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

Zaria: I have always enjoyed writing, even as a young girl. In school I focused a lot on my creative writing classes. It wasn’t until recently seeing how much the publishing world had expanded that I decided to try and get my first novel, Lookin’ For A Lover published. I saw all these books coming out and I said to myself, I want to see my book in the bookstore, too. 

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

Zaria: It was a pretty smooth one actually. A friend of mines was already in the publishing business. She got a chance to read some of my work and encouraged me to get it published. 

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

Zaria: When I write I am trying to get the reader to feel the emotions of my characters. If my character is sad or happy, I want to be able to put in on paper in a way that the reader is able to really feel and relate to the trials and tribulations of the character. My use of dialogue and description is a very important way to get that across. For the most part my writing style doesn’t mirror my own personality because I am very quiet and at times shy, but when you read my book you see that my characters are very outspoken with an in your face kind of attitude. 

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

Zaria: I had the idea in my head for a while and once I began to put in on paper it took me about two and half months. 

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

Zaria: Lookin’ For A Lover is an erotic love story. It is a very explicit book that leaves nothing to the imagination during the sex scenes. It’s about a girl getting frustrated with the men she keeps meeting and decided to try love on the other side, so to speak. She was always attracted to women but was afraid of being judged by her family and friends so she continued to date men, until one day she meets a woman who no longer allows her to deny her attraction to the same sex. They get into a relationship and as they say, that’s when the story really begins. I don’t want to reveal too much, but this is the kind of story that will have you flipping the pages to see what could possible happen next. 

The Writer's Inn: Do you have other aspirations besides writing and if so, what are they?

Zaria: Right now writing is my main focus. After putting out Lookin’ for a lover and seeing the way people are responding to it, that made me see that I really love being an author. 

The Writer's Inn: As an author, how do you prepare for the criticism which is part of a writer’s life?

Zaria: I do my best to put out a really good product, and then I also tell myself that not everyone is going to like my type of story. So far I have gotten nothing but positive feedback but I’m also doing what other seasoned authors have advised me to do, I’m trying to grow a thick skin. 

The Writer's Inn: What is the most surprising thing that you’ve learned about the publishing industry?

Zaria: The size of it is most surprising. The fact that it is not so difficult to publish a book as it was in the past. It has grown so much over the years. I remember when I would go to the store and seek out the African American section and just find this small section. Today that is not the case. When I walk into the stores and see rows and rows of books by African American authors it gives me an incredibly good feeling. 

The Writer's Inn: What were your feelings when "Lookin' for a lover" was accepted and when you first saw the cover of the finished product?

Zaria: Wow! That was the first word that came to my mind both times. I was so flattered and felt absolutely blessed to have my work published. The cover blew me away. At first I was like, that is too much, but then I think back on the other covers that my book would be competing with and I knew that it would definitely be an eye-catcher. 

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

Zaria: I am so impressed at the array of talent. Not only am I a writer, I am an avid reader and there are so many great stories coming out. 

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

Zaria: Go for it! I sat on my story for a long time, being nervous and scared to send it out. But after getting the positive feedback that I have, I wish I hadn’t sat on my story for so long. 

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

Zaria: I want people to look out for the sequel to my first book titled, Lookin’ For A Lover…Again. I also have a couple of short stories getting ready to come out. 

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?

Zaria: Right now I am doing a lot of signings in Maryland, but I plan to visit New York, Delaware and Washington D.C. in the coming months.

The Writer's Inn: Zaria, The Writer's Inn would just like to thank you for allowing us this interview. We wish you nothing but continued success and can't wait to see more of your work in the near future!