1. Tell me a bit about yourself.
Well, I'm the oldest of 12 children. I grew up in Wyandotte County; the poorest county in Kansas City, Kansas. I graduated from Wyandotte High School in 2002 with honors. Graduated in the top 10 of my class; number 8 to be exact. I went on to study Psychology in college where I rediscovered my love for writing.
2. When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I've always considered myself a writer. English was my favorite subject all throughout school, and it's something that I've always enjoyed. I didn't consider myself an author until my first book was published.
3. What inspired you to write your first book?
My baby sister was my inspiration for my first book. I always tell people that I'm an reader first, author second. After reading hundreds of books I told my sister one day “You know, I could write a book.” She dared me to write one and the rest is history.
4. What books have influenced your life most?
I think I would have to say “Go Ask Alice” inspired me the most. The things that the girl in that book had to overcome showed me that it's always someone out there whose life is worse off than yours. It showed me to be thankful for what I have and keep my complaining to a minimum.
5. If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Um, I don't know if I would say that I have a writer who is a mentor. K'wan and Zane inspired me to write. Well, I take that back, I think I would have to say Treasure Blue could be considered a mentor. Whenever I have a question about the publishing game, I can go to him and ask him about it, or if I need some advice about something, I can go to him then too. Whether I'm right or wrong about something, I know he'll give it to me straight; no chaser.
6. What book are you reading now?
Actually, I'm not really reading anything right now. I'm ashamed to say that I've slacked off on my reading quite a bit. The last book that I started to read was “A Testament of Hope.” It's a book filled with speeches and writings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
7. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
When I'm not writing, I like doing “normal people” things. I like going to the movies, watching TV, surfing the net, and I'm a facebook junkie.
8. Where do you get your ideas for your books?
Ideas for my books come from everywhere. I like watching people; they inspire me.
9. If you couldn’t be an author, what would your ideal career be?
I would love to be a social worker. I like the idea of being able to help people; especially if it involves getting women or children out of of abusive situations.
10. What was your favorite chapter to write and why?
In any of my books, my favorite chapter to write is the final chapter. That's where I get to bring the story all together and add a twist on to it. At the end of all of my books, I want the reader to yell, scream, cuss me out, and throw their kindle or nook...hopefully they don't break it though. I can't be held liable. (smile)
11. Why do you feel you had to tell this story?
I'll reference my story in “Love Is Blind” for this question. I felt like I had to tell it because I'm in a position where I can be a voice for those that are too afraid to speak up. I feel like domestic violence against men is more prevalent than we know. All throughout their lives, men are taught that they are supposed to be strong, tough, and dominant, but that doesn't necessarily pertain to every man. I felt that by highlighting domestic violence against a man in this story, it would shed some light on the scenario and hopefully it could help those that are in abusive relationships.
12. Can you tell us about your upcoming book?
The next book that I have coming out is called “Dangerously In Love.” It's a book that deals with a love triangle and shows the true meaning of a scorned woman.
13 How do you market your book(s)?
I market my books using Facebook and Twitter; mostly Facebook.
14. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
Never give up. If writing is something that you feel that you really want to do, go for it. No matter how many doors slam in your face, keep going for it. I was rejected 37 times before I got a chance and even then I still had to struggle to get my name out there. Anything worth having is worth fighting for, so if you want it, keep at it.
Well, I'm the oldest of 12 children. I grew up in Wyandotte County; the poorest county in Kansas City, Kansas. I graduated from Wyandotte High School in 2002 with honors. Graduated in the top 10 of my class; number 8 to be exact. I went on to study Psychology in college where I rediscovered my love for writing.
2. When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I've always considered myself a writer. English was my favorite subject all throughout school, and it's something that I've always enjoyed. I didn't consider myself an author until my first book was published.
3. What inspired you to write your first book?
My baby sister was my inspiration for my first book. I always tell people that I'm an reader first, author second. After reading hundreds of books I told my sister one day “You know, I could write a book.” She dared me to write one and the rest is history.
4. What books have influenced your life most?
I think I would have to say “Go Ask Alice” inspired me the most. The things that the girl in that book had to overcome showed me that it's always someone out there whose life is worse off than yours. It showed me to be thankful for what I have and keep my complaining to a minimum.
5. If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Um, I don't know if I would say that I have a writer who is a mentor. K'wan and Zane inspired me to write. Well, I take that back, I think I would have to say Treasure Blue could be considered a mentor. Whenever I have a question about the publishing game, I can go to him and ask him about it, or if I need some advice about something, I can go to him then too. Whether I'm right or wrong about something, I know he'll give it to me straight; no chaser.
6. What book are you reading now?
Actually, I'm not really reading anything right now. I'm ashamed to say that I've slacked off on my reading quite a bit. The last book that I started to read was “A Testament of Hope.” It's a book filled with speeches and writings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
7. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
When I'm not writing, I like doing “normal people” things. I like going to the movies, watching TV, surfing the net, and I'm a facebook junkie.
8. Where do you get your ideas for your books?
Ideas for my books come from everywhere. I like watching people; they inspire me.
9. If you couldn’t be an author, what would your ideal career be?
I would love to be a social worker. I like the idea of being able to help people; especially if it involves getting women or children out of of abusive situations.
10. What was your favorite chapter to write and why?
In any of my books, my favorite chapter to write is the final chapter. That's where I get to bring the story all together and add a twist on to it. At the end of all of my books, I want the reader to yell, scream, cuss me out, and throw their kindle or nook...hopefully they don't break it though. I can't be held liable. (smile)
11. Why do you feel you had to tell this story?
I'll reference my story in “Love Is Blind” for this question. I felt like I had to tell it because I'm in a position where I can be a voice for those that are too afraid to speak up. I feel like domestic violence against men is more prevalent than we know. All throughout their lives, men are taught that they are supposed to be strong, tough, and dominant, but that doesn't necessarily pertain to every man. I felt that by highlighting domestic violence against a man in this story, it would shed some light on the scenario and hopefully it could help those that are in abusive relationships.
12. Can you tell us about your upcoming book?
The next book that I have coming out is called “Dangerously In Love.” It's a book that deals with a love triangle and shows the true meaning of a scorned woman.
13 How do you market your book(s)?
I market my books using Facebook and Twitter; mostly Facebook.
14. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
Never give up. If writing is something that you feel that you really want to do, go for it. No matter how many doors slam in your face, keep going for it. I was rejected 37 times before I got a chance and even then I still had to struggle to get my name out there. Anything worth having is worth fighting for, so if you want it, keep at it.
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