Interview with Deneen A. Connor

Author of Tell Her, Channing’s Story

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I was born in Harlem, New York. I still reside in Harlem.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

Many of my friends were complaining there weren’t any good men. I came up with the idea of creating a good man and wrote a story about him.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

My books will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride. You will, laugh, cry, get angry and excitement just to name a few. In addition, you’ll get so caught up with the characters and story line, you will feel the books were written about you and your life.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

Anyone who has been in love, hurt by love and ready to love.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

I was surprised to see how connected I became with the characters. For example, one night while writing, I glanced at the clock and said to myself, “I need to get off this computer before Channing calls”. This scared the daylights out of me because Channing was a character in the book I was writing. He became real. I literally stopped writing for three years. When I did start writing again, the experience helped me realize, I had the ability to bring the characters in my books to life.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and never limit your creativity.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

How many people are on earth? I want to reach enough people where when asked, “Have you heard of the author Deneen A. Connor?” And their response will be, “Yes. I love her books.” Yeah … that many people.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

The biggest challenge and frustration would be getting my books out there beyond family and friends. It’s been frustrating trying to the them in libraries, book stores, Walmart, Barns and Nobles. It’s very challenging for an unknown self-published author.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

My biggest strength when it comes to writing is my creativity. I take the stories in my head and turn them into entertaining novels. As for the publishing, it’s pretty much routine so I don’t feel I have any strengths. As for marketing, my strength would again be my creativity. I created a pamphlet with excerpts from all my books. I give these out at events where I sell books. It gives the readers a chance to sample my reading.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

My biggest weakness when it comes to writing is not setting deadlines. Deadlines will keep me structured and committed to getting at least two books out per year. My weakness for publishing and marketing is not getting my books in the hands of more readers. I feel I am limited. I need to do more to get my name and books out there.

When do you think you will write your next book?

I currently have six books I am working on. Two of the books will be finished by Spring 2020.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

I am self-published.