JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Nika Michelle, author of Forbidden Fruit
(Anexander Books)
Forbidden Fruit is an urban fiction tale that follows the lives of three very distinct Georgia Peaches. Ayanna, the main character, is a natural leader. Due to her circumstances at home, she is forced to grow up fast. She takes cares of her sister the best she knows how and tries to keep them together. When she is caught stealing to feed herself and her sister, the system steps in, and the two are briefly separated.
Eventually, a family member takes them in. Princess, Ayanna’s hot-to-trot, golddigging cousin, joins the story. At a young age, Ayanna meets Diablo, a tough street general who is just as cocky as he is fine. His powerful persona attracts Ayanna, among other women, and she is thrusted into a rollercoaster romance. Forbidden Fruit is a fast paced page turner filled with action, passion and juicy plot twists.
Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the inspiration to write Forbidden Fruit?
Nika Michelle: The characters in the book came to me in a dream that I had about a couple arguing in the street. For some reason, they intrigued me. I remembered the names Ayanna and Diablo and jotted them down the next day. As time went on, I developed the characters and the plot and “Forbidden Fruit” was the result.
JP: What sets Forbidden Fruit apart from other books in the same genre?
NM: I write what some may call street or urban fiction. I love the genre, but I would say that Forbidden Fruit is a mixture of genres. I have elements of urban fiction mixed with romance, action, and erotica. I would say that the passion and emotion of the story is so raw that you feel that you are a part of it when you read it. The characters are relatable, and I want people to wonder what happened to them when the book ends.
JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that led to Forbidden Fruit getting out to the public?
NM: I am a people’s person, and I am ambitious which is a good mix. I don’t mind talking to people and networking to get my material out there. I think it is very important to interact with readers and other authors. I don’t mind putting in the work to push my own book. Who can sale my book better than me? I am passionate about writing and I love what I do, so I am always trying to find ways to get my material out there.
JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take you to start and finish Forbidden Fruit?
NM: I am a freestyle writer. I let my characters and plot evolve as I go. Most authors outline, but even if I plan it one way it seems like the characters have a mind of their own. It is kind of fun to read the end result. I want to feel just like my readers when I am writing.
JP: What’s next for Nika Michelle?
NM: I am working on the sequel for Forbidden Fruit which will be dropped soon. I am also working on a prequel that tells Diablo’s story.
http://facebook.com/ search Nika Michelle
http://twitter.com/urbanlitress
I would like to thank everyone who has supported Forbidden Fruit. It means the world to me to have people say how much they loved the book. The feedback that I’ve been getting has been tremendous! Thank you. Look out for Forbidden Fruit II: A New Seed later this year.
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