When did you realize that you wanted to become
a writer?
I don’t specifically
remember having a ‘ah ha’ moment, but the bug got me somewhere in my mid-teens
when I began to expand my reading arsenal and found that I really enjoyed the creativity
of putting a story together. That is, exploring and playing with literary
devices such as: metaphors, similes, imagery, symbolism and other tools that
make writing engaging and entertaining.
Is being an Author all you dreamed of, or did
it just happen? The best and worst thing about it?
Yes, I dreamed of
being an author for a very long time. The best thing was chasing the dream then
finally seeing it realized by holding the published book in my hands. For an
aspiring author, there’s no other feeling that can compete.
The worst thing was questioning
who did I think I was to write a book?
What made you create (your book)? How did it come to you?
I wanted to test
writing a novella, as I’m pretty good at expanding a story line into a novel.
So that is essentially what made me create the book.
Who is your literary hero?
I admire many
authors. However Enid Blyton will forever be my literary hero. It was through
reading her books that I fell in love with both reading and writing.
How much of your characters are based on your
traits or someone you know personally?
I’m often asked this
question and find it intriguing, because in all of my writing, I use the human
condition, or human experience when creating characters, many of which have
traits of someone in or out of my circle of friends and family.
Describe your main character in six words.
Young, independent and will overcome adversity.
Describe the world you’ve created in six words.
A world of adventure
and possibilities.
What scene was your favorite to write?
The scene I most
enjoyed writing was where Jonah beat the crap out of the boys who were
assaulting Adelina. Jonah is an easy-going and likeable guy, who, as a teenager
has nerd-like qualities. I needed him to step up when Adelina was in need of
help and the fight scene shows another side to him - his masculinity.
What scene was the hardest for you to write?
The most challenging
scene to write was when Adelina and Jonah spend a day together, where she shows
him some of the sights in Manhattan. I had to be careful not to describe the
scenery as if I were writing a travel review.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on four
novellas, which actually came about after I plotted the outline for ‘Lost In
Manhattan.’ I’m also working on a sequel to an already published novel, ‘Whisper
of Lies.’
Goals? Accomplishments? Improvements?
My goals are to focus
over the next year on writing a series of standalone novellas and complete and
publish the sequel to the novel, Whisper of Lies. As regard to improvements,
I’m a life-long student, so I’m always learning new techniques to develop my writing
style.
Are there any authors or books you recommend?
I recently read a
novel ‘Chasing Happy’ by author Laurene Bobb-Semple that was a lovely read. I recommend
it to readers who enjoy contemporary romance.
What's your favorite thing to do when you're
not writing?
I enjoy curling up
with a good book when not writing, or watching a movie, though I’m most likely
writing a scene in my head! J
