Can you, for those who don't know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?
I always wanted to be an author. I was the kid that wanted to be one when I grew up.
What is something unique/quirky about you?
I am a bonfied Trekkie that spends my time crocheting gifts for people while I wait for my acceptance letter from Hogwarts.
What are some of your pet peeves?
I am not a micro-manager. That drives me crazy! Once you're given a "to-do list" or you know your job then no one should have to be on over your shoulder making sure you do it.
Where were you born/grew up at?
I was born and raised in Brooklyn New York, in Coney Island. I loved it! Growing up in Brooklyn is survival of the fittest.
What do you do to unwind and relax?
I have a heated foot massager. I have a glass of wine and crochet with my feet in it.
Describe yourself in 5 words or less!
Creative, silly, fun, loyal and beautiful.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I sold my first short story in October 2006.
Do you have a favorite movie?
I love, love, love Beauty and the Beast. The whole looking pass the physical to see the inner beauty touches my heart.
Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?
I would love to see Aphrodite's Day Off on film. It's Greek mythology based with an urban twist. That would be really cool.
As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?
My spirit animal is a cat. They can be sweet and cuddly but when they feel threatened the claws come out.
What inspired you to write this book?
I wanted to write a romance that seemed a little more "real". I love those love stories about boy chases girl, boy catches girl something weird happens but they end up together in the end, but I wanted the "weird" stuff to be realistic for people like me.
What can we expect from you in the future?
I have several books coming out in 2021, Four Queens (contemporary 4 book series), Daughters of the Cosmos (African Goddess), Clan Dioni (vampires) and a few holiday shorts.
Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in Tri-Romance?
Opal and Pearl are twin sisters and Debbie is their best friend. They grew up together and own a beauty shop. They decide to live the single life to its fullest and keep men at a distance. When Pearl meets Jake that changes for her. Rakim is a frequent customer at the beauty shop and has a crush on Debbie. He has been trying to get with her for a while with no luck. Doug is Rakim's friend that hopes if Rakim gets a shot at Debbie than he can date Opal.
Where did you come up with the names in the story?
The title Tri-Romance is a play on words. There are 3 main characters that are trying real romance for the first time.
What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
I love incorporating my home town by adding places and well known things that New Yorkers would recognize is always a highlight for me.
Who designed your book covers?
I use a few designers because I don't want my covers to look that similar, unless it's a series of course. The wonderful Dawne' Dominique at Dust til Dawn Designs did this particular cover.
Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?
Yes! During my research I learned I really enjoy folklore and legends.
If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?
Without a doubt I'd like Megan Good to play a duo role as Opal and Pearl (I'm sure they have the camera magic to make that happen) and Selena Gomez as Debbie.
What is your favorite part of this book and why?
When the girls go to New York to visit Debbie's family. The twins get to have a family pow-wow with the women.
Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?
Although I have used personality quirks from family and friends to make a character more real, all my characters are from my imagination. I also use names of family and friends that have passed on so they will always live in my book but when i do that they have nothing in common with the real person.
Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?
Oh no, my characters absolutely drive the story. I may come up with the beginning, the middle and the end, but they definitely direct how we get there.
Have you written any other books that are not published?
Yes. I have a few that are completed that I don't think it's the right time to release them yet.
Is there an writer which brain you would love to pick for advice? Who would that be and why?
I would love to pick Piers Anthony's brain. I absolutely love his Xanth series but when I found out he had like 3 or 4 series and releasing books from each series at the same time that blew my mind! I find that fascinating that his brain can bounce back and forth between so many completely different worlds to write their stories and then still function in this world. I can only do one series at a time and can barely function in this world while writing. I need to know that skill!
How long have you been writing?
I wrote my first full length story at 12 years old. I sold my first short story in October, 2006.
Do the characters all come to you at the same time or do some of them come to you as you write?
For me once I have a character in mind the story usually forms around them.
What kind of research do you do before you begin writing a book?
I research the person, the place and the thing that is most paramount to the story before I start writing so that there is realism.
Do you see writing as a career?
If my writing brought in enough money to pay for my necessities, I would leave my 9-5 to write for a living in a heartbeat.
Do you read yourself and if so what is your favorite genre?
I really like regency romance. I don't get the chance to read it that often because my own characters want their stories told.
What is your writing process? For instance do you do an outline first?
I'm a combination pantster-plotter. I make a outline with only the beginning, the middle and then. Once that's done I let the characters lead me to each part. Sometimes it goes as planned but most times the stories end up totally different than my first vision.
What is your writing Kryptonite?
Synopsis! I find it extremely hard to put my 50k word story into 2k so one can get the jist.
Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
I try to be original or bring a new twist to an old story.
What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex?
It's hard to keep the balance between having your characters behave the way want them to be and your perception of the way they are. You want them realistic but not jerks.
Do you believe in writer’s block?
Absolutely and I get it. When it happens I put my brain in a different mode. I crochet or paint to keep the creative juices flowing.
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