Orsayor: Thank you for agreeing to this interview. Tell us a little about yourself and your background?
Dionne: I am a mother of three daughters, two of whom are graduating this year, one from high school, and the other from Baylor University. My youngest daughter is turning Sweet 16 the same month that the other two are graduating, so May will be a busy and exciting month for me not to mention that my birthday is also in May. I live in New Orleans, La., and I am divorced from rap artist, Corey Miller, known as C-Murder. My career path has taken several twists and turns. I went from stay-at-home mom to salon owner/hair stylist, to paralegal. And finally… Author.
Orsayor: What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book?
Dionne: The most difficult thing about writing my latest novel, Skyy’s the Limit, was trying to make sure that it was in-sync with my first book, Running Back. I wanted my new novel to have just as much drama and attitude as my debut novel. Although this novel has new characters and story-lines, I wanted to make sure to include some of what I learned that the readers loved about my first novel. Whether it be characters, landmarks, personalities, etc., as well as incorporate new and fresh material.
Orsayor: What is the easiest thing about writing?
Dionne: The easiest thing about writing for me is comparing my stories to my life. In each of my novels thus far, I have included specific incidents that have transpired in my life.
Orsayor: How long on average does it take you to write a book?
Dionne: On average, it takes me about six months to write a book. Since I have made up my mind that writing is what I want to pursue, I have been able to set aside a specific time to focus solely on my craft. My first novel has taken me several years to complete. Being an author has not always been a dream of mine.
Orsayor: Do you ever get writer’s Block?
Dionne: I think that at some time or another, all fiction writers get writer’s block. I get writer’s block when I am trying to think of a storyline in my head, in opposed to typing it out. But the minute that I start typing, my imagination usually takes over the moment that I open up the blank document.
Orsayor: Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?
Dionne: In my most recent book, my lead character is a gorgeous and sassy young lady used to having everything and everyone that she wants. And at the same time, she can also be somewhat manipulative in obtaining those things. Somehow, I can see Meagan Good in that role.
Orsayor: What is your favorite motivational phrase?
Dionne: My favorite motivational phrase is: My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style -Maya Angelou.
Orsayor: Is there one question above all else that you don’t want to answer about yourself? What is the question?
Dionne: The one question that I do not want to answer about myself is…Nothing that I could think of. I am known for giving out more information than expected or necessary.
Orsayor: What advice would you give to your younger self?
Dionne: The advice that I would give to my younger self or anyone that is still trying to find their way is to get all of your education out-of-the-way first. Whether you are that professional athlete, that famous actress, or even a business owner, I still find that even the wealthiest and most accomplished person often regret not having that college degree on their list of accomplishments.
Orsayor: How can readers discover more about you and you work?
Dionne: Below is my contact information.
Website: Smithsisterbooks.com
Blog: Smithsisterbooks.blogspot.com
Facebook: Dionne Smith Miller
Twitter: Deemiller504
Linkedin: Dionne Miller
Pinterest: Dionne Miller
Amazon Author Page: Dionne Smith Miller
Smashwords: N/A
Book Links: (* American, UK, etc.)
Goodreads: Dionne Smith Miller
Dionne Smith Miller was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, where she currently resides with her three daughters. She started writing her first novel, Running Back in 2005, shortly before Hurricane Katrina devastated her beloved city. She and her kids were uprooted to Houston, Texas where she lived for 6 years before returning to her hometown.
No stranger to a tumultuous marriage riddled with secrets and infidelity, Dionne Smith Miller intertwines her personal experience as the ex-wife of rap star, C-Murder, with her wit and imagination, resulting in her debut novel which was published in 2014. The sequel to Running Back titled, Skyy’s the Limit, was recently published in March 2015.
A perpetual single, as she refers to herself, she is the founder of an online single’s group, which has ignited a few relationships; but more importantly, created everlasting friendships. She is also the author of the popular single’s blog, Unsingled.
Follow her on twitter and instagram@deemiller504 and at www.unsingled.blogspot.com