The awesome author, Minnie Lahongrais is being interviewed @KevinSwarbrick 'Deliciously Scandalous Blog Tour' . This is one interview not to be missed! :)

My eighth guest is the amazing lovely author, Minnie Lahongrais :) 

I tend to go on about supporting in my blogs a lot, and I do also thank the authors and friends who have been there for me and who continue to show their support along with their friendship that is truly valued. You all know you have my support all the way :) Minnie is another awesome author and friend, I would like to thank for the wonderful support that Minnie has shown towards me and many others out there in the author world. One great lady and one great interview with great answers, great story, great rhyming! What can I say other than we both hope you enjoy the real us and have plenty of giggles... Minnie is now in the place and is on time... It's great to see you Minnie, please take a seat and tell the reader a little about yourself.

I was born a poor black child… Oh, no. Wait. That’s from that Steve Martin movie, “The Jerk.” Sorry. Let me start again….
I’m a Native New Yorker, born and raised in an area called “Spanish Harlem” or “El Barrio.” In essence, I’m a “NuYorican.” Currently, I live in the very culturally diverse Northwest Bronx. I work days as a litigation secretary at an international law firm. When I’m not working, writing or working on my upcoming radio show with All Media Radio, I love to spend time with my daughter and my grandson for they make my life complete.
       
Hey Minnie, great introduction you have going on there, Media Radio, I like the sound of that. I did almost start singing the song 'I'm A Native New Yorker' when you said that, 'giggles' I must say you do look very nice considering you are only coming on my virtual tour. Ok stop looking at me like that, I know we will end up going for a drink later, it would be rude not to as...


Sometimes in life we all want more than what we can have, but if you had one wish to have anything or anyone, what would that wish be and why?

I believe in reincarnation. I thought I’d mention that, just in case my wish comes true!
My wish is to be happily married to Denzel Washington. Pauletta can have him in this lifetime; I wouldn't want to break up a happy home. Why you ask? I've lusted over this man since 1989 when he appeared in “Glory” and have followed his career since then. I've always loved a man of strong will and determination and for that reason he has even made several appearances in my dreams.
All jokes aside though, I have actually met him twice and both times he left me speechless. Now you know he’s hot, because making me speechless is hard to do!

'Giggles' Now that is awesomeyou say you have met him twice and he has left you speechless, we have only come to the first question and already you are getting all hot under the collar and giving us all ideas what was in your mouth at the time! I would like to hear those dreams one day, but only appearing seven times isn't good. Now Pamela Anderson has visited me that many times with Beyonce that I've lost count. I have told them both in my dreams that we best not meet in public and that's my reason they never have never met me at all. Saying that, I was married to them both in my past life, but they didn't look like that then mind you; they were really scary and there was no divorce back then, just witches and these days I just meet... Oh well there's my short story and you're not getting me started on my dreams lol...

I would like you to make a short story up using no more than 400 words containing every one of these 14 key words; Bra, Game, Toe, Pedestrian, Rope, Window, Government, Cat poo, Sex, Limp, Job, Knife, Sun, DM!

Ugh!! Ok! Here’s my attempt at this:
I awoke with a start. Damn it!! I didn't hear the alarm go off!
I hate my job and I’m at the end of my rope. I don’t know what I’m going to do about this. I really dislike the fact that I am beholden to this godforsaken government job where my sole purpose is to investigate and track down deadbeat dads! If only they’d use a condom instead of having raw sex, they wouldn’t have to run from their responsibilities and play this game of hide and seek with me.
These resentful thoughts ran through my head every time I overslept. But on this day, I had decided I wouldn't go crazy. I was going to take my time cleaning Bosco’s cat poo from his litter box then treat myself to a long, hot shower.
Refreshed, I headed into the kitchen to make coffee. My blackberry sat just blinking away on the tabletop. I ignored it and opted instead to make breakfast before checking it. Coffee brewing, I grabbed an onion, a pepper, an egg, some broccoli and a knife and set about slicing veggies for my omelette. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see the insistent red flashing light like a warning.
Quickly scrambling the egg, I poured it into the pan and threw the veggies in. Half-heartedly, I shuffled over to the table when I tripped over my own feet and stubbed my toe against the baseboard! What a klutz! Angry and thoroughly frustrated now, I snatched the bane of my existence and the reason for my accident off the table and headed to the window with a limp, absentmindedly pulling up my bra strap. It had slid off my shoulder when I bent over to hold my probably broken toe.
The sun shone brightly in my face. I closed my eyes and let its rays warm over me. When I opened them again, I watched as pedestrian after pedestrian boarded the bus across the street and wished I wouldn't have to do the same. My blackberry beeped again, bringing me back to reality. I looked down at the notifications alerting me of unread Twitter messages, among them, a DM from Kevin. It read:
“Good morning Sweetie! You promised me a day at the beach. Today’s the perfect Saturday for it! How about I pick you up in 20?”
Saved by Kevin! It’s Saturday! I don’t have to work!

