Q:  When did you decide you wanted to write?

Latrese N. Carter: I’ve always enjoyed writing, but I didn’t deicide to write my first novel until 2005. 

Q:  How many novels in all have you written?

Latrese: I have completed two novels, my first one, Liar, Liar is in bookstores now. My second book won’t be released until next year. I’m currently writing novel #3.

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

Latrese: It took three months.

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

Latrese: After hearing so many stories about women discovering their husbands were living a secret, alternative lifestyle, I decided to write about it, but I wanted to add a twist. So, I wrote about a woman who married a man knowing he lived an alternative lifestyle. My characters have personalities and characteristics of people I know in general—no one in particular.

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

Latrese: No. I didn’t self publish. I decided to try traditional publishing first. After obtaining a literary agent, I received two publishing offers but ultimately I decided to sign with Q-Boro Books.

Q:  What feedback have you received from fans?

Latrese: I have received wonderful feedback from readers. The many telephone calls, e-mail messages, and website guestbook entries, I have received have been wonderful. 

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

Latrese: I really admire Brenda M. Hampton, Karen E.Quinones Miller, Candice Dow, Dwayne S. Joseph, Tracy Brown, Travis Hunter and many, many more. I’m really inspired by ReShonda Tate Billingsley.

Q:  Is writing your only passion?

Latrese: No. I also have a passion for working with children with special needs. I often joke about retiring early from my teaching career, but I don’t think I’d ever stop working with children. Working with my students is a rewarding experience.

Q:  Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Latrese: I’m asked that a lot and I’m just not sure at this point. I’d love to teach part-time and write part-time.

Q:  What advice would you give aspiring authors?

Latrese: If it's your dream to become a published author, then I say step out on faith and do it. The first step is to write, write and write. I also advise new and aspiring authors to do their research and learn the industry. It's always best to be knowledgeable.

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

Latrese: It is my hope that reader will grasp the message(s) in my stories and ultimately change their lives for the better. I not only write to entertain but to educate, uplift, and inspire.

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

Latrese: My second novel, Revelations, will be in bookstores next summer. The story involves Jewel Winters, a twenty-four-year-old single mother  who has had her fair share of trials and tribulations. Since childhood, she’s had to battle with her verbally abusive, alcoholic mother. Now, as a young adult, she’s barely making ends meet, lacks self-esteem, and regrets not pursuing higher education. But in spite of her many hardships, Jewel is making an effort to live a fulfilling life. That is, until she’s hit with the realization that her long-term boyfriend may not be the father of their three-year old daughter. The aftermath of this revelation, leads to a tragic accident, which sends Jewel on a downward spiral.  Revelations is a poignant tale about a young woman who aspires to overcome the many obstacles that cross her path.

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

Latrese: Liar, Liar can be purchased wherever books are sold as well as online at Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com and many other literary online bookstores. 

Please visit my website at www.latresencarter.com.

Thanks so much to People Who Love Good Books for taking the time to interview me. Thanks for promoting the works of African-American authors.