Welcome to our very first Author Interview segment! These will become a regular piece of our writing. Always, we welcome input from our readers as to whom you would like to see interviewed and what questions you want answered.
I “met” Ms. Auguste through an online Facebook group that we are both a member of. She was kind enough to be our first interview. Her new novel, Ladjablès: A Love Story, is releasing February 14, 2022. Here is the novel’s description from Amazon:
Professor Nikita Burnett is teaching remotely and enjoying the sun, sea, and food in Saint Lucia, her country of birth. After hearing rumors that there are still Kalinagos ( the Indigenous people /Caribs) on the island, Nikita embarks on a search to find them. During her search, she encounters a Ladjablès and begins a love affair with her. Against the backdrop of Covid 19, a very religious and Catholic society, Nikita must balance her faith and sexuality with love.
Can she be religious, a lesbian and love the devil’s woman?
I love to know more about how other writers write. I want to observe their process and be inspired by it. Please read on to learn more about Ms. Auguste’s writing process.
The Process
Can you describe your writing process?
I get many ideas, so I jot them down and decide which one I will focus on. I use mainly pen and paper, notebooks and index cards to plan and write. I also love google docs.
I use Google Docs for almost everything, too. Although I jot notes on my phone when I’m out and about.
What is your greatest challenge in writing?
I procrastinate a lot, and I lose focus fast.
How do you regain your focus?
I regain focus by meditating and listening to calming music.
What surprised you in the writing process?
That I can actually finish a story lol if I put my mind to it and focus.
How did you know you had this book in you?
I started this book years ago, well a similar version on Wattpad and Booksie years ago, called A Dark Love horrible writing by the way.. I have always wanted to write a story about the Ladjablès but I was not sure where I wanted to go with her story.
Is there something in particular, (a tool, a song, a planner,) that you found particularly helpful?
Listening to music helped . When I was writing I would listen to Ariana Grande’s Dangerous Woman, Carlos Santana Black Magic Woman and Fiona Apple’s Criminal. These songs actually inspired me while I was writing the story.
I love the song, Black Magic Woman. I always picture a woman by a lake on a misty night.
I know we tend to write what we know, but did you need to do research for this book?
Yes, I did research.
Where did you do most of your research?
On the internet, books that I have.
Sure. What was the coolest or most surprising thing you learned in this process?
I learnt that some of the ways I use to write some French Creole words were actually wrong,
How do you know your piece is ready to be shared/complete?
Well , I wanted to just share the story. And once my editor told me it was a good story then I knew it was ready.
The Audience
Who is your expected audience?
Fantasy lovers, erotica, LGBTQ, lovers of folklore especially Caribbean and St. Lucian folklore
Who has been your strongest supporter?
Well, I have a few strong supporters: my best friends and my aunt
If you could have any author (alive, dead, or fictional) read your book, who would you like to read it?
Stephen King, Danielle Steel, Nora Roberts, Shana Abe, and Tracey Bapiste
I always hate this question, but I still feel the need to ask it. What author, or book, or series most influenced you?
So many! Cannot think on top of my head.
Exactly! I have the same problem. In part it depends on my mood, but there are so many amazing authors in so many genres that I have read and learned from. Even books that I didn’t necessarily enjoy, had a lasting impact on me.
What to expect from O’Nika Auguste
What else is important to share about your book?
That there are explicit sex scenes. It is rooted in Caribbean mythology and folklore. And, it is a romance between lesbians.
Well those might narrow your niche audience some, but I think it sounds fantastic. I realized through this interview that I know little to nothing about Caribbean folklore and myths.
Who or what is Ladjablès? Is she the representative of the indigenous people?
She is a creature that seduces men and lures them to their death and she was human and made a deal with the devil. The indigenous people the island, Caribs/Kalingo are not her, lol.
Ohhhh, that makes so much sense. Thank you! I look forward to reading this.
When can we expect more from you?
Soon. I have another short novel called Then in Rome coming out soon.
This is so exciting!
Finally, most importantly, where can we find your books?
You can find my book on Smashwords and Amazon
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1105850
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09QBMGHLG/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2
To learn more, you should hop over to Ms. Auguste’s website.
For more O’Nika Auguste, follow her social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CimmerianRose
Instagram :@isletheologian
Twitter @isletheologian
Website: https://onikaprincess32.wixsite.com/historicalromance
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