Look and Listen

Biography

Celise Downs was born, and currently makes her home, in Phoenix, AZ. Her love of writing began in the 7th grade as a way to dispel recess boredom. Her talent was further encouraged by a high school English teacher. She considers her novels to be high school experience with a dash of intrigue. "There's the normal stuff that teenagers go through, like acne, peer pressure, and angst over the opposite sex," she says. "Then there's the not-so-normal, unexpected stuff. I happen to like writing about both." Her first book, "Secrets and Kisses" (Gemini Mojo Press), came out in March 2004 and was quickly followed up with "Dance Jam Productions" (Gemini Mojo Press) in September 2004. Her current project is a series about a 16-yr-old African-American girl who gets recruited by the FBI as an informant. A member of Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (as well as a committee member for her local chapter) and National Association of Women's Writers, she also likes to encourage and support creative talent in youth and is currently a mentor in the Little Owl Mentoring Program. Celise shares her home with her husband and a talkative Tabby cat named Sweetpea. When she's not writing, she's devouring adult romance books, watching T.V., going to the movies, and working her side businesses. Feel free to drop her a line at celise[at]celisedowns[dot]com or visit her author website at www.celisedowns.com.

Inspiration

My inspiration to write is 20% personal experience and 80% fiction. Movies, T.V. shows, songs, conversations with people...I see it all as potential story material. I never know what might be useful for future novels, so I'm all about being aware of my surroundings. My inspiration to keep writing are the ideas that continue to float around in my head. No matter what, I know I'll always have something to write about. If it's been done before, then that's all right. I'll find a new way to present it.