2nd Birthday Interview

Day & Night Series©TheBuffnessDiaries Author: The Buffness Diaries. Photo Credits: Photo by Martin Adams, Clay Banks

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Published: 10/23/2019

Letter From Writer. It’s been 2 years, can you believe it!? I’m filled with mixed emotions at this very moment. I never thought I’d gain such popularity from my stories. Never really thought people would find them interesting or even life-changing, I was wrong. So many of you have read my stories from the start, or even in the middle of the series and found them to be life-changing. I have to admit that writing this series has changed my life too. I found a new part of myself that I never thought lived inside of me. Putting my own struggles, fantasies, fears and so much more into these stories has given me courage, strength and made me a stronger woman. Each and every day I’m reminded how much I’ve helped bring joy to so many of you and I couldn’t be more grateful. I hope that this time around you get to know me a little bit more! Thank you all so much for all your love and support, it truly means the world to me. Thank you!

It’s been 2 years since your first story, what’s been your biggest learning experience thus far?

I’ve learned that no matter what your hobby is, it could and can turn into being more than that. Sometimes you’ll feel like it’s a job. But, to never take things too seriously. I started this for fun and I’m going to try and get back to that happy place.

What do you love most about writing now compared to the first year?

Every story is a reflection of how I’m feeling at the moment. When I first started I was in a totally different mind space. Everything was so new to me, I was having so much fun putting my thoughts and experiences into those first stories. As time went on and I got closer to Book 100, I really found my true writing style.

Right now, I love how I’m exploring with different words and such, I never claimed to be an Author or anything like that. I had never written a book before. But, I just love putting my feelings into books. That’s the best feeling.

What do you love most about writing on SWEEK as opposed to any other platform?

Every writing platform has its own pros and cons, I enjoyed the first platform until things started to get out of hand. I understand that you can never satisfy everyone, but it’s disappointing to deal with Copyright violations all the time and having to go up, over and beyond every time to prove it’s your story. I’m thankful for Wattpad because that’s where I started if it wasn’t for that platform I wouldn’t be here today.

Joining SWEEK was an upgrade for me, my series and my writing career. I learned so much, I gained so much and I even got the opportunity to publish books in their bookstore. I’m also proud to say that my erotic story is what helped get an Erotica category on their app. I feel a lot more appreciated there, it’s better for my own mental health as well, I don’t stress as much and my anxiety level isn’t what it used to be.

You seem to have a pretty good following, what’s your advice to others who are working on building one of their own?

It just happens, I really can’t give any tips or tricks because I didn’t think I’d gain the popularity that I did when I launched my first book. The fourth book is what made me and gave me the full-blown attention. It was different, original and never done before. I’m proud to say that, the title, characters, and storyline has never been done before altogether. I guess that’s why it made such a big fuss with a lot of people. I’d say to just be yourself and all of that will come.

You’ve had your fair share of copyright violations, how do you deal with it now compared to before when you first started writing?

I don’t let it get to me as much, I just laugh now because I realize that I really inspire a lot of people. But, it’s okay to credit someone if you’re going to copy them. Many fans of mine and I appreciate that. It’s really easy to do, but for some reason the ones who don’t hate me [ Laughs ].

I read that a very popular Autor is dealing with it as well, what she said is what I’ve always thought, but never said it out loud. If you copy me, plagiarize my work in any way without giving credit? I will ruin you and make it where you never write again on any other platform. It’s very simple, I’m done playing games with these [ Assholes ]. It’s disrespectful and draining for the original writer to deal with. Just a month ago I saw where a book of mine that I’ve only ever posted on SWEEK was posted on Wattpad. It really pisses me off because some people believe that I make it up.

Does your family know about your stories, and if so have they read any?

Everyone knows by now, my father is so happy that I’m in Barnes and Noble because he always dreamed of me making it into the store. I never really even knew that [ Laughs ]. My aunt wants to read them and I tell her NO, only because she looks at me as her princess and I don’t want that image to change.

In the last interview we did, we asked you if you were seeing anyone or in thinking about a relationship…

[ Laughs ] Actually not you didn’t, but I’ll say that there is a special man who makes me really happy right now. He’s a police officer, CRAZY right?