Lmao I must say I loved the story, hot sex, omelette, blackberry phones, broken toes and a text from Kevin to go to the beach!  'Priceless and I love it ;)'. Now lets get grumpy, but in a good way of course...

When I first started writing I had a lot of negative people around me, I knew I had to lose that energy in order to continue writing and fulfilling what others thought I couldn't do. Did you ever experience any of this when you first started writing or were you lucky enough to have the right support around you?

Negative people will always be around. There have always been less than positive people in my whole life. If anyone around me had anything negative to say about my writing, I didn't know about it. It could be that I didn't hear it because I chose not to.
Frankly, I don’t let it get to me. If you have a dream that you are passionate about, then that dream needs fulfilling. Follow your dreams and do not let anything or anyone stand in your way.
Personally, writing serves as my therapy. It helps cleanse my soul. I can only hope people enjoy my stories and that my stories help them escape whatever their reality is every once in a while.

I can relate to what you are saying there big time. At first though I did take it badly; here is this guy who wasn't good at reading and writing and is now writing books and re-educating himself all over again. This wasn't an achievement to some people who were meant to be close!  I must admit I have had it all at both barrels when I first started writing, but the true support and the right people did shine through, you are one of those people, Minnie. A good heart, a good soul and a good woman. Basically you're all good. Speaking of good... 

If you had a chance to run any country and make a difference, what country would it be and why?

Though Puerto Rico is not a country – it is a commonwealth of the United States – I would want to be its governing head. My parents came to New York from Puerto Rico in 1948. Growing up I got a romanticized view of the island and held on to that vision for the first 14 years of my life. My first visit there was fun because it was new and exciting but each time I returned, I disliked it more and more.
As the governing authority in Puerto Rico, the first thing I would do is try to change the mentality of the island’s inhabitants and teach them to be more open minded towards others. I would stress healthy eating and I would encourage more creativity.
Life is hard in Puerto Rico right now – at least it is in areas away from the metropolitan area. I would try to do everything I could to make the islands less dependent on government-run programs and become more self sufficient. I would endeavour to encourage a more entrepreneurial spirit.

Now that does sound like a good plan of action. It's a shame I am in England though, I really would vote for you. There is that much going on around the world and in this country too, it really is a hard question to answer, but boy you just put your little stamp on the United States and you have my support. Not bad just from a blog post if you ask me Lol...

What would you say the worse thing a reader has ever said to you and what was your reaction?

Everyone has their own opinion. Both “Sinner’s Ride” and “Divergent Lives” has struck chords in people. Granted, both stories are extremely graphic to varying degrees, but both stories are fiction borne of my imagination.
I say, it’s all relative and I just keep it moving. Neither story is for everyone. I get it. But you can’t please everyone. I learn something from every comment – good or bad – whether it’s about me, the writing or the person making the comment, I always learn something new.

What I have read so far, your stories do draw me in and you do have one awesome mind ticking away up there. I for one am glad you do write it all down, and no we are never going to please everyone. When you say you learn something all the time, I can relate to that too, but it does bring me back to what I was saying to some of my other guests about constructive criticism anything else I don't learn from. Well I do learn a lot saying that. I learn how some people can be complete utter....!! I was going to say 'creative'...

I would like you to vision yourself walking down a busy high street with your partner and suddenly there was a noise that came from his bottom and people turned around looking at you, what would your reaction be and why?

Well, that would depend. I think once the shine has worn off, men generally go back to being cavemen and they find amusement in a decent woman’s reactions. So, I wouldn't say or do anything unless it smelled, then I’d just walk away and leave him to his own devices, especially if people are obviously looking. I would pretend not to be with him!

Have you heard the saying, where there's a blame there's a claim? If it smelt that bad I would be heaving away, I would track the smell down so easily and I would blame you and claim it wasn't him! 
Cavemen indeed! If we were cave men then that would of smelled like dinner back then. No thank you! I am so shocked with that answer. I really never knew you had it in you... Wind I mean :)

Use only two words that would describe you?

Funny. Passionate.

Nice choice :) I will drink to that with you after the interview... 

Have you ever been…
A. The owner of a lonely heart
B. The owner of a broken heart
C. None of the above?
If the answer is C, please can you tell the reader how you have done it. I can see the reader would being interested to know that one. I know I am.

