“The Library is Open” so to speak. Here you’ll find an entry for the frequently asked questions derived from fans of my novels.
Point of Infliction
[Jump to novel FAQs for Tomorrow Never Came | Blind Thirst]
Who is Derek Caldwell inspired by? I love him.
His dark features are no doubt inspired by British actor Ben Barnes. When I began writing the concept for this book, I was going through a powerful phase with that fellow.
Camille Moore is a very beautifully written character. I really enjoy the Camille and Minnie dynamic. Can you tell me who inspired that?
That character chemistry is based on a childhood memory I have from my mother’s youth. Minnie is named and modeled after a family member of mine.
Richard is hot.
That’s not a question. Hahaha. But I love the comment, so this is getting added to my page.
CHATTY CATHY DOLL = CREEPY. How do you come up with this? Wasn’t that an old doll? You’re from the 90s, so how do you know this?
Chatty Cathy is indeed a vintage doll. I don’t recall how I came across her, but I felt she represented Sarah pretty well.
What nationality is Billy?
Italian.
How can you make such a sexy man so cold blodded? Also you are so sweet that I think I’m afraid that you can write this stuff.
I believe everyone has a dark side. Not everyone is willing or wants to linger within it though.
Tomorrow Never Came
[Jump to novel FAQs for Point of Infliction| Blind Thirst]
You released your second novel “Tomorrow Never Came” early this year after a 4 year gap finishing school. How did you find getting back in the saddle?
Writing is at the core of who I am and I am always creating. Although there was a gap in publication I was still in my creative mode. I spent rainy days in my head getting to know my characters. Also, in every story I have ever written, even back in grammar school, there is a message. It is usually caught by those who need to discover it. Those 4 years allowed me to express multiple values, which are left to the readers to be decoded. Some are more apparent than others, but they are awaiting the hearts that need to view them.
What inspired the story?
Tomorrow Never Came was inspired by sorrow, isolation, media, life, and redemption. The world has been engulfed by despondency and all that is ever uttered from news outlets is about a child dying at the hands of oppression by their peers for being of a certain race or orientation. Coverage follows victims of gang violence, rape, cancer, and so on. As those closest to me know I am an emotional creature, a drama queen even. So I used my book as a way to handle all of that. To handle society and its flaws. To recognize my supporters’ troubles as well as my own. My people online know that I write to those who e-mail me personally. I hate for people to feel alone, therefore I try to be there for them because not everyone has someone who cares. I am a strong believe that no one should ever suffer in silence or be in solitude for too long. Loneliness can kill, but it is good to remember that some solitude is refreshing. You just have to know where the line has to be drawn. Tomorrow Never Came represents all of that.
The narrative is set against a backdrop of hate crimes in a small town. Do you think this is indicative of the times we are living in? What do you think is causing the recent rise in intolerance?
Hates crimes are as old as man and my novel revolves around the chaos man has brought upon themselves, just through the eyes of teenagers. Now, when you say ‘recent rise’ I kind of…just say to myself that it isn’t recent. Things were hidden in the past and technology was not this advanced so no one was able to record the amount of disdain people have for one another. That doesn’t just go for the LGBT community. That’s overall. People have always and will always seek things that will repulse them. Negativity is what many individuals thrive off of. I was raised around intolerance, luckily it was not present within my home. Still, it surrounded me outside the home designed to protect me. I never understood ignorance until I began to pay attention to how schoolmates were treating me and the people around me. You’re black, you’re white, you’re Mexican, you’re just a girl, you dress a little different, you’re this and you’re that. Judgments often lead to hatred which lead to crimes. The only thing that’s changed through time is how often we are able to access our violent acts toward one another. (Thanks to the internet.) Time proves that mankind runs in cycles and once we fix one thing we find another issue that disturbs another group for senseless reasons. I hope this burning hope in my heart that one day we can break that cycle. Hopefully we can find peace within ourselves as compassionate people and help one another instead of generating chaos and severing ties.
Blind Thirst
[Jump to novel FAQs for Point of Infliction | Tomorrow Never Came]
Is there going to be a part two to Blind Thirst?
No, currently I do not see a sequel being written for this novel.
Will this book be a TV show or movie like Vampire Diaries or Twilight?
I was offered by the publishing company to convert BT to a movie, but declined.
What inspired you to write this novel?
My best friends did with their obsession for all things vampire. I’ve always wanted to create something dark, and gothic, but shed some light on it at the same time. I guess…my inspiration though, was my online vampire short stories.
How long did it take you to complete your first novel?
From August 25, 2008 to January 15, 2009.
Do you have a favorite character in this book, or do you love them all?
Aside from the main characters, I love Uncle Benjamin and Tamara. If you’ve read it, it’ll be obvious why.
Is this an interracial novel?
Yes, it is. All of my work has always been interracial, and always will be. I am a strong believer in diversity. I love to bring in a piece of everyone’s heritage that I’ve met. Throughout my career I will continue to do that.
