I wanted to create a series that was a cross between kick-butt and innocence. While there are a few teen espionage series out there, none of them have an African-American female heroine. Unlike those other series, there are no teams, no special training, no disguises, no traveling to exotic locales, and no secret departments within secret agencies; it's just Draven, working as an informant for a well-known agency, ridding Phoenix of some of those lesser "wanted" criminals. You can get to know her a little better by checking out her blog, 1-800-SNITCH.
Did your book require a lot of research?
My intention was to meet and interview a female FBI agent, to get perspective from that point of view. She declined to answer the questions I had sent to her and directed me to the FBI website. It was definitely an interesting process to even get that far.
As a writer, what scares you the most?
Running out of ideas.
When writing, what themes do you feel passionate about?
Loyalty to family and friends. Since it's something that I live by, I find myself instilling the same values in my characters.
Are you a disciplined writer?
Yes. Even though I am a non-traditionally published author, I still create deadlines for myself. I have no agent or editor to keep me on track, so I have to be accountable when I fall behind. In Writing Mode, I write for an hour during my lunch as well as during my two 15 min breaks; my goal is to write a page a day, but I usually end up writing more.
Do you have any unusual writing quirks?
No one sees the material until it's completely done, which is why a critique group would never work for me. The few times I've let someone read my works in progress, I was struck with writer's block for long periods of time. Now, I know better.
Have you ever suffered from writer’s block? What seems to work for unleashing your creativity?
Oh yes, and boy, have I suffered. I set the work aside and wait until I hear the voices of my characters in my head. Or I start thinking about dialogue or scenes. Then I know to jump back in.
What is (are) your favorite book/author(s)? Why?
My favorite book is Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein. The poems are so quirky and funny. I love it. My parents gave me that book when I was young and I still have it. Currently, I'll read anything by Sark. She has a method called Micro Movements that helps her tackle seemingly overwhelming projects and I apply that method to my writing. It's great and it works for me.
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