Tell us about yourself.
I am a single mom in my forties. I published my first book at thirty-six and since then I’ve written ten other novels. Although I started out with a traditional publisher I was dissatisfied with their handling of my book and my accounts and as soon as I could, I opted out. I have been self-publishing ever since. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and it definitely suits me better.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in Nairobi Kenya. When I started writing, I wanted to write the opposite of “African writing”. I felt that that wasn’t my story. I grew up reading Anne Rice and I wanted to write fantasy. It never occurred to me that I could write African fantasy and so I ended up writing about New Orleans and the various supernatural things that might dwell there. I included myself as an African in the tale of the ancestors of my protagonist. I love that story and I think I wrote it well, but my ambitions have now changed and I wish to write fantasy from an African perspective.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I'm a pantser. Sometimes I don't know what the next word is, until I write it.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
The only thing you need to be a writer, is to keep writing. Diana Gabaldon told me that.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. Don't try to be someone else, write like them or use their habits. find out who you are, write your story, your way.
What has inspired you and your writing style?
Anne Rice was a big inspiration as were JK Rowling and Diana Gabaldon. between them, they taught me to write fantasy, to write love and to weave a story together. they were my writing school.
What are you working on now?
the fifth installment of the child of destiny series and a new fantasy novela based on my great grandmother.
What is your favorite method for promoting your work?
social media. I like to look out for opportunity. If someone is looking for a book, and one of mine might fit, I recommend it.
What's next for you as a writer?
More writing
How well do you work under pressure?
Very well actually. Better than if I have no pressure.