JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Miki Starr Martin, author of Blueprints
(ReignStorm Publishing)
(click the above pictures to see the reviews of this book on Amazon.com)
On the surface it appears that Nate has everything. However, unbeknownst to those closest to him, Nate is in turmoil as his true closeted sexual identity threatens to surface and destroy the façade that he has worked so hard to build and maintain. With the encouragement and support of his only friend, Mike has worked hard to achieve a level of success that previously seemed unattainable. But old habits die hard, and a terribly troubled past that he’s been unable or unwilling to let go of threatens to destroy everything he has worked so hard to accomplish.
Without Nate’s support Sierra would be lost. Despite her very strong belief and faith in God, she cannot manage to turn the tainted memories of her damaged childhood over to Him. Only Nate knows her secret, a secret that could ultimately ruin her marriage. United by pain, loss, fear, and more importantly hope, these three friends are forced to confront the issues of their youth in a most devastatingly unimaginable way.
Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Blueprints?
Miki Starr Martin: The inspiration for all my stories are born from the same place – curiosity. I love exploring those things which I know absolutely nothing about. My main character being a closeted homosexual was something definitely out of my league. I pondered what it may feel like to be that person in hiding while growing up with very homophobic men.
JP: What sets Blueprints apart from other urban fiction/romance novels where the main character is torn between a hidden sexuality and love?
MSM: Comparing it to other stories that I’ve read, what makes this one unique is that it is a continuous struggle for him. Nate isn’t the guy sleeping with dudes for years and hiding it from his friends. He isn’t the “down low” brother that many single sisters are petrified of running across. He is the guy that is determined to avoid it completely. Even when he is confronted with it, he is still adamant about rejecting that part of him by any means necessary.
JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to Blueprints getting out to the public?
MSM: My resilience. I have been nudging and knocking on the doors of publishers and agents ever since my first manuscript Well Runs Dry was self published back in 2002. I was being rejected at every turn. I learned to do the work myself. I got better at graphic design, typesetting, learned to tell a better story, and learned (and am steady learning) how to utilize my resources.
JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish Blueprints?
MSM: Blueprints was actually written in 2001 and likely took me about 4-5 months. Typically I write backwards. I normally know the outcome. I go back and find the path to getting there. I start with a basic three part outline that says what happens in part 1, 2 and three. That outline is broken down to call out the specific events that have to occur chapter by chapter to meet the goal. Once that is done, I write and let the characters fill in the gaps.
JP: What’s next for Miki Starr Martin?
MSM: I’ve just completed my 4th self publication of a new tale titled Zella Dora, a contemporary literary fiction novel about a young woman struggling to regain her independence after the unexpected death of her mother.
Thanks Joey!!
Peace, Miki Starr Martin
Web Production Artist / Author
www.mikistarr.com
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