Tell us a little bit about yourself and your life growing up. How did you first get into writing?
I was born and raised on the west side of Chicago, IL. I am the eldest of 3 children. I am a mother of 3, and grandmother of 2. I have a bachelor’s degree in Applied Behavioral Science, I’m also a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. As a teenager I became an avid reader after getting a hold of my mom and aunts urban literature book ‘Dope fiend’ by Donald Goines. From there I fell in love with books and being able to escape into the words on the crispy pages! This also prompted me to want to write. I would write for myself as a teen, but life happened. Although it took me this long to write a novel and self- publish it, I’m just glad I never gave up on one of my dreams.
Has there been any incident in your life which inspired you to choose crime fiction as your genre?
The environment I grew up in prompts the stories that I’m dying to tell via books.
Being an avid reader of urban fiction novels. who is your favorite fiction author?
I honestly don’t have a favorite author, per se. I love new and seasoned authors alike.
Was writing your first book a struggle? What kept you motivated?
I’m very thankful my first book flowed freely from my mind to my laptop. My motivation came from me wanting to get the story out and finally tap into one of my goals, which was to become a published author.
What inspired you to write the book "Check Mate Bitch!?" What is this book about?
I was inspired by other authors at a book fair, who were young, vibrant and determined. I felt if they could do it so could I. Check Mate Bitch, tells the story of a couple who met in high school and fell in love. They married at a young age and quickly became pillars of the community. They had everything going for them until the sins of their family and 4 of the 7 deadly sins changed life as they knew it.
How do you come up with book titles? What is the significance of the title of your book, Check Mate Bitch! Game Over The Sequel?
Lol, in grammar School I had a teacher who would say checkmate anytime he got the class in order. I thought and still do think it was quite funny and I would sometimes use the phrase (in my mind) if I put someone in their place. I added the word Bitch on the end for dramatics. It worked because if nothing else, people love the title.
Do you think book covers play an important role? Who designs your covers?
I think book covers are important, most people are visual. My book covers were created by Antonia A. Mcman-McCline.
Who inspired the character of Russell Price in Check Mate Bitch! Game Over The Sequel?
Different men I personally know inspired the character of Russell.
If your book "Check Mate Bitch!", were to be adapted into a movie, who would you want to cast?
Jill Scott as Sheila, Angela Bassett as Mama Shan, Columbus Short as Russell, Delroy Lindo as Big Irv, KeKe Palmer as Ava & Curtiss Cook as Uncle Bodie.
What is one quote or book or movie that has really changed the way you think or live your life?
“Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.”
How do you think reading throughout high school to the present day has helped you shape into a writer?
Being an avid reader has equipped me to perhaps grasp different forms of writing and conclude why a writer chose a certain word or phrase, or why they write in 1 st person instead of 3 rd . It has also taught me to “just write” and slow the story to flow from the depths of my mind without holding back.
Besides 'writer's block', what are some frustrating things that can happen that can sap an author's creative juices or energy to write? How do you overcome that?
The woes of life. On any given day anything can happen that could suck the life out of us. Ways to overcome this would be: get an accountability partner, set writing goals and stick to them as close as possible, self-care is a must to keep the creative justices flowing. Last but not least…lots of wine!
What does Honey Thomas's Saturday looks like? What are some things you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love to of course read, pamper myself at the hair & nail salon, hang out with family and friends, listen to music and spend time with my grandchildren!
Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers about?
I have a new 120 blank page Journal Notebook on Amazon (THINKING OF A MastHER PLAN). I also have a new novel (CONFUSION) set to release on Amazon March of 2020!
What do you like the most about AllAuthor? Do you have any suggestions for the website?
I like the connections/networking, I absolutely love the staff support, the book cover contests and the mock-ups. The only suggestion I have for your website is to keep doing what you’re doing!
