Fiction Scribe

Hello and welcome to Fiction Scribe, Ms. St. Fran.

Let’s start with getting to know you a little better. List five things you feel define you as a person.

Honesty, integrity, intelligence, wit, and determination.

Where did the inspiration for One Foot Outside the Door come from?

I grew up in a diverse community that many of us do. As an avid reader, and writer, I noticed there seemed to be under representation of diversity in both African American and mainstream fiction.

What makes One Foot Outside the Door different to other books in this genre?

Great question! I have to say that One Foot Outside The Door is multicultural with an African American female lead, and a leading character of Chaldean descent. I haven’t found any books like this one the market. It is groundbreaking in that sense and that is what separates it from other books in this genre.

This book involves some cross cultural romance. Is there a difference when it comes to writing romance involving two different backgrounds? Did you encounter any challenges in keeping true to the different cultures?

Research is really important in writing about romance between different ethnic racial groups. You have to really have a good grasp on the culture’s person. This is an area that I didn’t have to struggle. I understood the Chaldean culture of Iraqi’s quite well. In stating this, I must say I didn’t encounter any setbacks or challenges.

This book also involves something most of us are familiar with – rejection. How much of your personal experiences went into the trials your characters go through?

Rejection truly adds character. I’ve gone through personal experiences as well as shared with my friends and family throughout their stages of rejection and how it took a toll in some cases. Of course, this insight helped me develop a cast of realistic characters.

Tell us a bit about your main character. Is she a part of you or someone completely different?

Cyndarella Worthy is the main character and she is her own woman. She has a successful business and is financially responsible and secure. She also has great relationships with her friends and family. Yet, she has been unlucky in love, but then that changes when she does find Mr. Right. But is he really “The One?� The biggest question I get is how much are you like the character and we are similar, yet there are distinct differences between us. We are strong, and ambitious, a part of me, but not me.

What are your dreams for your writing? Where do you see yourself in five years both as a writer and as a person?

My goal is to enlighten and inspire my readers, yet entertain them. In five years personally, the sky is the limit in terms of my career, and personal aspirations. I don’t believe in limitations in terms of projections. I can say as an author, you can expect the trilogy of One Foot Outside The Door to be completed. Additionally, the readers can expect to meet new characters in upcoming projects that they will love or love to hate!

What is the most valuable piece of advice you have been given/learned in your life as a writer?

Writer’s Block is only what you make it.

Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers here?

My readers can expect part two of One Foot Outside The Door to be released in 2009.

Thank you very much for coming by this blog. I wish you great successes with your tour and One Foot Outside the Door.

Thanks for having me!

***This post is part of the Fiction Scribe 100 Comments Contest. Click on the link to find out how you can win.***