Questions
Q. 1. What, or who inspired this particular story?
A. ) I've realized every one of us has a story to tell that someone can relate to. There are different experiences that my family, friends and I have gone through growing up and learned from. So it's a combination of real-life issues and fiction.
Q.2. What experiences in your own girlfriend circle influenced the book?
A. My experiences are influenced by certain points in my life. Communication with the friends I've had when I was 16 are not the same as the ones I have now in my 30's. Without naming anyone in my own girlfriend circle I've had friends who have gone through domestic violence, depression, infidelity, insecurity issues, teen pregnancy, etc. so it was easy for me to write my own story with 4 different females going through different problems in their own life.
Q. 3. How important was it for you to make sure the men in this story were pictured as loving respectable hard working men?
A. ) It was very important for me. I've read countless of stories with male-bashing and I didn't want to portray the male characters in my book as such. Especially, growing up in a family where the males are well respected. My dad is an ideal role model of a man who takes care of home and his children so I wanted the same type of personalities in my book; strong black men.
Q. 4. When beginning a new relationship do you think men are more receptive then women, meaning are women more or less already anticipating a negative outcome before the date is over especially when we like what we see so far?
A. 4) I think women are more receptive than men. We tend to be more open about our feelings and what we want that it can almost sabotage a relationship before it even starts. This will give men a choice to decide if being in a relationship with that female is what they really want from the very beginning.
Q. 5. Dana's contracting Aids from Darren gave the story a very real and serious undertone. How do you think people will relate to Dana specifically?
A. 5) There are people who can really sympathize to Dana’s story and embrace it if they know someone or they’re in a similar situation. There are over 32 million people in the country living with HIV so the epidemic makes the issue close to home. You and I are not exempt from this disease as well, the only thing we can do is be as safe as possible or practice abstinence.
Q. 6. Normally it is men who are ruined by one women and the rest of the female species has to pay for it, Do you think that is the case with Erica? Realistically do you think a man like Jamal would come back to her after her betrayal?
A. 6) Well I must say when a man loves damn it’s for real. We as women sometimes wait a lifetime to try and get a man to love us unconditionally. Once that happens, he will sacrifice for his partner and family. The down side is, once that bond and understanding is broken it’s harder to get it back from a man because it doesn’t make him territorial any longer. A woman should understand a man wants to feel like there can only be one of him to do what he can do. Realistically, a man will not come back you may have him physically but not mentally.
Q. 7. Alex's character is all to familiar. What I liked about her is even though she was very unmotivated in life(aside from men and their money) she showed as the book progressed that you can jump off the fast track to nowhere and start over. How important is it for our young girls readers to meet a character like Alex?
A. 7) I have met so many Alex(s) and knew some personally. No matter what you’re going through I always feel there’s room for improvement and empowerment. There are young girls who need to re-evaluate their life and know it’s never too late to start on a new path because you’re in control of your own destiny.
Q. 8. What is the one thing you think gel's this book together?
A. 8) I think the love and bond they share together as friends is what brings this book together. We all know how hard it is to find a true and genuine friend. Those are the ones we want to keep around through thick and thin because they’ll watch your back and your front.
Q. 9. How important was it for the characters to be shown as successful individuals? And why do you think men like Greg always attract and put up with chicks like Desiree?
A. 9) I wanted to portray a balance with these characters. Although theses characters are successful they are still human liable to make mistakes. Greg was a successful character but he still stayed true to himself as far as what he preferred in a woman. For him, his preference was based on an image and how a woman looks. But it takes a real woman to open the eyes of someone like Greg to know there’s more.
Q. 10. What was the inspiration for the title?
A. 10) The inspiration for Behind Closed Doors is where we keep all of our secrets. We could have the closest relationship with our family or friends and still not know what’s going on in their life.
Q. 11. Alex, Dana, Jasmine , and Erica were always able to overcome their differences. As girlfriends when we are young everything we do revolves around each other. When we get older we establish our own Identitities and lives. Why is it so hard for grown women to befriend each other? It might not be directly related to the story but I though I would ask because they are childhood friends.
A. 11) I think it becomes more of a competition when dealing with women. Females are too busy comparing themselves to their own friend as opposed to just appreciating what was given to them. There are too many females who are jealous because of maybe their weight, skin color, hair, relationship, talent or personality. But I think it should only be about being the best you and realizing how each of us is truly blessed in different ways.
Q. 12. Alex was a victim of Domestic violence. While it is easier to say what you would do in a situation like hers, why was she determined to make her close friends think differently instead of going to them for help?
A. 12) No one once to tell someone that he/she is being abused because it is embarrassing and a shameful situation to be in. I always say there’s a myth if you’re being abused then just get out. However, it’s not that easy too. Victims stay in abusive relationships for children, dependency, love and money. So at the end of the day domestic violence is a topic where counseling and therapy must be involved.
Q.13. Jasmine and Lance were complicated. Do you think most men would come clean about his circumstances, or would they let go of Jasmine because of pride? I asked this question because in you book I think a poignant part of it is that these men are no afraid to tell the truth, and in any relationship that is key.
A. 13) Agreed. Truth is a major part of building a strong relationship and if it happens in the beginning then many obstacles to come later can be resolved. As far as Lance, he knew what kind of person Jasmine was that’s why he was able to handle and deal with her strengths as well as weaknesses.
Q. 14. As an aspiring author myself, I think it is wonderful, not only are you a published author, but you are committed to paving the way for the future writers. Do you think in the future our community will remember the importance and power of the written word?
A. 14) Yes because words go a long way. We can remember advice someone tells us from 5 or 10 years ago so the power comes from what we do with those words at our darkest hour.
Q.15. What is next for the characters of "Behind Closed Doors"?
A. 15) Well I’m in the process of writing a sequel to Behind Closed Doors so you have to wait and find out…..LOL!
