Ten Questions with… Raynetta Stocks
Today I’m happy to welcome Raynetta Stocks to answer Ten Questions!
* * *
Author Bio: Raynetta Stocks was born in Washington D.C. in August 1981. She excelled early at reading and writing, passions that endured and thrived into adulthood. She honed her skills entering literary contests and writing plays and prose for various extracurricular groups in both high school and college. Having already published a co-authored collection of prose titled Barely Breathing in 2005, Raynetta embarks upon her first solo effort, The Grim, a gritty and empowering novel about a young woman’s struggle with PTSD. She now resides in Maryland with her family.
Author Site: http://www.raynettastocks.com
You can find her books at her website, on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble!
About the Writer
1. What five words describe you?
Fun-loving, nurturing, laidback, social, romantic
2. What was the first story you ever wrote? I mean the really bad one we all have that you’re trying to hide in the back of closet now that you’re published?
Haha! My first story ever was supposed to be a series, Babysitter’s Club style, about a group of adolescent animals that perform odd jobs around their town. They had weird names like Deerito Deer and Buster Bunny! I eventually scrapped the whole thing when I realized I was having these 12-year old animals face obstacles too heavy for the typical preteen.
3. What inspires you?
In a word: life. I like to talk about things that are often brushed under the rug, issues that rub people the wrong way. If we bring these ideas to the forefront, I think we’ll find these issues are more common than we’re willing to admit.
4. What distracts you?
When I’m writing, noise is my kryptonite. The story has to play out like a movie in my head, and then I write exactly what I see. It’s hard to think clearly when kids are running in and out of the house, and your boyfriend’s bugging you about what’s for dinner.
5. What’s your favorite story? This can be specific, as in a particular book or even story-driven movie, or general, like “I’m a sucker for a hero looking for redemption story.”
My favorite story is “Desiree’s Baby” by Kate Chopin. It’s a short story but packs so much punch. In general though, I love stories that hit you with that wild twist you weren’t expecting. Fantastic!
* * *
About the Writing
1. Tell us about your currently available titles.
My newest release is The Grim, which follows Jaycee Baynes, single mother and convicted murderer, through her tumultuous stay at an in-patient psych ward. Unable to remember the horrendous events that incarcerated her, she is haunted daily by the presence of her bullet-riddled ex-lover, without whose help, she will undoubtedly never be freed. Having repressed all memory of what she’s done, Jaycee must find a way to manage her illness and confront her past–before it consumes her first.
2. What’s your favorite part about writing these stories?
The best part of writing The Grim was finally getting to tell the story I wanted to tell. Jaycee and I endured similar struggles and pains, and this book really changed my outlook on my whole life. I got to watch Jaycee grow and become a new woman, and at the same time, I did, too. It was an incredible feeling.
3. What would your characters say about you? Be honest!
Great question! My characters would probably say I’m a brilliant BS-er! A lot of the content of The Grim was completely off the top of my head as it was clear that some of the scenarios in which I placed them would most likely never have happened in reality. But I needed to add some adventure, and the only way to do that was to stretch the truth…just a little. 
4. Who would play your favorite character if they made a movie of their story?
Wow, I’ve thought about this a lot actually. I would love Zoe Saldana to play my main character, Jaycee. She’s a brilliant actress, and I think her personality completely embodies everything I believe Jaycee to be. While I’m at it, her leading man, Aaron, would just have to be played by Channing Tatum! He’s the perfect blend of sensitivity and strength.
5. Do you have any projects currently in the works you want to talk about?
Actually, I have two projects pending. One is a second prose compilation with fellow author J. Mahogany tentatively titled Above Broken Dreams. I would love to include some short stories in this one, too. The second project is another novel, The Devil & I, a romance about a couple whose prior obstacles and secrets are finally catching up to them. I’m really excited about both!
* * *
Thank you, Raynetta, for joining us today and good luck with your writing!
