Question 1

How did you get started writing?

Accepted Answer

I've always loved writing. While attending high school in Fort Campbell, Kentucky before later graduating from Clarksville High School in Clarksville, Tennessee, I used to write short stories about things as they happened throughout my day.
 
I really got into writing and developing my craft while living with my grandmother and aunt during the summertime, when school was out. I would spend time at BTW in Columbus, Georgia where I would experience some very realistic and interesting things.
 
As I got older, I began writing longer stories about the moods of people I observed. Not long after that, while attending Columbus College in Columbus, Georgia, I spent a lot of time dealing with the..."School of Life" and writing essays for people upon request and working on life studies preparing to write my first book.

Question 2

How long did it take you to write your first book?

Accepted Answer

I began writing Twisted in 2003.

Question 3

How many books will be in the Encounter Series?

Accepted Answer

The current plan for the Encounter Series is 5 books. The first book in the Series is titled Twisted, the second book will be titled...No Mercy.

Question 4

How do you come up with the names for your characters?

Accepted Answer

I did a lot of research when I started looking for names for my book...countless hours of research. I have to admit, I love the character names that I have created...Storora Conchita Gonzalez, Carrillo El Duque Sanchez, L.Q. Hawk and Sthankaila Shabaz-Wilson. When you hear someone say their name, it immediately gets your attention. Although the names are unique, I want to make sure that my loyal fans remember them.
 
When I'm out and about, I listen, and I watch people's interactions. Especially people talking. When I hear an unusual name, I add it to my list of "Key Topics."

Question 5

I want to be a writer. Can I contact you or send you my ideas for a book?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, I am unable to read others' writing or give advice on stories/books. Please do not send them. You won't get a reply and they will be deleted if sent.

Question 6

Where do you get your ideas from? Are your characters or books based on real life?

Accepted Answer

As far as the characters being real life...you as a reader and true fan will have to decide. I have a disclaimer that speaks to this. The books in The Encounter Series deal with everyday situations and true-life experiences. If my book hits too close to home then it has accomplished its objective...to keep you wondering, guessing about what might be.
 
My style of writing is bold, different...unique!
 
Someone once called me, The Master Storyteller because I tell such good and intriguing stories. I didn't dispute the tag/title. We both knew it to be true. The stories, they all come from my head! That being said, the things inside my head are fueled by the world around me. I do a lot of research and often that triggers an idea for a book. Key words can trigger a sentence which can turn into a paragraph that will become an idea for something in one of my books down the road.
 
Sometimes tiny little things I observe in the world will spark an idea. Writing and story creating is so complex that there's no one good answer to say where an idea comes from. But I will tell anyone that wants to listen...that it all starts with a thought which becomes an idea that eventually evolves into a story that needs to be told.

Question 7

Will you sign my book?

Accepted Answer

Yes, at official signings and special appearances at Cap25 scheduled events.

Question 8

Where can I contact you?

Accepted Answer

Visit the contact page for information on how to reach me.

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