Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an American woman from the deep South that has lived in the United Arab Emirates for the last 26 years. With a Master’s Degree in Library Service and one in Communication, I have always been close to the written word. My writing career started out as a free lance writing for a variety of lifestyle magazines, such as Emirates Woman and Friday. I had always loved writing, and it was only a matter of time for me to write a book. Now, I’ve written 5. They are the 3 books of The Hakima’s Tale trilogy (The Revenge of the Blue Jinni, The Rise of the Warrior, and The Dawn of Redemption), a crime fiction called Desert Magnolia, and a horror called The Skinwalker: Resurrection.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, The Skinwalker: Resurrection was inspired by my love and respect for the great Native American tribes of the United States, and my deep desire to write something in the horror genre.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I burn either a scented candle in the room or a bundle of sage, as I think the smell of these things help me to concentrate. I also love to think of my story at the beach, and if I get an inspiration, I usually record my voice notes so that I can get back to my laptop later and write them.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was my favorite book growing up, as it helped take me out of my own world into a beautiful world where the rivers are made of chocolate and the trees are made of candy. Now, as an adult, I love writers like George R.R. Martin and classic authors like Oscar Wilde and Bram Stoker.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a new paranormal novel called, The Companion, as I had already finished half of it long ago, but shelved it to write Desert Magnolia and The Skinwalker: Resurrection.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
That would have to be my website, www.bluejinnimedia.com which was brilliantly designed by my partner, Rodney W. Harper. He’s made it convenient to click on the books, choose the format, and be directed to your favorite online store to order the book in paperback, Ebook, or Audio.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write about something you love, and don’t do it for the money at first. You’ll spend so many hours with this venture, and at first the rewards will be little to none, but slowly over time, you’ll gain speed.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Stay true to your voice and write what’s in your heart to write. Fiction writers must be able to “feel” more emotion on many levels than non-fiction writers. We create characters and get inside their minds and personalities, and we can’t do that without a big heart.
What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading The Girl on the Train, and I love it.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing screenplays. I truly believe that every book I have written would make an excellent movie, and I’m willing to write the screenplay that demonstrates this.
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?
The Koran, The Secret, and Gone with the Wind
Author Websites and Profiles
Dedra Stevenson Website
Dedra Stevenson Amazon Profile
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