I am 30 years old and have 3 kids. I grew up in an abusive household and then at the age of 16 married an abusive man. I was married 4 years and finally got away after he tried to kill me twice. What gave me the courage was the second time he also tried to kill my daughters. For my children I got the strength and left. I met and married my soul mate and I realized I was an alcoholic and abusive. I used writing as a therapeutic output. Writing helped me to see what I was doing wrong in life and to change it.
Can you tell us a little about your novel Shy's Sorrow?
Shy's sorrow was a mixture of fantasy and reality. I wasn't ready to write about my "old" life but I wanted to vent. So I made a story about a girl kind of like me. Her story is my story, but there are alot of made up situations. When my memior comes out people will be able to see the similarities.
Shy is a girl who lives a comfortable happy life. When fate takes a turn for the worse, she is thrown into a life of violence, manipulation and a place where no one is who they seem to be. This story is also about a girl who gets to establish relationships with parents who were absent during her childhood.
Where did you get the idea for Shy's Sorrow?
Shy's Sorrow came about through reality. Growing up all my friends would call me La Shy Girl. I had never had a close relationship with my dad. My grandpa was the only positive father figure I ever had. In 2005 he past away and that set me on a journey to have my dad in my life. Also fighting and violence was a way of life for me growing up. I seen my first fight when I was in kindergarten. It was something that has stuck with me through the years. Watching a grown man jumping on anothers man's head while he is knocked out can change the views of anyone, especially a five year old child. I thought that was what life was about.
Shy's Sorrow is an Urban YA book. Is this the genre you prefer to write in or is there any other genres you would like to tackle, i.e. fantasy, paranormal, contempoary?
I like urban writing wether it be YA or adult, but I like to test my skills. I have wrote an story in the erotica genre. I am also writing my memoirs. I plan on trying fantasy. I have alot of respect for fantasy authors.
You are currently looking for a literary agent, how is your search coming along?
Well I had one literary agent respond and tell me she loved my erotica story, but since it is a short story she would like me to write at least two more and resubmit so I can have a book or ebook. I am currently working on them.
Why should we read Shy's Sorrow?
People should read Shy's Sorrow because it is a look into the life of what real young people face today. Some of us live protected lives where there is no violence or hate. But there are others who live a war like existence in the US. Running from gunshots, being jumped. They are all desensitizied to lifes hardships and even to death and murder. If we watch the news we see glimpses of that life but if you read Shy's Sorrow or even talk to a teen in the hood or projects they will open the door to a life not many people know exists.
Are you currently working on any new projects at the moment?
Yes, I am writing my memoirs and also some fantasy and erotica. There is also a book number two to Shy's Sorrow.
Shy's Sorrow is available now!
Follow April:
Twitter: @authoressapril
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