Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
A1. Thank you for having me! Writing has a sentimental value to me. I have a speech impediment, and that led me to not speaking much due to anxiety. I would have trouble getting my words out properly. That led me to write. To put my thoughts, my opinions, my passion, etc onto paper.
Looking back, that was a blessing in disguise. I do not think that I would have a joy for writing, much less publishing a book!
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “A Change in the Dark”?
A2. I had some trouble in organizing the flow of the work. I want to reflect the gradual change from negative beginnings to a positive finish.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
A3. Fyodor Dostoevsky is the first person who comes to mind. He had such a way of developing characters and diving into their psyche. It inspires me to dig deep into the emotions in my work as well.
Q4. What’s your favorite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
A4. Panama City, Florida. My family and I sometimes visit my aunt who lives there. She and her husband own a good portion of land with a plethora of animals. I remember we stayed there for an extended period of time evacuating from Hurricane Katrina. I am eternally grateful to them for that.
Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘A Change in the Dark’?
A5. My faith in God served a primary inspiration for this work. I believe that He gives me the words to write down. There are plenty of times in which I look over what I wrote, and I think to myself “Did I really write that? How could I have written something like this?” That is no exception here.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘A Change in the Dark’?
A6. When I am really inspired, it does not take me long to truly start writing. For this book in particular, it took me no more than a couple of weeks to complete.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?
A7. Anywhere books are sold really. Barnes And Nobles, Books a Million, Amazon, etc.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘A Change in the Dark’?
A8. The title is based on a poem of the same name within the book. That poem in particular stood out to me, and I wanted to expound on the meaning of it. That led to me to theme the book from the concept of looking outside of yourself to seek meaningful change.
The book cover was all my publisher’s doing. I supplied them with the title and the meaning. That was all they needed to produce such a beautiful cover. I am still floored by how amazing it is!
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
A9. When I write, I want to picture myself as a reader at the same time. When I write a stanza / verse, I would think to myself “How would I view this if someone else wrote this?”
I am not simply writing a book for myself. I am writing for others to read. I always try keep that in mind.
Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
A10. That actually ties into the previous question. My uncle gave me great advice the other day. He suggested that I write with my audience in mind. At first, I did not get it. In fact, I thought that I would “dumb down” my work to please the masses.
But I thought about it some more. What’s the point in publishing a book when my audience does not understand the message I am trying to convey? To reiterate from before, I am not simply writing “for” myself “to” myself. I am writing for other people to read.
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