Author Spotlight: Cee Brooks
Sensations: We are honored to have with us, newly published author, Cee Brooks. Cee’s first novel, “Her Best Friends Lover,” will be available on September 15th. I had the pleasure of reading it from cover to cover, and I must say, WOW!!! You really hit the ball out of the park your first time at bat. What would you like for your readers to know about you?
Cee: I am a dreamer who was born and raised in New Jersey, I am the mother of two beautiful children who are my motivators, and I love to converse with all types of people which is how I get some of the ideas for my books.
Sensations: Besides your children, what else motivated you to write your first novel?
Cee: The funny thing is that I never set out to write a novel. I was just writing a story for my co-workers to read during the "down" times at work. But, the more they read, the more they wanted me to write. So, I wrote new pages when I had a little free time at home. But, when I got injured at work and was out, I stopped writing. I didn't have a reason any more. At that point, I didn't see the book as a novel; it was just loose papers in a folder. It wasn't until about 1 or 2 years later when I was sorting through old papers that I came across it again. I thought, "Wow... I have 4 chapters here. I might as well finish this." and that's what I did. And to be honest I love seeing other people's reactions to different situations in the book. It amazes me how people from different nationalities and sexes relate to common issues.
Sensations: Your characters and scenes are so well developed, even the minor ones, that it's more like watching a movie than reading a book. How do you write with such vivid realism?
Cee: This may sound crazy but, I see what's going on in my books. Sometimes, I feel like I'm peeking into someone else's life and jotting down notes. I want to do my characters, no matter how big or small, justice, so I pay attention to all the details that I visualize. I understand how different surroundings can affect ones judgment and I make adjustments to fit their circumstances. The time of day, the weather outside, the color of a room, and the location all play a part in how we perceive an incident. Someone once told me that I live in my own world, and I'm guessing I do in a sense. It's my ability to see things outside the box that helps me guide the reader through this novel.
Sensations: There are so many plots, subplots, and twists and turns in this story. What messages do you hope that readers will come away with after reading your novel?
Cee: The most important thing I would love readers to take away from this novel is that change is possible. But whether that change is for the good or the bad is a personal decision. Hold tight to people and things you deem valuable; and cut your loses with those that are bringing you down. We have to see people for who they really are rather than holding on to potentials. And we have to take responsibility for our own actions, accept the punishment or reward, and move on.
Senstions: Those are incredible words of wisdom from such a young woman. What can we expect next?
Cee: I have just completed my second novel entitled, Zoned. This novel is about a young woman, Raine, who's in an abusive relationship, but she's yearning for something bigger and better in life. During her struggle for self-preservation she gets swept away in a whirlwind of events that blast her limitations, pushing her over the edge. This novel deals with abuse, determination, and freeing one’s self. I call this novel my big girl book because I have definitely taken the training wheels off for this one! lol.
Sensations: I can’t wait to read Zoned. And I can’t wait for everyone else to read Her Best Friend’s Lover. Cee Brooks, you are a very gifted writer and I know that we will be seeing a lot more of your work through the years. Congratulations, and thank you for allowing us to introduce you to the world.