The idea for my novel Daddy's Love developed out of a longing to recreate my dreary existence. I was working a dead-end job, earning a low salary and my social life was definitely lacking. From there my character Simone was born and I created her world and journey based upon my desire to relocate. I wrote the entire book in 2004.
I tried to get representation from a literary agent and then I went directly to major publishing houses in an attempt to get my book published. After several unsuccessful attempts, I left the copy of the book collecting dust on a shelf for a few years. When friends and relatives would ask when I was going to publish a novel I would make excuses and continue to keep the project on the back burner.
In September 2007, after much prayer and deliberation, I finally stepped out on faith and moved to North Carolina. I had never been before and I didn't know anyone, but I certainly didn't change my name or cut my hair. I didn't have a job already secured and there was no handsome suitor waiting for me to come into his life. I'm sure having both of these would have made this experience just a little more pleasant, but what can I say? I fell in love with this area and I still reside here.
I will admit that I do share a few similarities with Simone. Yes, my father disappeared after my parents were divorced and yes, I've had to deal with emotional struggles because of it. However, a book based on my life would provide a boring read so I had to let my creativity flow to make Simone's journey much more fascinating than mine. So far, I've been asked the same question by several friends that want to believe my novel is really about me. I even had one friend ask if my real name is Simone! I laughed and told her that I wouldn't choose 'Janise' as my new name if it was. Is Daddy's Love based on my life? Well, if you really really want to know the truth, the answer is, "No."
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