Where were you born, and what was your childhood like?
I am from Africa and I was born in The Republic of Cameroon or La Republique du Cameroun (the french speaking provinces of the country). I am the second of four children. Growing-up in Cameroon (the engligh speaking provinces of the country) was fun. We played outside in the grass under the sun all round the year. All my life I have been a tomboy and growing-up I would go on adventures climbing fruit trees to havest fruits like mangoes, papaya, guavas and oranges. My mother would never allow me climb trees because I was a girl. If she found out I had climbed trees, she would thrash me. So I had to come-up with a solution for that problem. Thinking I was smart, I would take off my clothes and climbed the trees in my undies to avoid getting my clothes dishevelled. One time I bruised my body and I realized that was a foolish decision. Another time I found a snake on a mango tree, I tried to get it off the tree in vain and it scared me to death, I never climbed trees after that day.
What are some interesting experiences you've had as a teen?
My parent's divorce was a turning point my life. I was hurting so bad I could only find solace in books. I started reading paperbacks like Danielle Steel, Harlequin, Mills & Boon, James Harley chase. Agatha Christie, Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte etc,
Which children's book from your childhood has stayed with you in your adult life?
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs from the Disney Ladybird Books (I read tons of them) and later 'Tess of the d'urbervilles' by Thomas Hardy.
What are your favorite lines from any novel?
I have two actually, “Beauty lay not in the thing, but in what the thing symbolized.” Thomas Hardy ,in 'Tess of the d'urbervilles' and "If adventures will not befall a young lady in her own village, she must seek them abroad". Quote from Jane Austen in Northanger Abbey.
When you planned to become a published writer, how did you get started?
I had recorded my stories on tape, so I had to write them on paper. When the manuscript was ready I got it edited and finally I had to get an illustrator to bring the images/pictures in my story to life. While doing my research on how to get my book published, I found out it was possible to self-publish on KDP. Kindle Direct Publishing was the perfect solution for me at that time, so I got my manuscript formatted and uploaded to KDP.
What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?
It is important to read books from writers in your genre to help you understand your audience, then write from a place of honesty and sincerity and always create suspense while writing in a way that leaves the reader on a cliffhanger.
How many books do you plan to write in "My Christian Identity" series?
I AM Jesus: Who is Jesus to you? was #2 Amazon bestseller for weeks and Amazon #1 New Release for over a month. I cannot tell right now, I am a Christian and I will write as the Holy Spirit leads me. Let's wait and see, the lord . will speak to me when it's time. The Lord has a message for His people and this will be an interesting series to meet the needs of my audience. I know for sure that children/families will continue to learn about having an intimate relationship with Jesus, understand and implement their Christian values in real life and embrace their Christian life's journey.
What challenges did you face while publishing your novel, Christmas Holiday Joy: Coloring Experience?
Christmas is my favorite time of the year. In Christmas Holiday Joy: Coloring Experience you have puzzles, games, quizzes and coloring activities. I wanted to paint the Joy, the miracle and the spirit of Christmas, I wanted to give children/families an opportunity to experience bonding with each other through coloring activities and it had to be perfect. I had to get the right illustrator who could bring my vision to life and I was on a deadline. The project took several revisions and sleepless nights but we finally got it done. I am glad I get positive feedback from children and parents who bought copies. Some families bought several copies and they enjoyed the Christmas Holiday Joy: Coloring Experience.
Who is your target audience? What are some things you wish your readers would take away from your books?
I write for the children who can read and children whose parents read to them. Most often I get feedback from parents who enjoy and can relate to my writing and find themselves reading my work several times. I am humbled and I appreciate their feedback and honesty.
When did you plan to gift the world with the book, Christmas Holiday Joy?
In 2020 when the Pandemic hit, the world was gloomy and there were so many people dying from COVID-19, people were losing their jobs and experiencing financial hardship, despair and fear of the unknown, I wanted to 'gift' love and hope to the world. I wanted to giveback and put a smile on the faces of my readers. Since Christmas is my favorite holiday and over the years my family has created traditions that bring us together to experience love, joy, and the magic and miracle of the Christmas spirit, I wanted to share those memories with the world and hopefully reach out and touch our friends, families and the world that was in lockdown to know that hey were loved and that they were not alone. That is the 'gift' of Christmas Holiday Joy. I have received feedback from several readers who incorporated our family Christmas traditions in their families after reading Christmas Holiday Joy. For others it brought back memories from their childhood they had long forgotten.
How do you handle criticism as a writer?
I am humbled by criticism, It takes courage for someone to critique your work. I appreciate it because it can only help me become a better writer. I write for my audience and I will love to get their feedback so it helps me better meet their needs through my writing.
Writing and finishing a book can take an immense amount of discipline. How do you keep yourself motivated and keep the dreaded writer's block from attacking?
I love to tell stories and creative writing is my passion. I write when the idea is fresh in my mind and I once I experience writer's block I stop writing and get to do something fun like hiking, listening to music and dancing, read a book, play dress-up or I take a long shower. I have found out that these activities help me recover from writer's block.
What mistakes do new writers often make in their writing?
I think the mistake new writers like me make is to expect the fame to come early on in their careers. Unfortunately is does not work that way for most new writers. My advice will be for new writers to be passionate about their writing and to write from their hearts. Network and seek mentorship from matured writers to learn the business of authorpreneurship and then they can savour fame and success,
What are you working on now?
Animals are man's best friend. As a child I had the opportunity to raise animals on a farm and I want to tell those stories through the eyes of a child. My children have visited some farms but they never had the opportunity to live on a farm like I did, so I want to share that experience with them and other children/families around the world. I am also working on the translations of 'Christmas Holiday Joy' in French and in Spanish for end of year 2021.
How did you first learn about the AllAuthor website and how do you think it measures up to other sites that you've tried?
An author friend recommended the allauthor website and I have never been disappointed by their services. There is so much on Allauthor website that is not available on many websites in the same category. The integrity and transparency of the Allauthor website is something to applaud. The Allauthor website lives-up to it values and promise. I appreciate the plethora of resources and marketing props available on the website that facilitate book promotion for the author.
