Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
I am a 41 year old female American of African descent who writes fantasy and science fiction. I have been married to my husband for 20 years and we have six children, and a dog. My parents died when I was very young so I was raised by my grandparents (father’s parents). I have a half-sister by way of my mother. She and I were separated after our mother’s death.
I have three degrees (Associate of Science in Funeral Services, Bachelor of Science in Human Services Management, Masters of Elementary Education). Now you may be wondering, “What in the world?” I promise I will get to the how and why of my educational journey.
My story began in inner city New Orleans. You see, I was raised in those red line segregated neighbourhoods. “What do you mean segregated? Segregation ended in the 1960s, correct? You are partly correct. Yes segregation ended in the 60s but many of its practices did not.
At one point, my grandparents lived in a wonderful neighbourhood, but as many Americans of African descent moved in, many Americans of European descent were sold falsehoods. They were told having “Blacks” in the communities would bring down property value and bring in extraordinary levels of crime. They were told they would not be safe in their homes.
Redlining would see many Americans of European descent vacate cities and head for the suburbs. Those lines drawn would keep Americans of African descent out of certain areas. Those very lines caused property values in those communities to plummet. My grandfather’s dream would not come to pass. He had worked hard all his life (only a third grade education) to now see his property worth nothing.
Life was hard. Due to my grandmother’s many illness, she was unable to work so I did in her stead. My grandfather restarted his landscaping business so by age ten I was working. Not only was I working, but I had to be my grandparent’s eyes and ears because neither of them could read.
“I made decisions that I thought would matter. I made a mistake. Get your education. No man can take away what lies in your mind.” Those were my grandfather’s words. I took them to heart and tried my best in school. Sometimes my best was good enough and other times, it wasn’t.
As I grew, I realized I would one day have to leave my grandparents in order to make a better life for myself. The thought of it was excruciating. Who would help take care of them? Who would read for them? My grandmother did not want me to go, but my grandfather pushed me. Even in my darkest hours, he pushed me to try again. “As many times as you wake up. You have a chance to start over.” He would always say.
Soon, I began to write about my doubts, fears, and frustrations. After a while, I began to use my imagination to help me turns my doubts, fears, and frustrations into fantasy stories.
Before long I would become fascinated with the might of dragons. My grandfather would take me to the library to research dragons. What I found would later lead me down a path to discovery.
Of all the dragon myths, none were related to Africans. As my writings developed, so did my reading. I got to a point where all I wanted was to read fantasy. I dived into the world of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R Tolkien. Again leaving me to wonder where were the people who looked like me in those stories?
By the time I was 17, I decided I wanted to work with disadvantaged children. I wanted them to learn to use their imagination to escape worlds of pain.
Reaching college by the age of 19, I was able to leave New Orleans. Many different majors later, including funeral services after a book I had written about the dead rising, I found my way back to my love for children.
By 2007, nine years after graduating high school and four years after my Associates and Bachelor’s degrees, I entered a Masters of Elementary Education program at The University of Phoenix.
By 2010 I found myself with three degrees and no job.
Continuing to write but never publishing, I began to take my writings to small presses. I was never picked up but I had finally become a special education teacher.
I began to wonder if what a college teacher back in Beaufort, South Carolina said of my writings might be true. “Your story is good. Your editing sucks but your story is good. I’m going to spare you future regret by telling you the truth. No one is going accept extraordinary black characters. They’re just not ready. Fantasy is not your realm.”
I remember telling myself, “You can’t just ignore the fact that you were not represented in fantasy. You and young people who look like you deserve to be represented in a realm of strength, magic, power, and rule. You’re a dragon!”
I sat down and had a conversation with my husband and older daughters about my desire to return to writing. This time, I would self-publish if I had to. With their blessing, I would write again.
Q2. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Dawn Of The Dragon’?
The cover was actually designed before the book was completed. The creative design took around four weeks to complete. My cover designer is Fiona Jayde @fionajaydemedia. The progress began with me completing a form that asked varies questions about the structure of the book. Then, I chose a series of images to send to Fiona. Next, Fiona designed different graphics based on the three act structure of my story including the setting, characters, and important plot points. After another round of questions based on my vision, Fiona developed three sample designs. I chose the design then her creative process took over to develop the final product.
Q3. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I use Wattpad, Reedsy Discovery, and my blog Realm of Writes to communicate with my readers. They are willing to offers suggestions, participate in polls, and read drafts.
Research is also important. I research historical places, past, and current events.
Q4. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
Yes! The main task is researching the market to find out what’s hot and what’s not. It is also important to be a reader. Writers must be readers. I enjoy reading some of my favorite authors to build my own stamina in order to prepare for the ginormous task of writing a book.
Q5. How long did it take you to write ‘Palera Dawn’ book?
It took some time because of losses that occurred during the process. I lost my grandfather at the beginning of writing Palera Dawn. By the middle of the writing process, my brother from another mother, as he was called died of a heart attack one week before his college graduation. He was only 22. He had played basketball and ran track. He kept up with his yearly physicals. This was a devastating blow. His name is Warren Xavier Sales.
The dragon in Palera Dawn, Xavgon was renamed for him.
Q6. Congratulations for the Book2 ‘Dawn Of The Dragon’. What do you think your readers take away from both of your books?
My hope is that they see the importance of having not only a female protagonist, but a female protagonist of color. I hope they see that people of African descent/culture should continue to rise in epic fantasy.
Q7. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Dawn Of The Dragon’ book?
Time. Time was the enemy. I am the mother of six children and a special education teacher. My schedule is often laid out before I know it.
Q8. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Evan Winters (The Rage of Dragons), The Lord of The Rings (J.R. Tolkien), A Song of Wraths and Ruin (Roseanne A. Brown), and Children of Blood and Bone (Tomi Adeyemi).
Q9. Are there any secrets from the books (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
Well, secrets lead to spoilers. I don’t want to spoil the story, but I will say the relationship between Kalera, the main character, and Xavgon, her dragon, thrust the story forward.
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