Ciera: London has been a constant side character featured in several series, did her story build over time or after everyone else's stories?
Chelsea Maria: London's story built over time. When I introduced her in For You I Will I thought that was it for her character. Her appearances weren't supposed to be more than that but after Burn Me Slow and After We Burned, she began talking to me and gave me the green light to share her story.
Ciera: Is it hard to take yourself to a dark place to write a character's story or is it harder to come out of it?
Chelsea Maria: Hmm. Both, really. I have a better appreciation for artists, especially those who are actors and actresses since becoming an author. You have to place yourself i these different situations mentally and that takes a huge toll on you. I never experienced anything like it until I started writing the Kalman series. It was both exhausting physically and mentally. If my characters are depressed and I want to give her emotions and feelings a true voice, then I have to place myself in that frame of mind and it's tough. One minute I am joyful and the next I have to change how I'm feeling to truly embody my character that requires me to feel what she's feeling. However, coming out of it is harder. Never have I voluntarily taken a break from writing after finishing but after London.... Chillleeee, I've been on a mental break since September. Almost two months in and I'm still not mentally and emotionally balanced.
Ciera: Would you and your main character get along?
Chelsea Maria: Absolutely. LOL. I say that because London is a part of me and so many other women I know that gave me permission to tell their stories. Since I'm cool with them and I had to get to know them good in order to tell the story right, then yeah. We'd be besties.
Ciera: Fuck, Marry, Kill? Quincy, Cassian, Quest!
Chelsea Maria: OMG! LOL! I know this sounds bad and I feel horrible admitting it, but I would marry Quest, fuck Cassian, and kill Quincy. Now before you start questioning my sanity understand my reasoning first. If you put these three men together and created one man his name would be Quest. His humor and prankster mentality may not be on Cassian's level but his of level of devotion to family and his woman is. Quincy is an extension of the blueprint to the man that has been the standard for all my men and that's Quest. It has taken me five years to be able to artistically create Quest and I still have not reached level 100 with him yet. Every male character since I started writing has pieces of Quest. Even though to me they are the same person but on distinct levels, Quest trumps Quincy. So, if I am getting an upgraded wiser, and older version, then sorry Quincy. Plus, who doesn't want to fuck Cassian. LOL.
Ciera: Favorite quote from this book?
Chelsea Maria: "I know the cost of what comes with surrendering. I know the pains associated with growing. I know what loneliness feels like. I know how painful it is to stay in that position of submission to gain more. I know because I tasted the flavors of it. I know how to treat what you give me with care. It's not going to be easy, London. It will never be easy. But I give you my word that I will walk this walk with you. I will plant with you, nurture you, aI don't take that gift and stewardship lightly."
Do you know the type of power that comes from a man willing and wanting to create a space for you to flourish? Now that's beautiful.
Ciera: One song to describe this book, what would it be?
Chelsea Maria: He Heals Me by India Arie.
Lost In London is now Available on KU on Amazon! Prepare your hearts. She had me cryingggggggg. And the fulfillment afterward was so satisfying. Leave a review and tell a friend to tell a friend!
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