Where are you from?
Okay, this is a interesting question. I’m an army brat, I was born in Germany and raised in Va.So I’m used to being in different cities.
Tell us your latest news?
I just finished another book! Yes this one was hard to write because I had to kill a character off. Which thinking about that is hard to do; but I did it!
When and why did you begin writing?
I started writing because writing became my friend, yes being a nerd in school;not fitting in anywhere I felt writing helped me. I didn’t consider myself a writer until I began writing at a writing school/place in Chicago (Story Studio)
What inspired you to The Last Virgin Alive?
My friends kept going out on dates and I didn’t. So I stayed home, look at a bunch of movies and wrote how I felt. I wasn’t even thinking about making it a book; but it (the ideas and stories) just kept popping in my head so I was like, let’s see how far I can take this?
How did you come up with the title?
You know I kept changing the title until I can remember it the next day. It was really that simple.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
It’s okay to be by yourself. It’s okay to have goals that you want to reach.
How much of the book is realistic?
About 90% of it is realistic. I try to be honest and tell my readers what I went through. I wanted to see I anybody else was having difficulties dating anyone like I was.
Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
The experiences I’ve encounter myself. I try to create humor out of the bad dates that I’ve had.
What books have most influenced your life most?
I’m a huge Terry McMillan fan.
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Terry McMillan & Eager Alan Poe are a few of the writers l look up to.
What are your current projects?
I have 2 essays and another novel in the works
Do you see writing as a career?
After I went to story studio I felt the most confidence in myself to pursue it.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
No I wouldn’t change it.
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
It started by watching the NOW WWE. I made different characters based off of the wrestlers I saw.
Can you share a little of your current work with us?
Sure here is my new essay, Dear Lie:
So I’m standing in front of the mirror. I’m going on a date with my boyfriend. I love make up dinner dates. It’s nice to see the good side of him, finally! So I’m wearing this long sleeve turtleneck black dress. I chose long sleeves to cover up my scars from last night. I look towards my right and I see my makeup. So I can OK pretty. Well I try to look pretty for him but I don’t if I can but I love him though. Even though I’m stupid; he tells me that I am.
So I take my power and try to cover up these scratch marks. I mean for a guy he hits like a girl. I mean who scratches? So hopefully the powder can help. So it helps now it’s time to put on the foundation. So I cover it up. Great I have this huge black eye to cover up. Oh why did he hit me so hard? I have this huge black eye. I have to get this covered up! My god I’m ugly His favorite color is blue. So it’s better to cover this guy up and be pretty for him.
I mean I’m black so I’m ugly. That’s what he tells me. I’m too ugly to do this; I’m too ugly to do that. I would never find love. No one would want me, I’m too ugly. I guess he’s right. I wish it was different, I really do, but I don’t think it’s in the cards for me. Okay, that’s covered. Now I’m off to my date.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Yes and no. Yes- It’s hard to focus on one thing when you have a billion things to do. No- It’s easier to express how you feel.
Do you have to travel much concerning your book?
Yes I do. I wouldn’t mind traveling I’ve done it before.
Who designed the covers?
I’m very lucky to sign up with BookBaby who had a book cover designer on staff, which made things easier for me.
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
The hardest part was reliving the memories of bad dates and a boyfriend that exists in your memory.
Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
Yes, it is important to have a sense of humor about things. Also nothing is impossible if you try.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Don’t stop until you find something that you’re good at. You might be good at cooking, emerge yourself with cooking anything from books to TV shows.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Nothing is impossible if you work at it.