Interview with Danielle Santiago
SC: When did you decide you wanted to write?
DS: I've always love to write since I was a child. I've written poetry, and songs.
I decided to write my first book when I was twenty-one.
SC: Is this your first novel?
DS: Yes.
SC: How long did it take you to write it?
DS: nine months.
SC: What made you decide to write a story like "Little Ghetto Girl"? Are the characters based on
real people? is the story based on a real-life experience?
DS: I was going through some real life changing experiences while I was pregnant with
my son. The characters are based on real people. And the main character is bulit around my life experiences.
SC: Would you tell us a little about the story?
DS: The Story is about Kisa "Kane" Montega, she is young and glamorous. She also
makes a living in the dangerous game of Cocain dealing. Once she decides she wants to step away from the game, she makes
the choice of marrying her off-again-on-again boyfriend Sincere Montega. He has no intentions on leaving the game.
The story basically tells the consequences of her decision and shows the ugly side of a very glamourized lifestyle.
SC: Did you self-publish?? If so, how was that experience?
DS: I did self-publish the first two editions and it was a learning experience.
SC: Do you plan to write a sequel?
DS: Little Ghetto Girl is a part of a three book series called A Harlem Story. I have
finished the second installment it introduces all new characters it is titled Grindin for Keeps. I'm working on the
final installment right now it features all the characters from the first two books. It is titled The Allure of the Game.
SC: What feedback have you received from fans?
DS: My readers are the best I've recieved nothing but positive reviews and support.
SC: What authors do you admire? Did one of them inspire you?
DS: Mya Angelou, Zora Neal Hurston, Mildred Taylor, BeBe Cambell-Moore, Rosalyn McMillan,
Danielle Steele, Jackie Collins. And Terry McMillan is my favorite her Book Mama is my favorite book of all time and
has always been and inspiration to me. I read Mama when I was twelve.
SC: Is writing your only passion?
DS: Acting and rapping are my other two passions. Acting more than rapping. Also
helping Women and children who are victims of domestic violence.
SC: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
DS: I pray that I'm alive in five years so that I can see myself as a successful mother,business-woman,
and author.
SC: What advice would you give aspiring authors?
DS: Never give up, stay on your grind. always remember no struggle, no progress.
SC: What would you like readers to learn from the story?
DS: The streets are ugly and vicious. I'm blessed to still be alive and FREE.
SC: Where can people purchase your book? Do you have a website?
