Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am new at novel writing. I wrote my first book, Marrying For Fame, eight years ago and my second book was done about 6 years ago. I work full-time and it’s very difficult to come home and write every night. I also completely stopped writing because I lost my confidence in my ability to do so. I received a review of my book that I took to heart, but I finally decided that I loved writing too much to give it up. I knew I had to toughen if I wanted my work to shine. I realized that some of the world’s greatest artist are not loved by everyone.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is Black And White Are More Than Just Colors In A Crayon Box.
What inspired this book was I wanted to try something different than my first effort, which was lighter. Black and White is more like a spiritual home coming for one of the main characters. I am a spiritual person and I wanted to share that aspect of my being.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know what is consider unusual so I will just tell you how I write a story. I write on index cards, newspaper, napkins, whatever is near. If I have an idea, I jot it down. I also hear voices from my character and I silently repeat the phrase or sentence to myself. Later on, I write down the phrase or sentence and incorporate it in my story.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am an avid reader so I read over 100 authors throughout the years. I am going to give you the one author that I just discovered a couple of months ago.
1) Kierstein Modglin-She is a mystery writer. I love her twist and turns and her writing style. Her books are so much fun. I think I read three in about a month. She has so many more and I can’t wait to dive in.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a story called Breakfast in Bed. It’s a mystery/romance. It’s a little tricky for me because I’ve never written a mystery before even though I love watching and reading them. I am on the first draft and having some difficulty trying to fill in the holes. I am having a blast though and I am not going to rush it. I am going to give myself all the time I need because this is my first stab at this genre.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t know that’s why I am here. I haven’t had much success because I haven’t been pursuing anything because of my work schedule and my lack of self-confidence. I am on the ball now and nothing going to stop me from pursuing my dream.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I would tell them to write, write, and write. If writing is something that you love, pursue it with all your heart. Don’t let naysayers discourage you. If you have something to say, say it! If writing makes your heart sing, then write. People always say you only have one life to live. Whether that is true or not is up for debate, but at least you can feel good about doing something you love. If you live again, and you have that desire to write than do it again.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I ever heard is: life is short, live!
What are you reading now?
I am reading a couple of books now.
Iyanla Vanzant-Get Over It!
The Liar’s Wife-Kierstein Modglin
Everything You Wanted to Know about the Afterlife
What’s next for you as a writer?
I will continue working on my latest novel, as I continue to promote my other two novels.
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 would bring any uplifting spiritual book
I would bring a romance novel.
I would bring two mystery novels.