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Urban Reviews: Tell our readers about Hot Girl.
Dream Jordan: Well, Hot Girl is the story of Kate, a reckless, 14-year-old
foster child who manages to turn her life around, only to be
sidetracked by a fast girl who leads her down a treacherous path.
Urban Reviews: Where did the idea for this novel come from?
Dream Jordan: One day, fellow writer and Bff C.J. Morales suggested that I write
for young children. I took it one step further and decided to write
for teens. My teenage years could have been so much better if I
wasn’t chasing the wrong materialistic, going-nowhere dreams. So I
wanted to create a character who had it all together in spite of her
hardships. Kate is a strong protagonist, and easy to admire, but she
also has her weak moments. This makes her real. I grew up on Judy
Blume and loved her work, but I’ve always wanted a taste of my own
hood in her (suburban-based) stories.
Urban Reviews: What are your goals as a writer? Is there another profession on
your mind for the future?
Dream Jordan: My goal as a writer is to entertain and educate my readers. I’m also
interested in becoming a motivational speaker for teenagers. My past
experiences with talking to teens has been very fulfilling. I
usually get enthusiastic responses from them, which makes me feel
good considering that back in my day, my friends and I used to clown
and giggle at all of the guest speakers who came to our school. I
feel bad about that now.
Urban Reviews: Can you give us a brief summary about how you landed your deal?
Dream Jordan: There’s nothing brief about the story of my deal! But to sum things
up, I sent out query letters, landed one agent, and then another,
went through approximately ten arduous revisions incorporating
suggestions from different editors who passed, and then finally I
was picked up by St. Martin’s Press.
Urban Reviews: What author has been the biggest mentor during your literary
journey?
Dream Jordan: Author Sue Shapiro has been a great mentor. I met her after she
evaluated my college portfolio, and she’s been evaluating my writing
goals and endeavors ever since. I had my first guest speaking
appearance at a well-respected college because of her. She’s
no-nonsense, and she makes me step up my literary game. No time to
be shy, she says. She’s been the reality check I need.
Urban Reviews: With the African-American teen fiction market growing so much, do
you think that your work will eventually evolve into adult fiction?
Dream Jordan: Yes, I’m interested in writing for adults. In fact, I have a
contemporary women’s novel sitting on my laptop’s backburner.
Urban Reviews: Do you have any ideas or plans for any upcoming projects?
Dream Jordan: Yes, I’m currently working on Bad Boy, the sequel to Hot Girl.
Strong-as-ever Kate can’t believe that she got herself involved with
an abusive boyfriend. Readers will root for Kate as she fights her
way out of this crazy twisted relationship. My novel will differ
from other dating violence novels because Kate has a unique voice
and a sense of humor even in her darkest hour.
Urban Reviews: Do you have any favorite authors or books?
Dream Jordan: I don’t have a favorite. I love all authors who can make me feel
something.
Urban Reviews: What do you like to do outside of writing?
Dream Jordan: Reading is my main thing. I also love to play word games, go
rollerblading on the pier, and a party ain’t a party until I run
through!
Urban Reviews: What else would you like to share with us about yourself or your
debut novel?
Dream Jordan:
Hot Girl is a unique book. Although my primary target audience is
at-risk youth and reluctant readers, my story is universal. I’m
interested in the advancement of our youth, and I understand that
it’s important to meet them halfway, engage them with real talk
instead of scaring them with real lectures. My teenage years were
unnecessarily rocky at times, so through my work, it is my goal to
show the teens of today that they have positive options, and that
school can be cool.
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