ReemAfterDark: Writer Wednesday Featuring Janae Marie

Good day folks. As promised, I'm back to adding to the blog like I never left! It's been a while but it's Wednesday so....it's time for another "Writer Wednesday" feature. This week, I'd like to introduce you to Janae Marie who was kind enough to allow me to interview her. Enjoy and please, follow the links to show her some love.

Author Janae Marie - Writer Wednesday Interview Questions

1. What is the first book that made you cry?

Hmm, I don’t think I can remember a book that made me cry but I did enjoy the Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah.

2. Does writing energize or exhaust you?

Energize me! I grow excited by the scenarios the characters take me to. Writing has always been my form of recreational drug.

3. Do you think someone could be a writer if they don’t feel emotions strongly?

Yes, but you have to pull passion from somewhere. To me, writing is all about passion and emotions. And having a creative mindset.

4. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

To have started publishing WAY SOONER!! Stop worrying about the thoughts and opinions of others. Just do it!

5. What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?

Probably when I was in junior high or high school. I wrote a poem about the use of a pen. And a teacher told me I really had a unique gift with writing.

6. How many hours a day do you write?

It depends on my mood. Sometimes, I’ve done two. Others I’ve done four-five.

7. What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex?

Haha, The most difficult thing is making sure their dialogue is believable. Like, would a guy actually say this? So I try to mirror the dialogue and actions of my male characters with the males in my life.

8. How do you select the names of your characters?

I try to base their names off of people in everyday life.

9. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?

I do read book reviews. I try not to let them impact me anymore. When I first started writing I was very critical of myself but now I just read it and take it in but not let it affect my confidence.

10. What was your hardest scene to write?

Two scenes, Daddy’s Home when Danielle (main character) is being molested by her father. And my upcoming book, Sleeping with The Enemy, my character has an awkward sex scene with a character of the same sex.

11. How long on average does it take you to write a book?

Depends on my zone or my busy life schedule. Sometimes 2 years others a few months.

12. Do you believe in writer’s block?

Yes, I don’t force myself to write. I have to step back and come back to it later. That’s usually when the juices start back flowing.

13. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?

The hustling and marketing process. Getting the word out and talking about my work.

14. Does your family support your career as a writer?

Yes, my mom is a writer herself. But she will go up to a stranger and wave my books in their faces! And be mad at me for not doing it first!