Dicey Grenor

Author Spotlight!!!

I’ve been connected with my next author spotlight via social media for a few years now.  I’m embarrassed to say I haven’t read any of her work yet, but I do have a few of her books on my Kindle. Yes, my Kindle is overloaded. I don’t ever have to worry about not having anything to read. But still, I go to the bookstore and buy more. What can I say? I’m an avid reader! #BOOKSRAWESOME #READINGROCKS

We’ve never met, but I can tell she has an outgoing and fun personality. The way she interacts with her fans in the pictures she posts on Instagram gives me a glimpse at her #authorlife when I scroll down my timeline. Her energy is contagious! Her passion is evident! I find myself wishing I could have been at whatever event she was participating in. These traits are a true indication of an artist who values and knows her craft well.  

Welcome to Kickin’ It With KeKe!!

Author Dicey Grenor

Dicey Grenor is a wife, mother, attorney, and fearless writer, who tackles complex, taboo subjects from the perspective of quirky, compelling characters. She frequently crosses genre boundaries with unpredictable plots, and mixes darkness with comedy for the fun of it. Her ideal reader is open-minded and loves diversity in fiction. Fans of shows like Penny Dreadful, True Blood, Preacher, and other dark, twisted works, may enjoy The Narcoleptic Vampire Series, a set of multicultural, erotic urban fantasy books. She also wrote Best Friends, Fantasy Lovers (rock-n-roll erotic romance), Shameful (taboo), and How to Have a Perfect Marriage (dark comedy).

Please visit her website at: www.diceygrenorbooks.com to learn more.

KC: So tell us, how long have you been writing?

DG: As far back as I can remember. It’s been my preferred method of self-expression. I started writing my first novel (Shameful) in 2009, self-published it in 2011.

KC: What genre do you write or prefer writing?

DG: I like to mix genres, and usually, like to keep a high level of eroticism. Urban fantasy is fun because characters can be larger than life in fantastical plots.

KC: How did you know you wanted to become an author/writer?

DG: It has always been something that came naturally to me, as if it is who I am, not just something I enjoy.

KC: What inspires you to write?

DG: I draw inspiration from everywhere. My brain is a sponge, soaking up knowledge to use within a story plot and character development. When I actually sit down and put that knowledge towards writing, however, it is usually because I have some inner issues I need to work through. It becomes my therapy. I am inspired to heal myself. I write, seeking to do that.

KC: What message do you want readers to take away from your work?

DG: There is an underlying message in every story I write about love and acceptance for all, no matter how peculiar the person or circumstances. I want readers to be entertained, but I appreciate when they also feel the message.

KC: How would you describe your writing style?

DG: Vulgar. Bare bones. Human. Soul-wrenching. Unapologetic. Not for everybody.

KC: Never heard anyone describe their writing style in that way. I love it! Be who you are. Write what you want to write.

KC: Who are some of your favorite authors?

DG: Too many to name. I read a lot, so I have a lot of favorites. I don’t want to leave out those deserving of mention, and I don’t want to keep repeating the same names readers hear over and over again when there are so many awesome writers that need to be discovered.

KC: I respect that!

KC: What is your formula when working on a new project? (Do you listen to music, use an outline, meditate, or simply start typing?)

DG: Kind of all of the above, depending on my mood. I usually crank up heavy metal music when I’m writing an urban fantasy fight scene or murder. I play R & B nice and mellow when I’m writing a love scene. Classical music helps me focus when I’m researching a topic. I prefer to begin my writing with a thorough outline. Then I let the writing rip at will.

KC: If you could collaborate with any of your peers, who would it be and why?

DG: The list is not exhaustive. The truth is that any author that writes erotic books with a dark twist AND has a large following of readers that could help me get the most exposure would be ideal for a collaborative work. Of course, none of those authors need me or my help because they are already at the top of the game. It would be in their best interest to collaborate with someone equally situated as themselves. I’ve collaborated on a few projects in the past, and probably won’t do it again.

KC: What advice would you give aspiring authors?

DG: Stay off Goodreads. Post your books there for legitimate readers to find your books, but don’t stick around. That site has turned into an anti-authors’ space. Folks just drop low-star ratings just for the fun of it and haven’t even read your book. Don’t believe me? Just browse the books and notice all the fake profiles with nothing but low ratings and not one review containing info about what they loved or hated about a book.

My real, and probably more valuable advice is to write whatever’s in your heart and surround yourself with people who support your passion for writing. You’ll need them to keep you encouraged during some inevitable low points.

KC: What are you reading currently?

