WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A WRITER?: I’ve always had a love for reading, and I enjoyed the adventures books were able to take people on. Writing enabled me to express my thoughts and create new scenarios, and I loved it from a young age.
WAS THERE MENTOR WHO INFLUENCED YOUR WRITING?
My 7th grade Language Arts teacher, Mr. Greg Rustico, always encouraged me to write to the best of my ability. He helped with tips on how to improve my work, and he motivated me to always keep writing, no matter what.
HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK?
I have always been a fan of superheroes, but I particularly liked the heroes who accomplished amazing feats despite not having any superpowers. The main character in my book, Kay Verdant, appears to be just your average teenage girl, but through hard work, determination, and being herself, she is able to do incredible things.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LINE FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK?
My favorite line would have to be, “Remember, the world is a dangerous place.” This line recurs
throughout the novel, and encompasses the concern one character has for the other. When I wrote this line, I wanted to remind the reader of how scary the world can be, but with determination and good people by your side, anything can be conquered.
WHICH OF YOUR CHARACTERS FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE DO YOU
BELIEVE ARE MOST LIKE YOU?
I relate the most to the main character, Kay Verdant. She always does her absolute best in everything she does, and she doesn’t give up easily to challenges. She cares deeply for her family and friends, and when life gets rough, she perseveres through it.
WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HOPE READERS WILL GLEAN FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK?
I hope for people to read my novel, and discover a newfound feeling of empowerment, knowing that no matter who you are or where you come from, you too can change the world.
IF A CLOSE FRIEND OR LOVED ONE WANTED TO WRITE A BOOK, WHAT GREATEST
PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE THEM?
I would advise them to never give up. If you have a dream, then run with it. Do not let the fear of failure keep you from pursuing your goal of writing. Failure may find you regardless of your success, but it is something to learn from, not run from.
CAN YOU OFFER ANY ADVICE FOR WRITERS ON HOW BEST TO PROMOTE THEIR
BOOK?
Creating a social media platform that you can visit daily and build an audience with is crucial to promotion. By spreading the word through social media, you can reach a larger audience. By inviting readers to come to you, you connect with people who are receptive to your book.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENT?
My greatest literary accomplishment so far is receiving the 2017 Literary Classics Silver Book Award and Seal of Approval for my novel. In receiving both of these honors, the summer of 2017 has been a milestone in my career as an author.
WHAT ARE YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ASPIRATIONS?
Most authors dream of winning prestigious awards or seeing their names on the best-sellers list. While these are amazing accomplishments, my main aspiration as an author is to promote literacy and serve my community in the capacity in which I am able to empower youth and children to believe in themselves and dream big.
TELL US SOMETHING PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT THEY MIGHT FIND
INTERESTING
I love music. I spend hours on my guitar and ukulele when I need a break to take my mind off of things. This helps me collect my thoughts.
DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?
I am currently writing the sequel to “The Other Side of the Law”. I have created a new story-line that I think will appeal to readers. The sequel will be available worldwide on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org
