Interview with Selena Haskins

A&RBC: Thank you so much for this interview, Selena!  Can you tell us where you are from? I'm from Washington, DC

A&RBC: How did you come up with your title? If you ever watched the waves of a river it always moves forward. It passes over rocks, debris, and even if the wind may push it back, it keeps pushing straight ahead. In life, we all face difficult obstacles and they're like those rocks, debris, and winds that try to push us back and keep us from progressing, but we have to keep moving ahead. I felt, 'A River Moves Forward' was fitting because regardless of what happens to us in our past we have to push on and move forward just like a river.

A&RBC: They say you can judge a book by its cover.  Can you tell us a little about your cover and who designed it? Quality Press designed the cover, but I purchased the photo. I thought the picture of the Chicago River Walk fit the title perfectly.

A&RBC: Can you tell us something about your book that would make me run out and buy it? It's a dramatic suspense mixed with romance about the lives of two people-Connie Morris, a girl from the projects who grows up to become a successful woman. She meets and falls in love with Dean Wilson, a police officer. Unbeknown to them, their paths have crossed before, and the new discoveries send them on an emotional ride that could prove to be too much. Will they forgive each other for what happened in the past or move forward together? or move on!?

A&RBC: Are there any messages in this book that you want the reader to know about? In order to receive the love you want and deserve,  you have to let go of the things that were hurtful in your past that keeps you stuck in a rut. Continuously carrying that heavy load on your shoulders just weighing yourself down and others who want to be connected to you is damaging. You have to let go of the past, and letting go means not only forgiving others, but yourself too.

A&RBC: What was your most favorite chapter to write and why? Connie is my favorite character because she is a combination of the women I admire in my life. I blended their personalities together to make Connie, and added a little imagination to it. The blend of real-life characteristics is what I feel makes her believable. 

A&RBC: Why did you feel you had to write this book? Several reasons, I wanted to show people that regardless of your upbringing  you are still responsible for the path you choose to take in life. Each character in my book decided to take a certain path and there were consequences- some good and some bad.  I also wanted to show that whatever type of relationship you had with your family doesn't mean you have to repeat it, especially the mistakes. I also wanted to break the stereotypes that some of us have about people who are beautiful or rich. Some of the most beautiful people can be the deeply scorned by their pasts, and some of the most richest people can have a very dysfunctional family. I address many issues in my book that go beyond the typical family life and romantic relationships. In reality, relationships can be a challenge, but rewarding if two people are willing to work hard at it- from a parent to a child, friend-to-friend or between lovers. 

A&RBC: Now, some fun questions – What deep dark secret would you like to share with us? I always wished I had hazel green eyes, but I'm happy I'm able to see. Instead, I gave those beautiful eyes to a character in my book. Maybe one day I will try to see how I look in hazel green contacts. (laughing)

A&RBC: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?I would love to go to a resort in Hawaii or the Cayman Islands. I love clear blue waters and white sand beaches.

A&RBC: Are you a morning person or a night person? I'm a night person. Strangely, I get a sudden burst of energy at night and that's when I do most of my writing.

A&RBC: Are there any members in your family who also like to write? I have a few cousins and uncles who would write poetry, songs, and raps, but I'm the first to write stories.

A&RBC: As a child, were you a dreamer? Yes, all the time. After I finished my work in class,  you can find me staring out the classroom window daydreaming. My thinking then and now was always abstract, but creative. I think that's what made me sort of a maverick growing up. I appreciate being the oddball now though.

A&RBC: Last but not least, the magic genie has granted you one wish.  What would that be? Well, I've asked God to bless my book project. I pray that my ultimate goal will be reached, and that's to get picked up by a major publishing company. That's my biggest wish.

A&RBC: Thank you so much for this interview! Do you have any final words? I thank you for this interview. I think this platform will be appreciated by many other self-published/indie authors as well. To the other authors I would say, always keep doing what you do for the love of writing, it's the only way to keep your creativity. To the aspiring authors, eventually your voice will be heard, even if you have to do it yourself like I did. Never stop doing what you love!

A&RBC: To purchase, "A River Moves Forward" by Selena Haskins, please visit her website: www.booksbyselena.com and receive an autograph with your purchase or visit Amazon or Barnes and Noble. You can also follow Selena on Facebook and Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/booksbyselena  or https://twitter.com/BooksbySelena