Interview ft. Reina Queen

1. Tell us a little about yourself? Perhaps something not many people know? I am from Mansfield, Louisiana. I have always loved to write but I started off writing poetry. In 2005, I had major surgery that left me legally blind. At that time, I was a very avid reader and I thought the results from my surgery was going to hinder that but it did not. Even though I have to make minor adjustments I can still read and, of course, write.

2. What made you want to become a writer? In the past, I used writing as a hobby and a stress reliever. Now I write to entertain and reach readers so they can hopefully escape their present world and take them to another world.

3. Million dollar question, are you working on another book? I am in the process of completing a series called Secret Indiscretions and there are others in the works.

4. Have you written any other books that are not published? I have many books that I have written that I am tweaking.

5. What has your experience been like as an new Indie Author? Bruises, Highlights, and lessons? One lesson that I have learned is everyone will not like what you write and you can't make them like it. People see you work differently from you and other readers. I have learned that the industry is not as easy as I thought it was as a reader. You can read a book and wonder why other people are not reading it or purchasing the book. I enjoy doing what I do no matter who like my work or don't like it or if they leave bad reviews.

6. What have you put most of your effort into regarding writing? Staying on track and making sure that even though it's fiction, there is some hint of reality or what could be reality involved. I also try to bring forth a different type of drama that will capture readers.

7. Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story? They always hijack the story no matter how I try to control them or the story. I can write a scene and look at like “no that's too harsh” or “really?” I like it better when they can take over and tell their own story in their words.

8. If you could spend time with a character from your book whom would it be? And what would you do during that day? (PG-13 or X-rated :) ONE OF MY FAVORITE QUESTIONS TO ASK. In my book Mistaken Identity, I would like to spend time with the mother Samantha. Despite the tragedies she experienced, she remained strong and still had a compassionate heart. How many people can forgive a person who murdered their loved one and not have a cold and bitter approach to them Even though I created these people in my other books, I'm too scared to be with any of them. They have anger issues and you have to be careful what you do and say around them.

9. What is the toughest criticism given to you as an author? They would not recommend my book. Just because you didn't like the book or a story in it does not mean someone else will. If the book was horrible it would have never been published.

10. What is something memorable you have heard from your readers/fans? I had one reader to tell me that I inspire her to write because there are different areas to write in and she became inspired to hopefully have her poetry published.

11. Who is your favorite author? I have so many and to name them would take forever. I love Brick and Storm, Wahida Clark and John Grisham just to name a few.

12. Could you tell us a bit about your most recent book and why it is a must-read? Secret Indiscretions: What's Done In the Dark Comes to Light is a must read because it's a different type of drama. The book is full of secrets, lies and betrayal. We all know what happens when we keep things from others and what may happen if they find out or if you get caught. With the greed, infidelity, lies, the secrets...it won't be long before they start spilling.

13. What genre do you consider your books? Have you considered writing in another genre? I write urban fiction. I really haven't thought about writing in another genre. I wouldn't mind trying some psycho thriller books.

14. What is your writing style like? Do you listen to music while writing, what type of music or you jamming? When I really need inspiration I put on some gospel and take a minute to free my mind. I can't write if people are around me talking or making noise. I do write with music playing in the background. I usually have old school RnB, old school rap, and hip hop playing. Once I get into it, it's as if I don't hear the music even though it's there. If people are around me I put my headphones in to drown them out, listen to my music and write.

15. Tell us about your novels? From oldest to the newest release. Murderous Intent is a collection of 3 short stories with two things in common, murder and mental health issues. Revenge of a Broken Heart: Myra was tired of being mistreated by men, namely her current boyfriend and exes. She has a mental breakdown. Instead of getting over the hurt and pain they caused, she seeks revenge by getting rid of them hoping their loved ones would experience the same pain she experienced. Myra did not know how to handle what happened to her and chose to eliminate or cause pain to those that hurt her. Family Secrets: Two brothers, Dre and Tez. were raised by their abusive stepfather. They never told anyone the real reason behind their black eyes and other scars and bruises. Their stepfather’s abuse not only affected them but caused the death of their little sister. When their stepfather is killed a war breaks out until their mother lets the family secret out and peace is restored. The Eyes of Mania: Kyra had several mental health issues going on with her. She basically stops fighting and let the voices take over. The things she did probably would not have happened if she sought treatment and accepted the fact that she could not handle all that was going on with her by herself and without proper treatment. She finally takes matters into her own hands once she sees how her mania will hurt her child. Pushed to the edge, tired of the struggle and trying to do right by her child, she fights against the voices until the end.

Mistaken Identity is based around police brutality. Police brutality has occurred at a rapid rate. When Samantha loses her son Malachi to police brutality, how will it affect her and her family? Malachi was home from college for the summer. While a manhunt takes place, it sets into motion a chain of events that will lead to Malachi's death. The one thing she wanted to make sure of was her son’s name and reputation not be tarnished by the media or the police. She wants justice for her son and for the truth to finally be told about what happened that evening her son was killed. The main thing that she wanted that would ease her mind would be a sincere apology from the man that was responsible for her son’s death.

Secret Indiscretions Part 1: This book has all kinds of drama based on lies, greed, betrayal, romance, infidelity and secrets. A’Shunti feel hard for Kyree who was much older than she was, until she sees the real him. She puts up with his abusive tendencies and infidelities until he decides to break things off with her. Rather than have a pity party, she celebrates her new freedom with a random stranger who will become a major part of her life in more ways than one.