Native New Yorker, Maureen Anderson is a poet, writer, and
author of the new novel November Rain.
A dedicated site-coordinator of a national young adult
volunteer program, Maureen spends her free time writing poetry, romance and
women’s fiction with multicultural characters that thrive in a world outside
her own. Maureen travels around the United States and the Caribbean to soak in
the sights and sounds of places where her characters learn to love. Her debut
novel, November Rain, transports the reader from the streets of Harlem, New
York to tropical San Juan, Puerto Rico.
How can readers get in contact with you?
email - wmrsanderson@gmail.com
website - www.coffeeandpencils.com
Facebook and Instagram @mawriterlife
Tell us
about your manuscript to published author journey.
The journey was long, interesting and I wasn’t sure when I’d
reach my destination. I started November Rain in the midst of my career as a
financial compliance officer, while I raised two sons, and attended college at
night. That schedule left a tiny window of opportunity to write. As a result, I
stopped writing for a couple of years until my calendar cleared up. Company
restructuring cleared my calendar and wiped away any excuses not to finish my
work in progress. Needless to say, I finally finished, and I am a published
author.
What
inspired your book?
Honestly, my high school reunions. When we gathered together
again after ten, fifteen, even twenty years it was like we’d never been apart.
I couldn’t resist creating a romance about high school sweethearts reunited.
What did
you learn while writing this book?
I learned a lot about the writing process. Before considering
writing a book, I wrote short stories for black romance magazines. I could
write those stories in a few days with minimal research. Writing a novel
involves so much more, so I learned to be patient with the process.
What did
you hope to accomplish with this book?
I believe that too often we write people off, hold grudges, or
give up on certain situations. I’ve witnessed generational pain, families
divided, or people so embarrassed by family situations that they keep it to
themselves. This can lead to creating a false persona that eventually becomes
difficult to live with, isolation and depression. I want anyone reading
November Rain to realize they are not alone.
What
would you like readers to take away from your book?
I would love to see people connect with how special second
chances can be.
What do
you believe makes your books stand out?
Different cultures and traditions are featured in my books and
the short stories I’ve written. Life has changed so much over the last two
decades and some folks, not all, have moved away from family traditions. I
believe it is essential to know the cultures of our brothers and sisters around
the world. We love to travel, sample the rich food, dance or sway to the music,
and swim in the pristine blue waters. But, what would it mean to fall in love
with someone from that world? It’s that beautiful merging of cultures that I
explore in my stories.
What are
three things you wish you’d known before you reached where you are now?
Just write
Trust my vision
To join more writing
groups
How do
you find balance with your writing and life?
I will honestly say it is not easy. I have a calendar where I
map out hours spent on writing, reading, other things I’d like to accomplish
and include at least 6-7 hours for sleep. I recently learned to add “me time”
to my calendar. “Me time” depends on my need for that period of time and I make
sure it is something relaxing. My productivity has flourished now that I’ve
penciled that in.
How do
you stay consistent with your book promotion?
As an independent author, consistency is extremely important.
I think about it 24/7. Daily I create posts to connect with readers and remind
them that my novel is on the way. I’m excited that my posts have evolved to
share that November Rain is now available.
I also run Instagram and Facebook ads.
Can you
give us one do and one don't for those aspiring to be an author?
Read. You must read if you want to be an author. I believe it
builds your confidence and allows you to see where you fit in the literary
realm.
Don’t edit before you complete your first draft. It is
extremely tempting to fix your story as you write but it will slow you down.
Trust me you will never get past the first chapter.
What
advice would you offer to someone whose first book is about to be released?
Celebrate. It may feel surreal at the beginning and
emotionally overwhelming. You did it. You are published. Celebrate. Now take a
deep breath because it doesn’t end there, its time to promote the story you
worked so hard to tell.
What are
your favorite social media platforms and how are you using them for promotion?
Instagram. I share my life as a writer, inspiration, encourage
other writers, post my book trailers and host giveaways.
What
three literary events would you recommend a writer in your genre attend?
Romance Slam Jam, the RSJ Convention, is a must. It was the
first conference I attended as an aspiring writer and it changed my life. The
Harlem Book Fair in New York City which takes place each July. Also, I highly
recommend attending a local literary event to connect with readers in your
community.
What’s the most interesting change in your life as a result of
being a published author?
It’s been quite humbling to be described as an inspiration and
to see folks reconnect with a glimmer of hope and strive to pursue their
dreams.
What
about writing do you wish non writers would understand?
Its not easy, even for the most seasoned writers. Writing
something believable, and that includes fantasy and science fiction, involves a
great deal of research. Thankfully research gives me joy.
How do
you make time for writing?
I’m glad you posed your question in this way. I used to write
ONLY when I had time, so I learned how to make time. Depending on where I’m
required to be for my “day job” I look for coffee shops or libraries in the
vicinity and schedule at least two hours to write.
When
you're not writing, what do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy sketching and needlepoint. They are relaxing
activities that refresh my creativity.
Oprah
always asks, what do you know for sure?
I know that God is with me every step of the way. I wouldn’t
be an author without His guidance.
Any last
words for our readers?
First I’d like to say thank you, LaShaunda. I am grateful for
this opportunity to be included in SORMag. For the readers, I’d like to add
that many of our ancestors risked their lives to learn how to read. Let’s
continue to honor those before us and keep reading or teach others to read.
Enjoy this new decade and don’t be afraid to follow your dreams. Ciao for
now.
NOVEMBER RAIN exposes the discomfort of forgiveness, the value
of family and the warmth of second chances.
Fifteen years ago, Torri and Antonio were inseparable—until
Antonio disappeared, breaking Torri's heart. Now, fate intervenes to bring them
back together—but will their second chance survive a revelation that throws
both of their worlds into turmoil?
Now an award-winning photographer, Torri has a gallery in
Harlem. The opening promises to be the most exciting night of her life—a
promise fulfilled when Antonio, now the owner of the successful restaurant
November Rain, saunters through the door. Fully believing that their reunion is
fate, Antonio explains the devastating circumstances that triggered his
disappearance and begs Torri's forgiveness.
She's inclined to give him a second chance, but just as
they're regaining their footing, Torri's mother reveals a shocking family
secret that flips their lives upside down. This time, it's Torri's turn to
disappear…
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