How and when did you first realize your calling for writing books?

Hmmm. I don’t know if writing books, was ever the calling. That part was more like a decision made above me. Writing, yes, I have been writing all my life. Writing is the only thing that makes sense in life sometimes.

Can you tell us a bit about the books written by you so far?

I’ve self-published three, over a five-year period. Then, took a hiatus while I was researching the current book series I’m working on. 

How long on average did it take you to complete a book?

Between writing the first draft, editor, rewrites, typically a year- 1-1/2. But Good Food, my last project was more like 3. I lost the first 150 pages, my agent and I, couldn’t agree on the direction of the story, 3 drafts later, it’s finally done. 

“Sometimes, we do not get a chance to thank each one who has helped us in our Journey.” Let the readers get a chance to know about all the important people who have played a part in this ‘Author Journey of Yours’.

I learned as a child; how important it was to tell people how important they are in your life when you have a chance to. We never know when, or if we will see or speak to those people again, after that meeting, after that call. At least, in this I can say, I’ve done a good job thanking the people around me, as much as I can, as often as I can, in words but more importantly, in action.

According to you which are the 5 books that everyone should read and who are your top 3 Authors and what impact did they have in your journey as a writer?

I found writing is so subjective that, what one person gets from a book, will be completely different than another person. I can say, “Breath, Eyes, Memory” by Edwidge Danticat, made me empathize with my mother’s struggles growing up in Haiti more. And understand it was a global struggle shared by women all over the world. Making me into a more empathic, protective, and understanding mother, sister and friend. However, another person may not get that from her book. 

What inspires you to write?

Life, there are so many layers and hidden truths, even in our life. Just a day look out into nothingness can bring forth such beauty, scary, or lovely tales. 

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

Research, lots, and lots of research. The best fiction is based on facts.

What has been your most cherished experience as an author?

Everything I’ve learned along the way. Going from I think I can, too I know I can.

Which is your best-preferred genre?

It’s funny, because I always thought I was going to end up writing horrors, or thrillers. I’m really good at finding ways to kill characters. Yet, my first 3 books are women’s lit, and my current projects are magical realism-historical fictions. The only thing my books all have in common is the female protagonist at the helm.

Could you share a few tips for budding Authors and aspiring writers?

It’s a solemn path. Learn to become your biggest ally, or you will become your worse enemy.

Tell us a bit about your family, your likes, dislikes, and hobbies as a person.

My family is just like any other family. We live the best we can, facing each obstacle that presents itself as best as we can. As far as hobbies, does napping count? That’s the only extra time I have, lol. 

What are the ways in which you inspire others?

I don’t know if I do that. I hope everyone knows, I’m damaged goods. I have deep scars. I’m not perfect. If in some way, I inspire someone, it’s only because they see their own abilities mirrored in me and they want to grow. 

Are you working on anything at present that you would like to share with your readers?

Yes. Hopefully sooner, than later. 

What are your future plans?

World domination. Duh, lol

How can a writer keep the mental block or writer’s block away from his/her creativity?

You tell me, lol. Life had a way of happening. The only advice I have is to keep going. Put down just one word a day if you must, but put down something. Read something. Write using pen, and paper. 

Rapid Fire Round

1. Favorite Place – sunset or sunrise on the beach, Actor – Patrick Stewart & Actress – Angela Joli, Person- pass, Food –spicy, beverage…. Chai, 

2. Your other Talents apart from writing…. cooking

3. Your First Love… books

4. Favorite Quote…. Don’t let anyone put you down- my mother

5. Favourite Character from a book…

Magalie, and Ichabod, from my current series – I know my readers are going to say the twins. But they are not my favourites, they are yours 😉

What if Round 

1. What if you had to live with only three things all your life, what would the three things be?

Books, the beach, food, lol

2. What if you were given the power to change one thing from this world, what would you change?

Complacency  

3. What if you had all the money in this world, what would you do first?

Install Biofuel fuel generator in every 50 square miles of Haiti, hopefully eliminating both its garbage problem, and dependency of expensive petrol from the United States. Thus, children could learn better, have electricity to read past sundown. People could focus on moving forward, and not just surviving.

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