Author Interview: Sheena Binkley

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Interview with Sheena Binkley

What career did you plan during your education days?

When I was in high school and college, my dream was to be a reporter. I wanted to either do newspaper or television. I even majored in Broadcast Journalism in college, but I realized that’s not want I wanted to do, so I switched majors (to Corporate Communication to graduate) and started to pursue my career in writing.

What is your biggest source of inspiration in life?

My biggest inspiration would have to be my faith in God and my family. Being able to go through this journey is a blessing, so I’m fortunate to have such a great support system with my family and for them being there for me.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced? How did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge I faced was criticism. When I first started writing, I was not used to the negative comments from people with my stories. Whether it was the storyline or the characters, I couldn’t take the criticism well and it almost made me not write again. I overcame it by having a tougher skin. In this industry, people are going to voice their opinions, so that’s something that I would have to live with. I’m not going to make everyone happy, but I will do what I can to produce great writing to readers and hopefully they will enjoy it.

When did you start writing? What is the purpose of your writing?

I started writing at 9 for a project for school. After I wrote the assignment, I realized how much I enjoyed creating a story that I continued to write more. Later, I began to write short stories before expanding into full length novels. My purpose for writing is being able to produce quality work for people to enjoy. I love to create new stories and characters that I hope readers can relate to, which I hope I can continue doing for years to come.

Which of your work has been published so far? Would you like to share a synopsis of your work?

Books Worth Reading:

My latest novel, The Way We Were, is the fourth book in the Love, Life, & Happiness series, and this is Monica and Donnell’s story. With Monica, she has done a lot of crazy things in previous books, so hopefully readers will be able to relate with her and sort of root for her once the story is over.

Here is the synopsis:

Monica:

I’d always been unlucky with love. No matter how much I’ve tried to experience it, something always happens to make me turn away. When I was with Donnell Patterson, I believed I finally had a chance at it, but I ended up destroying it by being selfish. Now, I have a second chance with Zack Hall. He’s a woman’s dream – smart, generous, and sexy as hell. But now that I’m with someone else, why does Donnell keep coming back into my thoughts? Should I let go of the past, and start with someone new, or go back to the person that I’ve always considered my one true love?

Donnell:

Monica Taylor and I have had our shares of ups and downs. Honestly, we had more downs than ups. But no matter what we did to each other, we always found our way back to each other; but she did the unthinkable when she tried to hook up with Marcus Walker. Now, I’m with someone new, who makes me really happy. Dominique Sawyer is amazing; not only is she smart and beautiful, but she’s also drama-free. But if she’s so perfect, why do I keep thinking about the person who has continuously broke my heart?

What are you working on next?

I’m currently working on the fifth book of the LLH series, Love Always. This is another story about Riana and Shawn, which they are going through a lot of situations throughout their relationship. They will have to realize is their love strong enough to make things work in their relationship.

What are your future plans?

Books Worth Reading:

I have three new series coming soon. Two are spin-offs from my current series,In Love With My Best Friend and Love, Life, & Happiness, while the other is a brand new series titled Resisting Temptation. The spin-offs will be available next year, while the first book in the Resisting Temptation series will be available in December.

How much real life goes into fiction writing?

For me, there may be some scenes in a story that I will depict my real life into. With Love Unbroken, although majority of the story was fiction, there were scenes that described my relationship with my husband. In the new story Love Always, there will also be scenes that will explain a little to how my husband and I dealt with the birth of our son. In other words, for me, it’s okay to put a little of your life into a story, that way it can be more believable to your readers.

What is the last book you finished reading?

The last book I read was Reality Check by Camisha Almonor. The story is about best friends whose lives changed after an unexpected night together. I really loved the story. It kept me interested throughout the entire story.

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What is the current book you are reading?

Currently, I have A Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Christina Jones next on my Kindle. I really want to read this book, but since I’m writing, I haven’t had a chance to yet.

Your Favorite book and why?

Anything by Carl Weber. I just love him as an author because he knows how to deliver the drama! I especially love The Choir Director. I haven’t started on the sequel yet, but I know it will be just as good as the first book.

Are any of the characters like you? In what ways?

Books Worth Reading:

I think there’s a little in me in all of my characters, especially with Camille (In Love With My Best Friend) and Riana (Love Unbroken). With Camille, I tend to be shy and reserved sometimes like her, but can also be a bit bold when I need to. With Riana, she has a spunky personality, in which I can relate to. She is also the peacemaker of the group, which she does a lot of between Cheryl and Monica.

If you were a celebrity, who would you be? Why?

I haven’t really thought about being someone else, but if I had to choose, it would probably be Kerry Washington. She has a grace about her and seemed pretty down to earth. Also, I love her as Olivia Pope on Scandal!

About the Author

Sheena Binkley is an author specializing in African-American and Multicultural Romance. She is the author of two great series: In Love With My Best Friend and Love, Life, & Happiness. Each book from both series has been on the Amazon Best-Seller’s list. Her latest project, The Way We Were, which is the fourth book in the Love, Life, & Happiness series, will be available on September 26th.

Links: Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon

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