Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Candy Rayne and I was born April 28th 1981. I am married and have two daughters and a step son. I grew up as a Navy brat and have lived in California, Illinois, and Virginia. I currently live in Mississippi and work for Huntington Ingalls shipyard. I have written two urban fiction novels called Tangled Web and Concrete Rose.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest novel is called Concrete Rose. It was inspired by my desire to write about another culture. The novel is about an African teenage girl who moves to the United States with her family. In her culture marriages are arranged by the parents and the boy she is betrothed to marry also moves to the United States with his family. She gets a dose of culture shock when she is introduced to the ways and customs of the United States. She is then forced to choose what she wants to do with her life. The book is full of action and suspense that will leave you wondering what will happen next!!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t really like to plan my writing from beginning to end. I like to give my characters room to do some of the things that they want to do throughout the story. I sort of try to plan the beginning and the end and then just sort of let the rest fall in to place. It works better that way for the characters and me, as they begin to take over after a while anyway!!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I was influenced by urban fiction authors Eric Jerome Dickey, Naleighnia Kai, Zane, and Omar Tyree. Of course there are several dozen others that I have learned of as I have been writing. I am really influenced by all writers because I believe that everyone has their own unique gift that they bring to the table.
What are you working on now?
I am currently completing a three part book that I really feel will be somewhat of a gift to my readers. It is a little different from what I normally write, but I really don’t like to be stuck in a box though! I also have a Facebook page I am working on called Friends Against Verbal Abuse and I would really appreciate if you all would go check it out.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I definitely use Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. I also have a web page called Candy Khotedd. I also love to go to book festivals to promote my books and I hope I will be able to do two this year!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
The best advice I could give a new author first of all is to get your book completed!! Second of all don’t be afraid of rejection, what one person doesn’t like another person will love. Your creativity is yours. Don’t ever back down!!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I have ever heard is not to get settled in to promoting myself in one way. Although social media is a great way to get yourself known, you also need to get out and do book signings. You need to see your fans and they need to see you.
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading Freshman Fifteen by Jasmine Sheffield. I just started it but it seems like it is going to be a really good book. It is in the urban fiction genre.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am of course going to continue writing novels and next year I plan to work on a screenplay. I have an idea that I really want to see on the big screen, so hopefully God blesses me with that talent!
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?
1. Chasing Destiny by Eric Jerome Dickey
2. Tangled Web by Candy Rayne
3. Every Woman Needs A Wife by Naleighnia Kai
4. Blue’s Treasure by Tamyara Brown
Author Websites and Profiles
Candy Rayne Website
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Candy Rayne’s Social Media Links
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