It’s A Book Thing Presents: An Interview with Debbie Stokes, author of The Stranger He Knew
Author’s Bio: Debbie Stokes was born
and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. She has always had a desire to be a
published author of a fiction novel, but fear stopped her. She often shares how her
story ideas come to her in her dreams, and how she jumps up to write them down. Finally, one
day, she pushed past her fear and allowed her vision to come to past. She is
now a published author, and The
Stranger He Knew is her first book.
Debbie is a former
CEO, blogger, and interviewer for her previous women’s empowerment blog called,
3 Women Voices, where she shared empowering stories of how people overcame odds
to live their best lives. She is also a former contributing writer for FEMI
Magazine, a cultural Lifestyle magazine, where she interviewed and shared
people’s stories.
When not
writing, she enjoys singing, dancing, inspiring others, and spending time with
family.
Deliah Lawrence: What inspired you to write
your book?
Debbie Stokes: That is a funny story.
One day, I went to bed and had a dream. In my dream, this story came to me so
vividly that it had me tossing and turning in my bed; so much so, that I
accidently hit my husband and he woke me up for hitting him (LOL). At that
moment, I jumped up, still focused on my dream keeping my eyes closed as I got
up, hoping it would help me remember it. Finally, feeling around for the pen
and paper next to me, I opened my eyes and quickly wrote it down with just the
TV light on. Imagine that.
The writing was so scribbled, but at least I had
written it down before I went back to Sleep. As soon as I woke up in the
morning, I rushed back to what I had written down and started adding to the
story. I was amazed at how fast the words just flowed onto the paper. I
actually wrote it in 2018, but life got in the way, and now I’m back. And thank
God, it’s finally finished. The truth be told, it is not the same book from
2018. It has totally changed in tone, storyline, character’s intentions, and
the title. I call it the rebirth. (I’m smiling), With that said, I am very
proud of the book it has become. The
Stranger He Knew is my baby and I can’t wait for people to read it.
DL: How do you handle writer’s block?
DS: Writer’s block has never really
been an issue for me, thus far. What really helps me is to identify the
characters in the beginning of the story. Then, as I write, I step into their
shoes. I mean I go all the way in. It’s like I have multiple personalities when
I write, and each character takes over when it’s their turn to speak or act. It
gets really fun.
I will literally get up from my chair and act out their
actions, while allowing their voices to speak through me. My brother will watch
me and just shake his head in amazement at how engaged I am at acting out the
characters. Sometimes, I’ll get out of breath because the scenes get so
intense. That has been working for me so far.
DL: What is your writing process?
DS: In general, my writing process is
that I will come up with the gist of the story. Then, I will write down a
description of the story. Next, I create the characters and write them down. I
always make sure that I write everything about them: their personalities, their
likes, dislikes, flaws, what makes them tick, and their backgrounds.
For the
main characters, I will even write down a famous actor/actress who I would like
to play in the role of my character. I will also use the personalities of a
combination of people that I have encountered in my life, or that I’ve seen in
the movies. That helps with giving my characters personality. Finally, I will
create a soft outline to act as a roadmap, but many times I drift away from the
outline because once I start writing, the characters take over, so I let them
take me where they’re dying to go. And it usually works out.
DL: What were some of the challenges when
writing this book?
DS: Some of my challenges were trying
to fit the writing into my hectic schedule. Another one was trying to stay
focused on what I was writing because I needed complete silence and it was hard
finding a quiet place and time. Also, deciding on how deep and real I wanted
the story to be was an issue. Although I held back on a lot of cursing and sex;
I kept it true to life and as relevant as I possibly could.
DL: Is there any particular author or book
that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?
DS: There was a nonfiction book called,
Who Moved My Cheese, that I had to do a report on in college. This
little book (I think it had 99 pages), was so powerful and eye-opening that it
made me look at myself and life differently. It also helped me to understand
change and why it’s important to be accepting, willing, and flexible towards
it… something I had to understand to move forward towards my dream of becoming
a published author.
The book was so profound that it stuck with me, and I made
it my business to tell everybody about it. I think it opens so many people’s
eyes when they read it. In fact, it opened my eyes so much, and was one of the
reasons I made a carburetor adjustment to get serious about writing. I’m so
thankful for that book.
DL: What was the best writing advice you’ve
ever been given?
DS: The best writing advice I remember
was to write everything down. In other words, do a writing dump―and that’s
getting everything out of my head onto the paper. The secret is to not worry
about editing when you’re in the writing mode. If you do, it will distract the
thinking curve. Save the editing for after you’re finished writing.
Also, I was
told to know who I’m writing for? And to find someone who can keep me
accountable. Be sure to connect with other writers or authors. And be prepared
for the marketing because things are not over when you write the book; it’s
only just starting. Marketing is the real deal because no one will know I have
a book out if I don’t market it. Also, be sure to put quality books out. All
that matters.
DL: What tips would you give to aspiring
writers?
DS: First, I would say to do it now.
Don’t put it off like I did because the truth is it will never be the right
time, and things will always distract you. So, it’s important to put pen to
paper, and let your story come to life. Secondly, decide what kind of book you
want to write because a dream without a vision or a plan will almost never get
written. Thirdly, decide who you want to write for, or who your audience is
(that’s so important). That will really matter when you have to market it… it’s
important to note that your book is not for everybody. Fourthly, once you know
what kind of book you want to write, start creating an outline and your idea
for the story. Whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, work on the outline and
start gathering your thoughts and facts. And just so you know, not all people
need an outline, but if you do it helps, because it will bring form, focus, and
direction as you write. Next, start writing.
Things to
remember, there will be naysayers looking at you crazy and saying discouraging
things, don’t listen to them… follow your dream. Also, be sure you create the
space and the time to write. Some write a lot in a day; some write a little.
The important thing is to keep writing consistently and stay true to your
writing. Also, celebrate your small wins, and when or if you get discouraged or
writer’s block, take a breather, walk away, but don’t quit. Finish it through
the end. And if you get stuck, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are
plenty of writing groups and information online that are good resources for
writers… use the information. Lastly, financially, be prepared to put out some
Money at the end because there are some areas you shouldn’t skimp on, like
getting a professional book cover and editing. Also, be sure you have a great title
and description. That all matters. Now go for it; you can do it.
DL: What are three fun facts about
yourself?
DS: Three
fun facts are that I’m silly and laugh a lot. I love to eat and prefer food
over gifts. For instance, like on Valentine’s Day, don’t bring me flowers and
chocolates, take me to get one of my favorite meals… a crabcake dinner. And I
love to sing and dance but can’t do either, LOL.
DL: What new projects are you currently
working on?
DS: As
of now, I’m working on book 2 for the series. Later, I hope to make book 1 into
a movie.
DL: Where can readers learn more about you
and purchase your book(s)?
DS: Readers can find more information
here:
- Website: authordebbiestokes.com – be sure to
join my email list. - Amazon Author
Page: Debbie Stokes page - TikTok: authordebbiestokes
- Instagram: instagram.com/authordebbiestokes
- Book Buy Links:
Amazon ; For autographed copies―purchase from website here.
DL: Thanks so much for being here with
us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to know you and your work.
DS: Thank you so much for the
opportunity!
Originally Published on https://vocalexpressions.blogspot.com
