Urban Reviews:
Tell us about your debut novel?
Dani B:
Degrees of Deceit is the first novel in a three
part series surrounding the trials faced by the Hamilton's.
All that glitters is definitely not gold in their family.
Looks, money, fame, and success are not enough to shield them
from the effects of their real life drama. Steamy sex scenes,
jealousy, drug addiction, and murder plots will keep readers
on the edge of their seats throughout this adult fiction
rollercoaster.
Urban
Reviews: Where did the idea for the storyline come from?
Dani B:
The personality of one of the main characters is based off
of someone I know and the story blossomed from there. In
his life many things happened that no amount of money or
influence could fix and that was the basic premise of the
story. Once I got started, my imagination took over and
it evolved into Degrees of Deceit.
Urban
Reviews: Were there any roadblocks in your journey to
being published?
Dani B:
Of course! I found that sometimes it's hard to get
useful information or advice from other published authors.
So, I had to do a lot of research and find the best route for
me to take. After tossing around the pros and cons of
all of my options, I decided that self-publishing was the best
way for me to go.
Urban
Reviews: Do you have any projects that you are working
on?
Dani B:
I actually have several projects going on right now.
The second book in the Deceit series is complete and
I'm currently working on book three. I also have some
other characters and story lines I'm developing. I'd
like to convert some of the short stories I've written into
full-length novels as well as create entirely new characters
and scenarios.
Urban
Reviews: What are your aspirations as a writer? Do
you hope to one day be signed to a mainstream publisher?
Dani B:
My aspirations as a writer are to continue to grow and
sharpen my craft. I'm my biggest critic, so I'm always
looking for ways to improve my work. I'd also like to be
a role model for others. I want to inspire people,
especially young women, to go after something greater than
what they see. I never thought in a million years that
I'd be a published author, but here I am.
Yes, I would like to sign with a mainstream publisher in
the near future. With the popularity and positive
response that I've received from Degrees of Deceit, I'm
confident that the transition from being self-published to
being signed by a major publisher will happen.
Urban
Reviews: Who or what would you say has been the one
reason you wanted to become an author?
Dani B:
I can't say that becoming an author was something I
initially strived to do. Honestly, I had gotten hurt on
a job and I was at home recuperating. I wasn't one to just sit
and be lazy. I knew I needed something to occupy my time.
Well, one day I was watching a movie called Alex and Emma and
the story inspired me to write. That's when I found out that I
not only enjoyed writing, but was actually good at it.
Writing was the perfect outlet for me. It gave me a
sense of purpose and made me feel like I was accomplishing
something. It also gave me a creative way to express
myself. Although being injured at work wasn't the
greatest thing that ever happened to me, it did thrust me into
discovering my true passion, writing.
Urban
Reviews: What do you like to do outside of writing?
Dani B:
I'm a pretty laid back person. I like to play The Sims 2
computer game and I also play the piano. I'm comfortable
spending time with family and friends or just relaxing by
myself watching a good movie.
Urban Reviews:
What are some of your favorite authors or books?
Dani B:
I really don't have any favorites. I generally read
whatever catches my eye and can hold my attention. You
might catch me reading a suspenseful book by Dean Koontz one
day and a spiritual book by T. D. Jakes the next.
Urban Reviews: What are your thoughts on the
ever-changing landscape of African-American fiction?
Dani B:
I think it's great to see so many African-American authors
getting the opportunity to showcase their talents. It's
also wonderful that we have forums, such as these, to network
and become familiar with one another. The
African-American experience in this country has been so
diverse that it's no surprise that our literature is as well.
Even though we write fiction, there are still very real
components to the stories. We take our experiences,
struggles, triumphs, and pains, and weave them into a story
that people of every background can relate to. To me,
that's fabulous.
Urban
Reviews: Is there anything else you'd like to share
about yourself or your book?
Dani B:
Yes, I'm the type of person who doesn't let things stress
me out. I'm strong in my faith and I know that all things are
possible through my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; therefore, I
pray about roadblocks in my life and leave it in His hands. |
