What inspired you to become an author?
The inspiration behind becoming an author is a kind of funny story. I was hanging out with a few of my writing friends and one of them challenged me to write and publish a book. I am the kind of woman who never turns down a challenge! Therefore I started writing, and my friend helped me through the self publishing process, and here I am with my first work—so excited!
How did you come up with the title for your latest book?
Science has always been a big love for me. It’s a hard subject to study and understand but I enjoy the challenge. So I started studying about ph balance and how it affects people and other things in nature. I also understand that bodies have to be in balance. I started thinking about how my characters are all unbalanced in some way or another; everyone for that matter. Three is an odd number, my characters are flawed, so the idea of ‘unbalanced ph’ started to form. I felt that it would be a good enough teaser to peak readers' interest.
Do you title the book first or wait until after it’s complete?
I started out with completely different titles. The first one was ‘Journey of D’, which was ok, but it just didn’t fit. Then I switched over to ‘The Neighbor Lady’, but that too felt off because of PJ and her contribution to the arc of the story. As I began to reread the story over and over I landed on ‘Unbalanced Ph’. The book wasn’t complete, but after I found the title, I was able to really dig in, and complete the story.
Is the book, characters, or any scenes based on a true life experience, someone you know, or events in your own life?
Doug is loosely based on a co-worker who’s a single dad and imaginations I have of my father who I never knew. He and my mother split either before I was born or when I was a baby. My mother has never given me the absolute truth, and I have yet to meet my father to get the whole story. So writing Doug was cathartic for me. My co-worker who’s a single dad gave me some concrete situations to write from. From both of those experiences Doug and the novella were born.
Is there a genre(s) that you’d like to write that you haven’t tackled yet?
I think I’d like to write some science fiction. I really love writing characters and crazy sensual situations, but I also would love to send them into space, or write about another planet. If I could make a sequel with these three characters going to another planet would be great. However I really want to find a core audience first and maybe sell some books! But rest assured, if they do go to another planet there will be some spicy scenes with some sexy aliens! (lol)
What book are you reading now?
I’m currently reading “The Dare” by Harley Laroux. I found this author through a friend who told me to read her because she is an excellent story-teller. I have found this to be so true! It’s a short read, but I’ve really gotten sucked into the story, so sexy, so many twists, I love it!
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
The most challenging part of the writing was definitely writing the sex scenes. It is tough! Since this is all new to me, I didn’t want to offend people, but at the same time I wanted the experiences to be authentic. I’m a fan of sex, let’s be clear! I also understand some readers want specific words to give specific feelings etc. So I struggled with giving the right words for certain body parts, and dialog. I hope to get some feedback on this part of my writing the most, this way I can adjust what I give to the people.
When you’re not writing what
do you do? Do you have any hobbies or guilty
pleasures?
When I’m not writing, or hanging out with friends my true guilty pleasure is roller skating. It’s a physical activity that keeps me in shape. Now I also enjoy other physical activities that make me quiver, sweat and squirm, but we’ll save those for another post. However, skating allows me to be free. Feeling the wind rush through my hair, or spinning around and around on the skates is absolute dizzying joy.
What is next for you? Do you
have any scheduled upcoming releases or works in
progress?
Well, there are a few things I’m working/toying with. The first is a sequel to Unbalanced Ph. I
really want to dive in with my lady co-stars. This book is definitely Doug
centered, but the sequel(s) would swoop into the stories of these intriguing
women. I’m also thinking of creating an audio book. Friends have told me that
audio books can create a whole new fan base for me. So I’ve been kicking that
around, but once again, it’s something I know nothing about. And, it’s a
challenge, and we know how I feel about challenges!
Excerpt
As he drove up and pulled into his spot he noticed Nene getting out of her car with two arms full of groceries. Doug parked his car, and quickly got out to help.
“Hey Nene, do you need some help?”
“Heeyyy Doug, of course I could use a hand,” she replied as he grabbed a bag that was slipping out her hand. “Thanks so much! These groceries are a mess, but I gotta feed these kids. And while I’m here gettin’ these groceries, the kids ain’t never around to help!” As she chuckled, Doug nodded. He’d passed Nene a few days back and met her briefly, but this was their first real interaction.
“Yeah, that’s the thing about kids, I get that. But you gotta be glad you had ‘em right?”
“Well I guess Doug, I have second thoughts from time to time,” she said as she laughed again.
“Hey Doug, I noticed you working on that house next door, and was wondering are you fixing it up, or are you moving in?” They both gathered their grip on their respective groceries and paused. Doug shifted around a bit.
“Uh...well, you know Nene, since you like asked and all, I’m pretty much doing both. I bought the property, and it needed a bit of work so I’m working on it too.”
“Ohhh, ok, ok Dougie, I see you, I see you. Well since I got this moment with you, if you don’t mind me askin’ and all,” she started while looking up at him, “what you going to do with all that space? I’ve been here seven years, and all these houses are the same. They’re all three bedrooms. And from what I’ve noticed, it don’t seem like you have any family. Am I correct in that?” She motioned her torso in a shy but sultry fashion. Doug felt slightly warm; the sun was out, but that was not the origin of his temperature rise. He looked her up and down faintly, and noticed her nicely painted toes poking out from her sandals, her shape, void of hips, but trim waistline, her full bosom, and long pink nails contrasting her beautiful dark skin. Doug glanced deeply at her face, and focused on her provocative brown eyes.
“Well Nene,” he stuttered, “since you asked, I’m sing–...I mean I have two girls. And yeah, I’m single, I mean I’m a single dad,” he replied, mopping his answer up at the end.
“OK!” she exclaimed, making space and walking toward the door. “I wasn’t trying to get all in your business, but we’re neighbors you know. So I just wanted to let you know, if you ever needed a cup of sugar or some flour or something like that, I’m here. Right next door, I’m your neighbor.” Doug helped her to the door, and handed her the load of groceries he held.
“I got you Nene, I got you. But let me ask you something?” She nodded in acceptance to his question. “How do you know I can cook?” She smiled and gazed at him.
“Well, any man who is single, appears to be responsible, is a homeowner, and has a smile like yours…I’m just betting you can. Sooo, if you need a little sugar to make something sweet, I’m the neighbor lady you should call on. I’m only a few feet away.”
“Ok,” Doug replied, smiling at her, “If I’m ever in need of some sugar, you’ll be the first neighbor I’ll call.” Doug backed off her doorstep and started to walk away. He looked back to see Nene gripping her finger in her mouth eyeing him. She quickly waved, and Doug waved back, smiling.
Single dad…single, I’m single, thought Doug as he walked the pathway to his house. I’m single, I don’t need permission to talk to my neighbors. I’m single. No one will say anything about how you handle your life; you don’t have a woman right now. You’re single. Be ok with that.
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Thank you for hosting!
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