Shelia Goss: Please introduce yourself to the readers.
Stacy-Deanne: My name is Stacy-Deanne. I am twenty-eight. I am a writer of fiction. My latest work is the best selling music compilation book, “ Divas of the New Millennium “featuring today’s brightest and most accomplished female music stars. I started my career at nineteen. I published my first novel at twenty-one in 1999. I write novels based on characters of all different backgrounds from all different points in time. I am currently working on a comedic anthology. I am also a model, landscape photographer and editor. I was born and reside in Houston, Texas. I am also a member of the Author’s Guild.

Shelia: Do you have a musical background?
Stacy-Deanne: My background doesn’t consist of me being directly involved in music but I consider myself having a musical background in terms of that I love music. I have studied various artists and I appreciate all kinds of music.

Shelia: Why did you choose to write a book about women singers?
Stacy-Deanne:
I came up with the idea on a whim. I was interested in some singers I liked then I started writing about them. Before I knew it, I was writing pretty good material. I not only learned a lot about them while researching the artists but also I learned a lot about the difficulties and rewards of fame. I didn’t truly understand the pressures of the music world until I wrote the book. Just learning about the artists inspired me beyond belief.

Shelia: Did you interview them all prior to writing the book?
Stacy-Deanne: I did my first bio on Mya before I even had a publisher. I hadn’t intended on getting the work published. It was just something I wanted to do for myself. Then someone suggested I look up a publisher because I had something hot. Mya was untouched and certain people felt the public would appreciate a book about her. I contacted Amber Communications Group Inc., after completing it. They offered me a contract for Mya as well as future biographies. I suggested interviewing Ashanti for her book but due to time and the need to be done with the work as soon as possible, my publisher felt it unnecessary. Now I am grateful. I wouldn’t be so proud of the book if I hadn’t been able to create my parts solely.

Shelia: What does the title "Divas in the new Millennium" represent?
Stacy-Deanne: Well originally the word “ diva “ means a black female singer. It comes back from the juke joint days. Back in the days of Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and others of that era, people called them divas. Now divas have been transformed to singers of other races and to people who aren’t even singers. I think “ diva “ means something different to everyone but basically it’s just a singer.

"Divas of the New Millennium" just describes these ladies as divas of their time. It’s not to say that they are the only singers worthy of the title of course. There are a lot of talented singers who are also divas. But the women in this book have brought something to music that cannot be denied. It’s amazing because most of them are so young. In their own right and to their fans they are “ divas “ of the new millennium. We can’t deny that Jennifer Lopez is the prime diva of the book because she not only became a huge success, she changed the way society and the media looked at Latinos and has gone farther (overall) than any other Latino celebrity. At least I think so.

Shelia: Do you listen to music when you write? If so, what CDs would you recommend to readers?
Stacy-Deanne: Nope. I have the television on low but if that distracts me too much I turn it off. I wear earplugs mostly due to outside noise anyway. I find it impossible to write and listen to music at the same time.

Shelia: If you had a theme song, what would it be and why?
Stacy-Deanne: I have two theme songs. Maybe more now, LOL! One is "Eye of the Tiger" from the Rocky. It describes determination and fits me perfectly. You can’t keep me down for long. "Man in the Mirror" by Michael Jackson is another. I recently went through a negative stage in my life. I have transformed into a more positive person and I can’t tell you how great this feels. This song not only tells us to look at the problems in the world but to look at ourselves before trying to help change other people. We all have faults. We must pinpoint them, face our inner demons and embrace being positive. It’s the only way to truly be happy and successful. Plus once we see what we should change to be better people, we can help others.

Shelia: What advice would you give aspiring writers?
Stacy-Deanne: The most important thing is to learn the business. I would suggest reading books in your genre if you write fiction. If you intend to be in the game long you shouldn’t compare yourself to other writers. Some writers become extremely successful off of their first book. Others may not find that success until years later. It doesn’t mean one writer is better than the other is. It takes time in this business. I am twenty-eight now. I have been in this game since 1997 and finally I have accomplished success that soothes me. You should also know the true meaning of success when it pertains to you. Success doesn’t always mean having a best seller or becoming rich and famous. Success comes from inside. You can be the richest person in the world but does that mean you are happy? I don't believe you’re truly successful until you are happy with yourself and your life, minus your professional accomplishments. I would also say be very determined and keep at it. There are no guarantees in writing but you can’t give up. You must also do it for the right reasons.

Shelia: How can readers learn more about your books and get in contact with you?
Stacy-Deanne: Readers can buy "Divas of the New Millennium" online and in stores wherever books are sold. I have an entire page of interviews on my web site https://www.stacy-deanne.net so people can learn tons of things about the book and me. You can also contact me through my postal fan mail address and by email. I love positive interaction from fans. You can also check out my blog https://stacy-deanne.blogspot.com to converse with me. Just leave a comment. Also, sign up for my newsletter to really know what’s going on in my head.