Thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions for our project, Annette!

-SCBC, Inc.

Where are you from?

I was born and raised n Boston, MA.

When and why did you begin writing?

Writing has been a hobby of mine for as long as I can remember (around 11 years old), whether it’s a short story or in my personal journal.  It’s simply something that I enjoy doing.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

After the reaction I received when I completed the first two chapters of “Doing Just Fine”, I began to tell people I wanted to be a writer.  That was about three years ago.

Do you have a specific writing style? 

I try to write so that people feel like they are the main character.  When I create the mood of a character, I want readers to be so emotionally involved, they almost become the character when they read his/her story.

What genre are you most comfortable writing?

It seems that right now I’m in the phase of writing stories about young women, mainly between the ages of sixteen and about twenty-five.  Because I am a woman, and I can relate to some of the experiences I write about, I find it easier to develop the emotions in the main character, painting a picture that the reader can see and feel.

How did you come up with the title for your book?

I didn’t get the title of the book until it was almost completed.  I wanted readers to know that although Deanna goes through so many changes and not so good situations, in the end she is “Doing Just Fine”.

Who or what has influenced your writing, and in what way?

My biggest writing influence (next to God) has been a writer named E. Lynn Harris (“Invisible Life”, “And This Too Shall Pass”, “Any Way the Wind Blows”).  I’ve followed him from the beginning and I love his style of writing.  I was able to obtain his email address and took a chance at sending him a note, not expecting a response.  To my surprise, he not only responded, but he gave me advice.  He also started out as a self-publisher, so I was able to ask him questions about the process and some of the things that he went through.  He keeps in touch with me to this day.

How much of the novel is realistic?

I answer that question with a simple statement—All great fiction is based on some truth.

Are some of the experiences based on someone you know, or events in your life?

Uh-huh…J

Do you see writing as a long- or short-term career?

My goal is to make writing a long-term career, if readers enjoy my work. (And I just know they will! J)

How do you feel overall about self-publishing?

Self-publishing can be beneficial, once you’ve made a name for yourself.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of promotion for self-published authors?

The good thing about self-publishing is you have total control over your work, where it goes, how it looks and who you want to target.  You also don’t have to split your profits with anyone.  The not so good thing is that without the backing of a large company, promotion and marketing your work on your own is tough.  Without a big name to back you, large nation-wide bookstores such as Barnes & Noble or Borders will not give you the time of day.  It can also be costly, since you are depending entirely on yourself to create your promotional items.

Would you encourage or mentor someone to become self-publish?

Absolutely! I would love the opportunity to encourage someone to fulfill their dream—the same way I was encouraged to fulfill mine.

Tell us your latest news?

I recently debuted the release of my first novel, in August, 2002.  I’m working on a web page: www.cannetteboyd.com that should be up and running in about a month.  There my readers can keep up with what’s happening with me and any upcoming ventures.

What are your current projects?

I am currently working to complete the sequel to “Doing Just Fine”, tentatively set to be released in April, 2003.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Definitely E. Lynn.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

New Covenant Christian Church!  My church family really pulled together to make sure that I saw this through to completion.

How does your family and/or friends feel about your book or writing venture in general?

My parents and spiritual sisters have been my biggest cheerleaders.  They all saw something in me that I hadn’t seen in myself, and I’m so thankful to them for their love and encouragement.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything?

Not a thing.

Is there anything additional you would like to share with your readers?

I’d really love to hear from you all.  Please email me your thoughts and comments at caboyd13@yahoo.com.