Angel Mystique is a writer of whatever her heart desires. She’s a deep believer in all facets of love, while watching everything from dramas, horror, comedies, and romances-and getting transfixed weekly on Tyler Perry’s THE OVAL, SISTAS, and RUTHLESS. Lover of all things romance and hopeful, she’s set on weaving tales of stories that challenge the way we see the world- following the reckless muses assigned to those stories.
A coffee (Frozen Dunkin coffee) and tea lover, when she’s not typing away on her desktop, she can be found out in nature, gaining inspiration for her next to-be-penned story that will turn into her first novel.
1) First, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me! When did you know that writing is what you were called to do? What is it about being a writer that you love the most? What about being a writer frustrates you the most?
Hi, Jimmetta! Thank you so much for having me! It’s such an honor. Writing grabbed me by the hand at four years old and has not let me go. The thing I love about being a writer is finding visuals that carry me through the drafting process of the story. The thing about being a writer that frustrates me the most is when I formulate a writing plan, only to have it change. I push a lot of story ideas to the back burner, and they probably won’t ever see the light of day. Who knows, I might post shorts to my website in between novels…? Also, the great debate- to write by hand or to just type it out- frustrates me.
2) Can you tell us a little about your book(s) and where our readers can find out more about them and you?
Sure thing! I’m Angel Mystique- a Georgia native. I’ve always been a writer and I love reading romances. I mostly hang out on Facebook and I’m really starting to enhance my website a little at a time.
Swoon-worthy heroes, strong heroines, and some heroines who embrace self-love are what I write about. I love friends-to-lovers, strangers-when-we-meet, and all the taboo/age gap/forbidden romances are what I love to read. I might explore writing taboo novels, but I find myself more enjoying them as a reader.
My Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/entity/author/B08L1QMWGP
My Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Angelsharesbooks/
My Website: angelmystiqueloves.wordpress.com
3) What projects are you currently working on?
Currently, I’m working on my first novel, which will be the second book in my HEART STOPPERS SERIES. BOOK I: ANGEL & SPARROW is available for preorder now. It comes out July 12, 2021, and I’m super excited to share their story with the world. (Purchase it here: https://www.amazon.com/SPARROW-ANGEL-Latin-Lover-Romance-ebook/dp/B095YR8MX9/ ) Book II follows one of the main character’s siblings on their journey for love.
4) What has been your most significant achievement as a writer thus far? Where do you see yourself within your career in the next five years?
My most significant achievement as a writer thus far has been writing consistently and publishing the six stories I have. I am equally proud of them all and am looking forward to expanding my horizons through writing novels and series from now on.
There was a time- years- that I hated my own work, so constantly growing to love each and every novel that I write, publishing it to the best of my ability, and providing amazing cover collabs with my cover designer, that make me and my readers swoon are my goal for the next five years. Who knows, maybe pitching something to an agent and getting traditionally published would be something to consider. I just want to keep making great stories that move me and my readers.
5) How have you dealt with rejection within your writing career?
I received my first 2-star rating on one of my favorite shorter stories- KINDRED SOULS– and my reaction was “huh, okay”. Literally, I didn’t cry. Anything. I just kept going on with my day LOL. So, if that’s any indication of how I’ll feel when the other lower ratings and reviews come in, then I’m good to go.
6) Do you have a schedule for when you write? Do you outline your novels? How long does it generally take you to finish a novel?
Minus today, starting tomorrow, I plan to write every morning from about 9am to 11am. I’m in graduate school full-time as well, so I believe two hours will help me get to where I need to be. I’m a hardcore discovery writer/pantser. As much as I’ve tried outlining, it just doesn’t work for me. I’ll let you know… about finishing a novel. I’m doing the NaNoWriMo way- you know, roughly 2k a day… So, I should be done with this first novel sometime before the end of July of this year. Then it’ll be on to the other novel in this series.
7) Do you believe that there is ever a point in life where it’s too late for an aspiring writer to become successful in this industry? Do you feel a late start would hinder their chances?
I don’t believe there is ever a time where any writer is “too late”. People get publishing deals and blow up in the industry later in life now. I find that inspiring.
8) Are you an avid reader and have you always been? What’s the first book you ever read that really touched you emotionally and moved you? Who is your favorite author? What book are you currently reading?
I have always been an avid reader. My mommy is to thank for that. She read to me before I came into the world. Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers will always be the greatest Biblical romance I have ever read. It touched me deeply, and if I was to open it, I would start crying. It means that much to me.
My favorite authors are: Danielle James (author of Margot, The Monarch Room, Defect, Legion of Kings) , Kennedy Ryan, Dylan Allen, Carmel Rhodes, QB Tyler, Naima Simone, and Danielle Burton.
My current listen is to the audiobook of REEL by Kennedy Ryan. I’m super proud of her success and am in love with Canon and Neevah’s story. Listening to Eboni, Jakobi, and Nicole narrate is MAGIC.
9) How has the current state of the world affected your writing? Because writing is an isolated practice, did you find it easier dealing with quarantine? Did it stifle your creativity or did it make you even more driven to get things done?
The current state of the world did affect my writing. I didn’t want to write… but somehow, I pushed through and write just to be able to breathe a little bit. I owe thanks to my wonderful man and his interest in wanting to read what I write. (Seriously, babe, thank you for being so integral for my writing this year and getting me out of my slump!)
10) What are your thoughts about how the publishing industry as it is being represented today? Do you lean more towards traditional publishing or self-publishing as a preference? Does being a hybrid author interest you?
Leaning more towards self-publishing currently, I feel the way the publishing industry is represented today… is… a bit alarming. #OwnVoices and more diversity is coming to the forefront, but the likes of Brenda Jackson and most traditional Black Romance Authors still need to be spotlighted more. As well as Black Indie Authors need more recognition. Being a hybrid author does interest me. We’ll see if it goes anywhere and I apply myself in the years to come.
11) I feel like writing is a remarkable tool to help people not only express themselves, but also to cope emotionally and mentally. I know for me I write to be and feel more authentic. What unique quality is there about you, about your art, that you feel represents your authenticity? How does writing help you to be more empowered in your purpose?
The flow of my prose is something that gives me to freedom to be me. I write more poetic in nature. It feels very natural to me, as poetry is my second love. Knowing that I’m crafting something that I am proud of always empowers me and pushes me to step out of my comfort zone little by little. And that always makes me want to keep coming back to the computer and the words to add more.
I greatly appreciate you allowing me to sit down and chat with you. What are some of the things that drew you to love writing? Favorite mediums? Please link me to some of your work! I would love to support you!
Me: I have been drawn to writing since I was little. At six I knew I was going to be a writer but it wasn’t until about the age of 10 when I actually started taking writing seriously. I wrote to express feelings that I wasn’t allowed to express in the household I grew up in and I had a bit of a traumatic childhood so I had a lot to get out so I started with poetry. Now while I started writing poetry, I love writing novels, and the genre that is calling to me now is the mystery genre. I am preparing to re-release my first novel now but you can always see my writing on my blog at www.write-2-be.com and other links for my YouTube channel and anything else can be found at the bottom of each post. Thank you for that and I would absolutely welcome any support you would be so kind to give me. It was an honor to interview you!
Write 2 Be Magazine 