Saturday, July 26, 2014

Blog in the Round – Passing the Torch

The amazingly talented author, Karla KL Brady, invited me to participate in the Blog in the Round. She was asked by Trice Hickman. You wonder what it’s all about. Each author answers four questions about their writing process so you can get to know new authors and/or refamiliarize yourself with your favorites. It’s now my turn to pass the torch to the super talented, Christian fiction author, Daphine Glenn Robinson and new on the scene, Berta Coleman. Please take time to check out their blogs.  

What am I working on/writing?

My mind is always soaring with new story ideas. At this time I am busy working on my sophomore novel. Anyone that knows me knows that I love a good love story, so I am very excited about this piece of work. It’s a romance novel that is currently untitled. This story takes you into the lives of a couple named Alexis and Kendall that are madly in love with one another. They are planning to head down the aisle until Alexis stumbles upon something that she considers to be an absolute deal breaker.  When she calls things off with Kendall she decides that she will wait for God to send her the right man and she pours herself into her work and a charity event for the homeless.  While Alexis is content with moving on with her life in that way, her two best friends, Vanessa and Jodi, have another idea. They feel that her being a workaholic isn’t good for her and don’t think she can move on from Kendall until she begins dating again. They take it upon themselves to set her up on a series of blind dates that will have you in stitches. On top of her friend’s antics, incidental encounters with Kendall makes moving on harder than she thought it would be. How will things turn out? You’ll have to read my upcoming novel due to be released in 2015 to find out.

How does my writing/work differ from others in this genre?

Like all of my work, my books deal with real people with real life issues. My writing style adds an element of suspense and mystery. However, by the time my readers turn the last page, they also feel inspired, as demonstrated in my debut novel, Summer Rain.

Why do I write what I do?

I write what I do because I feel like people have busy schedules and stressful lives. Personally, I love a good book because it can not only entertain me but it can also take me to different places just by turning the pages. That’s what I like to offer to my readers. I write what I do because I know that people have real life issues and many times they have nowhere to turn. I want people to be able to open any book I write and know that they will not only be entertained but they’ll also be encouraged and inspired. I hope after reading my books they’ll realize that trouble won’t last always.

How does my writing process work?

My writing process begins with me getting in a zone. I like to be in a quiet space. Usually I do most of my writing at home in my office or sitting on my bed. Other times I like to go to my favorite spot, Starbucks, where I can unwind and drink my favorite tea. Most importantly, I have to block out everything that’s going on around me so that I can connect with my characters and their situations. As a mother, wife, entrepreneur and community leader, that can be challenging because of a demanding schedule. However, I love writing, so it has forced me to prioritize the things I have to do and I make the time.