Orsayor: What’s your writing process? How do you get in the mood? Music? Wine? Snacks? Other?
Portia: Depending on the book, my writing process can change, but there are three things that remain constant. I create character profiles for all of my main characters, write what eventually becomes the back cover synopsis, and create a playlist that I can write to. I L-O-V-E music, so that is an integral part of me getting into my writing groove. Sometimes, I even have one particular spot in which I have to write. It is often in my bed.
Orsayor: Is there an author or book that inspired your journey?
Portia: I love me some Terry McMillan. I can’t say she inspired my journey, but she has influenced it. I’ve always admired and related to her wit and her style of writing. She breaks rules in order to tell the story that needs to be told, and I often do that, too, whether or not I realize at the time. If I had to name someone who inspired my writing journey, it is my ninth grade English teacher, Mrs. Ryan. Before I received her feedback, I didn’t realize how powerful words can be. She’s the person who encouraged me to keep writing and I’m grateful for her.
Orsayor: Is there one question above all else that you don’t want to answer about yourself -What is the question?
Portia: Hmm… I’m a pretty open person, but I do believe there are some things you should keep to yourself, just because it’s your prerogative. If I had to pick a question off the top of my head, it would be: Which character in The Disgruntled Wives Club is mostly based on you? Very few people know the answer. Those who do are some of my closest friends.
Orsayor: If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?
Portia: “What You Thought You Knew”
Orsayor: What song best describes your work ethic?
Portia: OMG! That question is torture to a music lover! How can I choose? Some days, it’s Bruno Mars’ “Lazy Song.” LOL! Most days, it’s “Fly” by Nicki Minaj ft. Rihanna.
Orsayor: Can you tell readers about any upcoming books/projects?
Portia: Right now, I’m trying to complete a script I’ve been working on for a while. It’s a comedy, and I’m having tons of fun writing it. Once that is done, I’m gonna rewrite Ain’t Nothing Free before my readers harm me.
Orsayor: Thank you for taking a “Time-Out” with me.
Portia: My pleasure.
Portia A. Cosby is a fresh voice in contemporary fiction. Known for her unmistakable wit and relatable characters, she is the author of Too Little, Too Late, Lesson Learned: It Is What It Is, The Disgruntled Wives Club, and It’s Complicated. The novelist/screenwriter/blogger is the owner of DISTINCT Publishing and holds a spot on Terry McMillan’s Writers Worth Reading list. An Indianapolis native, Portia divides her time between the greater Pittsburgh and Atlanta areas with her daughter. She is an alumna of Indiana University and Full Sail University, and is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Visit her website at www.portiacosby.com and blog at www.runthatwithportia.com.