Character Q&A: Noah

We’re meeting at a bustling buffet-style eatery in Manhattan, just a stone’s throw from Noah’s job at NextGen Interactive. He’s a software engineer responsible for maintaining the company’s video games and keeping their network running smoothly for the gamers. The lunch rush is in full swing, and it’s elbow-to-elbow in the crowded space. Orders are being called out left and right, creating a hum of constant activity. Noah has to lean in every so often to hear my questions, and I do the same in return. It’s a quick lunch break, and we don’t have much time, but he’s carved out a moment to chat with me before heading back to work.

“I would’ve said we could meet up after work,” he smiles bashfully, “but I’m meeting up with Sky for drinks. Before we head back home. Been busy all week, so that time is exclusively for her.”

I make my questions quick, and Noah is appreciative of that.

Subscribe to continue reading

Become a paid subscriber to get access to the rest of this post and other exclusive content.

When Life Gives You Sunsets Chapter 16: “You Should Go”

If you’re familiar with my writing (which you probably are if you’re here), then you know I love to plug in the unexpected. Much like life, we have our plans… and then we have what actually happens. And if we’re lucky, those two align. That wasn’t the case with the events in chapter 16. Because Clarke thought she was in for another pleasure-filled moment in Maui—this time in Yusuf’s rental condo—but instead, she got a hard realization: this amazing man she met on an island might be nothing more than a fling. Because as much as Yusuf was trying to move forward, it was clear he still loved his late wife just as deeply in death as he had in life.

Subscribe to continue reading

Become a paid subscriber to get access to the rest of this post and other exclusive content.

Inside the Character: Getting to Know Lena from Lena’s Ex-File

Lena was one of those characters during my earlier years of writing who helped me develop my voice. Back then, my focus was on single points of view, and through Lena, I was able to strengthen that voice and anchor myself in one character at a time. So much has changed since then, and I wanted to reflect that in the Author’s Cut version of Lena’s Ex-File. The original short story didn’t offer much insight into Lena as a character—shorts rarely do—but I think I was able to deliver a little more on our girl who thought she was done with her boyfriend… but was blissfully wrong.

Still, let’s get to know Lena a little more intimately.

Subscribe to continue reading

Become a paid subscriber to get access to the rest of this post and other exclusive content.

Alternate Story Ending: Omar & Katrina (Maybe This Time Will Be Different)

Omar made his first appearance in the No Fraternizing series as one of the barbers at Kuts Kings. We got to know him better in his spinoff story, Maybe This Time Will Be Different. And while we did get a small update on him and Katrina in Ray & Jay (that they went from co-parents to husband and wife), I wanted to take us back—just a little—to witness the moment he changed their marital status once more from just dating… to something more official. Enjoy!

OMAR

I couldn’t ignore the weight in my chest as I slid the key into the house lock, even if I tried.

Subscribe to continue reading

Become a paid subscriber to get access to the rest of this post and other exclusive content.

The Turning Point: August Hall’s Choice in Meant to Be

I’ve written some really uncomfortable scenes. I’m talking about the kind of scenes that make me step away from my computer, scenes I sometimes dread writing because I know the headspace I’ll have to be in to get it right. And usually? Those are the moments that pivot the story in a necessary direction. One scene that fits that bill happens in the latter part of chapter twelve in Meant to Be. We’ve discussed this chapter in a previous chapter-by-chapter commentary, but let’s zero in on how this became a turning point for our MMC, August. A necessary turning point for his and Genesis’s love journey.

Subscribe to continue reading

Become a paid subscriber to get access to the rest of this post and other exclusive content.

Inside the Character: Getting to Know Katrina Turner from Maybe This Time Will Be Different

Though I’d only met Katrina through Omar at first, when I started to develop her character for her side story in Maybe This Time Will Be Different, I really fell in love with her spirit. She was fun, a little bit of a daredevil, but still very responsible. Katrina was the perfect mix of excitement and calm. And the way her love came about for Omar felt authentic and genuine. I really liked that. Even though she was very transparent in Maybe This Time Will Be Different and the prequel Different Strokes, there’s still so much more to know about the woman who stole Omar’s heart at the club.

Let’s get to know Katrina a little more intimately.

Subscribe to continue reading

Become a paid subscriber to get access to the rest of this post and other exclusive content.

Character Q&A: Skylar

Skylar and I are at the bar in an adult gaming lounge in SoHo, Manhattan. The place is filled with the nostalgic charm of old-school arcade games and the latest virtual reality centers. The air is alive with the sounds of bells, whistles, and game noises… a sensory overload in the best way.

It’s a bit loud here, but Skylar’s energy matches the vibe. 

“The bells and whistles of the arcade give me life.” She giggles. “I know it’s not for everyone, but to my gamer’s heart? It’s everything that makes my whole-body pulse.”

She’s meeting up with Noah soon, so we don’t have much time, but she’s excited to discuss everything about her and Noah’s journey. 

Skylar’s a big kid at heart, and it’s refreshing. Her excitement about her love life, especially with Noah, is contagious.

Subscribe to continue reading

Become a paid subscriber to get access to the rest of this post and other exclusive content.

Raising Love Chapter 10: “God… I’m Just Tired, Ivy”

My friends-to-lovers story, Raising Love, had a lot of key moments that moved the storyline along. But one scene in particular was one we all knew would eventually happen… though if I did my job right, you didn’t expect it to happen in this chapter. It’s the hookup between Ivy and Leo, a mix of grief and earned affection, even between friends. It’s the moment that seemed random, but ultimately pivots the story in a necessary direction. And personally? It’s one of my favorites.

Subscribe to continue reading

Become a paid subscriber to get access to the rest of this post and other exclusive content.

1 2 3