Meet Author Deidra D.S. Green

Most people know me as Dee. You’d be shocked at how often people think I’m Deidra Green. I guess they see the “D” and assume it’s me. Anywhooo, onto the real Deidra who happens to be a phenomenal person and author. Keep on reading, and you’ll see what I mean.

Tell us a little about yourself. Before I decided to commit to my writing full time, I was a social worker for both the Illinois and Georgia Departments of Children and Family Services for approximately 18 years combined. I have always been a fan of learning and am a dissertation away from completing my PhD in Human Behavior. In my real life now, I am the CEO of Reflected Gifts, a literary service, offering consultation, coaching, editing services, ghostwriting as well as freelance services.

When you’re not writing, what do you do to relax and have fun? I love words! My children tease me all the time, calling me the human dictionary! When I am not spending time with my family, extended and nuclear, I love playing online scrabble against the computer – humans are too slow to respond.

Tell us something few know about you. I attended Jackson State University on a full scholarship in classical vocal performance.

In my years with the Lincoln High School Internationally renowned jazz band, I opened for Miles Davis, Natalie Cole and David Sanborn. I also sang live at Disney World.

I was the first female basketball player to integrate the all boys basketball team at my elementary school, and won defensive player of the year two years in a row.

What genre(s) do you like to read? Psychological thrillers are my absolute favorite! Stephen King is my literary idol.

What is your favorite novel and why? This is a hard question for a number of reasons. I have learned so much for so many and am fond of a number of novels for any number of reasons. If I had to pick an absolute favorite it would be Message to the Black Man by the Honorable Elijah Muhammad. I learned so much about whom I am and whose I am in reading that book.

What was the last novel you read that you enjoyed and why? The last novel I read was Duma Key, by Stephen King. I love just about everything he has written. His mind is fascinating to me and he has the uncanny ability, even after all the books of his I have read, to still catch me off guard.

When did you begin writing? As most authors would say, I have written all my life, but started writing for others to read it in 2006-07. The impetus behind that move was directly related to my brother. He told me I had a story to tell and no one could tell that story but me. He said it and God confirmed it with a litany of sleepless nights that transpired immediately after my public declaration that if I was to do something with the writing, God would give me a clear sign. He did, and I have been writing every since.

What genre(s) do you write? Poetry is my first love. When I am laboring with narrative, I retreat to verse. I write contemporary fiction, nonfiction, children, juvenile and YA lit, inspirational, and psychological thrillers.

Where do your concepts for your novels come from? Many of the concepts come from things I have personally witnessed or plot lines that come from the imaginary friends that continuously keep me company.

How long does it typically take you to write a book? When I am focused and dedicated to one project, I would estimate 60 to 90 days. However, because I am always working on more than one thing at a time, it tends to take a little longer. But I am also not the most patient writer, so I tend to dig in when I have a storyline I am really fond of.

Are you consciously aware of the plot before you begin a novel, or do you discover it as you write? I tend to discover as I write. My characters tend to take on a life of their own and that’s what keeps the writing exciting for me.

Tell us about your latest book? My latest project, Twisted Sister, is the first installment in a three part series. Twisted Sister is a mind-bending tale of love, cruelty, friendship, and revenge. The story opens with Holly and Blythe – two African American twenty-some things that are on the way to the top of a prestigious financial management firm. While Blythe is “lucky in love,” Holly is a self-imposed single that is focused on solidifying her career, not on finding Mr. Right. To make matters worse, a failed engagement that still haunts Holly cripples her every time she tries to make a new relationship work.

That all seems destined to change, though, when Blythe discloses that a new associate named Trent has developed feelings for Holly. Not only is Trent seemingly successful, kind-hearted, and financially secure, but he is also every woman’s dream – athletically built with chiseled and handsome features.

After a sexually charged first date, followed by a whirlwind undercover few weeks of dating, Holly’s romance comes to a screeching halt. Even though she knew that inter-office dating was frowned upon, Holly had been sure that her office romance had gone unnoticed…until one of the partners called her out and gave her an ultimatum: a successful career or Trent.

When Holly makes the decision to break off her relationship with Trent, she could never have dreamed about the nightmare that awaited her as a result of leaving him. Kidnapped, drugged, and raped at knifepoint, Holly has every chance to wilt completely at the hands of her captor. However, after a sudden twist of grace leaves her alive and standing outside of her apartment high rise, the strong will to fight that lives within her soul sparks to life, enabling her to vow that she will not let her tormentor get away with what he has done.

Do you tend to base your characters on real people or are they totally from your imagination? For this project, the characters were totally from my imagination, although I fully suspect readers will be able to readily identify with them in part or in totality.

Tell us who or what was the inspiration behind your latest book? Twisted Sister started off as a poetic short story I had written about a year ago. Due to some technical difficulties with my computer – it crashed and burned – I completely lost the story. Devastated, I tried to recreate it; however, the poetic flow was no longer there. Because I was so fond of the storyline, I decided to write it as a narrative. Twisted Sister is my first work of fiction, so I am very excited about it.

Where can readers purchase your latest book? Twisted Sister

What other titles have you written From the Outside In is a work of nonfiction.

Here Comes Katrina, juvenile fiction based on a true story.

Wordsmithin, a book of poetry.

Closet Issues, a book of poetic short stories.

My Forever Airplane, a children’s book. Smallest Superhero, a children’s series. Epiphanies While Driving, a motivational and inspirational book. These titles can be purchased from

If you could change one thing about your writing career thus far, what would it be? I wish I had begun writing publicly much earlier. At the same time, I believe God’s timing is perfect so I have to be grateful that it began when it did.

Since you’ve been published, how have you grown as a writer and now a published author? I am a student first. There is always something new to learn and it is important to always hone your craft. Today, I am much more confident in my ability as a writer but I also understand the importance of continuing to stretch myself and my writing.

What advice do you have for aspiring authors? Write every day. Even if it is only for 15 minutes, write every day. Don’t be discouraged or distracted by naysayers, those without vision or purpose, and those who won’t like what you do. Write purposefully and write from your soul. Lastly, consider the legacy you are leaving.

What do you have on the burner for the next year? I am currently working on Interstate 64, which is a psychological thriller. I am also in the process of writing Exiting Gracefully; a collaboration with fellow writer, Andrea Ryan. I am also working on Woman at the Top of the Stairs, another psychological thriller; A letter to My Mother, contemporary fiction, and the second installment in the Twisted series, Twisted’s Revenge. I just completed my first short story, 48 Hours which is coming soon!

How can readers reach you?

• My blog site is: http://authordeidradsgreen.wordpress.com/
• FB: http://www.facebook.com/deidra.d.green
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/deidrag

Do you have anything else you’d like to add? Thank you so much for the opportunity!

Dee here, the other Dee (smile): Thank you so much for visiting with us Deidra and letting us get to know a little about you and your works. Come on back and visit with us any time!