Hey guys,
I would like to introduce you all to a new author friend of mine, Remi Roy. She’s a fantastic new Christian author with two books out already. I have read the first one, Ms. Unlikey, which is a sweet romance about a girl trying to work out what she wants to do in life and falling in love. I’m currently reading the second one, From the Sidelines, which is Biblical fiction from the point of view of Bible characters who don’t usually get much attention. Both are great books. Remi is definitely one to watch, and she’s on my list of authors I read when I’m between book projects of my own.

Without further ado, here’s Remi…

Me: Thanks, Remi, for stopping by. It’s great to have you on my blog. First, I’d like to ask a personal question. What are your hobbies?

Remi: Hmm, let’s see… I like to read. I like watching movies that make me laugh and relax. I like browsing through books shelves and store aisles (I think I prefer the latter. It’s therapeutic. Haha). I like solving jigsaw puzzles. And, most recently, I like looking for new ways to cook and eat healthy.

Me: Yeah, I like funny movies too. I don’t understand why anyone would want to watch something that scares them or makes them cry–unless it’s sweet romance that pulls at the heartstrings 🙂 Moving on, any interesting facts about yourself?
Remi: A few, I guess. I didn’t walk until I was three-years-old. [Don’t ask why.] I’m a night owl. I can read a single book or watch one great movie a gazillion times and never get bored. I can have fried plantains for breakfast, lunch and dinner, all day every day. I hold back now though. Trying to eat healthy.

Me: Plaintains, mmm. I prefer them boiled or grilled though. Tell us about your family.

Remi: I’m the last of four children and my siblings were the first best friends I ever had. We grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, a simple, fun, God-loving family.

Me: How did your interest in writing begin and what inspired you to write your first book?

Remi:  I got interested in writing mostly because I grew up reading a lot. I started actively writing sometime in 2008 even though I’d been scribbling stuff long before then.

My first book was inspired by personal struggles with defining my life and career. It was something I came to realize that other young women like me had: this uncertainty about the future, the desire for success and finding fulfillment in life. The story came from that struggle.

Me: I think that’s a struggle most people experience. I certainly experienced it. Who is your intended audience and why should they read your books?

Remi: My first book was primarily written for a young, female demographic. However I believe anyone who picks up my books will be entertained and ultimately have something helpful to take away from them.

Me: What books have influenced your life most? 

Remi: So very many. Children’s books by Charles Dickens. African Fiction by Chinua Achebe and Elechi Amadi. Christian Fiction by Karen Kingsbury and Francine Rivers. Romance Series by Heart Song Presents. And most recently books by fellow female authors working hard to make a difference with their gifts.

Me: As a writer I’m always interested in the writing process of other writers. Do you outline your books before writing them, or make things up as you go? How long does it take you? How many drafts do you do?

Remi: My writing process is an amoebic thing. It takes different forms and shapes but the goal and end result is the same. I didn’t outline my first book. I just wrote. I’m more of a ‘pantser’ and the ideas just flow when I put my hands to the keyboard.

However, I have come to learn the benefits of outlining. It gives you a bird’s eye view, if you will, of the world you’re creating and makes it easier to see the trouble spots. I also think your work might require less rewriting and changes when you start with an outline. So needless to say I now combine both methods and I find it works great for me.

My first book took me about seven months. And I still say it felt like an out of body experience. My second book was a collection of short stories I had written for a period of time.

As for drafts, after I hit publish I always have to rid my computer of several drafts just so I don’t mistake them for the final one.

Me: Is there anything you find particularly challenging about writing? 

Remi: Yeah, it’s that thing called writing. Lol. Being descriptive in my scenes is a challenge but I find it gets better the more I write and tweak and work on my output. And really finding the time to write amidst all of life’s demands. But we do what we must, don’t we?

Me: We certainly do. Name one person that you feel supported you with regards to your writing. 

Remi: My Husband! 🙂

Me: What book are you currently working on?

Remi: I have two works-in-progress, the second volume of my Historical Flash Fiction series and a story that’s making me both smile with joy and pull out my hair in frustration.

Me: Ah, I’m glad I’m not the only one who finds writing to be an emotional roller coaster. I would like to end with a few quick-fire questions. Ready?

Remi: Sure!

Silver or gold? Silver
Casual or formal? Casual every day!
Summer or Winter? Fall. Sorry 🙂
Chocolates or flowers? Neither.
Books or movies? No…Do I have to choose?
Reading or writing? I will not choose! Haha
Pen or Pencil? Haven’t used a pencil in ages.
Tea or Coffee? Smoothie.
Early bird or Night Owl? Night Owl
Ice-cream or yoghurt? Smoothie? 🙂

Me: Thanks Remi, it’s been a pleasure talking to you.

Remi: Thanks for having me.

About Remi Roy

Remi Roy was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. Her love of books and reading blossomed into a desire to tell stories. In 2013 she moved to the United States for a Master’s Program in Emerging Media and Communication.

Her books Ms. Unlikely and From the Sidelines are available on Amazon. Remi lives in the United States with her husband.

Check her out on Amazon!