Meet the Author: Selena Haskins

Selena is a prolific author with several adult novels and some kids books out! Her next book, Cousins - All We Got Is Us! comes out April 16, 2024. It's a compelling young adult novel set in the DC area in the 1980s following a family of cousins who always have each other's backs. You can find Selena at www.booksbyselena.com and on most social media @BooksBySelena, including YouTube. https://www.amazon.com/Cousins-All-We-Got-Us-ebook/dp/B0CZZGQMRW

Tell us about Cousins – All We Got Is Us!
Cousins is a story about five cousins who grow up in Washington, DC during the 80s and 90s. A tragic event happens that ultimately reveals a dark family secret. The idea was loosely-based on my time growing up on Capitol Hill with my cousins. I chose the setting of Washington, DC because that's my hometown. I delve into what used to be present throughout the city before the gentrification took place. Readers will be able to relate to the different landmarks I mention in the book as well as historical events that took place during that time. No book is easy to write. The ideas are easy to come up with, but bringing those ideas to fruition takes a lot of effort, at least for me. This particular book project was fun overall because it sparked nostalgia and took me back to a moment in time. On the other hand, it challenged me because of the different characters and sensitive topics I tried to address.
 
What's a favorite line?
"Go and get yourself a life."
 
What's a core memory that made you want to be a writer?
I always had a vivid imagination. I didn't know what it was, but I realize it was my gift from God. I was also drawn to books at a very early age. By the time I got to high school and I read, Judy Blume's books, especially "Forever," I knew I wanted to be a writer. 
 
What was your favorite book as a child?
Judy Blume's "Forever." There were so many layers to this story, but the overall theme was that when you're young you think love will last forever. Your emotions are very strong, and the bond you form with the one you love feels unbreakable. The book sparked me to write romantic themes in my books.
 
What was your last five-star read?
Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby. I felt like I was watching an action-packed movie. The characters were well-developed. The story was suspenseful and kept me on the edge of my seat. It was also funny at times, and it helped to lighten things up a bit. 
 
What finally made you decide to write a novel?
I have been writing stories since junior high school. I started taking it seriously by high school, when my English teacher Mr. Sutton said I had creative talent. 

What is something you'd like readers to know about you as a person?
Although I write fiction, I read a lot of non-fiction. I love history, memoirs, and I watch documentaries. I'm also a huge basketball fan. I love the Boston Celtics even though I'm from DC. 

What are you working on right now?
Cousins Part 2 when the characters become adults. 
 
When did your last book come out?
My last book was a children's book, She Can Dance. 
https://www.amazon.com/She-Can-Dance-Selena-Haskins-ebook/dp/B0BPR5NQYG

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