What are some of your favorite childhood memories?
As a very young child, my father would take me to Jamaica every summer. I remember always longing to go because I had lots of cousins around the same ages as me to play with and I got to gorge myself on mangoes and guinips, which I couldn’t get enough of.
The other memory that stands out was when we immigrated to Canada from England in the late 60s. I felt like I had died and gone to heaven. I was fascinated by how bright and modern everything was - the big fancy cars, the Canadian accent, the kids with those accents, the different kinds of groceries, and this thing called pizza.
What have been your most valuable out-of-school learning experiences?
I think learning the importance of my own instincts and valuing them – that gut feeling that guides me in life.
Do you remember the first book you ever read? What was it about?
“Spot the Dog.” And Pinocchio.
What are the best books to have read right before entering college?
This was pre-internet days when actual typewriters and libraries were the norm.
‘Kane and Able’ by Jeffrey Archer – one of my favourites. Sydney Sheldon’s ‘The Other Side of Midnight.’ ‘The Joy of Sex’ - by Alex Comfort was pretty popular too.
What are the advantages of becoming a social worker as a career?
Social work is a “helping” profession that focuses on people in difficult circumstances who need assistance and resources to improve their situations. It requires an understanding of oppression and the human condition, a thick skin at times, and a willingness to advocate for others. It teaches one a lot about what’s important in life and what’s not, about inequity, and about the power of compassion.
What sparked the idea for your book, Prey of Angels?
Years ago, I managed a child protection team that worked with undocumented minors, some who arrived in Toronto from countries far away with no documentation or passports. Some were older than they claimed, but others were just scared and alone but refused to divulge anything about their families for fear of being deported back to their homelands, which they were usually trying to escape because of war, poverty, and abuse. Many such youth ended up as wards and were cared for by ‘the system’, which they wanted, but others slipped away and never came back. This was the impetus for Prey of Angels.
Which of the scenes in the book, Prey of Angels are inspired from your past experiences?
Most of the book is inspired by my past experiences, but the CPS team meeting where cases and work issues are discussed is a accurate reflection of a ‘day in the life’ of a child protection social worker.
Who inspired the character of Christina Gore in "In the Shadow"?
Christina is the embodiment of many youth out there who are burdened with emotional and psychological pain stemming from parental rejection and abandonment. Twins separated at birth because of special needs or something similar, is unfortunately, something I have seen before.
What is your writing kryptonite? Inversely, what is something that never fails to inspire you?
I get frustrated when I’m not sure how to connect or bridge parts of a story. I also don’t consistently write chronologically, as in from beginning to end. I often move around from scene to scene, chapter to chapter – sometime from chapter 8 then to chapter 3. I always work it out but taking a break (few days or longer) to just think about where to go and how, usually helps me overcome this impasse.
As for Inspiration - it comes from many different places, often unexpectedly. I love running with it and researching new and unfamiliar topics and areas to see if I can build a story on whatever inspired me.
What according to you are the key ingredients of a successful book?
For me it’s the story itself, the style of writing, and believable, relatable characters that readers can see themselves in.
What is the toughest case you've had as a social worker?
Honestly, I’d rather not say even though there have been many. Having mostly worked in child and youth protection, I would be talking about child abuse situations. To share these would feel like sensationalizing them, suffice to say, it is unbelievable what some people do to children.
What have you learned about the publishing industry so far?
Not enough, but I appreciate that I can finally pursue publication myself and tell stories my way and with my voice the way I want it heard. Unfortunately, I find the constant marketing associated with publishing daunting and exhausting because it is relentless and I’m not very good at it.
Do you ever leave book reviews on other author's books? What do reviews mean to you?
Yes, I do review other author’s books, but lately I’ve been really busy and haven’t done as much reading as I would like. That said, I cherish every review that I receive and listen carefully to what feedback is offered by the readers.
Which is the next book you are working on? Is it a series or a stand-alone book?
I’m working on two books right now. Burdened Legacy will be published in July 2021 and is a mystery thriller related to a sexual assault and a very secret adoption that straddles Canada and Jamaica. It was actually the very first book that I wrote. The book that I am currently working on is a stand-alone Canadian mystery/thriller with a love twist.
How has your experience working with AllAuthor been?
It’s been a good experience. As I indicated earlier, I can use any help I can get with marketing and exposure, both of which AllAuthor provides reasonably and consistently. I’ve been able to use the book mock-ups for both books - Prey of Angels and In the Shadow on different social media platforms which I like. I especially like the special occasion ones i.e., Christmas and New Years.
