Author Interview- Unbalanced Ph by J.M. Scarlet
What inspired you to becomean author?
The inspiration behind becoming an author is a kind of funnystory. I was hanging out with a few of my writing friends and one of themchallenged me to write and publish a book. I am the kind of woman who never turns down a challenge! Therefore I started writing, and my friendhelped me through the self publishing process, and here I am with my firstwork—so excited!
How did you come up with thetitle for your latest book?
Science has always been a big love for me. It’s a hard subjectto study and understand but I enjoy the challenge. So I started studying about ph balance andhow it affects people and other things in nature. I also understand that bodies have to be inbalance. I started thinking about how mycharacters are all unbalanced in some way or another; everyone for that matter.Three is an odd number, my characters are flawed, so the idea of ‘unbalancedph’ started to form. I felt that itwould be a good enough teaser to peak readers' interest.
Do you title the book firstor wait until after it’s complete?
I started out with completely different titles. The first onewas ‘Journey of D’, which was ok, but it just didn’t fit. Then I switched over to ‘The Neighbor Lady’,but that too felt off because of PJ and her contribution to the arc of thestory. As I began to reread the storyover and over I landed on ‘Unbalanced Ph’. The book wasn’t complete, but after I found the title, I was able toreally dig in, and complete the story.
Is the book, characters, orany scenes based on a true life experience, someone you know, or events in yourown life?
Doug is loosely based on a co-worker who’s a single dad andimaginations I have of my father who I never knew. He and my mother split either before I wasborn or when I was a baby. My mother has never given me the absolute truth, andI have yet to meet my father to get the whole story. So writing Doug was cathartic for me. Myco-worker who’s a single dad gave me some concrete situations to write from. From both of those experiences Doug and thenovella were born.
Is there a genre(s) thatyou’d like to write that you haven’t tackled yet?
I think I’d like to write some science fiction. I really lovewriting characters and crazy sensual situations, but I also would love to sendthem into space, or write about another planet. If I could make a sequel withthese three characters going to another planet would be great. However I really want to find a core audiencefirst and maybe sell some books! But rest assured, if they do go to anotherplanet there will be some spicy scenes with some sexy aliens! (lol)
What book are you readingnow?
I’m currently reading “The Dare” by Harley Laroux. I found thisauthor through a friend who told me to read her because she is an excellentstory-teller. I have found this to be sotrue! It’s a short read, but I’ve reallygotten sucked into the story, so sexy, so many twists, I love it!
Is there anything you findparticularly challenging in your writing?
The most challenging part of the writing was definitely writingthe sex scenes. It is tough! Since this is all new to me, I didn’t want tooffend people, but at the same time I wanted the experiences to be authentic.I’m a fan of sex, let’s be clear! I also understand some readers want specificwords to give specific feelings etc. SoI struggled with giving the right words for certain body parts, and dialog. Ihope to get some feedback on this part of my writing the most, this way I canadjust what I give to the people.
When you’re not writing whatdo you do? Do you have any hobbies or guilty
pleasures?
When I’m not writing, or hanging out with friends my true guiltypleasure is roller skating. It’s a physical activity that keeps me in shape.Now I also enjoy other physical activities that make me quiver, sweat andsquirm, but we’ll save those for another post. However, skating allows me to be free. Feeling the wind rush through myhair, or spinning around and around on the skates is absolute dizzying joy.
What is next for you? Do youhave any scheduled upcoming releases or works in
progress?
Well, there are a few things I’m working/toying with. The first is a sequel to Unbalanced Ph. Ireally want to dive in with my lady co-stars. This book is definitely Dougcentered, but the sequel(s) would swoop into the stories of these intriguingwomen. I’m also thinking of creating an audio book. Friends have told me thataudio books can create a whole new fan base for me. So I’ve been kicking thataround, but once again, it’s something I know nothing about. And, it’s achallenge, and we know how I feel about challenges!
Unbalanced PhJ.M. Scarlet
Genre: Romance/Erotica Date of Publication: May 1st Number of pages: 57 Word Count: 17,686Cover Artist: King of Designer
Book Description:
In "Unbalanced pH," Doug finds himself at a crossroads as he navigates the complexities of family, desire, and self-discovery amidst a tumultuous transition.
Struggling through a custody battle for his two young children, Doug seeks stability and solace in the form of a larger home, hoping it will bolster his chances of securing custody. However, amidst the chaos of legal proceedings, he finds himself drawn into a web of temptation and desire.
His attractive neighbor, Nene, begins to show romantic interest in him. Their initial encounters are innocent enough, but soon evolve into a passionate and clandestine affair. Entranced by Nene's charm and allure, Doug is torn between the heat of their connection and the responsibilities weighing heavily upon him.
Meanwhile, Doug's routine visits to the local bar provide him with an escape from the pressures of his life. It is here that he encounters PJ, a seductive and captivating woman whose presence ignites a spark within him. Despite his initial reservations, Doug finds himself entangled in a whirlwind romance with PJ, further complicating his already tumultuous situation.