A Police Officer? We remember you telling us that you liked them and maybe one day you’d be dating one! We need details!

He’s a very sweet and kind man, he always makes me smile. When I’m not with him I miss him a lot, he gives me peace and that’s a feeling I’ve never felt from anyone before. He’s protective of me, very supportive and I love how caring it is. I’ve always wanted to feel that and now I do! No, he hasn’t read any of my stories…. YET! He wants to, but I’m nervous. [ Laughs ] He’s a mixture between Silver, Iron, and Hydro.

Are you still considering Book 200?

I am, that will be my last story.

Do you try to keep your personal life separate from your writing life?

Actually, I do, I really don’t want to mix the two together. I have a pen name for a reason, but I know that some will know I’m the writer of this series and that’s fine. I just don’t want to make it a big deal about me being behind this series. It’s different from who and what I am in a way? I have a large imagination and it shows [ Laughs ]

Your covers really make your books stand out, what’s the idea behind them?

I love bold color and statements with covers, that’s what always made me read any book out there. Covers actually give me ideas for books sometimes. I find the best covers by trying to match the cover, one of my favorite covers is Lustful Diaries. I created that with two different photos. I love it, it’s beautiful and so different.

Do you have any favorite writers or authors?

I don’t, I’m not really a reader. I used to but I never really found someone who I would consider my favorite. I like a lot of books out there, mostly unedited stories from writing platforms. I find that those stories are more touching and personal.

What’s your process of editing your stories for publishing?

I use Google Docs for my editing and Grammarly. Being African, I use words that most people wouldn’t understand and that app helps with my editing. I also like that going back over older stories I see how far I’ve come with my writing style.

Is there one story that you absolutely hate? And, which story do you absolutely love?

I don’t really care for ‘His Baby’. That story was just a boring story for me to write and I had to give it some twists and turns to make it exciting. Many people liked the originality I put in it but, I just didn’t like it at all. There really isn’t a book of mine that I hate. I may not like the storyline as much as others but I don’t hate them.

I love all of my books, I don’t think I could pick just one.

Which couple do you like the most? And which one do you dislike the most?

I love Ja’Rome and A’oleon. My first two stories will be my favorite, as for the couples. I also loved the love story of Iron and Ye’Lanna. But, I think Book 111 will be my all-time favorite.

I hated Iverson, I hated how he treated Harris. I can just say that I hate all the cheaters in my books and the men who are abusive. I don’t support their choices of staying with them, but I can’t make every story the same, so it just leaves for a good series of each couple.

Have you thought about pitching your series to producers for a movie?

Not really, but my fans always ask me if Tyler Perry or Oprah has contacted me yet. I would be honored, to be honest, but I don’t think that will ever happen. My stories are a little…. I don’t know, over the top? [ Laughs ]

Do you see yourself having a rival like a lot of writers?

Not at all, I support many other writers. Mostly those who have the same standard as I do. Telling a story that brings awareness to a situation or telling the hardships that we all experience at some point in our lives.

I don’t see any competition for me, my series is one of a kind and the stories I write are 100% mine. I created my own lane and started a legacy for myself and this brand. I admire those who challenge me, but there’s a limit to that.

Have you ever befriended someone who copied your books, and if so why?

Not at all, I don’t use that word often. The only friends I have, have been in my life for 4 plus years. I would never trust anyone who could steal or copy me without showing the credit. I made a mistake once with one girl and that backfired on her more than me.

Do your fans ever show you their stories that are inspired by you?

All the time, I get DM’s all the time of their new books and series. I’m so proud of them, I always say that your fans are a reflection of you. We’ve all been through so much and it shows in our books. I’m really proud of them for putting themselves out there as I did. It helps you grow and it helps you learn more about yourself.

Any advice for upcoming writers?

Stay true to yourself, love yourself first, say original and step outside the box. But, don’t rush it, it will all happen in due time.

Do you have any idea about Book 200?

I know that the title will be ‘The Buffness Diaries’ the end of an era for everyone.

We hope to have you again next year if you haven’t reached Book 200 yet

[ Laughs ] You will, a new interview every year until I’m finished. Who knows how long that will take.