1) First, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me! When did you know that writing is what you were called to do? What is it about being a writer that you love the most? What about being a writer frustrates you the most?
When I was young writing was something that interested me, but at that time I wasn’t sure what to write about I just knew I wanted to write a book.
a) The one thing about being a writer that I love the most is telling my story my way but also reflecting on my life.
b) Writer blocks for sure and being judged about a few things in my book.
2) Can you tell us a little about your book(s) and where our readers can find out more about them and you?
The Pain My Smile Hides is about Family, love, losses, and trying to find love again.
a) In the process of starting my website and maybe even a blog. My Facebook author page should be up soon.
3) Where do you draw your inspiration from for the stories that you manage to weave together and the characters that you create?
Well, the character is me, but I drew my inspiration from life experiences, challenges, and decisions that I have made.
4) Do you have a schedule for when you write? Do you outline your novels? How long does it generally take you to finish a novel? What projects are you currently working on?
A scheduled for when I write is based on my scheduled and when something about my past happens and I want to write about it.
a) For my first book I didn’t outline my novels
b) My first book took me roughly about 9 months give or take
c) Currently working on being a Travel Agent with PlanNet Marketing and possibly starting on my second book soon.
5) What’s the first book you ever read that really moved you emotionally? Who is your favorite author to read? What book are you currently reading?
The first book that I read that touched me was “A Message from Nam” by Danielle Steel.
a) Not sure If I have a favorite author but LaQuita Parks, Danielle Steel, Donald Goines, and Zane are authors I enjoy reading.
b) Right now, I am not currently reading any books but will be purchasing some in a few.
6) What has been your most significant achievement as a writer thus far? Where do you see yourself within your career in the next five years?
Writing my first book and seeing it get published may be my significant achievement as a writer. To be able to tell my story my way.
a) I see myself for the next five years being a publicly known author and working for myself as a Travel Agent.
7) How have you dealt with rejection within your writing career? What is your advice for other writers to better be able to cope or navigate their way through the publishing process, be it traditional or self-publishing?
Well for me it bothered me that I didn’t have as many sales as I would have liked but then I had to sit down and reflect on the purchases that have been made and to realize that I really must make noise about my book.
a) My advice would be to be on top of having someone to promote your book, create a website, and have an author page on your social media. Things that I didn’t do in the beginning but will be doing now.
8) Do you find it hard to juggle the creative side of being a writer against the business side of being a writer, in terms of marketing and promotion and things of that nature? How hard has it been (or easy) for you to build up your author platform?
Yes, I find it very hard to juggle the creative side of being a writer against the business side of being a writer. Wished I had known how important promoting and marketing your book is. I should have already had MsQueenie promoting my book, I should have had my website and my author page up.
9) What unique quality is there about you, about your art, that you feel represents your authenticity? How does writing help you to be more empowered in your purpose?
Unique qualities about me are my nurturing side, being loyal, and having courage.
a) My smile and my honesty are what represent my authenticity.
10) How can readers find you and your books?
Right now my book is on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
