER” at erikakendrick.blogspot.com

THE AUTHOR: ERIKA KENDRICK