TheMusingsReport: Introducing Author Mirika Cornelius

So what was the inspiration for your writing, when did your writing bug bite you?

Inspiring me first is my Lord above. Gotta bless Him! Secondly, I have always had the desire to become an author from a very young age, so it has basically always been 'inside' me waiting to manifest outwardly. I do like to inspire and help situations through my talent as well as entertain through the many outlets of emotion that creative literature and imagination will allow.

With an extensive background in several things including modeling, optometry, and post-high school education, do you often find those experiences have either enhanced some of your novels?

Excellent question, yes! I haven't done everything but have been blessed enough to have had the opportunity to dip my hands into many different areas. As a very inquisitive person, I love to learn and when I finish learn incorporate all that I have gained into something special. Everything that I have accomplished from modeling to medicine greatly impacts my overall storytelling, giving me the ability to understand and generate better quality plots, characters, and realism.

How did you come up with the “secret” character from the novel Secret?

Secret, the protagonist...both her and her name comes from the multitude of taboos, hidden agendas and darkness surrounding the birth of this young female character. Upon writing the novel, there was nothing better than Secret because the whole story encompasses the reason for her being. The suspenseful nature behind the story was written to be unlike any other. Being very intense, no reader has ever guessed the ending, which is highly explosive while causing a deep sense of empathy.

What are some recent highlights relating to your writing career?

Highlights relating to my writing career are winning best excerpt for the Writer's Inn Top 10 Books for 2007 some months ago as well as continuing to get great reviews, and the book clubs who have interviewed me have been fabulous! That is the greatest really. Outside of everything else, even many students absolutely find my novels excellent for the classroom as well as the teachers due to the content and power that follows them. It is great to have the love from those I have come to know personally.

What is the best business tip someone shared with you about the business of writing and how has that helped you?

I honestly can use all the tips I can get! I am not too proud to beg, baby!

Mostly though, I read. Whatever I need to know, I find from somewhere and some of the greatest tips I get really haven't been through direct conversation. I learn through watching and doing. Honestly, at times, I learn faster through paying attention to actions.

I notice both of your novels are set in Louisville , GA , do you have a particular reason why they have been set in this town?

Louisville, Georgia was chosen not only am I familiar with the feel of the state because I used to live in Georgia, but the city of Louisville provided the vibe I needed for my story. After having selected the town, a couple people familiar with the city stated it was a great choice. It's a town that grew slowly and people still remember the days of racism and hardship and there are many reminders still there today. Finally, it's a place hardly anyone has heard of, and when you think of town, you don't think of a well known Atlanta, so the city had to be very small and not well known.

Are you working on any other novels set to print this year or early 2008?

Yes, yes, yeah! For the years 2007 and 2008, through the grace of God, I plan to release two books unlike my previous titles. They will be poetry and without releasing too much information, a "killer" novel that I am sure everyone will find great to chew on.

Where you find your ideas for characters or your stories?

I let my mind go! Most of my characters have some part of what I adore or like to be around or the complete opposite...attitudes I hate. These I create the with the most flair and enjoyment.

What is the weirdest idea of inspiration that cropped up while you were drafting a novel?

Honestly, the answer to that is dumb stuff. Whatever I believe is straight up wack and retarded whether it be when I am eating, driving or sleeping in a dream, hey...it might inspire me. Being a little over the edge type of person, my inspiration comes from things that will make you say hmmmm.

What’s the best book signing you ever attended and why was it spectacular?

Sarasota Festival of Books and Printer's Row in Chicago! Absolutely spectacular events, and everyone should go every year! It is just crazy how many people you meet and opportunities that arise just from two days of fun and signing! The amazing people of Chicago will get drenched just to take a picture with you and get an autographed copy in the rain, and in Sarasota...wow! That's all I can say. The schools turn out like crazy and they are absolutely ecstatic to learn and hear from African American authors.

Where can readers find out more about you?

All you need to know about me is a www.mirikacornelius.com.

With a simple click, move through the site to read previews of Colored Lily, Poppa Took My Innocence and Secret.

God Bless

More about the Author:

Mirika Mayo Cornelius is the author of two five star novels entitled SECRET and COLORED LILY, Poppa Took My Innocence. She also holds a Bachelor's degree from USC, a former model, and a certified optician. Mirika is married to author and scriptwriter, Rod Cornelius, who has written two books entitled Single Again and Ghetto Eyes.

About the book Secret

In the small, southern town of Louisville, Georgia, there is a
scorned secret that has ripped through homes. Accursed is the
whore that it came from, people around town say, but to a sassy,
country girl named Secret, that's not all to it. She asks herself, what
curse, and what does it have to do with me? That's when Secret takes
matters into her own hands and attempts to solve the terrifying
mystery of her family.

About Colored Lily

What would a daughter want more from her father than his love? However, in the
rural town of Louisville, GA, a teenage girl called by the name of Jocie, finds out how
the love she once adored from her poppa can become twisted and feel so much
like hatred, causing hell-grown wounds. Going on a search for the love that she
yearns so deeply, Jocie winds up with worse than she bargained for, and
without an escape, ends up in the midst of death, darkness, and a cold
conception while gripping the darkest secret that only God in heaven can know
and forgive!