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 Name, gender and birthplace:
Yvette Michelle Hall, Female, Chester, PA
Current or most recent project:
Two young lesbians trying to survive and find love in homophobic America. An exteriorly happily married heterosexual couple faced with the possibility of having to drop out of the  institution of matrimony...and One colorful character that ties the other two storylines together thus providing an unexpected twist. Indiscretions, Denial and Betrayal are the storylines that drive this book, Unconventional Love into the intriguing page turner that it is. My motivation stemmed just from living life. The observations of family, friends and acquaintances have provided me with the tools to put a good storyline together in black and white. My only challenges were how to manipulate time in order to get this project finished.
Earliest memory of being a writer and first publication experience:
My earliest memory (which is somewhat embarrassing) has to be when I submitted an article to Penthouse's Open Forum of a sexual fantasy at the ripe old age of thirteen. Of course, they didn't know of my age, I gave a fictitious name and my mother never knew that I even read that magazine. Forum actually published the writing and at that time I felt that I may be on to something. I had a poem titled "You" which was first published as part of a compilation of poetry in "Walking In Shadows" in 2002. It was entered as part of winning a poetry contest. Having this poem published (under my real name) ignited the spark to venture into something more.
How do you identify and nurture ideas for new projects?
Identification is simple...there are stories and ideas all around us. I can sit in the mall, munching on a Cinnabon and create a story just by watching passerby's movements, expressions, dress and conversations. As the cliche states, "There are 8 million stories in the naked city", this is an understatement. If you are creative and in touch with your readers, you can write a dynamic piece on peeling an orange. | My Favorites | Color: Blue Food: Any Seafood Gadget: My Laptop Drink: Pink Lemonade Movie: Scarface w/ Al Pacino Performer: Janet Jackson, Prince, Earth, Wind, & Fire |
Authors/writers/performers or others that have influenced your artistic style:
The people that I surround myself with have all contributed to my writings just by being the individuals that they've been. They live life and have shared their happiness, sadness and anger with me. Some of the stuff that we go thru in life is such an elation that I have to script it into a book to spread the love. Then there's that sadness and anger that needs to be expressed as well. Sometimes some of their sadness and anger actually turns out to be funnier written then in actuality. I like taking those "lemons" and showing them how sweet lemonade can be.
Donald Goines influenced me years ago. I first read one of his books back in the early 80's and was captured by his intensity and very descriptive writing. I try to instill that same intensity into my writings. On the flip side, I like to give credence to Zane for her artistic ability to bring her readers inside the covers along with her. I don't know if I could ever be as impactful as them but I'm working on it...work in progress.
2-3 books or CDs that everyone should own:
My top 3 books would not be of LGBT but more of enhancement and self-help because I believe that's where it all begins. I feel Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill is a staple in anyone's collection. Rich Dad/Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and of course...a Dictionary.
My thoughts on LGBGT authors' obligation to the LGBT community:
I believe that authors have an obligation to themselves. It shouldn't matter if we are of the LGBT community or not. We have a duty to be true to us as individuals. Shucks, I like baking chocolate chip cookies. Should I feel an obligation to Toll House because mine are better then theirs? I support our community and believe that the injustices that we are faced with needs to change but this is as a lesbian, not as an author.
Advice for aspiring writers?
Read and Research. Sometimes these can be time consuming but in the long run it is time well paid. I've begun to take this advice more seriously for my next project because I realize that this can only make me a better writer. Preview of my upcoming project(s):
My upcoming project is actually the sequel to Unconventional Love. I realize that my readers want more and I refuse to shortchange them on this one. It promises to have all the same page turning excitement as UL but with a lot more meat...you won't leave the table hungry for more. |
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