DG: You're Making Me Hate You: A Cantankerous Look at the Common Misconception That Humans Have Any Common Sense Left by Corey Taylor, lead vocalist for Slipknot and Stone Sour.

KC: How can readers find you?

DG: Website: www.diceygrenorbooks.com
Amazon:http://amzn.to/2aLyJv3

Smashwords: www.smashwords.com/profile/view/DiceyGrenor

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DiceyGrenor

Blog: www.diceyblog.wordpress.com

Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/user/diceygrenor

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/DiceyGrenor (HA!)

Twitter @DiceyGrenor

Instagram @DiceyGrenor

Google Plus: www.google.com/+DiceyGrenor

KC: Ha! I saw the Goodreads. I’m on there too. And I agree with what you said about trolls, as I call them. Nothing better to do with themselves so they try to deter someone else’s purpose.

KC: As an author, do you think using social media is a great source for gaining new readers/supporters?

DG: I know it is. I’ve done it many times. My way is time-consuming, though—I actually interact one-on-one with folks in social media by liking, commenting, re-sharing, and replying to posts. All that interaction is weary, but I love getting to know people and letting them see the real me. I’ve picked up a lot of new fans by cultivating internet relationships. It’s just a slow process.

KC: Tell us about your latest work?

DG: Sleepy Willow’s Redeemed Soul is the 4^th book in The Narcoleptic Vampire Series from the main character, Sleepy Willow’s, perspective. It’ll be riggidy raw like all the other books in the series.

KC: I’ve read the reviews and look forward to getting to know your characters. Sleepy Willow looks like she doesn't play around! lol

KC: What’s next for you?

DG: Releasing my first full-length novel since 2014. Now that I’ve put it out there that Redeemed Soul will be released October 25, 2016, I’m working like a madwoman to get it done. I don’t miss deadlines.

I’m also working on a script with a group of awesome local writers. It’s not related to my books, but I can see how this process can segue into developing my own scripts and films. My films are coming one way or another, hopefully sooner than later.

KC: Awesome! Best of luck to you.

KC: Do you believe networking is crucial to being successful in the writing industry?

DG: Yes. I believe networking is crucial to being successful period. Thing is—you have to find the right people that have your back and you have theirs. If you just have takers around you, that isn’t networking, and those relationships will drain you instead of empowering you. I have always found mutually beneficial relationships, however, to be the most rewarding. When you look out for each other, you both climb. I usually drop folks when I find out they are selfish or only looking for what I can do for them. I just don’t have time for that.

KC: *high five* I totally agree! Been there and done that. Won’t do it again. This is why I do Author Spotlights on my blog. And I don’t expect anything in return. Just using my platform to help others. It also makes me feel good inside.

KC: Where do you see yourself in five years?

DG: Hopefully, healthy. Writing full time, with a bestseller or three. Traveling to book events and comic cons. Attending film festivals.

KC: Where do you want to be with your writing in five years?

DG: Making my books into films.

KC: Tell us something that you live by daily, that we can carry with us that should inspire and motivate us to pursue our purpose?

DG: Treat people the way you want to be treated.

KC: YES!!!

KC: I like to incorporate fun and excitement into my blog interviews during the author spotlight segment. This gives readers insight as to who you are as a person. Fun facts are my way of doing so, plus, I get to learn something about you too.

Fun facts:

KC: What is your favorite color?

DG: Black.

KC: What is your favorite food?

DG: Macaroni and cheese.

KC: What is your favorite pastime?

DG: If I’m reading a great book or watching a favorite show/movie, I’m in Heaven.

KC: Football or basketball?

DG: Basketball. Grew up with it on 24/7 during the season. My dad just LOVES it.

KC: Michael Jordan or Lebron James?

DG: Michael Jordan. I’m old school.

KC: Thanksgiving or Christmas?

DG: Halloween. Okay, okay. Thanksgiving. Anything but Christmas.

KC: Books or movies?

DG: Both. Books made into movies. If I had to pick one right now, it would be a movie, because I’m writing a book. I tend to stay away from reading other authors when I’m writing.

KC: Winter, spring, summer, or fall?

DG: Summer. I complain when it’s hot, but that’s soooo much better than cold. I like the idea of the beaches and sweat.

KC: If you were allowed only one thing with you during the day, what would be the thing you pick?

DG: My laptop with high-speed internet.

KC: Breakfast or Lunch?

DG:  Lunch. Preferably with a friend.

KC: This has been a pleasure. I wish you all the best! Thanks for Kickin’ It With KeKe.

DG: Thanks so much, KeKe!

Until next time, Be Inspired, Be Encouraged, & BE YOU!!!

Purple Hugs,

KeKe Chanel