Where did you grow up and was reading and writing a part of your life? I grew up in Seattle, WA and Lake Charles, LA. Reading has always been a part of my life, but was pivotal in my early years. Books fed my thirst for knowledge and helped me learn about the world beyond my own. The writing came later.

Who were your earliest influences and why? A lot of my writing influences came from movies. Books that either influenced my character development or my decision to write in my genre include: The Autobiography of Malcolm X as told to Alex Haley, Brothers and Sisters by Bebe Moore Campbell, and Cheaters by Eric Jerome Dickey.

Why did you write your current book? Tell us about this book. I wrote Don't Get It Twisted to test myself; To tell a story from a different perspective-a woman's. It's the story of two friends, Isrie and Deja, who find themselves in relationships where appearances may not equal reality.

How long did it take to write? It took approximately 6-8 months to write.

Where did the title come from? Don't Get It Twisted stems from the whole idea of thinking you know something...when you don't.

Are you working on a follow up or something completely different? I'm working on Lady Sings the Cruels, which you might call the "little cousin" to my second novel, Someone's In the Kitchen. I also have a completed novel, which is its own self-contained story.

What was the last book you read? Angels and Demons by Dan Brown.

Do you set yourself daily, weekly, yearly goals? If so, what are some of your goals? I try to write everyday or, at minimum, run through some details in my head or on scraps of paper. Some of my goals include: making several more bestseller lists and to continue entertaining the readers. Hurricane Katrina taught me that unforseen events can throw the best laid plans in the garbage. Learning to react, adapt, and modify one's goals is the ultimate test.

What challenges or obstacles do you encounter while writing? How did you overcome these challenges? My biggest obstacle determing which course of action to take. When you are the "movie director", there's no one telling you, "Have this character do this next." Sometimes, too many options can cause indecision. I play different scenarios over and over in my head, determining which move the story along and make for a cohesive tale. Other times, I just may not feel the story. A simple change of scenery or a change in my routine helps me overcome these obstacles.

How have you used the Internet to boost your writing career? The internet helps me with research as well as promotion. It also allows readers to give me feedback.

How can readers get in contact with you? By visiting my website at: www.ericpete.com .