Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Black woman of Carribean descent, a native New Yorker, married with two children. I am educated primarily in the New York area. I am a psychotherapist, university professor in the Northeast region, and a published author in the academic arena. My recent novels A BRUSH WITH FATE and CRAZY LOVE represent a leap into a creative and exciting genre that appeals to me as it does so many women. The themes explored in my books reflect my desire to provoke thinking and discussion on relationship issues and much more in intriguing sexually arousing adult story telling.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My current work is a Trilogy, A Brush with Fat and Crazy Love with the final work in this series hopefully being released in early 2017. I have to admit that what inspired me to write in this genre were two things. First, I was writing a book in the academic arena and continuously felt an urge for more creative expression. I felt stifled. Secondly, I was writing articles on relationship issues and wanted to find a creative avenue where relationship issues could be looked at from a safe distance, and in an entertaining fashion. Perhaps, a best kept secret because of stereotypical ideas still attached to the genre, is that women love reading erotic romance stories. So yes, when I finally decided to write in this genre I had things on my mind.
I enjoy playing with the intersection of fate and love in my storytelling. But more interesting than that is exploring the power of relationships. Relationships are at the core of understanding who we are, and intimate love relationships, when they truly work, make us better people and transcends all that can be adequately described by words. Conversely, a bad relationship has powerful consequences which can jail us to our past changing the trajectory of our lives forever, if we let it. But there is something about a sweet and sensual love story that can privately provoke, empower and inspire, while pushing us to look at our own personal challenges with the people we loved, now love or will love. My aim is to create this kind of reading experience surrounded by interesting backdrops, appealing diverse characters, lots of intrigue and crazy love.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not sure what would be considered “unusual.” I love writing outside in the morning with my cup of coffee.
I don’t discuss the specifics of what I’m writing with anyone until I have a good working draft.
I don’t like reading other books in the same genre while I’m writing.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Rosa Guy is an author probably unknown to many, but I love her writing. She transports me to the places she describes with such ease. My relationship with the main characters is intimate and I find myself thinking about them many times long after I’ve read her books.
What are you working on now?
I am writing the final novel in my trilogy which follows the lives of Brook and Isaac.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t have a clue. I hope one is Goodreads.
It’s a frustrating learning experience. Each day I explore, and learn a little bit more.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
This is not easy unless you’re writing what you love.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep writing.
What are you reading now?
Ha! Well I just downloaded Another Time, Another Place: Five Novellas by Zane, which I plan to read after I complete my final book in the trilogy.
Right now, my reading is light. I have an unquenchable thirst for articles related to politics, so right now I’m in paradise. But I’m always scanning for articles that may inspire a blog post.
What’s next for you as a writer?
So many ideas. Oh yes, writers must keep a journal.
I will continue to remain in the erotic genre but probably short stories.
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 Bible
The Bible
A blank pamphlet for writing.
Author Websites and Profiles
Sila Long Website
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