The Writing World: Interview with Deidra D.S. Green

About the Author

(Information from her blog)

I believe in the power of the written word and I never take it lightly. I won’t try to convince you that I knew from infancy that I was destined to be a writer. That’s not the case for me. Like many writers, I have always written, that’s true. But the things I wrote, I wrote for myself, no one else. Writing was a place of respite and sometimes rescue for me. Regardless of what emotion I was experiencing, whether happy or sad, aggravated, angry, or in love, I always could count on the written word for the clearest expression of my innermost thoughts and feelings.

It wasn’t until a few years ago when I didn’t have a birthday present for my brother that my writing career actually begin. My brother was having a birthday party, and as usual I had no idea what to get him. He is truly a man that has everything. It was getting closer to the time for the party to commence and I was still without a gift. I called my sister in law and told her I would be emailing her something and if she could print it for me I would greatly appreciate it.

I sat down in front of my computer and thought about my brother. It goes without saying that I love my brother unconditionally, and subsequent to the loss of my sister in 1999, I love my brother even harder… he is the only living sibling I have. So with those emotions at the ready, I penned a piece called A Sister’s Pride. I wrote it as much from me as from my sister who I know was exceedingly proud of the man my brother had grown to become.

After shedding a few tears, I emailed the piece to my sister in law and headed to the party. When it came time for the gift exchange, there were a number of wonderful gifts my brother received. The family (almost 50 in number… big extended family) were having a wonderful time, truly celebrating my brother’s birth anniversary. the it was time for me to give him my gift. I handed my brother the piece of paper. I didn’t even have time to put it in a frame. Once I handed it to him, I thought he would read it at a later time. It wasn’t a gift like everyone else had given him and I thought he would read it privately. No. He chose to read it out loud. I was so embarrassed. I dropped my head and closed my eyes… waiting for the torture to be over.

Midway through, I heard my brother start to choke up. He was moved to tears by what I had written. I peaked up and saw the room was deathly quiet and a number of my family members were in tears as well.

After the gift exchange, my brother pulled me to the side and told me, “You have a story to tell, and you need to tell it”. He was my little brother. Of course I dismissed what he had to say. What did he know, he was just a kid!

Later that evening, after I said my nightly prayer, I made a verbal declaration. I said to God, “okay if there is something to this, then I need an unequivocal sign that this is what I am supposed to do… nothing small that I can confuse, but something huge where I will have no doubt that this is my destiny. Honestly, I made that verbal statement expecting nothing.

But God had another plan for me. For the next 14 nights in a row, I was awakened out of my sleep. Between 3 and 4 a.m. I was jarred awake with a flood of thoughts and ideas. The first few nights, I dismissed it as some random occurrence. But it didn’t stop. by night 5, 6, I physically got up from my bed and began to write the ideas down and as soon as I did I was able to go back to sleep. It kept happening. I moved a notebook and pen closer to my bed so when I would have the nocturnal disturbance I could easily reach over and write down my thoughts. By night 10 and 11, I was writing the notes in the dark without even turning on the light. Needless to say the next day I couldn’t hardly read what had been written (my handwriting is horrible even with the lights on). But needless to say the message was ever so clear. That’s how Deidra the author was born.

*INTERVIEW*

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am Deidra D. S. Green, loving mother of two wonderful children, sister, daughter, auntie and friend. I am an author, freelance and ghostwriter, editor, literary consultant and entrepreneur.

What do you do when you are not writing?
Sleeping hopefully…lol. When I’m not writing I enjoy spending quality time with my family, reading, swimming, just enjoying life. In all of that thought, I am usually thinking about writing.

Do you have a day job as well?
I am a retired public service administrator. I have been an entrepreneur/self employed for the past four years.

When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book?
I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember but I only wrote for myself; never for anyone else to read. I started writing with a goal of publishing a few years ago. My first novel was published in 2012. Prior to that, I published two children’s books and two books of poetry while I was still working and pursuing my PhD.

