e-Spot - The Entertainment Spot

Stacy-Deanne is not a stranger to the literary world. Find out more about the Literary Diva in this one on one interview. 

When did you decide to take writing seriously?

I began writing professionally when I was nineteen and to be honest, I always took it seriously. It instantly became a part of me. Writing is my calling, a talent I was blessed with. I treat it as a gift to spread, to influence. There has never been a day in my life where I took what I do lightly. This is a very serious career. All writers should realize the importance of what they do. Our writing affects and influences a lot of people for years or even centuries to come. To truly make it in this business, all writers should realize the importance of the process.

How did you feel when you found out Everlasting was picked up by Simon & Schuster?

I was very happy. I was probably happier that I’d finally landed a traditional publisher for my fiction at all. That alone is a difficult thing. As for Simon and Schuster, I can’t complain (laughing). Sometimes I sit and think; “Wow, I can’t believe I am with this publisher!” Other times it’s just a regular part of life for me. I feel like I’ve weathered the storm that comes along with this business. I’ve been in the literary world for ten years now. I’ve struggled through my share of rejection and heartache.
This is the light at the end of the tunnel. I hold my head high because I know in my heart that I deserve this and anything else I receive from this day on. I’ve worked very hard. I’ve paid my dues and it feels good to sit back and let my hard work speak for itself. I think every writer should be proud of what they accomplish and I wish all writers the best in their careers. I hope aspiring writers look at my journey as inspiration to follow their dreams no matter how rough it gets sometimes.
As for Simon and Schuster again, I now see the differences in dealing with big publishers. It’s amazing to see them work. My book no longer belongs to just me. There is now an entire crew of people behind me pushing it and selling it. It’s nice to see that other people believe your work is good and want to help you bring it to the public. We don’t give publishers enough credit and we should.

What is your new book, Everlasting about? Simply, it’s an urban love story focusing on two exceptional Latino teenagers. It’s been billed the “Romeo and Juliet” of this generation. I’m proud to produce a story that shows today’s teens in a positive light. Juan and Nina fall in love despite being connected to two of New York’s most dangerous street gangs. They are not in the gangs themselves but have family ties to the gangs.
The two gangs happen to be rivals so it becomes nearly impossible for Juan and Nina to be together and they fight for their love at every turn. They risk almost everything just to be together. They become each other’s salvation while trying to change the dangerous world around them. I think Juan and Nina present the percentage of today’s teens that grow up in terrible surroundings, but realize that education and knowledge is the key.

What are your inspirations/influences? As for writing generally, my only inspiration is that I love it. It’s a part of me. I wouldn’t be whole without it.