An interview with author Deatri King-Bey!

I have the awesome opportunity to interview author Deatri Key-Bey! If you don't know her, you're about to get to know her. Her release, For Keeps, is coming out Labor Day weekend.

1. How long have you been writing? When did you get published? What drew you to writing?

I was first published in 2006 and have always been a story teller. Growing up, we would make up elaborate stories to keep each other entertained and people often said I should become an author. I have also always been an avid reader. Sooo, I came upon a bad patch of books. It was pretty sad. One day I was in the bookstore with my sister and I complained about the lack of good books lately. She basically told me to stop complaining and write books I wanted to read if I thought I could do better. Two months later, I’d penned my first book.

2. Who are your favorite authors to read and why?

Beverly Jenkins. I love historical fiction and she’s so good at it. She doesn’t sugar coat our history, which is quite painful, but her writing isn’t depressing. It’s uplifting and exciting. I just love it. Sharon Shinn. She has created this world of “Archangels.” The world she built is fascinating with it’s politics, love and loss. J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts). I’m so amazed anyone can write a series (In Death) so long and it still be good. I’m in awe. Don’t get me wrong, there are a few that aren’t the best, but overall it’s a great series. I could keep going and going. I read a LOT.

3. How many books have you written and what are they?

How about we only count the ones that have been released (SMILE). The ones marked “Free Read” aren’t actually books, but short stories.

Deatri’s Romance
Beauty and the Beast
Broken Promises (Interracial)
Christmas Angel (Second Chances)
Diamond in the Rough (Interracial)
Ebony Angel (Interracial)
For Keeps
If You Only Knew (Second Chances)
Love’s Desire (Free Read)
Journey’s End (Interracial)
Santa’s Helper (Write Brothers Series Book II)
Silk Scarves and Apples (Second Chances)
Tease (Write Brothers Series Book IV)
Tell Her How You Feel (Write Brothers Series Book I)
The Drama The Street and the Seduction (Free Read)
The Impossible Possible (Interracial)
The Only Option
The Other Realm
Third Time’s A Charm (Write Brothers Series Book III)
Trapped In Paradise (Free Read)
Whisper Something Sweet

Women’s Fiction
Caught Up
Jodie’s Choice
Operation White Rose
Picture Perfect
Suspense (as L. L. Reaper)
Black Widow and the Sandman
Birth of the Black Widow (Free Read)
The Sandman Cometh (Free Read)
Hell Hath No Fury

Nonfiction
Become A Successful Author

4. What's your latest release and what is it about?

In my new romantic suspense, For Keeps, Gina Guy’s daughter witnessed a murder. Now the murderer is after the little girl. Child Protective Services is manipulated into the picture, and Jarvis Martin, a manager within the agency, steps in to protect the Guys’ rights. From the moment Gina meets Jarvis, she feels she can depend on him, but life has proven to her that the only person she can count on is Gina. Will they be able to stop the murderer? Can Jarvis earn her trust and love?

5. What genres have you written in? Why do you like those genres?

I am published in Romance, Women’s Fiction and Suspense. I also write historical fiction, fantasy, urban fantasy, and science fiction, but haven’t been published in those genres yet. I read across genres and my writing reflects that.

6. Are there any genres you haven't tackled yet that you would like to? If so, what are they?

I love writing in other genres. Historical fiction is the hardest for me. I need a lot more practice at it and to continue researching. I’m learning so much. It’s fun.

7. What was the hardest thing to write about in For Keeps?

The backdrop in For Keeps is Child Protective Services coming in and taking a child out of a home wrongfully. This type of thing happens all the time (sad but true). BUT there are also good case managers in the organization who protect children who desperately need protecting. Keeping the balance was the most difficult.

8. Do you write under any other name? If so, what is it? What style of writing do you do under that name?

I write dangerously sexy suspense as L. L. Reaper with a writing partner, Curtis Alcutt. We are currently writing book three of the Black Widow and the Sandman series.

9. What else do you have coming in 2014 or what do you have planned for 2015?

There were numerous secondary characters introduced in my Write Brothers Series that readers have been asking about. So I’ve started writing their stories. I also have a Second Chances line that features heroines 40 years and older that I’m working on.

10. Now for something silly. Favorite cartoon as a kid.

Scooby Doo. I even have a dog named after him.

Please post all links where readers can find you. http://www.DeatriKingBey.com

Thank you for having me on today and allowing me to share a little about my self and For Keeps. Readers can Pre-order For Keeps in Kindle format from Amazon (Release date 28 Aug. Kindle, Nook, epub (via Barnes & Noble), Print). While you wait, enjoy CHAPTER ONE.

Happy Reading Everyone!

Deatri