Did you always want to write books? When did it hit you that you wanted to do so?
I thought that I would write at least one novel at some point, but I didn't expect to be published so soon, or that writing would become a career. I figured the book would come when I was more aged. That it would be a result of my varied experiences, not be a part of my growing life experiences.

What was the most fun book for you to write and why?
The most enjoyable book that I've written to date is The Night Before Thirty. The characters in that book were mature and I allowed myself to be carried away with their conversations and comments. The women had adult conversations about adult topics, without being too erotic.

When you write, do you seclude yourself from family and friends? If so, do you have a favorite place? What is that place and what do you like about it?
Everyday I ask myself what environment I need to be in to feel inspired. Then I go with that feeling. Sometimes I stay at home and write on the computer. Other times I go to the beach, a coffee shop, UCLA's campus (and I have a few different spots there). I don't have one particular place.

What was the feeling you had when you handed in your first book? What was that book?
The first book that I turned in was Sorority Sisters. I had published it myself and released it through Lavelle Publishing. When Random House told me that they were interested in publishing the book I was torn. Sorority Sisters was doing well self-published, I wasn't sure if I wanted to give up the freedom of controlling every aspect of my work. Yet, I was excited that they were actually interested in my book.

What characters you have created that you relate to the most or are most like you? And in what way are you alike?
There are aspects about my personality in each of my characters. I find the different stages of my maturing personality intertwined in one character or another.

What motivates your book ideas?
Life and the choices that people make motivate my writing. We are born into this world and then we die. The interesting things that happen in between is life. And life is filled with twists and turns and stories that are sweet and bitter. There are those that begin sweet and end bitter and vice versa. No one can exactly explain life, but the stories that come out of it, be they painful, fulfilling, disappointing, or strange, they are all beautiful and interesting to hear about. Mimicking life and putting people into situations that I would wonder how I would react if I were in motivate me.

What is the most memorable book club experience and why?
My very first book club meeting was the most memorable. I went to the book club with my poetry book, The Desires of A Woman. I remember although the discussion was predominately attended by women, there were a few men present and that was encouraging to see. We discussed my poetry and I was delighted that they enjoyed my work and had open and honest thoughts to share about the different poems. It was held at one of the member's homes and they had a cake with my name on it and hors d'oeuvres. I wasn't expecting such a fuss to be made, but I appreciated it and will never forget it.

If you were not writing books, what would you be doing?
I would probably be a publicist. As an author I have gotten experience in the field.

What about the publishing industry do you dislike and would change?
I wish the publishing industry had a better understanding of the African-American reader's buying habits and that they would create a marketing plan that catered to them, instead of continuing to promote books the way they have for years. More titles would be successful.

How much reading of books do you do?
I spend a lot of time reading books that will help improve the quality of my life. I read biographies and a lot of non-fiction.

Who is your favorite author, other than yourself? Why?
I don't have a favorite, although Maya Angelou's writing and personal story inspires me.

What other aspects of life are you passionate about?
I'm passionate about life itself. I am moved by music and words and experiences. Also, I'm beginning to really take to directing. We'll see how that goes.

Hometown?
I was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, but I grew up in Hopkinsville, Kentucky.

Family (married, single, divorced, children)
I am single and I don't have any children

Age?
32

How do you view the value of book clubs?
I have not attended a lot of book club meetings, however I have had several book clubs joint purchase my books. I believe that book clubs are crucial to supporting the number of multiple genres that are cropping up with African American authors. The web presence of several book clubs has increased tremendously over the past few years and has been helpful in spreading the word about new books and authors. They have been key in enhancing the publishing industry, especially with African American books. I believe that the industry would suffer a great loss if they cease to exist.

Link to the National Book Club Conference's website

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