Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Growing up in Arkansas, I began writing stories and exploring visual art from the moment I could pick up a pencil and put it to paper. By the time I was eleven, I had written my first “chapter book” and had a sketchbook full of drawings. Writing and visual art have lived on in me ever since. I published my first novel, LANDRIEN MORISET, in 2015. My latest novel, EVE AND THE FADERS, arrives five years later and it’s my first venture into co-writing.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, EVE AND THE FADERS, is the first in a two-part series called Faders and Alphas. I write because I rarely see marginalized, unconventional people of color centered in fantasy and science fiction genres, my two favorite genres. I co-wrote Eve and the Faders because I wanted to tell a story with an unconventional hero: a queer black woman from the working class. In some ways, Eve is a typical young woman, struggling to pay bills and dealing with a quarter-life crisis. She’s queer and unsure about her relationship. On top of all that, she has special gifts that have put her on the radar of a little known government agency. For me, telling what amounts to a superhero origin story that centers and elevates a queer black woman is important. I want women like me to see themselves reflected in fiction.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t say my habits are unusual, but they are a bit technical and super organized. It’s probably the lawyer in me. I start with an outline of the core character, detailing the character’s physical features, occupation and education, core personality traits and beliefs, and more. Then, I quickly summarize the character’s internal and external conflicts. Only once I’ve done all that do I finally outline the general plot of the story and list secondary characters. I do all of this before I ever pen a word of the story. I’ll be honest: this part before writing the story is the most invigorating part of the writing process.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are so many that’s it difficult to name them all (after all, I spent years just reading novels when I was studying English in graduate school)! Off the top of my head: James Baldwin, Kwame Dawes (his fiction), Zora Neale Hurston, Terry McMillan, Charles Dickens, George Schuyler, Toni Morrison, Bernice McFadden, Alice Walker, Octavia Butler. I’ll stop because this list is simply endless.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on short stories connected to EVE AND THE FADERS, and I’m finishing up the second book in the series. I’m looking forward to sharing the whole Faders and Alphas world with readers!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I actually rely on Twitter and Goodreads a lot, but my co-writer leans heavily on Facebook and Instagram. In terms of social media, I think it’s best to zero in on two or three platforms to avoid spreading yourself too thin.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up. Keep writing and don’t let anyone or anything deter you!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You have to believe in yourself or nobody else will.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading N.K. Jemisin’s THE FIFTH SEASON. But A BLADE SO BLACK by L.L. McKinney is next on my list.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing and publishing more books!
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I’m definitely taking WICKED by Gregory Maguire, BLACK NO MORE by George Schuyler, PLAYING IN THE DARK by Toni Morrison, and MAMA by Terry McMillan.
Author Websites and Profiles
Berneta Haynes Website
Berneta Haynes Amazon Profile
Berneta Haynes’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account