Today, I am delighted to be bringing you an author interview with the lovely Sabrina. She is a self-published mutli genre author. Sabrina released a Christmas story in November, so I thought it was perfect timing to find out a bit more about her.
Tell me about yourself
I am Sabrina Oyinloye. A self-published, multi-genre fiction writer. I write contemporary romance that borders on fictionalised real-life events, and supernatural fantasy with subgenre action, suspense, thriller, and erotica. I am a wife, a mother of two boys, and a miniature replica of me. I have a Bsc., in Business Administration and an Ordinary National Diploma in Mass Communication. I am a Nigerian, a dreamer who loves to travel the world and create wonderful stories of my experiences.
How long have you been writing?
Okay, this is going to sound nuts, but I have been making up stories or telling myself stories for as long as I can remember. Every night before my brain shuts down I tend to make up stories in my head, and it would play like a movie luring me to sleep. If I watch a movie that I felt was inconclusive or didn’t quite end the way that I like, I would continue the story in my head and give it my ending, even a sequel. A friend prompted me to breathe life to the stories 5 years ago, 2015, and it was a like a tsunami! The stories kept pouring out of me, it was as if it was already there, and I just needed to write it down.
Do you have a favourite book?
From my collection? Yes. ‘The Promise Renewed’.
From other authors? No. I have specific genres that I usually pick from though, and over the years, I have a few authors, where I automatically pick their books without reading the synopsis.
Who are your favourite authors and how have they influenced your work?
I write what I love to read. And my favourite authors aside from the Mills & Boon countless authors, are Penny Jordan, Nicholas Sparks, Danielle Steel, Diana Palmer, Nora Roberts, Fern Michaels, etc.
I especially love Diana Palmer’s works, because of her ability to make the reader feel every emotion her characters are feeling, with significant intensity. I strive for that in my books. And with the feedback that I have gotten thus far from my readers, I am quite honoured to know that my works could gear such reviews.
Can you tell me about your writing process?
1. Concept
2. Title
3. Book Cover
4. Characters Names (must fit the part they play, I often research the meaning and origin just to be certain it denotes the character's personality or Ancestry), Ancestry, Countries of Origin, Physical Attributes, Careers, Back Stories, Personalities, Month of birth etc.
5. Once I have 1-4, I start the writing. Just like the reader, I don't know the end of the story or where the story might take me, I just let the characters lead me through it all.
I see you are a multi-genre author. What appeals to you about writing different genres?
I need to first point out that I did not deliberately choose to be a multi-genre author. I discovered afterwards that I was. I love the ability to tailor reality into fiction, it teaches and inspires. And I also love that one could create a whole new world different from our reality and form some sort of an escape for the human mind, to soar and experience the unimaginable. The sheer magic of it… it's beautiful.
Can you tell me about your latest release titled ‘Christmas Wish: Do You Remember When?’
Christmas Wish is the first of a Christmas holiday standalone series, Just like I have for Valentine. The subtitle is, 'do you remember when?'
'Do you remember when', is the phrase that I use for when couples indulge in enjoyable recollection of past events, reminding themselves of memories that trailed them; the happenings that brought them together. And from experience, I know these moments often strengthen bonds.
And since the story is about a man who needed to be reminded of so many reasons to stay alive and not succumb to despair, I thought the title was quite fitting.
Christmas is a festive season that brings families and friends together. It's a season of sharing and giving, reconnecting with loved ones and mending fences. This season is especially vital to celebrate and give Thanksgiving for the gift of life and family. This year, if nothing at all, taught us the importance of life, families and friends, even community. They keep us safe, sane, healthy and alive.
I commissioned P. S Conway to create a beautiful poem for the story, titled; 'hope' and it was indeed heart-stirring. It's the intro to the story.
What does literary success look like to you?
When at least one of my books is on every shelf all over the globe.
Are you working on anything at the moment?
Yes. I'm working on the sequel to 'When You Kissed Me', Valentine Series 2 and 'The Realm Surfer' Book 2.
What advice would you give a new author?
Don't get distracted or intimidated by all the rules you shouldn't break. Focus first on your talent and ability. Hone it to the very best, and let the world be amazed at your creativity.
What other interests do you have outside of writing?
I love activity that involves making things by hand, so aside from writing, I am also into pattern drafting and sewing.
Thank you to Sabrina for sharing with us. If you would like to check out her work, click on the links below.
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