A few years ago I had an opportunity to interview an upcoming author by the name of Vogue. Since that interview Vogue has published 2 more books. I was fortunate enough to interview her again.
Tell us a little about yourself and your background?
Born and raised in Greenville, SC. I’m a 2003 graduate of Winthrop University, possessing a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. I started writing in high school with fan fiction, which progressed into novels in college. By day, I’m a Patient Case Coordinator for Amerisource Bergen and by night, I am a self-published author who writes urban fiction with romance and faith-based undertones.
Can you give us an overview of your writing experiences so far?
My writing experiences are learning experiences. With each project, I learn something new. I also gain an extra layer of skin. You have to have thick skin to be able to pour your heart into something and put it out there for the rest of the world to judge.
What motivates you?
I’m motivated the most by my readers and seeing/reading the enjoyment they get from my books. It’s the encouragement I need whenever I feel like giving up.
Did you pick writing or did writing pick you?
I honestly picked writing. I was always looking for an outlet and I found it in writing. First, I delved into poetry, which eventually turned into prose. I stuck with it over the years and now I have three published works under my belt.
What are your ambitions for your writing career?
My next goal is to create a real live book trailer for one of my books with a full-on cast. Since I’m nowhere near where I need to be financially for a movie, a book trailer seems more attainable.
What are you working on at the minute?
At the current moment, I am not writing, but am currently brainstorming ideas for my fourth book, Black Diamonds. I have released a sample of the book, which is currently available on Amazon’s Kindle, but the book is still not yet finished. Once I have my ideas and plans for the book complete, I will start back writing.
Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?
I have always seen Gabrielle Union as Carmen Davenport, the main female character of The Diamond Collection, but of course, I am biased because she’s my favorite actress. Physically, her look describes Carmen to a T.
How much research do you do?
It all depends on my focus at the time. Right now, I am doing the most research on wedding planning because my fifth book, Diamonds N’ Roses focuses on Carmen and Jay’s wedding. I want the book to be very detailed so I’m taking the time out to research colors, flowers, wedding dresses, gowns, cakes, etc. The back cover of the paperback version of the book will actually be a wedding invitation.
Do you write full-time or part-time?
Due to my present work schedule, I write part-time, but I brainstorm full-time. Seventy percent of my day is probably devoted to figuring out plots and character development.
What is your writing schedule?
I don’t have a set writing schedule, but I tend to write mostly in the evenings and on the weekend. I only write when I am compelled to put something on paper and I don’t try and write while I have writer’s block. Do you aim for a set amount of words/pages per day? Word and page count are not important to me. In my opinion, a story is finished when it is finished.
Where do your ideas come from?
My ideas do not come from one set place. I may get an idea from a magazine article, advertisement, movie, music video or a personal life event or one of a friend’s. For example, I created an entire new character for my novel, Black Diamonds, simply from watching Chrissy and Mr. Jones. I guess you can say the character is inspired by Jim Jones.
Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?
I’ve used both. I generally start with an outline and plot and then I’ll allow the story to take a life of its own. Halfway finished, I usually go back to the outline and vice versa.
How do you think you’ve evolved as a writer from your first book Diamonds in the Rough to Ace of Diamonds?
My writing has grown in more ways than one. With my first book, in the original version, I gave the reader too much. There were things in the book, which weren’t needed, whereas now, I give the reader exactly what they need to know. Everything is pretty much straight to the point.
What is the hardest thing about writing?
The hardest thing about writing is staying committed to it. It is so easy to let life and all of its ups and downs get in the way of a project being completed. I never want to force myself to write, but sometimes I have to. Easiest thing? The easiest thing about writing is getting lost in it. Once you start, and get sucked in, it’s hard to stop. Once I’m on a roll, I can be lost in the literary world for hours before I come back to reality.
How long does it take to write your book?
Well, I’ll speak for my fourth book, Black Diamonds. It is going to take me a year to get this book out. I have about five months’ left before its release and I’m only halfway finished. Edit? The editing will go quicker once it’s written. The editing will probably take a month or so. I actually edit on and off while I’m writing.
Who are your favorite authors?
My favorite authors are Ashley & Jaquavis. I read the majority of their work whereas I may read one or two books of other writers. I love the blend of crime, romance, and drama that are in their books.
Do you prefer eBooks or traditional paper/hard back books?
I prefer paperback, however, I will purchase eBook just as quick. EBooks are cheaper and gives you instant access to what you want to read.
What are you currently reading?
I am currently reading Damaged by Carmel Malone.
How are you publishing this book and why?
I will be self-publishing Black Diamonds. The Ace of Diamonds, my third novel, was my first shot at self-publishing and while I spent out a lot of money in marketing, I also reaped all the benefits when the checks started to come in. I’m nowhere near where I want to be, but I’m in a far better place than I was in 2010.
What would you say are the main advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing against being published or the other way around?
The main advantage of self-publishing is that you don’t have to share the profits of your book with anyone. In addition, you have complete creative control over your work. The main disadvantage is that you are responsible for the production and marketing of your book. You are your own bank whereas with a major publisher or independent publisher, they cover all the fees associated with publishing your work.
What’s your views on social media for marketing?
Marketing on social media is a must! It allows you to reach a large amount of people in a short amount of time. With the new apps that have been established such as Hoot Suite, you can market your books without even touching your phone or computer.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years, I hope to have most of The Diamond Collection complete. I also hope to have published my first Christian Fiction novel.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Be wiser with your money because you’re going to need it once you start making major moves.
If you could have been the original author of any book, what would it have been and why?
There are numerous books that have impacted several generations, but the one book I wished I could take credit for is To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. In one single book, she touched on so many social issues without ever having to write again.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Keep writing and never give up. No one can stop you, you can only stop yourself.
Where do you see publishing going in the future?
Well, publishing is already at the place I see it going. EBooks have taken over and more people are self-publishing instead of seeking out contracts. I’m pretty sure, this number will only continue to grow.
Want to know more about Vogue?
Website: http://www.simplyvogue.net
Blog: http://www.simplyvogue.net
Facebook: Author April Blanding
Twitter: @SimplyVogue_B
Instagram: Marilyn_MonRHO1922
Book Links (Amazon):
Diamonds in the Rough:
Diamonds are Forever:
The Ace of Diamonds:
igh cheeks. It was a deep discussion on the page about this. People stating they do like men with those features. However, someone else points out that the men they like with those features are dark. Then others stated “He just ugly.”
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