Hello and welcome to my blog, Author Interviews. My name is Fiona Mcvie.

Let’s get you introduced to everyone, shall we? Tell us your name. What is your age?

My name is Savanna Malveaux and I am 46 years-old.

Fiona: Where are you from?

Well, I was born in New Jersey, but Atlanta Georgia is the only home I know.

Fiona: A little about your self (ie,  your education, family life, etc.).

  • Master’s degree in Management, BA in Psychology
  • Divorced 12 years ago, 1 son; he’s 22
  • Retired military
  • Currently a project manager (my 9-5)
  • Travel and food are passions
  • Considered myself to be an avid reader until I learned how many books other people read in a year

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I published my first book, Our Time, last month! And I just found out, through 23 and Me, I have half siblings I did not know about. That story will be my next book.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

My kindergarten teacher encouraged me to write. She was a part of my life until she passed about 10 years ago. In elementary school, I wrote my first poem book for a contest she suggested I enter; I won first place.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I would say getting positive feedback from people I would share my work with over the years. When I go back and read some of my earlier work, I am convinced they were just being nice. Some of it was just horrible.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I went on my first solo vacation about 8 years ago. The 3 books I brought with me for entertainment were not enough to last through the entire week. I finished them all and still had 2 full days left, so I started writing. I have not finished that book yet, because the one I just published was easier for me to complete.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

It kind of just came to me. It is relevant to the storyline without giving too much away.

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style? Is there anything about your style or genre that you find particularly challenging?

I’d say my go-to writing styleis descriptive. I write erotica; one of the biggest challenges is getting people to talk about your work, because a lot of people are not comfortable admitting they enjoy erotica. Also frustrating at times, is describing sexual acts without being repetitive.

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic and are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

This question could get me and some others in trouble. I will say, none of those fantasies are completely real experiences. However, a lot of my life is woven in to the story; places I’ve travelled, restaurants where I’ve eaten, and I actually did that fasting retreat. I take mundane scenarios and weave them into these fantasy tales.

Fiona: To craft your works, do you have to travel? Before or during the process?

Have to, no. But I do my best writing when I am traveling. Less distractions and more things to be in awe of. Wonder enhances my creative process.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Richard Evans; recommended by my editor.

Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Absolutely. Women should not feel shame for being sexual creatures and should go after what they want or need without feeling guilty.

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?  Who is your favorite writer, and what is it about their work that really strikes you?

  • Not new, but new to me, K’wan.
  • Favorite, I have too many. John Grisham, Octavia Butler, Pearl Cleage, Zane, Eric J Dickey, Jonathan Carroll, Mary B Morrison. Of course, I love them all for different reasons. Since Grisham is my first love, I’ll say I really appreciate how he gets me wrapped up in the stories and their characters.

Fiona: Outside of family members, name one entity that supported your commitment to become a published author.

I have a couple of friends that I relied on during the process. One of my biggest fans/encouragers was a male co-worker.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Absolutely. How could one not?!

Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

I took quite some time plotting this book out; I don’t think I would change anything in there. Sometimes, I think of other fantasies that would have been perfect, but I guess I’ll save those for part two.

Fiona: Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?

The Dom/Sub world was pretty foreign to me, so I had to do lots of research to write that chapter. I also learned during this process I write better when I have related music playing. Since I write erotica, I created a “panty dropper” playlist with sexual songs to get me in the mood to write.

Fiona: If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?

Any of these women… Jada Pinkett Smith, Tracy Ross, Rochelle Aytes, Kerry Washington, Paula Patton

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Nothing that hasn’t been said already:

  • Focus on your craft, write daily
  • Get a good grasp on marketing/social media
  • Seek feedback; don’t take criticism personally

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Since I haven’t quite figured out the marketing piece, my readers are family and friends. If you enjoy my work, shout it from the mountain tops so I can get more readers.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

  • More Than Enough
  • Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself
  • Hoodlum

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

I wish I could, I do not.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

As a perimenopausal woman, my emotions are all over the place. I’ve never been a big crier; however, lately TV shows/movies with sensitive subjects have me bawling.

Fiona: Is there one person, past or present, you would love to meet? Why?

So many people; but if I had to pick just one, right now, I’d say Michelle Obama. I am in awe of her and her life. I would love to hear the unfiltered version of it all.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Lots! Travelling, reading, writing, golf, tennis, scuba diving, running/walking, animal lover, eating (not just for nourishment).

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?

I mostly watch medical and law enforcement/legal TV shows (Chicago Fire/Med/PD, Grey’s Anatomy, 911, All Rise, etc.). Movies, I’m more attracted to action and suspense films.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Foods – seafood, popcorn, chocolate, BACON!

Color – Orange

Music – I enjoy all music, but I listenmostly to neo soul/R&B

Fiona: Imagine a future where you no longer write. What would you do?

I’ve had lots of different jobs throughout my life. At my age, a retirement job, I guess. Working at a golf course or tennis center, or maybe even at a dive shop in some tropical location.

Fiona: You only have 24 hours to live how would you spend that time?

The right answer is with my loved ones, but I would be doing that for them. Selfishly, I would want to be in an exotic location, have a few amazing meals, and scuba diving with my honey.

Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone?

Nothing. I do not want a traditional burial. I prefer cremation or that cocoon, being buried with a tree. If I had to have a plaque, simply…

My name (Savanna Malveaux is a pseudonym)

Daughter • Mother • Lover • Friend • Traveller • Veteran • Author

Fiona: Do you have a blog or website readers can visit for updates, events and special offers? My website is https://savannamalveaux.com/ ; I post short stories there monthly, under spilled ink.

Amazon Authors page USA https://www.amazon.com/Savanna-Malveaux/e/B082S4HZ1D

UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Savanna-Malveaux/e/B082S4HZ1D?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1579605560&sr=1-1