The answer is “B.” In that instance, I allowed myself a pity party for just one weekend. Then I made sure to take care of myself by doing lots of introspection. I thought about what happened and took note of what I would accept or not accept in the next relationship, and even what my role in it was. Then, I put pen to paper!
I learned that success is the best revenge.

Now you're just trying to get me drunk after this interview. I will do a toast to that later as well. I love you being here Minnie, who needs the beach, with Kev's virtual bar next door :)

It's time for a little fun. I would like you to do the rhyme ‘twinkle, twinkle little star’. Using your own words and without holding back.

Fickle, fickle little girl
Who the heck d’ya think you are?

Head held high; nose in air
Back so straight, skin so fair

Fickle, fickle little girl
Watch your step, or you won’t go far!

Now that was just awesome and one of the best I have had on here so far, the other was mine of course ;)!!
No really, you did use your own words which was asked of you, and boy you did smash that question with a super slam! 'I love it' :) Speaking of love...

When you are writing, do you ever put your own fantasies in to your stories?

Absolutely! I also use bits and pieces of my life to add dimension to my characters. But, I’ll never tell what is real and what isn't. Some of my characters are inspired by real people as well.

Now that's what I like to hear :) All my inspiration has come from life, real people, real ups and downs. 

If you could be a musical instrument, what would you be and why?

Hmm… I would say a saxophone because its melancholia stirs the soul; it moves people and I want people to be more in touch with their emotions.

I am sure if you blow that baby hard enough, there will be plenty of moves and emotions going on! What? Everyone likes the saxophone don't they... I think I best move on...

If you could change one thing about you as a person, what would that one thing be?

If I could change one thing about myself as a person, I would change the way I process loss and not give in to my emotional pain as much as I do.

I hear you. I did that badly too. I would let my emotions take over far too much at times, but then along came my writing, all the pain and passion and the fun and the madness, just got written down or should I say typed out. I felt a lot better for doing so and reflecting back on it all, it did hurt, but it also healed me from the pain I was feeling at the time and that's just one reason, I know I was born to write. You are an inspiration to me Minnie, a breath of fresh air I would call you. I did say fresh so no pumping away why your sat next to me. I have warned you what I am like after smells. 'Giggles'. I remember a girl once with bad breath, you really could light fires with it... Anyway...

I know we all remember our first kiss, would you say yours was a good experience or a bad one?  Please explain why.

My first kiss -- French J -- was a memorably good experience. We were both around 12 or 13 years old. It was the end of the day and I was exiting the school through a back door which led to the school yard. It had snowed the day before. Someone threw a snowball hitting me square in the face and my glasses went flying. He came out of nowhere yelling and screaming at the group who had thrown it calling them bullies. At some point, he’d picked up my glasses and handed them to me. I looked up to say thank you but was too embarrassed to look him in the eye so I stared at his Afro. Stupid, right? LOL!!
I think he said something like “Here you go” and I dragged my eyes down to his lips. They were full, and looked soft. He brushed the snow out of my hair and leaned in, then hesitated. I could smell his breath. It was minty. The next thing I knew his lips were on mine and we kissed. I had no idea what I was doing, but he obviously did!

Awww now that's sweet :) Snow joke though did that really happen? Did you know this hero boy, or did he wipe the snow of all the girls lips! Why didn't I think of that when I was in school? I could have gotten some mate to chuck snowballs in girls faces and then come out of nowhere and gotten a snog! A master plan if I have ever heard one, I would certainly remember that part of my life. Lol...

Do you ever remember a part in your life that’s made a huge impact on you as a person. If so would you like to share that part with the reader?

I’ve lived a very full life and I intend on continuing to do so. That said; I have had several impactful experiences. Most impactful was in 2002, nine months after the 9/11 tragedy, I experienced a life threatening health scare. My daughter had just had a son. My first thought after receiving the news was that if this thing became fatal, I would miss out on watching my grandson grow up

I am so thank full you are here to tell the story...

Who inspired you to write or was it always a dream to be an author?

Encouraged to write is more like what happened. It became a dream for me to be successful at it and to move people with my writing.

I must say one of the reasons we do get along so well is that we do share the views on many things and we are both following  the same dream to be successful in what we do best! I mean writing... Please control your mind a little. People will be reading this you know. 'Giggles'. Just one last question and then we will head down to the bar for those drinks we're toasting with...

Can you tell the reader about your latest work and also tell the reader where they can find you.


