Author Interview: Sianah Nalika DeShield

About the author:
No stranger to the world of words, Sianah Nalika DeShield has utilized her passion and affinity for writing to empower others and advocate for a better world. Having found a love of writing at an early age, Sianah once dreamed of taking her talents to the world. With an early focus on literature, language, English, and history, her skills developed as a base from which she would launch into socio-political advocacy and beyond.

In her beloved home of Liberia, the author found a discrepancy in not only a lack of writers in her country but of unequal opportunities for young people. Her desire to work with youth and advocate for her homeland, She pursued political science as an undergraduate degree at the United Methodist University. Her time spent as a freshman and sophomore class representative not only led her to an appointment to the Liberia National Students Union (LINSU) but also afforded her the opportunity to experience first hand the dire need for young people in Liberia. Working in the social sciences opened the door for Sianah to help others, promote advocacy, and utilize her writing skills to effect change.

With no interest in slowing down, the author went on to pursue a career in Administration. Her skills led her from Liberia to Ghana as a 2014 MILEAD Fellow and then on to Cyprus where she pursued a Masters Degree in International Relations at the Eastern Mediterranean University. It is then that she refocused her personal and professional goals back to the world of creative writing and married her love of language, advocacy, and international relations in a foundation where she can mentor young writers in her home country.

Once the creative dreamer with the hopes of best seller- lists, Sianah has developed her skills around a lifelong passion for social change and creative development. Now she is dedicated to creating opportunities for young writers in Liberia that she did not have. Still, as passionate as ever about her own writing, the author can now add novelist to her long list of accomplishments and hopes to become one of the most prolific writers Africa has ever known.

What inspires you to write romantic fiction?
I am a lover of love and everything romance. Nothing makes me happier than writing a romance story. The way my characters and I engage is something I look forward to doing for the rest of my life.

Tell us about how you write.
I am a morning person. I write when I wake up first thing in the morning and whenever a story idea comes to mind, which normally happens in the shower. I play the entire chapter in my head and when I get out, I write them.

Do you listen to or talk to to your characters?
I talk, laugh and listen to my character. When I am writing, there is a whole conversation that goes on. That is why I love writing. I could never get bored doing it.

What advice would you give other romance writers?
First, I will tell you, don’t doubt yourself. Find an avid reader you can trust and let them read your work and give you a feedback. Second, work on your story and make them better every day. Do not be afraid to delete and change story ideas. As long as it makes the story better, it is worth it. Third, don’t be crowded by what everyone is doing. Do what you know how to do best and what inspires you. Last, read, write, and read some more. I find it the most exhilarating thing to do in the all the universe.

How did you decide how to publish your books?
I researched and did it.

What do you think about the future of book publishing?
I think more writers will become comfortable to put their work out there which is a good thing. There are so many talents that are being wasted by self-doubt and lack of encouragement.

Which romance sub-genere(s) fit your stories best?
Contemporary Romance, Strong female leads, millionaires, domestic abuse, sexual addiction, steamy romance

My books are available in the following formats:
eBook, Print