Will there be a sequel to Royally Screwed?
Absolutely! Amira’s story will continue in at least two additional books-three if she’s really stubborn. Royally Screwed is a part of the Ageless Legacies trilogy. Currently, I am writing the second book in the trilogy, so stay tuned for updates.
What is your writing process?
Writing is not a one size fits all process. What works for me may not work for you. I am a brainstormer, and when a story comes to me, I start writing and see where the story takes me. After it’s all typed out, I go back into the story and revise, then I edit and edit some more. Occasionally, I will map out some twists and turns and lay the sporadic breadcrumb within scenes and dialogue, but typically I brainstorm and write it out.
What advice would you give new authors or inspiriting writers?
Write. The first draft is always trash. Keep writing, then write some more.
Learn to take constructive feedback and grow from the advice of others in the field. If it were easy, everyone would do it.
What inspires you to write?
Everything and anything. I’ve been inspired by my dreams and also by places. I am currently working on a book that was inspired by a random, hole-in-the-wall bar. The bar has a vibe filling of supernatural criminals that brag about their misgivings, just waiting for some kick-ass heroine to come in and drag them off to supernatural jail.
I was inspired to write Royally Screwed by the lack of characters of color in the urban fantasy genre. I started looking for a book with elements I loved (mystery, magic, and romance), and before I knew it, I was creating characters and a story in my head. When I started writing the book, I learned I was falling in love with creating a story.
Do you get writer’s block?
Sometimes, it depends on what I’m working on. I don’t get writer’s block for my stories, but whenever I write lifestyle articles for Coffee House Writers, I have suffered from that dreadful illness.
How do you handle rejection?
Whiskey.
Just kidding. I, like everyone else, hate rejection. It feels personal and like I lack in some way, shape, or form. I remind myself that rejection in writing is NOT personal. An agent rejecting my work could be because it’s a bad fit, it’s a bad pitch, etc. It doesn’t mean my work is terrible, or I’m a terrible person. I’ve grown as a writer and as a professional, so whenever rejection pops up for me, I handle it by accepting it and learning from it and moving on to the next piece.
Can we become penpal?
No-but, you are welcome to stalk me via social media. I’m very active on Facebook and Twitter and will occasionally reply to the really funny tags and posts.
Will you read my work?
I would love to read your work, but unfortunately, I am unable to.