As Doug navigates the complexities of his budding relationships with Nene and PJ, he grapples with the weight of the secrets that have fractured his family, he must also confront the harsh realities of his custody battle. Despite the allure of his newfound romantic prospects, Doug finds himself haunted by the absence of his children, yearning for their presence in his life.
Doug embarks on a journey of self-discovery, searching for the balance that will bring him the happiness he seeks. He must confront his own vulnerabilities and uncertainties in order to find the balance he so desperately seeks.
Unbalanced pH is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the pursuit of happiness, as one man grapples with the complexities of family, romance, and the secrets that threaten to unravel his world.
Excerpt
As he drove up and pulled into his spot he noticed Nene getting out ofher car with two arms full of groceries. Doug parked his car, and quicklygot out to help.
“Hey Nene, do you need some help?”
“Heeyyy Doug, of course I could use a hand,” she replied as he grabbeda bag that was slipping out her hand. “Thanks so much! Thesegroceries are a mess, but I gotta feed these kids. And while I’m heregettin’ these groceries, the kids ain’t never around to help!” As she chuckled,Doug nodded. He’d passed Nene a few days back and met her briefly, butthis was their first real interaction.
“Yeah, that’s the thing about kids, I get that. But you gotta beglad you had ‘em right?”
“Well I guess Doug, I have second thoughts from time to time,” she saidas she laughed again.
“Hey Doug, I noticed you working on that house next door, and waswondering are you fixing it up, or are you moving in?” They both gatheredtheir grip on their respective groceries and paused. Doug shifted arounda bit.
“Uh...well, you know Nene, since you like asked and all, I’m prettymuch doing both. I bought the property, and it needed a bit of work soI’m working on it too.”
“Ohhh, ok, ok Dougie, I see you, I see you. Well since I got thismoment with you, if you don’t mind me askin’ and all,” she started whilelooking up at him, “what you going to do with all that space? I’ve been hereseven years, and all these houses are the same. They’re all threebedrooms. And from what I’ve noticed, it don’t seem like you have anyfamily. Am I correct in that?” She motioned her torso in a shy butsultry fashion. Doug felt slightly warm; the sun was out, but that wasnot the origin of his temperature rise. He looked her up and downfaintly, and noticed her nicely painted toes poking out from her sandals, hershape, void of hips, but trim waistline, her full bosom, and long pink nailscontrasting her beautiful dark skin. Doug glanced deeply at her face, andfocused on her provocative brown eyes.
“Well Nene,” he stuttered, “since you asked, I’m sing–...I mean I havetwo girls. And yeah, I’m single, I mean I’m a single dad,” he replied,mopping his answer up at the end.
“OK!” she exclaimed, making space and walking toward the door. “Iwasn’t trying to get all in your business, but we’re neighbors you know. So I just wanted to let you know, if you ever needed a cup of sugar orsome flour or something like that, I’m here. Right next door, I’m yourneighbor.” Doug helped her to the door, and handed her the load ofgroceries he held.
“I got you Nene, I got you. But let me ask you something?” She nodded in acceptance to his question. “How do you know I cancook?” She smiled and gazed at him.
“Well, any man who is single, appears to be responsible, is ahomeowner, and has a smile like yours…I’m just betting you can. Sooo, ifyou need a little sugar to make something sweet, I’m the neighbor lady youshould call on. I’m only a few feet away.”
“Ok,” Doug replied, smiling at her, “If I’m ever in need of some sugar,you’ll be the first neighbor I’ll call.” Doug backed off her doorstep andstarted to walk away. He looked back to see Nene gripping her finger inher mouth eyeing him. She quickly waved, and Doug waved back, smiling.
Singledad…single, I’m single, thought Doug as he walked the pathway to his house. I’m single, I don’t need permission to talk to my neighbors. I’msingle. No one will say anything about how you handle your life; youdon’t have a woman right now. You’re single. Be ok with that.
About the Author:
JM Scarlet is a burgeoning talent in the literary world, making her mark with captivating Urban Fiction and Erotica tales. With her debut book, "Unbalanced Ph," slated for release early this summer, Scarlet is poised to enthrall readers with her provocative storytelling.
Despite being a newcomer to the industry, Scarlet's passion for crafting compelling narratives shines through in her work. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant energy of urban life and the complexities of human desire, she weaves tales that resonate deeply with readers.
Beyond her writing endeavors, Scarlet is known for her affinity for cats and an appreciation for all things sexy. However, she remains steadfast in her belief that the story itself is paramount, striving to create narratives that captivate and inspire.
As she embarks on her journey as an author, JM Scarlet invites readers to join her in exploring the rich tapestry of human experience through the lens of passion, intrigue, and unbridled desire.
Blog: https://jmscarlet00.wixsite.com/jms-urban-tales
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JmScarlet97028
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