AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: DENISE WHEATLEY
You
don’t have to spot author Denise Wheatley walking down the street or dining out
to get wind of her insatiable and infectiously upbeat spirit. That comes through
simply viewing her social media sites. Her persona leaps off the page, and if
that doesn’t get you, her deep dimples will!
But, make
no mistake, author Wheatley is more than a pretty face. She’s published several
books and novellas with Simon & Schuster, Red Sage Publishing, and eXtasy
Books/Devine Destinies, and has also written screenplays and ghostwritten for
several publishers.
I had
the opportunity to read her most recent book, Wards of the Women, which I describe as, “roll on the floor with
laughter” good! Wheatley masterfully weaves in sistah-girl humor so thick, you
feel you know these endearing ladies personally. I highly recommend this book!
Wheatley, born and raised in Chicago, has plenty to write about based on her surroundings there as well as Los Angeles, her favorite city which she frequents often. Writing at a very young age, her literary talents have garnered celebrity acquaintances and opportunities with some of the entertainment industry's elite.
Needless
to say, I was thrilled to interview the author and hip-hop music lover.
What are your biggest
challenges as an author?
As an
author, my biggest challenge is oftentimes the editing process. I love creating
stories, building worlds, and bringing plotlines together, etc. But once the
book is written and it’s time to read it, then reread it, then reread it again,
I find myself becoming burned out. And I tend to be a perfectionist, so combing
through each page in search of errors can be quite daunting. Remaining
motivated while writing a book can also be challenging. Once I’ve penned my
outline, I’m excited to begin introducing the characters and setting up the
plot. But when I reach the middle of the manuscript, and it’s time to execute
the plot and subplots then tie the storylines together, that process can be
overwhelming/draining.
Where do you draw inspiration
for your stories and characters?
When
it comes to my writing, I am oftentimes inspired by everyday sightings, stories
I’ve heard from family and friends, and various things I have personally
experienced. I also adore the city of Los Angeles and all things Hollywood, so
several of my books are inspired by that. My novel THE ROAD TO BLISS is about a
small town woman who falls in love with a movie star. THE HOLIDAY CHRONICLES
series follows an A-list publicist and her fiery, complicated relationship with
a bad boy celebrity client. The influence of LA is apparent throughout all of
those stories.
Do you find it easier to be
part of the traditional publishing house or is it simpler to be an indie
author?
At
this point in my career, I find it easier to be a part of the traditional
publishing houses. I’ve self-published in the past, and there’s definitely an
advantage to having full control over every aspect of your projects. But there
is a lot of work and responsibility that goes into indie publishing, so having
a publisher that can take on the bulk of that work is advantageous. I’m lucky in that I’ve worked with editors
and graphic designers who have taken my thoughts, ideas, and opinions into
consideration during the production process. So bringing my books to life has
been a collaborative team effort.
What advice would you give
fledgling writers on rejection?
My
best advice is to always remember that creativity is subjective. We cannot
expect everyone to love our work, and throughout this literary journey, we’ll
probably receive more “no’s” than “yes’s.” However, that should never be a
deterrent. We write because we love to do so, and it’s our passion. Focusing on the enjoyment of the process, improving
our craft, and creating good work should always be in the forefront, as well as
never giving up. If we stick with our goals and remain consistent, the positive
results will come.
For
book purchases and staying connected to this author, check out the following
links:
Social Media & Buy Links:
Comments