How did you choose the genre you write in?
I write what interests me. I don’t write with a specific genre in mind. My goal is to tap into the human psyche whether I’m writing suspense, drama, murder mystery, women’s fiction or psychological thrillers.

Where do you get your ideas?
A book idea can come from anywhere and often do. I could be watching something on television, listening to the radio or people watching and an idea will hit me.

Do you ever experience writer’s block?
Fortunately, I rarely experience writer’s block. My characters are always chatting away vying to get attention and I am so grateful for that.

Do you work with an outline, or just write?
I like to just write. I research first and throughout the writing process. I will do character sketches as well but rarely work from an outline. I like the characters to be themselves and see where they will take the story.

Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?
Stephen King is my literary idol. There wasn’t one particular book of his that influenced me but more his work ethic, ability to tell a powerful story and approach to the writing process.

Can you tell us about your challenges in getting your first book published?
I am published through a small press, Rathsi Publishing. There were no significant challenges. They understood who I was as a writer and didn’t try to box me in. That’s why I am still with them and even if I get signed to a major publisher, I will continue to work with Rathsi.

How do you market your work? What avenues have you found to work best for your genre?
Social media, flyers, mailing list, networking events, etc. Although I think all of the ones I utilize are useful I still think word of mouth by far is the best marketing tool.

Can you tell us about your upcoming book?
My next release slated for May 2013 is “Let the Church Say”. The story revolves around a young couple who have known each other the majority of their lives and are now preparing to take their vows. The question is will they make it successfully to the altar.

Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?
My children’s book, “My Forever Airplane” is based on the real life experience of losing my younger sister and how my daughter experienced that loss. My first non-fiction novel, “From the Outside In” was also based on real life events.

What project are you working on now?
I just finished penning my newest psychological thriller, “Interstate 64” scheduled for release this summer. I write under two pen names as well so I am working on an anthology contribution under one of my pen names. I am also working on a round robin story, The Danger Project, with a few authors that will be featured on our individual blog sites. In addition, I have several stories in the queue, “Woman at the Top of the Stairs II”, “FIT”, “Hush Little Baby” “Black Sheep” and I’m continuing my soap opera style series, Suddenly Single.

Will you have a new book coming out soon?
Yes. “Let the Church Say” is slated for release May 2013. “Sick, Sicker, Sickest” is scheduled for release June 2013 and “Interstate 64” is slated for release late June early July 2013.

Are there certain characters you would like to go back to, or is there a theme or idea you’d love to work with?
I like to write about strong female heroines. I like for my lead characters to have flaws and face challenges they overcome. I will continue to write in and around that theme.

Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?
I say it all the time and will continue to say it: Be true to your authentic self. Use your own voice to tell your story. Don’t follow trends set them.

Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans?
I would like to say to my readers and fans, thank you, thank you, thank you!!! Your support means so much to me and I never take it for granted.

I’ve now started some FUN and Wacky questions for those interviewed on my site.

Have you ever gone out in public with your shirt on backwards, or your slippers on, and when realizing it, just said screw it? Thank goodness no!!

Do you prefer fuzzy or tub socks? Both. I love warm socks especially on a cool morning.

Are you a person who makes their bed in the morning, or do you not see much point? Don’t much see the point since I’ll be getting right back in it.

Be honest, how often do you wash your hair? As often as required.

Do you get road rage? What pisses you off the most about other drivers? Yes, sadly I am a victim of road rage. People driving reckless is what sends me over the top.

Do you go out of your way to kill bugs? Are there any that make you screech and hide? Nope, don’t like them and try to avoid them. Now, if they come in my house, all bets are off.

Coffee or Tea? Soda pop but coffee or tea in a crunch.

What is your biggest phobia? Small things close together and God forbid if they move.

What’s your biggest pet peeve when it comes to social media? (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) Notifications but I learned to turn them off!