The African-American Literature Review sat down with thriller author Dionne about her novel Mind Games... What was your inspiration for this particular story? I really just wanted to tell a story that people I know could relate to, a lot of urban books tend to lean toward drug dealers, ghetto life, etc. I'm happy to say I can't relate and I know some folks can, however I wanted to tell a different story. Is there anything in particular that you aim to achieve in this story? I like to read and watch movies that are suspenseful dramas, unfortunately a lot of African American movies are geared toward comedy, not suspense or horror. I basically tried to write the kind of story I like to be entertained by. I also wanted my story to be universal, just because my characters happen to be African American, the story itself could be applied to any race or ethnic background. What is the story were are trying to tell? Everyone wants to love and be loved, the world is small and six degrees of separation is more like 2 degrees in my opinion. We all have issues and they can sometimes keep us from achieving happiness. Feelings, jealousy, envy and deception are constantly weaving webs around us and we must be conscience of them and work to avoid them. How did you create the story? I stumbled into writing; it was truly a gift from God. I don't have a formula for how/what I write. I begin with a character's name and identity and go from there. How did you decide to give the main character an alter ego? I believe we all have an alter ego, some of us are more in tune to them, while others allow them to dominate. What made you decide to give the story it's ending? Again, because I am a horror/suspense fan, it only seemed natural, however I originally didn't intend to write a sequel...but I'm glad I've started writing - 10 Chapters completed in Mind Games II so far... www.dionnellison.com www.dionnellison.com
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