What Genre Do You Write?

Writing is about finding yourself. You don’t write because of the trend. You write what you know and what you care about. I started writing poetry and essays but never realized I could write a whole book. I then ventured into children’s books, but felt that there was something missing and I knew I had a higher calling. Being a hopeless romantic who was drawn to women’s issues was close to my heart. Writing novels involving love and women came natural to me, which is why I chose to write Romance and Women’s fiction. What is your favorite genre? 

What Comes to Your Mind First? Plot or Character?

It varies each time. Before I wrote Chocolicious, I was craving for a rich-filled, three-layered chocolate cupcake and what came to my thoughts was a rich woman in distress. She had recently lost her husband and was about to find out that she would lose everything she owned due to a foolish mistake he made. I was more focused on how this woman was going to cope and pick up the pieces, over the plot. Before I wrote Love Letters, the theme about second chances is what gave me the idea before the characters. I originally had Chloe’s story but I wanted it to be more exciting, so I included a sub-plot about the life of Chloe’s mother who faced the same situation as Chloe was experiencing. And so I knew that the premise had to be about risking ones heart to marry her true love. Whether the plot comes before the characters or vice versa, if the story continues to haunt you, then you know you should write it.

Are You a Plotter or a Pantser?

I know a lot of editors and agents are going to cringe when I say this but I don’t believe in writing outlines before you write your novel. I know the beginning and how it will end, but everything in between is where I allow my characters to surprise me. Nonetheless, conflict is magnified throughout the novel. I create character sketches, visualize my setting and emphasize on my theme and hook before I write my novel. I keep a notebook and index cards beside me to add ideas along the way. Only when I’ve completed my first draft do I write an outline. I evaluate my character sketches to see if my characters are consistent and if the story has a payoff in every chapter. Before I begin editing, I write down notes for every chapter. I would love to hear if you’re a pantser or a plotter.

How Do You Choose a Catchy Title for Your Novel?

When choosing a title, I always think of a symbol. I chose to name my novel Love Letters because the letters were the symbol of a love that was lost but not forgotten. The powerful love was revived by reading the letters. I chose Chocolicious to be the title of my novel because chocolate led my heroine to pick up the pieces from her shattered life and help her find herself. Titles are meant to hook your readers and should have a deeper meaning behind the book.