Author Spotlight: Fenyx Blue
When did you first start writing?
At age six, I wrote my first “poem” for my Mom. It was basically a Thank You note that rhymed. She was so proud. I was hooked on writing because of her response.
When did you know you wanted to be an author?
Secretly, I dreamed of being one of those authors being interviewed on television or the radio since age 13. I remember my friends asking me about boys while little books danced in my mind. Oprah and I were best friends in my dreams. I wanted to sit next to her and have Dr. Maya Angelou by my side so we could all chat.
Was there any author or book in particular that inspired you to write? Or a teacher/mentor?
My Advanced English teacher, Mr. Torrence inspired me to become a writing teacher because he said I had a unique style and a gift for helping others to learn, but my favorite author was Langston Hughes because of his poetry on dreams. Hughes was so skilled at being brief but powerful. I admired that and his imagery since I am a visual learner. I adore writers who can mold word statues that I can visualize.
What genre do you write?
That’s a tricky question because I just love to write. I write poetry the most, but I enjoy penning fiction. The only beast I haven’t slain yet is nonfiction. Perhaps, that will come in time.
What inspires you to write the most?
Solutions. We have a world full of problems so I think of a conflict and begin to tell the story of a possible solution to it. Together. The reader and I are problem solvers. They are by my side through the missions.
What is your favorite thing about writing?
Writing allows people to go to worlds they may have never traveled to as people they may have never known. I’m not surprised that readers who are exactly opposite than my characters love my characters because that is the power of books. Books are boots we get to slide into, walk around in, and take off whenever we are ready for the adventure to end.
How many books have you written? Where can they be found/bought?
I have written four published books that can be found on Amazon. Amazon is like the X on the map if you are looking for Fenyx Blue’s treasures. Battle of The Bullies is the newest YA book, but a reader can also enjoy Who Failed Johnny? (Young Adult Fiction), The Blue Ink Movement (poetry) and Worth the Weight (children’s).
What do you write — short stories, poems, novels, novellas, blog posts etc. — and which do you enjoy writing the most?
Today, I enjoy writing novels the most because I am currently working on a project, but I truly like writing anything in the fiction genre. It’s fun to play pretend as an adult.
Have you tried to go the traditional route with publishing? How did it go?
Many years ago, I reached out to a few agents with a romance that was rejected. I didn’t have much romantic experience in real life, but I had a good time creating passion on each page. It was rejected like FaceId when you have on your mask. They could not see my vision. Someone else was successful with a similar plot though later. It was a great learning experience. I now know those few rejections are nothing to be sad about. I met an author who says her most successful project was rejected 286 times before she published. Sometimes rejection is not about skill, but about timing and good old-fashioned luck. I may try the traditional route again since some author friends say being both self-published and traditionally published have led to their success.
Did you self-published? How did that go and what route did you take? What advice would you give to others who want to self-publish?
Self-publishing is another word for starting your own business. An author will find success if she chooses to treat publishing the way an entrepreneur would treat his or her new toy store. You have to let everyone know you exist. You have to have a quality product. You have to have a place for the shopper to go. You have to know who your ideal client is. You have to have a love for your own product and never forget that along the way. Your toy/ book will bring someone joy in time. They may even come back and shop again. Self-publishing is freedom, too.
Who is your favorite author now? What is it you like about them?
Nikki Giovanni…She is fearless, authentic, and timeless.
Do you have any favorite books you recommend right now?
I always want to uplift at least one other Self-Published Author, so I am currently reading Mental Beloved by Tia B.
I recommend Better Conversations by Jim Knight because we need to learn how to communicate as a society
Finally, I am reading When Women Pray by T.D. Jakes because my faith is the reason for my success.
Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
Look in the mirror every day and say someone in this world is waiting for my story. Then, write! Go on, write now!
Are you on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook or do you have an author website we should check out as readers?
Readers can find me @FenyxBlueInk on all platforms.
https://twitter.com/FenyxBlueInk
https://www.instagram.com/fenyxblueink/
https://fenyxblueink.wixsite.com/website
Is there anything else you want to share about your writing or that you want your readers to know?
I appreciate every like, comment, share, follow, and subscriber. I could not travel this road without you reading books/ rocking boots and I hope you will choose to keep traveling in my character’s shoes. Thank you to all my True Blues.
End of Author Interview with Fenyx Blue
I hope you enjoyed learning more about author Fenyx Blue! Make sure to check out her books and follow her on social media to keep up with her future projects.
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