I hadn’t planned on writing a book for him, but I had readers actually asking me for a book on him.

DC Renee – 19 March 2015

The Back Flap

A street thug with a heart. That was Benny Negrete. To the outside world, he looked like bad news, but anyone who knew him knew he was intelligent, honest, and most importantly, caring. He looked out for the people he loved. But it hasn’t always been that way. Sophie Basi, a successful doctor with a promising career, has tried hard to put the past behind her. It even worked for a while, but she never expected to run into Benny again. He’s the one person who can summon the past and unravel her perfectly crafted life. When avoidance doesn’t work, the two are forced to relive their recollections of a past they are both desperate to forget. Can they let it go? Or are they forever going to live in their memories, with the future just out of reach?

About the book

What is the book about?

Let It Go is about a guy (Benny) who is sort of a cross between a gang banger and a more “sophisticated” gangster that is actually a really sweet guy, is loyal to his friends, and has a heart of gold.  He has a past and reason for becoming a thug, which we learn in this story, but someone from his past comes back into the picture.  It’s someone he hurt, someone who can understand him better than others, but she blames him for her own pain.  And yet, they need to figure out a way to work through their demons together.

When did you start writing the book?

I published Let Me Go back in March of 2014, and Benny was just a side character in the story.  I hadn’t planned on writing a book for him, but I had readers actually asking me for a book on him.  It took me about a month to think about it and find the right plot for him.  Meanwhile, I was already working on another novel, but I couldn’t get Benny out of my head.  I ended up starting his story around June while writing two other books at the same time.

How long did it take you to write it?

It took me a few months just because it wasn’t my sole focus at the time.

Where did you get the idea from?

Well, I didn’t think to write a story for him until I was asked to, and then I just started coming up with ideas until one seemed like it would fit for him.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

With any book, there are always chapters that just don’t come easily.  There weren’t any specific scenes that were hard to write in this particular story, but there were chapters that I complained to my sister (because she listens to me vent) that didn’t flow the way I had hoped.

What came easily?

Any scenes with Kat (the main character from the first book) came pretty easily.  She was just so much more fun-loving in this one.  She still had her spunky personality, but her life wasn’t as “difficult” as it was in Let Me Go, so I didn’t have to struggle with her.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

I take little tidbits from the real world, like clothing choices, room set-ups, but the actual people are completely fictitious.

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 authors that I absolutely love, but there is really only one that influenced my writing style.  I grew up reading every VC Andrews book I could find.  My stories are completely different from hers and she comes up with twists no one would ever see coming, but in every one of my stories (published, in the editing stages or still in my head), there is always a twist.  I’d like to think I got that from her.

Do you have a target reader?

I really don’t.  I think women from ages 18+ tend to like my stories the most, but I think they are more or less appropriate for anyone.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

Yes, I have a lengthy one!  I come up with an idea and tell my sister about it.  We come up with major plot points that I write down and cross off as I go along.  I then send her one chapter at a time.  If she likes it, I keep it.  If not, I re-write it until she does.  Then I send it to a friend for her comments.  After that, it goes to the editor, then to my beta readers and then back to the editor.  And then hopefully, it’s done. 🙂

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I write down some plot points I don’t want to forget on a piece of paper that I carry with me. Once I write out one of those points, I cross it off and keep going.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I edit whatever mistakes my sister catches, but otherwise, I wait until I’m done.

Did you hire a professional editor?

I did hire a professional editor.  I just found that no matter how many times I read it, I couldn’t catch all the mistakes.  Also, they tend to read for the flow as well.  That really helps.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

I don’t actually.  I don’t mind background noise, but music and the TV distract me because I end up watching TV or singing along instead of writing.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

I didn’t actually.  I didn’t even think about it at the time.  It might have helped though, especially with marketing capabilities.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

I had a ton of author and blogger friends thanks to the fan fiction community I was in, and they had all self-published.  So when I wanted to publish my story, they all said they would walk me through the process and that was that.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

For my first book, I made it myself.  I just didn’t feel like I had the wiggle room in my budget to have it done professionally.  After though, all my other books have been professional.  It really makes a difference.  I look back at my first one and wish it was done better.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I like blog tours, cover reveals and release day blitzes.  They do pretty well.  Also, I like to try to get my book(s) added to as many newsletters and websites as possible.  Who doesn’t, right?

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Marketing and reaching an audience are really difficult.  It helps to have some author friends and bloggers that support you so they can help promote.  Even so, don’t be discouraged.  We’re all in the same marketing boat.

About You

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Los Angeles, CA, but not the “glamorous” Hollywood.  I grew up in the Valley.  But I loved it!

Where do you live now?

I’m still in the Valley.  I just couldn’t leave all my family and friends.  Not to mention the weather is pretty darn great.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I am a major dork, and I think I’m funny when I’m probably not.  Lol.  I talk a lot and my sister says I give too many details when telling a story, but I guess that’s good for writing.

What are you working on now?

I have 2 other books out – Let Me Go and A Brutal Betrayal.  But I also have a ton of books I’m currently working on.  My next one out will be Three Loving Words – hint, they aren’t I love you.  Okay, okay, you twisted my arm – they are “I hate you.”  It’s about a couple in a marriage neither wants. Dun dun dun….

End of Interview:

Get your copy of Let it Go from Amazon US (paper or ebook), Amazon UK (paper or ebook), Barnes & Noble, or Smashwords.