Rolling out recently spoke with Danielle Marcus, author of V.S.O.P.: A Very Special Love Story and Trust and Issues. Below she shares her inspiration and gives advice to aspiring authors.
What inspired you to write your first book?
I have to say that I’d been inspired to write since the fourth grade. But, what inspired me to just stop procrastinating and do it is when I was laid off from the casino. I thought I was that girl! I was young, I had an excellent job, and I was content with life. But, in an instance it was all snatched away from me. I was devastated. I told myself that I wanted to be my own boss, and that I would never allow another man/woman to control my career. And that’s how Trust and Issues came about. Now, as I look back on things, it was a blessing to be laid off. Because I’m living my passion and I would have still been stuck at the casino not fulfilling my destiny if I had stayed.
Do you have a specific writing style?
I’d have to say yes and no. I say that because I try to switch it up and be diverse. I can go from life’s ratchetness, relationship drama, etc. and have you just hating a character like in Trust and Issues. But, in the next book I can switch it up and give you a heartwarming love story where you just fall in love with the lead characters like in A Very Special Love Story. But, I say yes because in every book that I write, I try to bring a realistic feel so readers can connect to characters, and all of my books have a touch of romance.
If you had to do it over again, would you change anything about your latest work?
I’d say no. Only because I wrote what was in my heart and I expressed the things that I wanted to say.
Is there anything that you find particularly challenging about writing or coming up with a concept for your book?
Yes, definitely. I’d say the challenge is coming up with something new and fresh that will have the readers on the edge of their seats. I feel as if you should always make your next read better than your last. And I am always up for the challenge.
What was the hardest part of completing this project?
With A Very Special Love Story 3, I found it challenging to bring it to an end. I loved all my characters and I could just go on and on forever with them. But, you can’t drag the same story line out.
What books have impacted your life the most?
I’d say Flyy Girl by Omar Tyree and The Coldest Winter Ever. I say that because I’ve always written, whether it was in a diary or a story. But, when I first snuck and read Flyy Girl at eleven (knowing I was supposed be reading Dr. Seuss), I was hooked on the whole urban genre. I said those are what kinds of books I wanted to write.
What books are you currently reading?
My last read was One Woman’s Trash Is Another Woman’s Treasure by Tonii. Not only am I her publisher, which is what made me have to read it, but I enjoyed her previous work and actually enjoyed reading it.
What new authors have piqued your interest?
I’d say that authors Nicole Jackson, Yona, Yo loni, and Tonii have piqued my interest.
What advice would you give other writers?
I’d advise other writers to shut everyone else out and write what’s in your heart. When you get to worrying about what people will think, it gets to alter your voice. Everyone won’t like your work, but there will be hundreds more who will, so find your audience and talk to them. Also, promote yourself and keep your face seen. You can have the best book but if no one knows about it, how can they buy it?
Describe your process in getting published?
Honestly, I stayed on Google for months and months researching how to get my book out. Then I went from there and published my own book. Doing your research is key. Then from there my first publisher contacted me.
Tell us 3 “good to know” facts about you.
– I’m a super shy person until I get to know you, or I get a pen in my hand. My alter ego Dannie comes out in my writing.
– I moved out of my mother’s house when I was 17 to be with my current fiancé and the trials and tribulations I endured over the past ten years are what inspires my writing.
– My first job was at McDonald’s when I was 14, and plenty of jobs later I’ve found my career in writing. So with the continued support, there’s no getting rid of me.
