Writer Danielle Marcus discusses her favorite authors, her writing process and new book, V.S.O.P.: A Very Special Love Story.
What is the mission that you set out to accomplish with your voice in this book?
My mission was to create a storyline the readers could enjoy and connect to the characters. I want someone to say ‘Oh I know a chick like her’. Maybe someone could be going through similar situations. Like in my latest book, V.S.O.P: A Very Special Love Story, the main character whose name is Renee was a rape victim and a child was conceived out of it. She turned to alcoholism and partying to numb the pain. In the end she found sobriety and even love. She found out that you can do things to temporarily take away the problems but until you face them they will still be there.
What were the literary or psychological challenges of bringing your project to life?
I say the challenges that had me procrastinating was the fear of what people would think about my work. Sometimes you have to let your nerves go because fear can be your biggest enemy.
Everyone’s process for writing is different. Explain yours.
With my writing process, I sit up and outline my idea of how I want the book to go. (Of course the story always end up with a mind of its own.) Then I just write. I try to write at least 5,000 words a day.
What are five of your favorite books and why?
– Fly Girl by Omar Tyree. I love that book because it gave you a realistic feel of the struggles with growing up as a teen and dealing with certain issues. I loved the plot of the story and you came out with a lesson.
– Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Soulja. I am in love with that book because it was real and it was raw. I’m from the suburbs so it gave me a real look into ‘hood life and being a part of the fast life.
– Torn, and/or Gunz and Roses by Keshia Ervin. I actually have read every single book that she has witten and enjoyed them all. She is my favorite author! But I love her real life storylines that have you so drawn into the characters. She will literally have you talking to the book.
– Flip Side of the Game, and Game Over by Tu-Shonda Whitaker. I loved these books because the stories were intriguing and they literally had me laughing out loud at the crazy characters that jump out at you.
Who are the writers you reread and why?
I’ve reread all of Keisha Ervin’s books because they are just that good. I fell in love with her writing style and the characters that she created.
A great book has what?
An exciting an excellent beginning. The first page must grab the reader and hold their attention. If it doesn’t grab me from the start, I usually give up on it. A good storyline or plot with conflict. Something exciting needs to happen that makes me think ‘how is he/she going to get out of this. I’d also say that you have to be descriptive in your writings you have to paint a picture for the reader, that combined with action, developed characters, and a great plot makes a great read.
You develop characters and ideas by …
My characters and ideas from my stories are inspired by the people around me. I observe a lot. Someone sitting on a date in a restaurant just may become a character in one of my books.
Where would you travel if you could write your next book?
I would go to an island in the Caribbean because it’s beautiful, and I could sit in peace and just allow my ideas to flow.
What is the gift of reading and why does it open up a new world?
The gift of reading is being able to jump into someone else’s life and see their struggles and their happiness. Sometimes you can live through the characters and experience a world that you would have never known in your day-to-day life.
What should an author look for when hiring an editor?
An author should look for their track record. What other work have they done and what are their qualifications? There’s a lot of editors out here that claim to be professionals but [they] really aren’t.
How would you define the roles a publisher plays in the writer’s career?
I’d say that the publisher should always be able to help an author grow. They should be there to make sure that the author’s manuscript is on point, and they should be able to get it to the right market.
What author in the last three years has changed the way that Black authors are perceived?
I’d say K’wan, Wahida Clark, and Sister Soulja
What writing trends should writers beware of when deciding what genre to write?
I’d say limiting yourself to one genre by putting yourself in a box with the vulgar titles and explicit content. If that is your goal cool, be the best at it. But, if you want to step into main stream and reach the masses, be diverse.
Series writing. Know that every book doesn’t need a part 2-10. Know when to stop without dragging out your book
I’d say in general just be original and be creative. Find what will make your book stand out.
Name four young Black authors that all Black readers should know and their book?
– Me, of course. I’d say my Trust and Issues series, and the V.S.O.P.: Very Special Love Story series
– Tonii; One Woman’s Trash Is Another Woman’s Treasure
– Yona; The Streets Raised Me
– Racquel Williams; My Husband’s Whore
What genre of literature has grown larger than expected?
Urban fiction. It’s constantly growing and people are starting to take notice.
