The Writer's Inn: Thank you so much for allowing us this interview, Skyy. So tell us, when did you decide that you wanted to become an author and have your books published?

Skyy: I have always enjoyed reading and writing, but I never dreamed I would become an author. Choices came along while I was going through a bad break up. I was trying to keep my mind off of the girl by staying in the house. Well the character, Denise, a college basketball player trying to graduate and get up out of Memphis, popped into my head. I sat at my computer, created an mp3 list of sad, depressing music and began to write. The next day I woke up and did the same thing but the music changed from depressed to “I’ll get over it” music. Two more days later I had finished the first draft and was listening to “I’m over you.” Music.

 My friend who reads as much as I do came over and began to read it and she didn’t want to stop. By the time she finished she told me it was better than the last few books she'd read and that I should try to get it published. Since she is known for being brutally honest I believed her and started to shop my book.
 

The Writer's Inn: What was your journey like to becoming a published author? Was it a rocky road or smooth sailing?

Skyy: It was a very rocky road. I didn’t have a single clue as to what to do to get published. I heard that I should look for an agent so I started querying agents. The next day I had over 50 rejection letters. It was the same for months. I have learned a lot through this process on how to deal with publishers better.


The Writer's Inn: Do you have a specific writing style?

Skyy: I am very big on dialogue. Most people who read my book say that they can see it as a movie because I love to have characters interact with dialogue. I write as I picture it happening.

The Writer's Inn: How long did it take for you to complete “Choices”?

Skyy: The first draft took 4 days. The edits were hard. I suck at sex scenes so it took me a while to get those right. (I am so square) lol


The Writer's Inn: Now, Skyy, we’ve read the synopsis of your novel and it definitely sounds HOT. Please tell readers a little about your novel.

Skyy: Choices follow the college years of four friends who have to make choices regarding life and love during the year.

Lena is a freshman who comes to campus already with her life mapped out for her. The very beautiful and sexy daughter of schools most prestigious alumni’s, all Lena needs to do is go to school, pledge her mother’s sorority and plan her life with her superstar basketball boyfriend. But things in her life change when she meets her roommate who opens her eyes to a whole new side of the rainbow. Suddenly Lena find herself trying to find herself, wondering should she love the one she is with or try someone of another flavor.

Denise is a junior who’s number one goal is to make her grandmother proud. After having her heart broken and almost loosing track of her goals, Denise has decided to swear off love and focus only on basketball and graduation. But when she meets her new roommate things began to change as love starts to break down the wall she built around her heart.

After catching her ex with another woman, Carmen decided that thin was in. She undergoes major surgery to have the look she always wanted on the outside. The only problem is that surgery can’t change the way she feels about herself on the inside. When her ex wants to come back, Carmen has to make the choice to give her first love another chance or take a chance on a new love.

Men have to give Cooley her props on being the campus most wanted by the ladies: straight and gay. Known ladies woman who reputation is already legend, women only hope they get the chance to experience the “Kill Cap” Cooley in action. After almost loosing one of her best friends, Cooley realizes its time to retire her player ways for the right woman. Unfortunately the women of her past aren’t willing to give her up that easy.


The Writer's Inn: Is there a message in your novel, Choices, that you would like for readers to grasp?

Skyy: I think the main message that I want people to grasp is how strong friendship can truly be. I would like for readers, especially straight readers, to see how similar lives of straight and gay people can truly be. Everyone has choices they have to make, some good and some bad, but in the end its all about forming relationships and friendships that make you who you are.


The Writer's Inn: Skyy, we recently read that you wanted to “give your community a positive book”. What would you like for your heterosexual readers to get from reading your novel?

Skyy: Let me clarify that I wanted to give the community in a whole a realistic look into the lesbian lifestyle. So many people write books that focus on the negative stereotypes and do not show the positive. Choices gives you a look into many aspects of the life from the positive hardworking Denise to the drama filled Cooley. With my characters anyone can find a piece of himself or herself in at least one of them, weather you are straight or gay.


The Writer's Inn: Will you be doing any book signings in the near future and if so, what cities do you plan to visit?

Skyy: I am very eager to visit as many cities that want me. I am open for book signings and speaking engagements, just contact me.


The Writer's Inn: What are some of your views on the new authors coming onto the literary scene these days?

Skyy: I am a new author myself, lol. I show much love and respect to anyone who shares their art with the world.


The Writer's Inn: What advice do you have for new and aspiring authors that are just getting started in their literary career?

Skyy: You can’t have thin skin in this industry. Make sure you write something that you can be proud of. Don’t give up.


The Writer's Inn: Based on your experiences, what do you love most about being an author?

Skyy: I love my fans. I love hearing from people who read my book and love it. When someone tells me that they know someone who is like a character or that they can relate to a character it still makes me smile. I have had a lot of people tell me that they could not put the book down. I still get surprised when I hear that.


The Writer's Inn: What can readers expect from you in the future?

Skyy: Don’t expect… Just prepare for a wild ride.


The Writer's Inn: The Writer’s Inn would just like to thank you for allowing us this interview with you, Skyy, and wish you nothing but continued success in your literary career. We know that you will go far and can’t wait to see more of your work in the near future!

To find out more about Skyy, be sure to visit her website at www.kingscrossingpublishing.com