Author of the Week: TerriD

How did you become a writer?

I didn't set out to be a writer.  I have always kept journals since I was a little girl.  Also as a child I wrote short stories and dabbled in poetry.  As an adult I just kept a journal and some of my entries could be considered poetic.  One night while reading I had an idea for a story and just started writing. Before I knew it I had over 50 pages written.

Where does your inspiration for your characters come from?

The characters in my book came from my imagination.  The feeling that I put into my characters, the pain and sorrow some of it came from within me.  Not the specific situation itself but the feelings around what was happening.  Also I think some of what my characters experienced may have been what I wanted to happen in certain situations (mostly around the relationships between the men and women)

What are you hoping readers take from your book?

I really want people to read my book and be entertained.  I want the characters to come to life and I would like for them to be able to relate to their thoughts and feelings as the drama of the story unfolds.  This book is about friendships and the readers will be left asking themselves how far would they go to protect their friends.

 If you were to write a book about a controversial topic, what would it be?

 Actually there are several controversial topics in my book.  Things such as interracial relationships, Perjury, adoption, work place romances, and infidelity.

  

Most writers have a process or method for writing their books, what is yours?

 I started with the final scene in mind but I didn't know who would be in it.  I just wrote what I felt when I felt it.  Of course that approach required a lot of review and re work but I also find that my characters have a lot of emotion.  Some people who have read the book described it as feeling like they were right there with the characters going through it with them.

  What is your favorite genre of books?

 My favorite is urban fiction

Are you an avid or occasional reader?

 I am an avid reader

 What are two things you want your readers to know about you? 

 First of all I am just a single mother of three from Harrisburg, PA who likes to write.  I am not a celebrity, just an everyday person who pursued her dream.  Second my first love is music.  I love to sing especially in church.

If you could interview one of your favorite authors, who would it be?

 E. Lynn Harris

Why?

 One of my favorite authors of all time.  So sorry he's gone now.  His writing was from deep within his soul.  He wrote about controversial topics, gay men and men on the down low and he did it with style and grace in my opinion. 

What is or was your dream job?

 My dream job would be to own or manage a community center where programs such as music and the arts (dance, painting, writing)  were offered free of charge.  Something to encourage young people to get involved in them and away from the tv, video games etc.  As a child I lived in a development that had two rec centers.  One of my favorite things to do was to go to the rec center and participate in the free activities they offered.

What new projects are you working on?

I am working on my second book which is a sequel.  I have also recently started a blog where I talk about some of the back stories from my book and the characters.  What made them the way they are.

Where can readers find you?

 I am on Face Book and twitter under Author Terri D also my website is www.AuthorTerriD.com

Authors & Readers Book Corner appreciates your time!