Interview with urban fiction writer Vogue

This interview goes hand-in-hand with the promo post from Monday for Vogue's novel The Ace of Diamonds. (Check it out for how to enter for the giveaway!)

Bio:

Born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina, Vogue’s journey through the world of creative writing first began in middle school with poetry and songwriting. While the mix of rhythm and words was the initial passage to self-expression, it was the discovery of prose that opened the door to a world of endless possibilities. An avid reader of Urban Fiction, Vogue felt the need to create literary works that had an equal balance of street lit, drama, romance, and faith-based undertones.

A graduate of Winthrop University (Rock Hill, S.C.), possessing a bachelor’s degree in social work, Vogue, first birthed the idea of The Diamond Collection in the halls of her alma mater. In 2003, she put pen to paper and thus was created, Diamonds In The Rough, part one of The Diamond Collection series.

By 2010, Vogue had written drafts of the entire ten book series and in June of 2010, Diamonds In The Rough, was published for her to share with the rest of the world. Soon followed by Diamonds Are Forever in October of 2010 and The Ace of Diamonds in February of 2013, Vogue joined the league of other writers, determined to make her mark in the literary world.

Still writing, Vogue plans to release the fourth book in the series, Black Diamonds, in late 2013 or early 2014 as well as pen her first Young Adult novel.

Welcome, Vogue. Please tell us about The Ace of Diamonds.

Famous for its glitz and glamour, the city of Brookstone is also known as being the home of one of New York’s most notorious drug lords, Jay Santiago. The son of a famed politician and socialite, he spent the last seventeen years of his life in federal prison only to return to the city that took him captive. In true underdog fashion, Jay rises from the bottom and rebuilds an empire and cartel that is as powerful as its leader. After linking up with an old comrade, Jay believes he has found the one material object that will allow him to leave his criminal enterprise for good. However, his most prized possession could lead to his biggest downfall yet.

What inspired you to write this book?

I was inspired to write this book after receiving an enormous response to the character of Jay Santiago in two of my previous releases, Diamonds in the Rough and Diamonds Are Forever. Several readers had requested to know more about Jay’s background and I decided to write a novel that was focused more on his character than in the previous releases. In addition, I wanted to show his character’s transition from a notorious drug lord to a legit businessman.

What exciting story are you working on next?

Currently, I am working on Black Diamonds, which will be my fourth novel as well as expounding on several ideas for short stories, which will be centered on topics such as interracial relationships, abuse, faith, and domestic violence. I am looking to release Black Diamonds in December of 2013 or January of 2014.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I considered myself a writer starting in high school when I transitioned from poetry to fan fiction. My love for the art form led me to start writing full-length novels and since then, I haven’t looked back!

Do you write full-time?

Currently, I am not writing full-time, but am dedicating myself to promoting The Ace of Diamonds. I am, however, rewriting my first novel, which I hope to re-release later this month. I will not start back writing full-time until October when I start finalizing Black Diamonds.

If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write? When I am not writing, I am still jotting down ideas for future stories. I write only when I am inspired instead of trying to work while I have writer’s block.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I love to watch action movie trailers or movie clips when I am writing. Car chases, fight scenes, and the drama of it all helps rev up my creative process.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Growing up, I wanted to be a teacher. I always thought that I was going to end up becoming an English teacher because English was my major for about two years in college. Halfway through, I discovered Social Work, which I realized was my intended path.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

The life of a writer has its ups and downs; however, we have an outlet to vent our frustrations, joys, and pains. Let’s pick up our pens and unleash!

Thanks, Vogue. Happy to have you here! Write on!