What is your passion?

I actually have several passions, cooking, sports and animals can all fit in that category but my main passion is writing. There’s just something about having a story to tell and formulating them into something that the masses can read that has me hooked. I have been writing for years, bits and pieces but I have never really been given the opportunity to do it more mainstream until I got my publishing deal with Karma Monae Presents. It honestly has been a dream come true and I’m so happy to be able to share my work with the world.

When did you realize that this was your passion?

I realized that I loved to write when I was 12 years old. I had this project for my English class in which I had to write a short story describing an important time in my life. A short story for me turned into a 35,000 word mini novel that had my teacher ecstatic. From there I was always encouraged to keep a journal and write down how I was feeling at certain moments. For me, that was my escape from my crazy life. It was also a huge coping mechanism for after my Father’s passing, it kept me sane.

Where did you get the inspiration for your book?

My book is a hodgepodge of all different aspects of my life. Some of the characters are actually based on real life people I have known for a really long time, and others are derived from various places I have been. Within the storylines, I have put some real life issues that people I know have been dealing with or have been affected by. But its fiction, so nothing is off the table.

Describe one of your proudest moments.

Hmmm, one of my proudest moments definitely has to be graduating high school. Of all my extended family, I was the second one to reach that milestone. It was a proud moment for my mother and grandmother as they stood by and watched me walk across the stage. It’s something every kid should strive for and I was lucky enough to achieve it.

Describe a hardship and how it was overcome.

I would love to say I had a perfect life but I didn’t. When my father passed away at 13, my mom struggled to raise all of us on her own while working various jobs to pay the bills. One thing I seen a lot when I was growing up was my cousins having babies at 16 and 17, I didn’t want that. I was determined not to be another statistic so I worked and helped to take care of my brothers. Money was definitely an issue for us. Raising kids in a single household was not ideal but we made it work. I never had the new popular stuff but I never went without, my mom made sure of that. Overcoming so many obstacles turned me into the amazing, caring person I am today.

How do you see your passion being manifested in the future?

My one life goal for my writing is to make the NY Times bestsellers list. I don’t care if I’m #100 of 100, I just want to be able to say I made it. I also would love to be able to give back and mentor other people who love writing as much as I do.

State a quote or song lyric that either:

1) Describes your life

Oh my lord, I have to choose? Well, right now in this time and place I would pick Me, Myself and I by G-Eazy Ft Bebe Rexha, it’s not saying anything bad, but I’ve always been an independent woman and even though I have a wonderful spouse, I find that I rely on myself for everything vs reaching out for it.

2) Gets you motivated to do what needs to be done

Hands down, California Love by 2Pac, the beat is contagious and it gets me hyped to get stuff done.

How can you relate to the characters in your book?

I can relate in the fact that she’s successful and independent and doesn’t need a man to achieve what she wants too. She’s also super loving and caring, for her, her family and friends are everything and she would do whatever it takes to make them happy. Being raised by mom who is the ultimate strong woman, I was taught to take care of my family and keep my circle loyal and strong, my foundation is everything to me.

LADA: Courtney is a hardworking woman who always lends a helping hand. She supported me wholeheartedly during the making of aladalove.com and is a great friend. I've watched her dedicate so much time and effort in this book and I am so excited to see her success. Support her and visit her website at http://www.authorcourtneydee.com/. Congratulations again Courtney!