The following are questions asked by readers. My replies are below each question.

1.) When did you start writing May?

— Since April 30th, 2019.

2.) How long did it take you to write the whole book?

— It took me eight months.

3.) Are the events in this book inspired by real life event?

— Kind of. Some scenes I wrote are inspired by real life stories I have heard, few things my mother told me and few things I observed.

4.) Why did you write May?

— Hopefully to pass out a message to my readers and teenagers out there through my book about early marriage, suicide, abortion, abuse, love and teenage pregnancy. So many topics and I really hope I was able to cover it all up.

5.) What inspired you?

A story my mother told me happened in her village. The lady in question was in love with her husband even if he was beating her. Her brothers saw the welts on her body. They asked her if her husband did it to her, she said no or would come up with different excuses for her husband so her brothers wouldn't beat him up in return. One day, her husband broke her arm while beating her. Her family members asked her who did it to her and she said she fell. They asked her repeatedly but she kept lying till the day her husband got tired of her and divorced her. It was until that day she told the truth to her family members but they did both nothing to her ex husband because they said she didn't tell the truth the time they wanted to act on it. That's how the woman lived with a broken arm.

Sadly, women face these things in real life too and not only May but most of them sealed their mouths all in the name of love. I decided it best to craft a story out of everything and I was able to.

6.) Why was May stupid letting Edric trample on her?

— At first, her eyes were blinded by the love she had for him and that shitty excuse she always had about not having anywhere to stay if she divorces Edric, the thought of Maryam feeling broken if she ever divorced Edric was holding her back.

7.) What did Iby find interesting about May?

—  Iby loved her more after finding out what makes her cry. He felt she was strong to be able to endure the torture also, her imperfection drew him to her. According to Jodi Picoult, "you don't love someone because they're perfect you love them in spite of the fact that they're not."

8.) What did May find interesting about Iby?

— Iby's sincerity, his kindness and the sense of peace he carries with him.

9.) Why is May so loving, kind and forgiving? How does she do it?

— It takes the grace of God to be all these things. She simply has a heart of pure gold and just maybe, she is kind, loving and forgiving because the Author of this book is too.

10.) What chapter gave you trouble in writing? And why?

— I had trouble writing Chapter 25 (The biggest abuse) and chapter 31 (The departure). For Chapter 25, it was hard to write because I've never been sexually abused and I had to visualize my self in May's state. It was hard. I cried. Also, it was hard to write because  writing smuts is something that makes me feel uncomfortable and as a christian, I feel like I'm committing sin while doing so. For chapter 31, I have a little trouble writing chapters that has multiple characters in it but I'm improving, hopefully.

11.) What lesson were you able to show your readers using Iby and May's relationship compared to Edric's?

— I tried to show that true love brings a kind of peace you haven't found anywhere else. They love you like no body else has. They support your effort and water your growth. So if that relationship you in right now, ain't giving you a peace of mind, then just maybe it isn't right.

12.) Did you ever get emotional while writing this book?

— The hell I did! I cried hard while writing some chapters that my friends became confused and was like, "Flourish, what's wrong with you?" I wish they knew!

13.) As the author of this book, what character do you love most? And may we know why?

— I love Edric the most. Some of you may think I'm weird to say so but i have my reasons. Without Edric actions, the plot of this book wouldn't have been there. If he hadn't treated May badly, she wouldn't have met Iby. Sometimes, we may love the wrong person and cry for the wrong reason. But one thing is for sure, mistakes help us to find the right person.

Also, sometimes, people think they are destroying you. They don't know God is using them to push you to your destiny.

14.) What kept you motivated while writing this book?

— Music and Inspirational quotes. While writing this book, I mostly listened to Tatiana manaois, Ed sheeran, Fireboy, Joeboy, Teni, Simi and Celin dion's songs. Their lyrics gave me motivation.

15.) You didn't mention about May reconciling with her dad, why is that so?

— They've reconciled. The chapter where Mrs. Felix visited May should've been able to explain that. But I will still look into it.

16.) Did you as the author, have a different plot before the one you concluded it with? If yes, what was it?

— Yes. Originally, May was supposed to go to her father for help and ask him to use his influence just so Iby would be released from prison but along the line, I changed my mind.

17. Would you write a sequel, prequel or any bonus chapter?

— I don't plan on doing any. I'm a lazy writer. Lol.

18.) Are there more books on the way?

— Yesss. I never run out of ideas so see y'all in my next book.

That's all for now. More questions are loading.... Once I get them, I'll add it on here.

FUN FACTS

1. The first thing I wrote on my phone notebook while creating this story is,

May should have pimples. Her lip would be plump. She would be lean. Would have a daughter. Would be constantly abused. Would be lazy and imperfect. Lol.

Iby should have dreadlocks. He should be well built. He should have a burn on his lip. Would know how to cook. He should be blunt. He should be Elene's killer.

Edric would be the wicked husband. Should be tall, dark and intelligent. Always beating his wife.

2. Originally, I wanted this book to be a novella of just 20 chapters but see how far I took it?

3. One of Iby's sister bears my name. Figure that out yourself.

QUESTION FOR MY BELOVED READERS: please be kind enough to answer them.

1. From a scale of 1–100, how would you rate this book?

2. What do you love most about this book?

3. What do you hate most about this book?

4. What part of MAY did you enjoy the most? Like a favorite chapter?

5. Are you satisfied with how this book ended?

6. Did you expect more smuts than I wrote?

7. Did you at one point, wanted to stop reading or delete MAY from your library o reading list?

8. How has this book affected you? Either negatively or positively.

9. Your favorite character in this book?

10. Your least favourite character in this book?

11. The character you hated?

12. What are your overall thought or review about this book?

13. Would you recommend this book to others? If yes, then start sharing the love already!

14. What do you have to say to the Author?

15. Would you love to read other books by the author?

Darlings, keep your comments rolling in. I'd appreciate it. Much love. ❤