Interview with Shakina Nicole
Published 2015-06-28.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up on the Eastside of Detroit, MI. Better known as the Murder Mitten. We have the highest murder rate in the world and this has definitely influence my writing and the style in which I write. I can relate to pain, struggle, poverty, murder, money and death. It has surrounded me my whole life. Those life experience has guided my imagination.
When did you first start writing?
I first started writing in 2008. My ex boyfriend went to prison and I would write him and the way that I wrote to him was in a writing style and he wrote back and told me I should try actually writing professionally and I did and I sent him the first chapter I ever wrote and he loved it and I've been writing ever since.
What's the story behind your latest book?
The story was all in my imagination. I created this character who has this hardship and struggle through life like so many teens and women do growing up where I come from.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
I want to be my own boss. I was never meant to be a worker. I want to control my art, my talent, my words, my creativity, my hours and my income.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
I thought making this Smashword was so cool. I've never imagine it to be this easy and I thank the creator for allowing someone like myself to put my voice out to the world.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
My voice, my attitude, my city, my life and the real struggle of the streets.
What do your fans mean to you?
Everything! I only hope to gain some and I'll be sure to adore them.
What are you working on next?
My novel called, "Diary of a Mad Black Bitch".
Who are your favorite authors?
Sister Soulja, Terri Woods, Ashley And Jaquavis, Vicki Springer, Shannon Holmes.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
My daughter, Lexington Dior'.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
Yes.
What is your writing process?
I free write. I have no writing style. It's whatever comes to mind while I'm thinking. I just write. I have no technic or nothing.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
Yes, my first story was "The Coldest Winter Ever" by Sister Soulja and it had a major impact on me. After reading that book, I knew I was a writer. I knew that's exactly what I wanted to do. That book is still my bible. I've read it 32 times total.
What are your five favorite books, and why?
Coldest Winter Ever, B-More Careful, True To The Game, Dirty Red, Dopeman's Wife. B/c they are all amazing and great story telling novels and it represents the streets so well.
Smashwords Interviews are created by the profiled author or publisher.
Books by This Author
Only The Strong Survives
by Shakina Nicole
Sixteen year old Nina, born in the slums of Detroit city to an alcoholic drug addicted mother and an absent father, Nina must find her own hustle to survive on the streets, but first she must enter them.
