The Five Senses Of… is a unique interview series created for authors to explore their work and life using their five senses. It is designed to tap into their sense of taste, touch, smell, sight, and sound to give readers a glimpse of the author behind the pen.
BriAnn Danae is a Black contemporary independent romance and urban author.
SGBC: What inspired your first project?
BriAnn Danae: A pajama party for one of my cousins inspired my first book, Speechless: When Love Hurts. Not so much of what happened at the party, which was a fight between two males, but how my mind weaved together an entire plot. One guy pulled out a gun and the drama unfolded. Thankfully, no one was hurt.
While I sat on the couch witnessing it all go down, the scene played out like I was reading a book. As my eyes bounced back and forth between everyone, my mind was on a rampage wondering how this would be told in a book. On the way home, at 2 in the morning, I typed the first notes to Speechless.
I told myself if I were to ever write a book, I wanted myself and the readers to experience a story never told before and go through every emotion I did while watching that fight. I believe I did just that.
SGBC: My writing feels OR sounds like…
BriAnn Danae: My writing sounds like a new song you just came across, fallen in love with, and can’t stop listening to. For days at a time, you have the song on repeat. In the car, at home, while you shower, in your head…it’s stuck with you. My words, characters, and storylines are embedded with you far after you’re done reading.
SGBC: Using the five senses, what does your love look, feel, taste, smell, and sound like?
BriAnn Danae: My love looks like the smile on a person’s face when they open an unexpected gift. My love feels like the body heat from the person you love sliding in bed next to you. It’s familiar and comforting.
My love tastes like a pot of green beans with smoked turkey that is seasoned just right, making you go back for seconds. My love smells like my favorite candle when it’s lit. Hints of oranges, diced pineapples, and a dash of vanilla extract to bring them all together.
My love sounds like the stillness of the night when everyone is sleeping. It’s calming and needed.
SGBC: Black love is…
BriAnn Danae: The shit. Period. It’s an experience that warms the soul even if you’ve never experienced it. Being a witness to it is just as pleasurable.
SGBC: What does your workspace look like?
BriAnn Danae: My workspace looks like a white desk covered with college ruled paper and printer paper. in front of me are 3 bookshelves brightly decorated, while a white fur rug covers the floor. It’s inviting and my favorite place to be.
SGBC: What is your favorite quote or poem?
BriAnn Danae: “Make it happen, shock yourself.” This quote has been my mantra since college. Sometimes, we forget who we’re doing “it” for, but I remind myself daily of why I started and how far I’ve come. I’m still shocking myself to this day.
SGBC: What simple thing do you find joy in?
BriAnn Danae: Laughing is what I find joy in most. If I don’t do anything else, I’m going to laugh. And, please don’t let it be super funny, because I’ma scream.
SGBC: If your last project was turned into an album what artist and song would have to make the list?
BriAnn Danae: Whew. This is a hard one, but I’d have to go with Tink. Honestly, any of her songs would make the list for my latest project From The Hood with Love, but I’d say her song “Rush.”
Give it a listen, and see if you can relate…
Sistah Girls, this was such a fun interview, be sure to keep up with BriAnn Danae: Amazon | Instagram | Twitter
I hate having to wait to continue reading a book, how soon will a hood love be completed?