When did you know you wanted to write?
I've always loved to write, poems, music, and short stories espcially when I was young but once I discovered the streets and fast money my passion for writing fell by the way side. When I became pregnant with my son who is now almost six, I was slowed down enough to start writing again.
What does your writing corner look like? How do you get in the mood to write?
My writing corner can be anywhere that I can open my notebook or my laptop. I don't really get into a mood in order to write. For me everything just has to be flowing smoothly. If it's not I dont force it, I just fall back for a while then come back to it later. When a writer forces something onto paper I feel like the reader can pick up on it.
Tell us about your most recent book? What inspired you to write this story? What message are you trying to convey in this story?
Grindin' is my most recent book. Little Ghetto Girl was just re-released by Atria but I wrote that back in 2000! A culmination of things inspired me to write Grindin', the things I saw in the music industry and domestic violence. I want people to understand the seriousness of domestic violence and how one wrong punch can kill someone. I also want people to walk from my book knowing that love and family can get you through anything.
Can you identify with any of your characters?
I can definitly identify with the strength and independence of my main female characters.
Do you have any other books or contributions to the writing industry?
Yes, I have a story in a novella titled Cream along with TN Baker and Tu-Shonda Whitaker.
Whose work do you love to read? What is your favorite book?
I love to read Tu-Shonda Whitaker's work and not just because she is my friend, she is very talented. My favorite book of all time is Terry McMillan's Mama.
What can we expect from you in the future?
I'm working on Allure of the Game my third and final installment of the Harlem Story series it will be out at the end of the year or the begining of 2008.
What advise can you give aspiring authors?
I always tell aspiring authors never give up and stay true to what you like to write. I also tell them to let a diverse group of people read their work and get feedback.
