1. Where are you from originally?

Nassau, Bahamas

2. Do you have a history of writers or authors in your family?

No, I am the first. My books are actually the 1^st Bahamian-written foreign language books in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Of which I am very proud. J

3. Did you excel in writing while in school?

Yes, I did. I’ve always had a colourful imagination.

4. How important is reading to you? Does it affect your writing?

Absolutely. I read and research often, sometimes to get ideas if I am drawing a blank.

5. What works have you written?

I wrote the Educational French Workbook Series called, Le Début, Conversational French.

Thus far, I have published:

Le Début, Conversational French for Beginners Book 1

Le Début, Conversational French for Beginners Book 2

Le Début, Conversational French Exam Practice Book 3

Le Début, French Grammar Book 4

6. Are you currently writing another book now?

Yes, I have completed and am now editing:

Le Début, Intermediate French Book 5 and

Le Début, French Vocabulary Handbook

7. How long have you been writing books?

I started in 2007, which was 3 years after I started my teaching career.

8. What are your ambitions for your writing career?

I would love for my books to be used all over the Bahamas as well as internationally in the near future. At this point, I am writing books for junior and senior high French, but I would like to publish also for the primary level.

9. Why do you write?

I used to scribble lots of ideas in my notepad when I visited the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It’s always been my most peaceful place and my inspiration. I guess that’s where I started writing, and upon return to The Bahamas, it became my passion.

10. Did you always want to be a writer, or did you stumble upon this path?

I never imagined being a writer nor a teacher. It was the French language that stole my heart when I was 11 years old, and I’ve dedicated my life to learning and teaching it ever since.

11. Did you self-publish your book, or did you land a publishing contract?

All of my books are self-published. My university professor has helped me with the editing and fine tuning of each of my books.

12. What is your process for writing books; do you create an outline before writing?

Yes, as a part of the Bahamas Modern Languages Curriculum Team, there is an outline of a list of topic areas for all grade levels. I teach grades 7 to 12, so I am well-versed in all levels.

13. Do you have a daily writing regimen?

No, I write when I have a new idea or when I’m just feeling creative.

14. Do you consider yourself a full-time or part-time writer?

Full time, even when I’m not sitting at my computer writing, in my mind, I’m always working on new ideas and concepts.

15. For your own reading, do you prefer ebooks or traditional paper/hardback books?

Traditional paper/hardback books

16. How did you begin writing? Did you intend to become an author, or do you have a specific reason or reasons for writing each book?

I decided one day that it would be more efficient to create books for my students work in, rather than investing in a bunch of heavy, bulky and expensive textbooks. In many cases, my students couldn’t relate to certain aspects of the text simply because it was published in a different culture. So I decided to add my own Bahamian culture to my books so that my students could see the connection with their everyday lives.

17. How many hours daily to you devote to writing? Do you write a draft on paper, at a keyboard, or from an audio recording of yourself?

I do not do drafts on paper at all, I sit to my laptop, and I write whenever I get the creative feeling.

18. What is your profession?

Trained French/Spanish Educator and Virtual Educator with an American online school

19. Does writing energize or exhaust you?

It relaxes me.

20. How long on average, does it take you to write a book?

Six months, editing is another 4 to 6 months. It’s educational, so it has to be perfect. Even after I publish, I tend to edit my books and make changes depending on my everyday lessons.

21. What genre are your books?

French education

22. What draws you to this genre?

My passion for the French language, and my work with my students.

23. How much research do you do when you’re about to write a book?

Just a little for fresh ideas.

24. Have you written any books in collaboration with other writers?

No

25. What are common traps for aspiring writers?

Getting started.

26. How important is it for you to receive book reviews?

Very important.

27. How successful has your quest for reviews been so far?

I have gotten many great reviews, more face to face than virtual.

28. Do you have a strategy for finding people to review your books?

I promote on Facebook, I created a website for sales, and I also post it on my status.

29. Is there a marketing technique you used that had an immediate impact on your sales figures?

Well because I am a Curriculum Team Leader with the Ministry of Education, my books follow the current scheme of work. Therefore my books are on the booklist, and students purchase them for use in the classroom.

30. Did you make any marketing mistakes, or is there anything you would avoid in future?

No

31. Do you have any advice for other authors on how to market their books?

Research, it’s not an overnight process. It takes time, patience and lots of editing.

32. Why do you think that other well-written books just don’t sell?

The virtual world has replaced the written text in a big way.

33. What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?

You should be receptive to all because it is a growing and learning process. It is important to get all types of reviews to help you to grow as a writer.

34. Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym?

No

35. Do you try to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?

Yes, especially adding cultural references.

36. What is your take on the importance of a good cover and title?

Eyecatchers are very important. A reader should be able to tell what your book is about before they even open it. For me, my trademark is the Eiffel Tower. One of the favourite and most visited places in the world. I did a lot of writing under the Eiffel Tower in between my classes at the Alliance Française Institute in Paris.

37. Have you ever designed your book cover?

I designed all of my book covers on my own.

38. Do you believe a book cover plays an important role in the selling process?

Sure, especially for new audiences.

39. What is the secret to becoming a successful author?

Research, it’s not an overnight process, nor a get rich quick scheme. It’s definitely not a good idea to choose to write for mere profit… that will come once you put your all into your writing. You must love what you do, and your readers will appreciate that more than anything.

40. How do you feel when people recognize you in public and appreciate your work?

Well, as I am a teacher of over 16 years, my students are everywhere. I’ve taught in Abaco as well as Nassau. Sometimes I see them in public with their book and it warms my heart. Of all the things they can decide to accompany them when they leave the house, they have my book, which means it’s not just work to them, but rather a hobby.

41. Have you received any awards for your literary works?

Yes, I received the Literacy and Publishing award from the Bahamas Union of Teachers Association in 2017.

42. If you had to do something differently as a child or teenager to become a better writer as an adult, what would you do?

Nothing.

43. Where can we buy or see your books?

My book website is www.debutbahamas.com or on Facebook @ debut Bahamas.

44. How easy/difficult has it been getting your books on local store shelves?

No issue at all.

45. What advice would you give aspiring authors on publishing and marketing their books?

Research and find a publisher that is right for you. Your book is your brand, so edit it a million times if you have to so that it will be up to standards before you put it on the market. Your work will speak for itself.

46. What is something most people don’t know about you?

When I was in high school, I created a code of the entire English alphabet and wrote messages and stories in my notebooks and in my diary that no one else could read.  I still use the code at times. Also, I go to sleep watching The Golden Girls re-runs every night.

47. How can interested persons contact you?.

I can be contacted at 242-8241164 or www.debutbahamas@gmail.com