Stories Can Make Us Focused, Inspirational and Interesting Too

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1. Tell us more about your background and journey.

My name is Naomi Charles. I grew up in a Caribbean household in New York City. I’m currently in grad school working on my master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology. I’m also an author. My book, Focus, comes out on August 11th on Amazon. Focus centers around the idea of what happens when good people get caught in bad situations. It features topics like mental health and interracial relationships. I can’t wait for people to read it.

2. When did you decide you wanted to be an author?

I have always loved to write. When I was really young, I told my mother I was going to write books one day. Throughout high school and college, I took part in different school-based publications. To answer your question, I guess I’ve always known I wanted to be an author. Now, more than ever, it is so obvious how plagued society is by stereotypes. It’s so important that different stories from different points of view are told. There should be more representation of black women in genres like a thriller and I’m happy to contribute to making a difference.

3. Is it a financially stable career?

My career as a writer has just begun, but I think being an author can definitely be a financially stable career. Like many careers, it takes a lot of work to master your craft. As an indie author, there are even more things to learn like building your audience. If you can do that, there’s no doubt you’ll find success.

4. Who is your favorite author and why?

While I like many authors out there, if I had to choose one, I would have to say my favorite is John Green. He’s able to put words to feelings we all feel and make it sound so beautiful and profound. Even mundane things sound amazing.

5. Where does your inspiration lie?

I find inspiration everywhere. I’m always writing down things that stick with me from conversations, dreams, or something funny from the internet. Anything can be made into an interesting story. I was blessed with great imagination and I’m always coming up with story ideas.

6. What does your typical day look like?

My day usually begins with me going over a set to-do list of things I have to do for the day. With the current pandemic, I am completing my courses online, so I can spend anywhere between two to five hours a day on my computer doing schoolwork. After that, I take a break. Since the gyms are closed I workout at home. Then, I get back to the computer to work on my writing. I try to write at least 1,000 words a day.

7. What piece of advice would you like to give to future aspiring authors?

My advice to aspiring authors is to keep writing and to share your writing with others. There are endless stories to be told and one of those stories could end up inspiring others around the world. Why can’t it be yours? I think a great thing to remember is that you are worthy of being heard just like any other author.

8. Which is your favorite book and why?

My favorite book of all time would have to be Looking for Alaska by John Green. It was the first book I read that evoked so many different emotions in me at once. I really did not expect it to end the way it did and I remember that it had left me thinking about it for weeks. I don’t want to give the ending away, but I highly suggest it.

Instagram ID- @naomi_charles