First Last & Forever

Writing two separate stories in one book came with its challenges. First Last & Forever began as

a story about Dreaux and Wisdom. Noah’s story was supposed to be a subplot that proved

Dreaux’s complexity. However, as I got to the third or fourth chapter, Noah’s story began

speaking to me louder than Dreaux’s.

So, I took a break to figure out how I wanted to complete it. Noah’s story could’ve been a spin-

off which didn’t feel right to me. Therefore, I decided to write it in real-time. But I have to

admit; it was difficult trying not to allow his story to overpower Dreaux’s.

Wisdom and Dreaux’s story was pretty straightforward. Dreaux never believed in love, Wisdom

challenged that notion, and when it came time for her to give in to her feelings, she couldn’t. It

was only a weekend in Vegas. What sense did it make for two people to fall in love after

spending a couple of days together?

Noah and Destini’s story was complex. I never wanted Noah to be depicted as a cheater. My

main goal was to have readers understand his dilemma and sympathize with his struggle. He

intended on entering a marriage yet had found a woman he thought to be his destiny.

Destini played a role many women find themselves in: connecting with a man (mentally and

emotionally) but unable to have him. So what do we do? We accept being the man’s friend,

giving him the piece of us that fulfills him yet leaves us yearning more.

Though it doesn’t work for many of us, you’ll have to read First Last & Forever to find out if it

works out for Destini.

And then there was Crazy Ass Sasha…

Her placement was strategic. Readers had to hate her in order to be conflicted about Noah’s

actions. The readers who have read Untainted Love would’ve carried that hate, so they would be

more forgiving of Noah for almost crossing boundaries he shouldn’t have. I wouldn’t be

surprised if some readers were hoping he did go through with crossing them.

That was the mixed reaction I was hoping for.

First Last & Forever was possibly one of my favorite books to write. It challenged me in many

ways: to go past my word count goal, write complex characters, and essentially write two books

in one.

I am looking forward to doing it again.

Sidenote: I used my sister’s picture for the cover. Her boyfriend, a professional photographer

(1litestudio), took it, and Aubree Pynn helped bring it to life. It was perfection.