
MP-Since there are so few interracial books in general do you find that you’ll have to break through any walls to get your books read?
TD-I think every new author faces the same challenges when trying to get their book read. There are so many books released each year, readers have thousands to choose from. I don’t think the interracial element will make a difference in terms of finding readership. I think my greatest challenge will be finding enough time in the day to promote my books.
That being said, I hope to see an increase in the number of books with multicultural characters. As a mother, I’d like to see more young adult books that feature heroes and heroines with different skin colors and cultural backgrounds. As a reader, I’d especially like to see more variety in fantasy and sci-fi.
MP-You have the glorious love triangle in your book, but this time there is a twist with Alisa in love with Jace who loves Rachel…then Jace’s brother adds an outside element. Is it hard keeping all the attractions straight?
TD-The love triangle is my favorite part. It isn’t hard keeping the attractions straight in The Claiming Words, but in the second book, I throw another twist into the story with another character, and that makes it a little more complicated.
MP-You’ve gotten a big writing community surrounding you how have you found their support? Is it always good or have you had some pull you down?
TD-The wonderful community of authors has been such a blessing. I’ve met the most generous and supportive people and I honestly don’t know where I’d be without the help I’ve received from them.
MP-With five books in the series do you feel that you’ve completed your characters journey or is there a chance that you’ll go past the five?
TD-My two main point-of-view characters, Alisa and Rachel, will definitely complete their journeys by the end of book five. I wouldn’t rule out writing a book that follows a different character, but I’m honestly not planning anything like that right now.
MP-How do you handle reviews?
TD-I’m grateful for any reviews, good or bad, though I’d certainly prefer shining five-star reviews. All joking aside, criticism is hard for anyone to take, but it’s a part of life. Everyone is entitled to an opinion and whether or not you agree with a less than favorable review, you have to accept it and move on.
MP-Have you been able to balance writing with life?
TD_I haven’t. I have four kids, three of whom are still underage and living at home. I also have a full-time day job. Writing and marketing get squeezed in between everything else I have to do. Something is always slipping through the cracks. Just when I think I’ve managed to strike that elusive balance in my life, I remember something I forgot to do because I got distracted by my imaginary friends.
MP-What gets your muse to start talking?
TD-I wish I knew. It seems to be hit or miss. I tend to write in spurts. For example, The First Protector was written in thirty days. Book five has taken months. I never know when inspiration will strike. I named The Claiming Words when I was sitting at my desk at work. And, part of the final chapter was written when I was sitting in morning traffic on the way to work.
Author Website: http://www.triciadrammeh.com/
The Claiming Words’ Site: http://theclaimingwords.com/
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/TheClaimingWords