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When
did the "writing" bug bite you?
I
don’t remember specifically, but I'd have to say it goes way
back to when I used to make up stories for my cousin (Vaughn) back
when he'd spend the night. I'd always make up stories featuring
these two brothers called the Billbob Brothers: Bill and Bob
Billbob. It was always a tongue twister and very silly too.
*smile*
My
cousin seemed to enjoy them. Then one time I began writing a story
that I still enjoy thinking about because it featured a character
in my image who went back in time to save or perhaps influence the
life of Billie Holliday. I guess I came up with this story after I
started thinking more romantically during my teenage years. In the
end you'd see Billie stepping up to the microphone at the Grammy
Awards accepting her lifetime achievement award. Meaning, she
lived a long and beautiful life...
What's
your writing process? Do you jump in and just write, or do you like to outline and
do character sketches?
I
have no rules as to what I do, but it's hard for me to just sit
and outline the story. A lot of times my own life affects what I'm
writing. I do keep a journal close by for writing down ideas,
thoughts, dialogue, paragraphs, character names, etc.
Whatever comes to mind and helps me write the story then
that's what I do until I can sit behind the computer and actually
write the story.
Pitch
your latest novel, MY LIFE IS ALL I HAVE (MLIAIH) in 25 words or
less.
This
story is basically about the impact of the decisions we make in
life. Most times our
choices affect more than just ourselves despite the reality of who
we hurt in the process.
What
was the spark that began your creative journey with MLIAIH?
The
spark actually began when I bumped into an armed guard waiting for
his partner outside of a local bank. Sounds strange but you'll have to delve deeper into the story
to see how that turned into this urban journey known as My Life Is
All I Have. *smile*
You
have two other novels under your belt, DAUGHTER BY SPIRIT and
EVERYBODY GOT ISSUES, as well as work in the collection,
SISTERGIRLS.COM. How
have you grown as a writer with each new creative project?
In
my humble opinion, I think I've grown by leaps and bounds. *smile*
Hopefully, it shows that way to others but for me, I'm
definitely happy with this and other stories on the way.
Who
inspires you as a writer?
Life and people in general inspire me as a writer.
I can’t really give you a "who."
What's
the perfect writing setting for you?
A
warm room with beautiful portraits of women, pictures of the
country, and
maybe a few lit candles depending upon if it’s dark outside...
If
you were not a writer, what would be your dream career?
My
dream career would be a photojournalist, an artist (if I could
paint), or my grandfather who lived his life raising cows, horses
and pigs on his farm in east Texas.
What
projects are you working on now? Are there any conferences or book
signings in the near future?
I'm
standing still and listening to make sure I choose the right
direction for my epic novel, "Until Again." Also working
on other stories similar to UA and possibly a sequel to MLIAIH.
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