SC:  When did you decide you wanted to write?

LAS:  Somewhere between the moment I was first read to and learning how to read; that was the point the commenced my fixation with words.  My appreciation began when I started learning how to write.  Once I was able to accomplish both; grasping pen or pencil, it was decided. 

SC:  How many novels in all have you written?

LAS:  Purposely Purple is my first, my debut novel.

SC:  How long did it take you to write your first novel?

LAS:  I started writing February of 98 and finished the day before Halloween of the same year.  I wrote 19 hours a day and had about 2 months of writers block in that time – so let’s say about 7 months worth total.

SC:  Tell us about “Purposely Purple”, what is it about?

LAS:  Sex, Purple, and Chess are the roots for this epic propelling sexual security, the regal ness of purple and life as its own chess game.  This is the story of Vyolet Shelby: so much a Queen: provocative, strong, independent, and determined as well as secure in and with herself and her sexuality.  She finds herself consistently on board the game of chess that is life.  Always doing her own thing and having no intent on playing: she finds herself persistently challenged to duel.

SC:  Where do you get your inspiration for your stories? Are the characters based on real people?

LAS: life and all that it entails inspire me.  Existence is naturally engulfing and because of that I pay attention, listen, watch, and learn.  I am then able to connect the dots or rather put the pieces together and reflect through my writing.  Reality is the only inspiration.  In writing, at least, mine: the key is to use what is prevalent enough to back the purpose of the story.

SC:  After writing your first novel, did you self-publish? If so, how was that experience?

LAS:  Purposely Purple has been a long time in coming as you can see from its inception date.  I have gone the gauntlet of well-known publishing companies versus smaller, more independent companies.  I was inclined at one point to go the self-publishing route and then finally Purposely Purple and myself ended up finding a home with JATA Publishing.  So, even though I didn’t conclude with self-publishing, the road was still intense.

SC:  What feedback from you received from fans?

LAS:  I have been very blessed that for the most part Purposely Purple has been very well received.  The readers have really been able to connect with the characters.  Many fans have emphatically expressed how displeased they were with some characters as much as they expressed how impressed or admired they were with others.  It has been such an extra treat to get the feedback that I have from male readers.  Guys are letting me know how much of themselves they were able to recognize in the male characters and how much some of them wanted to be like them.  Now of course, everyone hasn’t been part of the cheering squad, but at least the complaints have been based on the fact that they didn’t like the ending, they were left with questions or how a negative character really spoiled the book for them.  The best feedback I have received thus far has been from two gentlemen.  One was on the verge of suicide and the meaning of purpose drew him back (his words, not mine) and the other one was able to come face to face with the impact of his treatment of the women in his life from a character that he identified with.  Again, I say; I’ve been blessed.

SC:  What authors do you admire? Did one of them inspire you?

LAS:  I have always admired James Baldwin and Ralph Ellison.  Their works have definitely helped to make me appreciate literature as much as I do.  As for inspiring me, I would have to say my two favorite books without a doubt are the Dictionary and the Thesaurus.

SC:  Is writing your only passion?

LAS:  No, I love to read.  I tend to read romances quite frequently, especially when I’m creating.  Quite recently, I’ve developed a fondness for this book called Checkmate:  The Games Men Play by Mark Crutcher.  Besides reading, I love to cook; play chess, and either go to the movies or watch DVD’s.

SC:  Where do you see yourself in five years?

LAS:  Still doing what I love so much.  With several titles and writing projects under my belt, I would like to sponsor 2 Writing Contests once a year that would give a writer from the Jr. High School and High School Level a chance to further their writing aspirations and education.  It’s a goal of mine: the desire to give back and to make it easier for some young adults that decided to go that rout

SC:  What advice would you give aspiring authors?

LAS:  Four Things:

1.      Find and have at least one writer friend

2.      Know the writer you are! Know your limitations.

3.      Hear criticism without defining yourself

4.       Despite rejection & inactivity: be consistent, persistent, and always believe in yourself and your work.

SC:  What would you like readers to learn from your stories?

LAS:  I want readers to understand that Purposely Purple is very much about life.  Life only ends at death, without speaking spiritually.  My book is about that; it’s not supposed to be a fairy tale or like a 2-hour movie that has a beginning, middle and an absolute end.  Purposely Purple is a window into the life of one, some, and many.  My stories have a purpose and/or message within the humor.  It is the jocularity that makes the result of getting the message seems like self-perceptiveness and not a sermon on morality and virtues.

SC:  Are you working on another novel? If so, what is it about?

LAS:  Yes.  Because Purposely Purple is a legacy, there are many stories to follow.  Book one introduces a plethora of characters and further works will eventually get to everyone’s story.  I am working on the sequel as we speak as well as a romance.  To be a little specific on the Sequel, I can say at this time: the questions left at the end of Purposely Purple will be answered along with a new story.

SC:  Where can people purchase your books? Do you have a website?

LAS:  Purposely Purple can be purchased at www.jatapublishing.com, www.purplelas.com, www.cbbooksdistribution.com, and www.amazon.com.

My Website is: www.purplelas.com