FEATURED AUTHOR: DEHANNA BAILEE

Dehanna currently lives in central North Carolina, with her husband and son,
on a small plot of land just north of the city, in a little house they built
themselves. One day, it might possibly be finished. Her hobbies include
writing, gardening, art, and guitar.

Author of the paranormal romance, True Nature, she enjoys writing for the
love of the story and the freedom of expression. Her debut novel, well
received so far by reviewers, is about a woman's struggle, not only with her
true self, but her destiny. First in a planned series of three books, True
Nature is an inspirational story of self-discovery and triumph over tragedy.
If you would like to read Dehanna's writing and poetry, please visit her
homepage: Dehanna Bailee

I started writing stories and poems in high school. I guess the one big
reason for me to start writing was it provided me an escape, gave me a way
to express myself without actually having to voice what I was feeling
inside. I have always had a vivid imagination, and I found it easier to
create these fantastic worlds and characters than to deal with my own
reality. My friends advised me to keep the stories going. Well, I didn't.
Life happened. Too many things all jammed into such few years. It has only
been in the past couple of years that I have been able to sit down and
actually spend time seriously writing again. I guess that was mainly because
we purchased our first computer. What is was about those blank white sheets
of cyber paper on the screen, and the ability to write and rewrite so
easily, I honestly don't know. But, here I am.

I can't say that I read any one genre or any particular author. I admit I
read books according to the appeal of the story at that point in time. I
have a whole menagerie on my big bookshelf, and more boxed up in storage
that I go get out every once and a while. Offhand, authors I enjoy reading
are Mark Twain, Kipling, Jack London, James Lee Burke, Tim LaHaye, Diana
Gabaldon, Jean Auel, Alice Borchardt, and Susan Krinard. I remember reading
classics like Beowulf and Shakespere in school and, when I have the time,
hope to be able to go back a read them again.

Just do it. Just sit down and write. All you can do is just do. I won't lie
either, it can be hard. I mean some days the words just flow like water.
Other days I am hitting my head, literally, trying to strain that one word,
or phrase, out of this mass of gray goo between my ears, which could either
make or break the scene. But, oh Lord, it can be so gratifying, when it's
good, it can be so very good. When it is just clicking right along, and you
create something positively wonderful out of thin air. Man, what a rush.
It'll take a lot if work, and even more dedication. This isn't some fly by
night, poof it's there thing. You got to work on it and for it. It will not
write itself.

Aha, trying to get me in trouble here, no? In a way it would be interesting
to meet characters from books, especially some of these good looking super
men they write about. But, to me, honestly, it would ruin the appeal.
I think what makes a great character is the imagination of not only the
author, but the reader as well. I don't think I could ever truly 'see' what
any author does, nor can the reader truly have the exact image of my
characters in their minds either. So, keeping with that thread, to me
'meeting' any character in real life would only destroy their lure. I have
firm images in my mind of the traits and characteristics of these imaginary
people, and although in a way it could be very interesting, no I don't think
I would want to meet them. I feel it would only be a detriment to the
'relationship' which I as a reader, and author, have formed. I feel I have
already 'met' these characters each and every time I open a book.

"True Nature is a beautiful example of two heart felt characters whose lives
are filled with many obstacles and challenges which prevent them from their
ultimate destiny. Readers will bask in the glory when these two memorable
characters become one. The gripping emotions will have you shedding tears
when this one ends." - Suzie Housley, May 2001, book reviewer for
Myshelf.Com, Co-Coordinator of the "Have You Heard" column.

"Dehanna Bailee's book TRUE NATURE is an incredible account of a courageous
woman seeking the truth of her soul. I loved it! I encourage you to read
Dehanna Bailee's beautiful book of self-discovery TRUE NATURE." --Reviewed
by Jennifer LB Leese, May 2001, ASTORYWEAVER'S Book Reviews,
www.geocities.com/ladyjiraff/aswbr.html

"...a great book by this new author of romance novels. She has captured the
true feel of the South, and the secret of her heroine Kailen. She has
mastered the art of writing..." -- J. Parsons, March 2001