1. What were you before
you became an author? Did this influence your choices as a writer?
Before deciding to write, I worked as a credit
risk strategist. My responsibilities drained me of all my creative energy, but
circumstances pushed me into uncertain waters. I had worked in Corporate
America since college, always moving from one position to another without ever
thinking about what would make me happy. So when I was forced to either
continue on that path or do what gave me joy, I chose to pursue joy. To some
extent, what I write now was influenced by what I used to do in that it is the
complete opposite. Whereas I shied away from risky things in my professional
life, everything I do as a writer is risky. From the sub-genre, word choice,
character, plot, setting and more, every choice I make is a gamble in the hopes
it resonates with readers.
2. Are you genre
specific or general? I don’t mean major genres but subdivisions or romance,
mystery or paranormal.
I am genre specific right now. Specifically, I
write interracial mafia romance. That may change if my readers want to see me
expand out. With one book published, there is still a lot to explore in this
genre, so it may take some time before I become a generalist.
3. What is your latest
release?
My debut novel, Inescapable (Oliveri Mafia Book
One), was released in July
4. What are you working
on now?
I am working on the second and third book in the
series now. They are at differing stages of development, but I hope to get a
draft to my publisher by the end of the year.
5. Does your reading
choices influence your choice of a writing career?
Absolutely. I read a lot of romance, though my
specific sub-genre is only a small part of what I read. I go on spurts where I
will read a ton of books with a specific sub-genre or trope before I revisit or
discover new-to-me authors and books. I love to see how different authors
resolve conflicts and what aspects of the characters resonate with me.
6. Where can we find
you?
I am on Amazon, Goodreads, BookBub, Twitter, Facebook, my website and Instagram. For one stop shopping, go to: https://melvernamcfarlane.com/follow-melverna-mcfarlane/
