Saturday, February 16, 2013

Interview with the Authoress BlaQue Angel

Give us a quick introduction on yourself and your book.
The Authoress BlaQue, nicknamed the BlaQue Angel because of the twisted and dark stories she weaves, was born and raised in the Washington, D.C. area where she currently resides with her son. BlaQue began writing after reading several Donald Goines books and decided she would love to pen stories in the same gritty, fast-paced manner. After writing her first novel Dirty DNA and allowing several of her peers to read and critique her work, she decided to submit it to G Street Chronicles where she joined the ranks of some of the heaviest hitting authors in Urban Literature in July 2012. BlaQue felt the need to change the game up and tell stories on subject matters that others were afraid to talk or write about. To date BlaQue has released four titles under G Street Chronicles Publications Exhale, Bait and Snatch, Cold Case Love and Dirty DNA with the fifth title, Dirty DNA II: Til Death Do Us Part to be released in early March 2013. Her sixth title Powder: A Deadly Addiction, will follow soon after along with a host of other upcoming titles she is working on with her powerhouse team at G Street Chronicles.
What inspired you to write your first book?
My inspiration for my first novel came from watching an episode of Snapped and that was how my first character YaSheema Clayton, was born.
Do you have a specific writing style?
I consider my style Urban Drama, with hints of Street Lit, mixed with a touch of Mystery!
How did you come up with the titles?
I did not come up with my title for my first two novels. My first novel was named by my significant other after he read and enjoyed it. My second title was named by my publishing house. The others I was able to come up with on my own listening to music.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
All of my novels have messages in them. Each of them teaches you something about life.
How much of the book is realistic?
All of my work is realistic. I do not believe in writing unrealistic plots because I have found this genre is overrun with unbelievable story lines and I wanted to shake things up a bit with real life scenarios.
Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
My novels are based on things I have seen and experienced growing up in the Nation's Capital.
What books have most influenced your life most?
Black Girl Lost by Donald Goines has influenced me the most. Had it not been for that book, I may not have started writing.
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
I have several mentors. My mentors include George Sherman Hudson, Shawna A Grundy, and Shari Barnes.
What book are you reading now?
I am reading Black Ice by Author V. Brown
Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
V. Brown, Cachet, Gabrielle Dotson, Fabiola Joseph, Tammy Capri, Quiana, Katavious Ellis and Jade Jones are new authors that have grasped my interest.
What are your current projects?
I am currently working in Exhale II: A Sister's Love (short), Powder: A Deadly Addiction (novel) and Dirty DNA III: The Bad Seed (novel).
Do you see writing as a career?
Writing is a hobby that I hope leads to a long lasting career. One day I hope to write full-time as my career.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
I would not change anything about any of my books. I like all five of my completed works just as they are!
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I started writing after reading Donald Goines and thinking; I can do that too! My father told me long ago that I had a gift and that I needed to share my gift with the world. After my dad passed away I promised to become a published author and I have done just that!
Can you share a little of your current work with us?
Dirty DNA
Families all have secrets but not like the secrets of the Clayton-Reynolds clan.
The drug-filled streets of Washington, DC are home to YaSheema Clayton, better known as YaYa to her friends and family. She is heir to a throne of deceit, lies, and betrayal.
Her father, Darnell Clayton, has made money hand over fist by pushing drugs into every junkie and crackhead in the DMV. He wants his legacy of murder and mayhem to live on through his only child.
YaYa and her life-long best friend, ShaNiqua "NiQue" Watkins, were bred to run the streets of DC with a ruthless hand. Unfortunately, during their reign of power, family secrets are unearthed. A fierce stream of terror, sex and lies rock the very foundation Darnell has built.
Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
My favorite author is Donald Goines. His ability to grasp the attention of the readers with his stories intrigued me.
Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
I will be starting my literary travel very soon. I have an upcoming tour with some of my sisters in lit under G Street Chronicles!
Who designed the covers?
My covers are designed by hotbookcovers.com. I have had some visions for some of my covers and my publisher allows me to give input on what I envision on the covers. My book Cold Case Love is a perfect example of my vision.
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
The hardest part of writing a book, is titling the book. That is where I always have minor hiccups. Fortunately, my literary family helps me out when I need them to give me honest opinions on titles
Do you have any advice for other writers?
My advice I have for other writers is to have thick skin! This industry is not for the weak. Be prepared to have your work critiqued. The readers will let you know what they think and feel about your work and they will be brutally honest.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
I want to THANK each of them. I am a reader first and an authoress second. Without you I am nothing. Each reader has a choice. They can decide to buy one or all of my books or they can spend their hard earned money somewhere else. I thank them for taking a chance on a new authoress!