Debut novelist, Dawn draws inspiration from her childhood. Making the best out of an unfortunate situation, she decided to focus on a career as an author when her previous career took a wrong turn. Dawn sat down with me for a one-on-one to talk about her trials as a beginning writer and her self-published debut novel, Everything I Miss At Home.
Parlé: How’d you get into writing?
Dawn: My parents were really strict and disciplined on us–with me and my sister growing up, but we were always provided for and taken care of. We kinda grew up in our own little world, which allowed us to be creative because it was just my sister and me a lot of the time. I was let go of my job due to the recession and at the time, I was really good at basketball but I didn’t want to go that route because I felt in a way it was very limited as to what I could do creatively. I was always interested in writing as far as writing poetry and a few short stories. I was confident enough to give it a shot, I figured ‘Hey, why not?’ and that’s how Everything I Miss At Home came about.
Parlé: How would you define your work for people who aren’t familiar with it?
Dawn: I would define it as honest and raw but at the same time there are a lot of emotions involved that the readers can definitely connect with. I wanted to write a story where people could not only identify with but also gain something from with it. It’s a piece of art meant to entertain you on one level but also educate you on another.
Parlé: I know this is your first novel, can you give us a little bit of insight as to what Everything I Miss At Home is about?
Dawn: Everything I Miss At Home is set in the fictional town of Crosse Point, Virginia. It focuses on three women and how their lives intersect, Nikki is a professional athlete at a twilight point in her career, and she’s worried about what she’s going to do with her life. Her girlfriend, Erin is a professional woman trying to make the best of what she’s got. The story is very sad but it’s a page turning, I’d like the readers to think of it as a soap opera on steroids. Most books like this are third person but this one is set in first person, which puts the reader right into the action. It’s about a lot of things and I don’t wanna give it away but you can go to www.everythingimissathome.com and read the first chapter to get a taste of what the book has to offer.
Parlé: Was there any personal inspiration behind this book?
Dawn: Yes, but for the most part all these characters are universal. Every writer adds bits of themselves in their work but I believe that the readers will be able to relate the characters no matter who you are.
Parlé: What influenced you growing up as a writer?
Dawn: There were a lot of different elements. I love music, which is why my book is written differently, and it’s written in first person. I used to sit and watch Young & The Restless as a child with my grandma that was a defining experience for me. I loved and hated some of the show when I was younger, they’d tend to tell the same story over and over, but it’s how they’d tell it that really drew me in.
Parlé: What was it like for you the first time you put a pen to paper to write creatively?
Dawn: I’ve always been a writer ever since I was little, I would just write about what was going on around me. Everyone says that but I have a different view but when I write I actually examine all sides about what’s going on instead of what I think should happen or how it should be. It wasn’t talent for me, it took time and patience.
Parlé: Are there any plans for the future?
Dawn: I’m currently working on scripts at home because everything I see is visual and the readers will be able to see that when they read the book. The sequel to Everything I Miss At Home, which will be called My Secret Enemy. I’m also working on a piece called The Avant Garden that will be a collection of poetry and some artwork. There will be a lot more creative things coming down the pipe for me. I want the readers to know that even though the story for Everything I Miss At Home will be continued not everything I write will be the same as that.
Parlé: Are you on any social sites where readers and fans can get updates and learn more about you?
Dawn: You can check out my website: www.everythingimissathome.com On Facebook become a fan at Everything I Miss At HomeTwitter @EIMAHXperience, I also encourage readers and fans to email me at everythingimissathome@gmail.com, I definitely appreciate the feedback, love and support and I’d be happy to answer any questions fans have about me or the book.
Parlé: Where can readers get a copy?
Dawn: It’s available in print, hardback, paperback and eBook version. You can get a copy on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and at my website, www.everythingimissathome.com. If it’s not in your local bookstore, they can get it for you.
Parlé: Do you have any words of advice for the readers and fans?
Dawn: The main advice I have would be not to wait for the moment to hit you. Work through it and maintain focus. Be inspired by setback. Share what you’re doing so you can get an opinion and feedback. It’s kind of like an insurance policy for you creatively. A lot of people will work on something until it’s perfect, you will be your own worst critic but it’s good to see your work from a different point of view.
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