What were you like as a child? Who was your role model growing up?
I loved reading, playing any sport my brothers were taking part in and watching television. There wasn’t a book within reach that I didn’t read. And growing up on an Island where books were limited, I often ran out fast. For my seventh birthday, my mom bought me the entire collection of Encyclopedia Britannica. I was not amused! I read them, but that stuff was boring as hell.
I didn’t really have any. My outlook was colored by the romance novels I read (happily ever after was my favorite) and the movies I watched (good always triumphed over evil).
When did you realize writing romance novels was a dream for you?
I started writing as a child. When I ran out of books to read, I used to re-write the children’s stories that I’d read before. Disney’s princesses suddenly had more productive badass capabilities in my versions of Cinderella or Beauty & the Beast than just being beautiful. Those princesses kicked ass and took names. Writing romantic stories started when I was in college when once again I found myself without something to read. I would always start the stories but never finish them. I didn’t have time. Now I never run out of things to read or write! Still have no time, but who needs sleep anyway?
Being an avid sports fan, did you ever consider having a career in tennis, football, track or basketball?
I was a tennis player – I played on my college tennis team and represented my country on numerous occasions. I had intended trying for the professional level, however, I was injured my sophomore year in college. My injury was so severe, there was no chance I could turn pro. I still play competitively though (against the advice of doctors to stop). I also coach kids between the ages of 5-16 years old for competitive tennis.
From where do you get ideas for your stories that highlight Caribbean sisters?
LOL! I have no idea. Just have a very overactive imagination.
In what ways do you think your books will inspire every woman to find the other half of themselves?
I think we all have an innate belief that there is someone out there specifically made for us. And because I truly believe in mind over matter, if I can convince my sisters to believe, to wait in patient urgency, and to value themselves, their bodies, their minds, then I think they will find that special someone, made specifically for them.
How do you think your love for sports and action thrillers shapes the plot of your stories?
I certainly hope it does. I was looking at my Apple TV movie purchases recently and was shocked that 98% of the titles were Action Adventure. You know you’re a crazy sports fan when the officials know your name and know to be ready for the cutting criticism. LOL! So, it’s not surprising that sports and action appear in my books in one form or another.
When it comes to writing a paranormal romance, what are some of your top tips?
Paranormal to me is so much more fun to write. The number one thing I try to do when writing a Paranormal is to make it believable while allowing my imagination to be unleashed.
What brought you to write your book "Broken Promises"? Did you consider any alternate endings for this book?
I never know what the ending of my books will look like. I let the characters and the dialogue guide me. So no, I didn’t have an alternate ending, the characters decided that.
How important do you think is the cover of a book? Out of all your book covers, which one is your favorite and why?
Oh, the cover is very important. I think besides the synopsis – this is one of the first things that draw a reader in. First the title, then the cover, then the synopsis, and finally the sample read. My favorite covers are Secret Obsession, Surrender and I’ll Always Be Yours.
What was the inspiration for the series, "Soul Brothers?" Do you find it more challenging to write the first book in a series or to write the subsequent novels?
What’s so crazy in my world is that I never know that I’m about to write a series. I only decided on Soul Brothers being a series after I’d published the first book and I kept wondering about Max and Seth. Those guys wouldn’t leave me alone! Lol!
How would you describe the relationship between Colt and Imani in "Secret Obsession"?
Now that was a ride! Colt and Imani storyline came about because I was waiting in line in US Immigration and saw this really beautiful man with his teenage kids. I kept thinking, damn, his daughter’s friends must be going crazy crushing on him. He was beautiful! And then I started writing from that premise, but my daughters soon dissuaded me from that particular plot line – they went almost ballistics at the thought of one of their friends with their dad. So thus, poor Sarah became an orphan. LOL!
Every art form is open to various interpretations and reviews. How do you handle any negative reviews that come your way?
I used to get so worked up and really depressed by them, but then one of my editors once told me to never read negative reviews. I stopped years ago. However, I still skim them in case there’s anything useful in the critic that I may need to fix. Negative reviews hurt, but I try to take the positivity being offered by those women who love my books.
Who was your first reader? What is the best compliment you have received for your writings?
My friend Shuree. She is the main reason I published.
There have been many. But I really appreciate when someone enjoys the book so much that it changes their day or makes them so happy in the moment that they are compelled to send me a message.
What are some of your goals or what are some things you hope to accomplish through your books?
I want to one day have a #1 seller. I’ve been as far as #4 before, but I want the numero uno spot!
How has AllAuthor helped you in the marketing and promotion of your books? Would you recommend this platform to your author friends?
This site is very helpful. The reminders, the periodic mockups, the tweets, the cover edit capabilities, and I’m sure there are countless others that I haven’t used yet. Even this interview questionnaire was fun and different. I would definitely recommend it.
