Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. I am from an era where you went outside for your entertainment. A lot has changed in the last twenty years here in Los Angeles; the city itself wasn't the melting pot it is today. It was on the cusp of that happening during my teenage years. I began writing as early as eleven years old. I had a book report due in my fifth-grade class. The reason I was so excited about was because we had a choice on the topic. My Mother is an avid reader and she was the first person I asked on what should I write about. She stated, "talk about your surroundings". I am proud to say I received an A for that paper. It wasn't the grade that made me proud, it was the writing process and studying what was outside my door that was exciting.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
My greatest joy of writing is the fact I get to tell a story that starts off one way and then ends up totally different than what I expected. I write out outlines that I let guide me. However, as I start the writing process, I let my characters go where they want to go. I also get to create characters that I believe people will root, cry, and cheer for.
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