Where are you from?
I was born and raised in the Bronx, NY and Queens. I now reside in
Brooklyn.
When and why did you begin writing?
I've been writing ever since I was 8 years old. I had to write because
I was brought up around the mentality of a child should be seen and
not heard.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
After I had a long conversation with God writing in my journal. It was
declared.
Tell us your latest news?
I am working on a stage showcase next year titled, "Dana Dances on
Stage"
What inspired you to pen your first novel?
My mother, young women, my struggles. I needed to write it to help
myself and others. It was a very therapeutic process.
Do you have a specific writing style?
Yes. It is descriptive, colorful, easy to relate to and I make people
feel nostalgic. A unique and honest sense of humor.
What genre are you most comfortable writing?
I'm never comfortable. I plan to write for all genres.
How did you come up with the title for your book?
It took a good year to come up with a title, a name. It took
meditation. Dana Dances on Paper is a metaphor. The story is deeper
than a young girl who aspire to be a professional dancer, she journeys
to self-discovery, self-recovery, self-renewal and self-love.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
There are so many. Readers tell me different messages they have
grasped. My most important message is to embrace your family and love
yourself. Know yourself, let go of inhibitions and trust yourself
(God).
How much of the novel is realistic?
90%.
Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your life?
Yes.
What books have most influenced your life?
Their eyes were watching God -Zora Neale Hurston, Mama -Terry
McMillan, The Alchemist -Paulo Coelho, just to name a few.
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Paulo Coelho.
What are you reading now?
I'm writing my second book.
What new author has grasped your interest?
I haven't took a moment to view the new authors. I've been in my cave
working on my second book.
Do you feel that the boom in African American writers is a fad or
another renaissance?
It's hard to say. I just hope that all the African American street
novels carry messages and some sort of spirituality. The key is to
fulfill the readers so that they can take something with them for the
rest of their lives. We want quality books, soul food books. Make 'em
come back for seconds and thirds.
Is that what your readers are doing?
Absolutely. I designed Dana Dances on Paper to be read over and over.
Like a Chef. A great chef knows what he/she does when they season and
prepare the food for customers to keep coming back for more and
reordering their favorite meals.
Do you feel more African Americans are reading?
Yes, but my concern is not about the exercise of their reading, it is
what are they reading? What are they feeding their minds? Are they
reading junk food or soul-health food?
Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family
members.
God
How does your family and/or friends feel about your book or writing
venture in general?
They're proud and supportive.
Do you see writing as a long- or short-term career?
I see longevity in my writing career.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything?
Hell no! I am a part of God's design.
Is there anything additional you would like to share with your
readers?
Ya'll betta hold onto your tissue boxes, your hats, your hearts, for I
will touch your hearts again.
Self-Publishing Questions:
What do you feel is one major benefit
to self-publishing your book?
I like the independence and the creative control I have over my work.
Would you encourage or mentor someone
to become self-publish?
Yes, It also depends on what they want to publish, how much they
believe in their own works, and how low their tolerance is for
rejection letters. (laughing)
