Years ago, while vacationing with my family, the idea for the story popped into my head. It stayed on my mind for the remainder of the trip. I couldn’t wait to get home to write out my thoughts.
Dee Dee M. Scott – 24 September 2015
The Back Flap
Best-selling romance author Maya Smith’s life is far different from the characters she creates in her novels. Left to raise a baby without the assistance of the married father, she has given up on finding a prince on a white horse to rescue her.
Enter Cardiologist and single father, Ford Tucker. Dr. Tucker is all work and no play. He has dedicated his life to work and raising his daughter. When Ford becomes Maya’s Cardiologist, he is instantly smitten with her.
Sparks fly and the passion’s hot as ever between the two. But just when Ford thinks he has finally found Ms. Right, and Maya thinks she’s found her prince, a devastating secret is revealed that will rock the core of their relationship. Will their bond survive the terrible secret? Or will Ford end up alone and Maya prince less?
About the book
What is the book about?
The Sent From Heaven Series is about a powerful family (One sister and five brothers) named: The Tuckers. Together they head a successful Insurance company. To the outside world they appear perfect, but in reality they are all still hurting and devastated due to an incident that destroyed their childhoods. Sent From Heaven is a romantic suspense series that will consist of five books, each featuring a Tucker family member on the rocky road to finding love and healing from the past.
When did you start writing the book?
About two years ago.
How long did it take you to write it?
Almost two months.
Where did you get the idea from?
Years ago, while vacationing with my family, the idea for the story popped into my head. It stayed on my mind for the remainder of the trip. I couldn’t wait to get home to write out my thoughts. I wrote the first book and had no intention of writing about them after that, but the characters continued speaking and before I realized it, I had a story for each family member.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
No, it flowed due to the fact that I had gone over the story in my mind thoroughly before writing it.
What came easily?
The characters. I knew each of them well before writing them out.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
They come from my head. They speak to me and tell me their stories. It is a blessing!
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
There are so many. Even though I am a fiction writer, I love nonfiction and poetry. I would have to say Langston Hughes. His poetry books were the first books I read, and they really taught me how to be expressive and colorful with my writing.
Do you have a target reader?
Women 25-45 who enjoy romance stories with a twist.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
I used to write early in the morning for a few hours. Now that I am producing films, I have to make time to write the new stories in my head. I write everyday no matter what.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
Yes, I do. However the characters take over, and I let the story flow and allow them to tell the tales.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I used to. At first it was a bad habit. I would write a chapter and then edit it. But I realized it wasn’t effective, and due to editing as I wrote, I finished the book later then I should have. So now I write out the entire story first just to get my thoughts out and then I go back and edit.
Did you hire a professional editor?
Yes!
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
Sometimes, before I write, I may listen to music. But I never listen to music or anything while I’m writing. I can concentrate better that way.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
Yes. I did with my first book.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
With my first book, My Husband’s Woman, I had a hard time finding a home for my novel. However, people who were reading the story were telling me that they could not put it down. It was at that time, that I realized that what I had written was different, relevant and needed to be heard. So, in 2008, I formed my own company, Ahsyad Publications, and published my book.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
Professionally. The cover is the first thing people see. I spend a lot of time choosing one.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I always create a marketing plan. Before I write the book, I sit down and write out a plan on how I will market the book.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Close your ears to all negativity and distractions. Negativity can discourage you and you need all the support you can get as a newbie and even an author with books under your belt. Focus only on things that are uplifting and people who are offering encouraging advice. Study. Never get complacent and believe you have it all figured out. Your writing and your brand may suffer if you do. Write every day. By doing so you will grow and it will strengthen you as a writer. And lastly, never give up. Things rarely happen overnight. Keep going and work hard on your craft.
About You
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Florence, South Carolina.
Where do you live now?
I divide my time between Columbia, S.C and Atlanta.
What would you like readers to know about you?
I’m just a down to earth lady who is blessed and humbled to do what I am doing. I am thankful to all my supporters!
What are you working on now?
I just completed writing two books, When Nobody Loves You Back, with the author Razor. He wrote from the male perspective and I wrote from the female point of view. I also wrote another book with author, Kendic Boykin titled: A Forbidden Love. Both stories flowed and I had a great writing chemistry with both authors. The experience was excellent! I also am releasing book four of: Sent From Heaven.
End of Interview:
Get your copy of Sent from Heaven from Amazon US (paper or ebook), Amazon UK (paper or ebook), or Barnes & Noble.
