Celise Downs is the author of an exciting new Young Adult series called The Draven Atreides, Teenage FBI series, featuring an African-American girl who is recruited by the FBI as an informant. In this interview, Downs talks about her inspiration for her books and her writing habits, among other things. Her dedication and discipline for the craft should inspire many aspiring writers.
Why don’t you begin by telling us a little about yourself?
I was born and raised in Phoenix, Ariz. I've been a newlywed of 1 year and 6 months, and I'm a huge fan of James Bond movies (Sean and Pierce only, although Daniel Craig isn't doing too bad), martial arts movies, Betty Boop, and Linkin Park. I'm also seriously addicted to reading adult romance books (particularly the Harlequin Blaze series) and watching Bones, Smallville, Supernatural and Heroes.
When did you decide you wanted to become an author?
During the 7th grade. My best friend and I were killing some time after lunch. She suggested we write stories and exchange them. I don't remember if she ever finished hers, but I did. And I wanted to keep going with it. So I did. When I reached high school, I knew that I wanted to write for teens. My friends led much more exciting lives than me. My favorite phrase back then was "Better be careful. This might end up in one of my books." Eventually, I'd like to branch out to adult romance, but for now, I think I still have something to offer the Young Adult genre. All of my books are based in Phoenix, Ariz., so all out of state - and out of the country - readers will get glimpses of my hometown.
Were you an avid reader as a child? What type of books did you enjoy reading?
Oh yes, and I thank my Mother for that. She read to my older sister and I a lot when we were young. I liked reading anything by Beverly Cleary, until I hit high school. Then it was adult romance books all the way.
Tell us a bit about your latest book, and what inspired you to write such a story.
My third book is called A Royale Pain. It's Book One in the Draven Atreides, Teenage FBI series. The series is about a 16-yr-old African-American girl (Draven Atreides) who's recruited by the FBI as an informant. I refer to it as "Nancy Drew with a twist." I was inspired to create this series by two things: 1) my niece and 2) the former TV shows Alias and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. My niece is smart, funny, and has such a strong sense of self that I wanted to create a character with some of her traits. Alias and Buffy were two of my favorite shows at the time. They portrayed females who were mentally and physically strong, and independent. There was the anything-you-can-do-I-can-do-better message attached to the shows and I think that's why they were so popular. It gave teen girls hope that, while there's no need for vampire slayers, it's possible that they can become CIA operatives.
Article comments
1 - Donna McDine
Mayra, great interview. Celise, I find it very interesting that you don't work with a critique group. Goes to show everyone works differently. Best wishes,
Donna McDine