DESIREE DAY: Celebrating Success

by La-Tessa Montgomery

Hi Desiree, I want to thank you for sitting down for an interview with RIC.  First, tell us a little about yourself:

1.   How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing for over twenty years.  You see I journal and have been for the past couple decades.  But as far as writing novels go, I’ve been doing that since 1997 when I self-published a novel.  And in 2005 Simon & Schuster published Crazy Love.

2.   What convinced you to get started on your first book?  Were there any major challenges that almost prevented you from going ahead with it?

Really, my first novel wrote itself.  The idea came to me one day while I was at work and I ran with it.  It was done in about six months.  I was so eager to get my first novel published that I read everything that I could about self-publishing.  I don’t remember any obstacles, but if I did have any, they were minor enough for me to work through. 

3.   Did you ever imagine that you would become a published author?  What did you do when you found out that you had been picked up?

Once I decided to write a second novel, I was very confident that I would get published.  And it was that confidence that helped me to continue to query agents.  I probably sent out over one hundred queries before my agent, Bob DiForio, picked me up.  It was surreal, there was a small bidding war for my first novel, it was exciting to see that play out.  In the end I decided to go with Simon & Schuster and I never doubted that decision.  But I didn’t celebrate; I’m a pretty low-key person. 

4.   What are some of your favorite authors, genres, and/or books?

I love Zora Neale Hurston; she is hands down my favorite author.  As far as genres, I love romance, thriller/mystery, horror and young adult.  I read about five books a month.

5.   What do you do in your down time, (assuming you have any J)?

I enjoy spending time with my three 1/2 year old son.  I’m learning so much about Thomas the Train, Bob the Builder, SpongeBob, Dora the Explorer and Diego.  But after he goes to sleep, I’m usually reading, which is really “me” time. 

6.   Tell us a little about your other releases?

The other books I’ve written, CRAZY LOVE, CRUSING and ONE G-STRING SHORT OF CRAZY, are all fun books.  The female characters know what they want, and they do everything within their power to get it.  Most of them are sexually uninhibited and have no problem showing it. 

Your books sound like fun, now tell us a little about your new release, SPRITUAL SEDUCTION:

7.   What inspired you to write it SPRITUAL SEDUCTION? Just let me say, I saw the cover and it’s HOT!

I’m glad you like the cover.  I love it too.  SPIRTUAL SEDUCTION, a paranormal romance, is a mixture of sex, romance and horror that puts Riley Tyson in the center of a dangerous struggle between her conniving dead husband and her irresistible immortal lover.  There is crazy chemistry between Riley and Malik. 

8.   Do you have any favorite characters or scenes that you wouldn’t mind sharing or providing a little more insight on?

Malik Davenport, the demon slayer, is my favorite character.  He's a gorgeous black man with blue eyes, and he's hot!  And just because he’s a demon slayer, there’s a soft side about him that he has no problem sharing with Riley and he’s very family oriented.  He’s what a lot of women desire.

9.   Did you face any major challenges writing this particular story?  If so, what were they?

This is my first attempt at writing paranormal and I’m still learning the rules of writing this genre.  I had written a scene in the book that my editor didn’t like, she thought that it made the character look cartoonish.  She also didn’t like a name I had given to a crucial element in the book.  I respected her opinion and deleted the scene and renamed the object.  As a writer I’m always learning and want to continue to learn.

So, what’s next for you & how your fans can stay in touch:

10.  Do you have any upcoming releases or projects you are working on?

I’m working on another paranormal; I’ve fallen in love with writing this specific genre. 

11.  Do you have any reader events coming up (book signing, tours, etc.)?

I am still in the process of coordinating interviews and book signings.  My website should be updated soon with the information.

12.   How can your readers stay in touch with you?

They can always reach me at my website.  www.desireeday.com  Or on Facebook or MySpace. 

13.   What advice or encouragement do you have for aspiring authors?

Keep writing, believe in yourself and learn the business of publishing and the craft of writing.  And lastly enjoy the journey, it’s an awesome ride.

Thanks again Desiree for taking the time for this interview.  If you’re interest has been piqued about Desiree’s new release, SPIRITUAL SEDUCTION, be sure to enter this month’s book giveway for a chance to win an autographed copy. Please see the CONTEST section for more details.