1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
It was right after I read my first ever unsatisfying ending. I had just finished Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo and I was unimpressed. So, I rewrote the ending and made it better (in my mind). I was in fourth grade lol. From there it just kind of kept happening until I was about eleven and I realized I could just start writing my own books.
2. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
It’s different every time. Sometimes I’ll get the idea for just ONE specific scene, and then write a story revolved around that scene. Sometimes I get ideas in the middle of conversations. A lot of the time, it’s just me daydreaming random scenarios and catching myself like—“Well, actually… that wouldn’t be a half bad story…”
3. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
If I feel it while writing, chances are people will feel it while reading. So, if I’m not feeling it as I write it, I shouldn’t let people see it lol.
4. What is the most difficult part about writing for you?
Deadlines. I hate working according to a set timeline. I get nervous when people ask me when books are coming out because I never know.
5. On a typical day, how much time do you spend writing?
When I feel that “magic”, that inspiration, I could write for 12 hours straight. If I’m uninspired, I don’t write at all.
6. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing your stories?
Nope. I have a very short attention span, so it’s very important for me to write the story as soon as I have it because I WILL get bored if I sit on it too long. My philosophy is—write as much as you can now, clean it up later.
7. Do you have a favorite character that you’ve written? If so, who? And what makes them so special?
Eden is my favorite character so far, mostly because she’s the only character I’ve written that I could imagine myself being friends with, in real life.
8. Which of your books were the most enjoyable to write?
fast was my most enjoyable book to write (and also my least enjoyable if we’re being honest) because I felt like that one challenged me the most. Sometimes reader see your growth as an author before you feel it on your own. I had to become someone else to write that book, and being able to successfully do that finally made me feel like I’d grown.
9. Are you working on anything currently you would like to share with your readers?
I’m scatterbrained. I should be working on ONE project, but I’m working on three at the same time. The one that’s coming out first is probably the steamiest story I’ve ever written, so there’s that :P
10. Who is the author you most admire in your genre?
I feel like I owe every black romance author that came before me their flowers tbh. I really can’t stress this enough—these authors have really BUILT the audience, and I’ve been blessed to be able to freely walk around the house THEY have built. It’s so much easier to be a black romance author in 2020 because of the work these authors have put in since the 1990s.
That being said, if you were ever trying to kidnap me, just tell me Love Belvin is in the van.
11. What’s your favorite book/story you’ve read as an adult?
I swear the answer to this question always changes to whatever I’ve most recently read and enjoyed, but Our Muted Recklessness by Love Belvin is that book of the season for me right now.
12. What do you like to do when you are not writing?
Since I haven’t been OUT out since March 2020, most of what I do is inside these days, and that’s either painting or watching really scary movies. I love psychological thrillers, too. If you have a movie suggestion that will keep me up at night, please tell me.
13. Share something your readers wouldn’t know about you.
If I hadn’t chose my own happiness first, I would be in my second year of medical school right now.
14. Describe your writing space.
I went through the trouble of setting up an office space in my bedroom… and I still prefer writing in the living room, on the recliner, with the TV on low in the background.
15. Where can readers find out more about you and your books?
I’m going to be starting a Facebook reader group any day now, so be on the lookout for that. I’m @milliebelizaire on Instagram and Twitter. Sometimes I blog on milliebelizaire.com.
Comments