What inspired you to start your writing journey?
The need to free myself from the abuse and pain that I endured as a child inspired me to tell my story in hopes that it would inspire someone else that was or had experienced some of the same things I had as a child to not give up.
What are your earliest memories of your hometown?
Walking down the street to Danford Cleaners to get Coca Cola’s for me and my grandfather to drink with our Moon Pies or he and I slipped away from my grandmother to go eat at Maryland Fried Chicken or Kentucky Fried Chicken.
You seem to have a deep love for your family. Can you tell us more about the significance of family relationships in your writing?
Family means the world to me because I grew up not really knowing my family and living in different cities from my siblings, so I longed for family as a child. As the family matriarch, I go above and beyond to ensure the kids of the family know each other and that we are close.
Your passion for helping your community thrive is evident. What do you think drives you to be so dedicated to this cause?
My grandmother was passionate about helping people in our community and I think I’m passionate about it because of what I saw her do and because I have benefited directly from the kindness of others in my community when I was in need.
In what ways does your faith influence your actions and decisions throughout the story?
My faith is paramount in my life. I wouldn’t be the woman I am today without my faith. My faith influences my actions and decisions because I want to live a life that’s worthy of the sacrifice that was made for me on Calvary’s cross.
Yolanda is described as "cool as the other side of the pillow." What characteristics or experiences shape your calm demeanor, especially when faced with challenges?
I was an abused child who lived in chaos most of my late childhood, teens, and early adulthood so I learned to let things slide off my back like water slides off a duck’s back. It was very hard to learn to stay calm regardless of the situation but as my faith increased to know that there was nothing that God couldn’t handle, I learned to stay calm and let God be God all by Himself.
How do you navigate situations where your extroverted and introverted traits may come into conflict?
I pray and seek the guidance of those wiser than I am.
Can you share any personal experiences or inspirations that influenced the development of Candice Sullivan's character?
As with most of my characters, Candice Sullivan is comprised of pieces of individuals I personally know and some of the things they have struggled with in their lives.
What are some key values or beliefs that you hold dear, and how do they guide your actions?
One key values and/or beliefs that I hold dear are honesty. I believe that if honesty is always in play, I can find a resolution for almost anything. Another key value or belief is my faith. I believe God will see me through absolutely anything.
As an author, how do you balance portraying your characters' strengths and vulnerabilities to create well-rounded characters?
This is a really hard question because a lot of the people who inspire my characters are not very well-rounded in their own lives, so I outline my characters and try to add depth to their strengths and vulnerabilities to create well-rounded interesting characters. The depth may come from an article I read or something I saw while I was people-watching.
Your passion for your beliefs shines through in the story. How do you ensure that your convictions come across authentically to readers?
I try my best to write from my heart so that authenticity comes across the page to my readers. It is my passion to use the words on the page to facilitate change in the lives of the people who read my works.
How do you handle moments of doubt or uncertainty, especially when your convictions are challenged?
I pray and then I pray some more!
What message or takeaway do you hope readers will gain from experiencing Yolanda's journey?
If nothing else, it is my hope that readers take away a message of the ability to overcome whatever it is they are facing at that time in their lives. I pray that I am an example of overcoming!
Are there any books or projects you're currently working on that you'd like to share with your readers or potential fans?
I am not currently working on any new projects at the moment. I’m finishing up a home remodel and then I can get back to writing and producing.
What do you think of AllAuthor? Has this website been helpful to you?
I love AllAuthor. The website has been helpful in helping me to 1) follow my favorite authors, 2) explore new authors and 3) keep abreast of what’s going on in the marketplace.
