We have found a new author to spend a few minutes with…  Without further ado meet Nedyne Shorts-Nettles =

Tell us a little about Poison Reality: A Symphony of Bittersweet.

It is a potent tale of failings and ultimate redemption that frames our collective existence; displaying for the reader both how vulnerable and strong we can all be when confronting the challenges of life. With strong, believable characters and intriguing storylines, Poison Reality is a fast-paced, solid human interest story; it leaves you with such an indelible impression with the turning of the final page.

When you start writing, do you already have the story plotted out or do you let the characters dictate what will happen?

I am a new author and utilize the process of Brainstorming and Freestyle. Brainstorming is when an idea is kicked around and opinions are sought in order to maintain realism. Freestyling is playing with a theme and just letting it evolve naturally. A lot of the background was developed from my personal encounters with people, venues and situations. I do not belong to a critique group and will probably pursue one when writing my next book.

What inspired you to write in your genre?  Is this the genre you started writing in or have you morphed to this one?

This is the genre I enjoy because it can mimic real life or not. It leaves the reader wanting more. Poison Reality: a symphony of bittersweet was written to take the reader on a journey. It is meant to have the reader’s imagination satiated with relate able circumstances. This is why I enjoyed writing it because I felt like I was directing this movie. The climax left me numb because I had the feeling of now what. Hopefully other writers get this type of rush in the genre they chose.

I wanted to see a fresh story something that relates to our everyday lives. People are my canvass and I like to see them come alive. I love books written by Tom Wolfe. One in particular, The Bonfire of the Vanities. Another great book Waiting to Exhale by Terry McMillan and Tara Road by Maeve Binchy. Each of these authors paid attention to realism and wrote a very action oriented book that took the imagination to the same heights as an epic movie.

Do you have a favorite character you have written?

The Ned character is one of the central hubs of my novel moving from woman to woman is someone we see time and time again. He is a man who is nice looking and slides under the radar as a closet sociopath when he has alcohol. Women just wanted him as an arm piece. They didn’t take time to find out much about him. They are just tired of being alone and threw all caution to the wind when it came to him. This character is so cunning that I really had fun writing him.

Do you have a character that you look back on now and don’t like?

All of my characters blended well in what they were intended to do. If I could do it over I would develop Bill Edwards’ demise better.

Do you draw inspiration for your characters from real life? Any fun stories you could share?

I have always been a people watcher. I love to journal about things and people who interest me. The story came together like a picture on a canvas my inspiration was soaps or novellas. I love the way people are interacting through their lives struggles. Movies like Life as a House, The Color Purple, Goodwill Hunting etc… Are all movies showing human characteristics as they are. My novel also focuses on people.

Name one thing that your readers would be surprised to know about you.

As a child I wanted to be a psychologist and I am currently in the masters program making this dream a reality.

Do you have a guilty pleasure?

One of my guilty pleasures is to have someone read Poison Reality: A Symphony of Bittersweet and we have a discussion about it. I have a sort of interview with them to see what their favorite characters are and what they liked and disliked about the book. I really enjoy doing this.

What do you need before you start writing?  Anything that is just a must have or the creative juice don’t flow?

I draw my inspiration from life. You never know what you will see or hear about that will give you that creative edge. I am a people watcher and places like the beach, the mall, work, past relationships all culminate to help me write my stories.

Does music influence your writing?  If so, do any of your stories have a theme song?

Originally the book was titled The Bitter End and it was showcased by a rap song written for the book. Throughout the book it eludes to this song.

If your story was optioned for a movie, who would play your characters?

Poison Reality: A Symphony of Bittersweet: The cast:

Melissa Bates: the other woman: Alicia keys

Vierna Bates: about to be divorced: Vanessa Williams

Greg: married two woman: Shamar Moore

Ned: the antagonist: Terrence Howard

Anthony: the fitness instruction: Cuba Gooding Jr.

Psychologist Jimmy: Neil Patrick Harris

Betty: School teacher/student of Wallerson College: Nia Long

Betty’s Grandma: Alfre Woodard

Terry: Classmate of Betty: Gabrielle Union or Jennifer Hudson

Terry’s mom: Loretta Devine

Sunday Mesa AKA Nettie: the actress: Eva Longoria

Mabel: Monique

Skeet: Lil Bow Wow

Desiree: Janet Jackson

Detective Bill Edwards: Denzel Washington

Where were you when you got your first contract?  Who did you tell first?

My husband and I celebrated when I got my contract. It was very surreal.

What are you currently working on, and what else is in the wings?

I am working on Poison reality 2 the sequel because there was a lot more to this story.

Where can readers find you? I am on facebook

And for the silly side – What is your favorite type of chocolate?

Sorry but I am allergic to chocolate.