                     Website  www.minnielahongrais.com 

Facebook,        https://www.facebook.com/Lahongrais
Twitter,             https://twitter.com/Lahongrais
Blog Page,        www.lahongrais.blogspot.com

Buy links for Divergent Lives can be found here:       www.divergentlives.blogspot.com      


Thank you Minnie its been a pleasure having you here... Wait... Stop pulling, I'm coming... I just need to thank everyone for taking the time out to read your interview... Anyway we really hope you enjoyed this interview, we hope we manage to bring a smile in to kick start your weekends off. Have a fantastic one, I know I will. All the authors are at my virtual bar this week, the best part about it all, it's their rounds, Lol! Catch you all next week with another awesome guest. Have a fantastic weekend and be safe! I am off to get my virtual beers, thank you for all the support, but I might need a little more on the way back from my virtual pub! What? There is a lot of virtual beers to be drank. 'Giggles'. Until next week take care :) 

                     

For more information about my work please visit  https://authorcentral.amazon.co.uk/gp/profile

Deliciously Scandalous Blog Tour has it's own Facebook page for all my wonderful authors, please show your support and press that little like button, you all know its appreciated. Thank you :) https://www.facebook.com/KevinSwarbrickDeliciouslyScandalousBlogTour?ref=hl 


Comments

  1. Omigod Kevin!! You are too, too funny!! I'm a little twisted right now what with all the beers you made me drink tonite, but I wanted to leave a comment here.

    Every answer in this interview is the honest truth.....

    Stop rushing me! I'll be along in just a sec for more drinks...

    Thanks for having me Kevin!! You are awesome!!!

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    Replies
    1. Awww thank you and my pleasure Minnie, I had a lot of fun doing this, I know your answers are honest one's and I loved them :)I'm feeling fragile this morning. I should have taken it easy on the after shock! I think I had to many,'again' lol. Have a great weekend and I am delighted you enjoyed the post, 'Phew'. I thought it was awesome and to be honest I knew you would like it ;)Thank you for coming on this tour, like my other guess its been a honour to have you here and I do wish you all the success for the future :)Xx

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  2. Great interview, Minnie and Kevin.

    I actually have a Denzel story. Several years back, I had an envelope to drop off at his office. Thinking I'd just dash in and out of there in a flash, to my surprise, who do I bump into as soon as I walk in the door? Denzel!!!!! And he did not move. He was like a wall. :) But he flashed his famous grin while I stood there frozen like a statue. I must've looked like a fish with my mouth trying to move and yet, nothing came out because he asked, "Can I help you with something?" I finally handed him the envelope and managed to introduce myself. I acted like such a doofus that I decided, then and there, I needed to stop the "star" gazing. :) But he is one good-looking man.

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    Replies
    1. Hey great to see you Vickie and thank you, glad you enjoyed the interview :)So we have to women in the house who have met Denzel. That's awesome :) I felt like you did Vickie when I had my live interview with Denis! Its all an experience that's for sure and I am glad you're here to share yours too :)Have a great weekend sweetie and keep that mouth moving. My mouth is my fingers at times,'Giggles' Xx

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    2. OMG Vickie!! I know exactly what you mean!! He is so damned fine!! He had the same effect on me and I'm willing to bet, since he's such a down to earth guy, that he has no clue the effect he has on women!!

      Thanks for commenting!

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  3. Great interview Minnie and Kevin! Yes Kevin is so funny... He has me LMAO most days! Minnie, I am with you all the way with the hot Denzel Washington, I have watched all his movies and think he is beautiful. x

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    Replies
    1. Dawn,

      Denzel! Denzel! Denzel!! I have a picture of him hanging on my wall over my computer. He keeps me motivated. I have this imaginary relationship with him...I want him to be proud of me; I want to hear him say: "Good girl! That was good, girl!" LOL!!

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  4. Awww thank you so much Dawn :)I do aim to please ;)! As for Denzel Washington, this is meant to be my blog tour interviewing great authors such as yourselves, not a chat room for Denzel Washington's fans,'Giggles' what can I say to all this other than I need to star in some films I think :-/ Lmao!Xx

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  5. Minnie,

    I had a dream about you last night . . . well . . . You and Denzel, actually. You were on vacation together in Puerto Rico. Bill Clinton was playing the saxophone on stage at the swank restaurant where You Two were dining on Mofongo and rum. The paparazzi was about to descend when I woke up. I'm sure you took care of things quite capably!

    Fun-to-read bantering interview. Nicely played Kevin and Minnie.

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    Replies
    1. LOL!! Suzanne!! Too funny!! Very nice dream, save the part about being on vacation in Puerto Rico. It's too hot and humid there. Now, if we were in a cabin on a secluded mountaintop with a cool breeze blowing in through open windows -- well -- 'nuf said!!

      Thank you!!

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    2. Thank you Emily :) Lol you two crack me up. Great interview Minnie :) Watch out for a cool blowing through an open window Denzel! Breeze I mean ;)!Xx

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