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Urban Reviews: Tell us about your debut novel Torn.
Juanita Paige: The story begins with Eve Spencer experiencing a series of
misfortune. Her stepfather dies, her boyfriend walks out on her,
leaving her to raise their infant daughter alone, and she’s forced
to move in with her controlling mother and teenage sister. Just when
Eve is ready to give up, her best friend from high school, Chris
Riley, returns to town and lifts her spirits. Chris and Eve’s
relationship seem to be moving towards romance, but a second guy,
Damon, enters the scene and gets Eve’s attention with suaveness and
sex appeal. To make matters worse, Damon is Chris’s older brother.
In a moment of weakness, Eve has sex with Damon.. Feeling betrayed,
Chris wants to end their friendship. Eve can’t imagine her life
without Chris and wants to fight to keep him in her life. She’s also
intrigued by Damon and finds herself being drawn to him. Eve
struggles to make the right decision without someone, if not
everyone, getting hurt in the long run.
Y’all are going to have to read the book to see what happens.
There’s lots of twists, turns, surprises, and deep dark secrets
revealed in this plot. I guarantee you won’t be bored.
Urban Reviews: Where did you come up with the storyline for this book?
Juanita Paige: I used lots of things to help me create the storyline. Listening to
friends speak about their relationships and what qualities they want
in a man. I’m also very compassionate about social issues that women
struggle with, like raising kids alone, so it was very important for
me to show my main character dealing with being a single mother. The
biggest thing that helped me come up with the storyline was my crazy
imagination. I started out knowing that I wanted Eve to be torn
between two brothers, but then the story grew into something so much
deeper than what I originally planned.
Urban Reviews: What things did you do to educate yourself about the
writing process prior to putting out this book?
Juanita Paige: Since I am an avid reader, I read books in my genre, but I also read
books on how to write and books about the publishing industry.
Urban Reviews: Do you have aspirations of continuing to publish books?
Did you attempt to query your work with a major publisher at all?
Juanita Paige: Yes, I do plan to continue publishing books. I am actively seeking
representation from a literary agent. I've been told that having an
agent is very necessary these days. Once I find a literary agent,
I’ll let them help me get a deal with a publisher.
Urban Reviews: Do you have any upcoming projects that you are working on?
Juanita Paige: I am currently working on my second novel. I have several other book
ideas for the future.
Urban Reviews: What things are you doing to promote your novel? Do you
feel that overwhelmed by the process of promoting the book yourself?
Juanita Paige: I’ve been reaching out to readers on MySpace, buying advertising
space on websites that promote African-American literature, handing
out business cards, sending promotional materials to book clubs, and
of course, word of mouth. The promoting process can be very
overwhelming at times. I’ve been told that being an author is 10%
writing and 90% business and promoting. I am always searching for
new and effective ways to promote my book and my website.
Urban Reviews: Who or what was your inspiration to become a writer?
Juanita Paige: There are a few people who inspired me to become a writer. A fifth
grade teacher of mine, my mother, and Eric Jerome Dickey. My fifth
grade teacher encouraged me to continue writing after she read a
poem that I wrote. That’s the first time someone noticed my creative
talent and I’ve been writing ever since. Seeing my mother’s love of
writing also inspired me, but the idea to give novel writing a try
was inspired by Eric Jerome Dickey. The first time I picked up an
Eric Jerome Dickey book, he immediately became my favorite author.
Before then, I had never related to a book in that way. After years
of being a fan and reading his books, I decided to write my own
novel.
Urban Reviews: What are some of your all-time favorite books?
Juanita Paige: The Color Purple by Alice Walker, Friends and Lovers by Eric Jerome
Dickey (the stage play was awesome as well), The Other Woman by Eric
Jerome Dickey, The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah, Flyy Girl
by Omar Tyree, and My Husband’s Girlfriend by Cydney Rax. There are
so many other books that I love, but those are the ones that I
really fell in love with.
Urban Reviews: Have other African-American authors been helpful at all in
the process?
Juanita Paige: I’ve communicated with other African-American authors through email,
MySpace, and met a few at writers’ conferences. I was surprised at
how open they were to offer advice. The encouragement from other
authors is what motivates me to continue doing what I’m doing, even
when times get rough.
Urban Reviews: At the end of the day, what do you want the world to know
most about Juanita Paige?
Juanita Paige: I depend on my faith in God to get me through each day. I wouldn’t
change any struggle, obstacle, or tragedy that I’ve dealt with
because I believe everything happens for a reason.
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