Interview with Author Rochelle Alers

Dyanne: Rochelle, thank you so much for taking the time to do theinterview though you were on deadline. I enjoyed the conversation. Iwant to begin this interview by asking about your awards. You’ve wonnumerous awards. Is there one particular award that stands out for you?

Rochelle: I’m proud of each and every award I’ve won. But the one thatbrought me particular pride was winning the Zora Neale Hurston Literaryaward in 2004. I’m extremely proud of that award.

Dyanne: I can understand how special that award would be. Justbeing in the running would be an honor. Rochelle, I’ve found that allauthors have a few stories about crazy things that have happened to20them during their career. What’s the craziest thing you ever had tohappen to you?

Rochelle: There have been a lot of crazy things. The one that comes tomind at the moment involves a reader who wrote to me and took me totask because she’d read one of my books and the H/H had made lovewithout benefit of marriage. I politely tried to explain that thegenre that I was writing for had changed, that the bedroom door was nowopen and love scenes were written with a bit more detail. I thoughtthat was the end of it….but no. The reader wrote to me again thatshe’d read VOWS and liked some things but complained once again aboutthe sex before marriage. Now I have to ask this. If you know that’swhat I write, then why do you buy or read it?

Dyanne: LOL. Rochelle, I’m laughing but I know exactly what you mean.And I have a funny thought that I won’t share right as I’m going to askyou the next question. What is your most decadent ( G- rated) wish?

Rochelle: I’d love to take a month off with no deadline starring me inthe face and just go off to a tropical island and sit and read forpleasure. I’d take my favorite books, old ones that I know like an oldfriend, books that will give me nothing but pleasure.

Dyanne: That’s agreat wish but I know you said earlier in ourconversation that you have to deliver a book every two months so youwon’t have anytime soon to do that. But I’m going to keep my fingerscrossed for you. That leads us into what’s on your plate for the restof 2009

Rochelle: What isn't on my plate? You're right I'm on deadline rightnow. I've already had several books to hit the shelves this year.There was my first Kimani Romance: BITTERSWEET LOVE and NAUGHTY awomen's fiction title. I also have my Best Men series: MAN OF FATE,MAN OF FORTUNE and MAN OF FANTASY.

There are the first two titles in the Hideaway series - HIDEAWAY andHIDDEN AGENDA as reissues October and November, and this summer ateHarlequin I will be doing and online read MAN OF FAME for eightconsecutive Mondays. Readers can go to eharlequin.com to read itbeginning June 29th. The Eaton miniseries will continue with SWEETDECEPTION, scheduled for December 2009.

My writing schedule continues to be hectic, challenging me creativelyto come up with engaging characters and interesting plots. What's upfor 2010 and beyond? A new family series, at least one Hideaway andwomen's fiction novel each year, and two Eatons every year. If youlike families, then you'll have your pick of three from me.

I'm looking forward to meeting new friends and reconnecting with old ones when we set sail next year. Being out on the ocean will give usthe time and opportunity to bond and become a Slam Jam family in everytrue sense of the word.

Dyanne: Before I wear out my welcome I’d like to thank you for takingthe time to talk to me.

Rochelle: Anything for the Slam Jam family.

Interview with Author Wayne Jordan

Dyanne: Hello Wayne, it’s always a pleasure for me to talk to you either in person or via email. Thank you for taking the time to connect with the RSJ family. So tell us Wayne, what's the craziest thing you've ever had to happen in your career.

Wayne: I love fans dearly…but when one came knocking at my hotel room during the middle of the night at a conference, I finally realized I was a bit of a celebrity, but it was somewhat crazy…

Dyanne: LOL. That answer made me think of a story ideal Thanks. How about sharing your most selfish decadent wish (G-rated)

Wayne: Oh, there are so many and now that I’m diabetic, I dream of a land made of chocolate where I can eat to my heart’s content. I love chocolate! And I miss it. Sugar free chocolate while nice just doesn’t give me that sensual rush.

Dyanne: I wouldn’t mind a land made of chocolate but I’d need nuts and a glass of water. Wayne, you're one of a handful of male romance authors. How does it feel?

Wayne: It feels great; especially when I’m at conferences. What more could a man want when he’s surrounded by the most romantic women in the world and have them all for himself?

Dyanne: You keep sparking story ideas. I’m going to owe you big time. I wanted to ask about your book titles. You have such wonderful titles, were they your original ones or were they changed?

Wayne: All of my titles are the original titles I submitted with my proposals. My next full length book, due out in October 2010, will keep its original title, WHISPERS AT MIDNIGHT, too. I’ve been fortunate.

Dyanne: I congratulate you on choosing such wonderful titles. Can you tell us where you get your inspiration for your stories?

Wayne: I get my inspiration from everywhere, anything and anyone...and from readers. Their kind words about my work keep me motivated to write even more.

Dyanne: Ahh, what a nice thing to say. I’m sure your readers will be happy to hear that. What's on your plate for the rest of 2009?

Wayne: I’ll just be writing. Have no releases this yet. However, along with the Kimani Romances in 2010 (one) and 2011 (two), I have a novella for Parker Publishing which I’m working on right now along with WHISPERS AT MIDNIGHT. It’s my first extra steamy romance so I’m totally enjoying reading it. Of course, I’m trying to balance the story with the heat factor…and I’m not doing badly.

Dyanne: Wayne, thank you so much for talking to us. Have a great summer.

Wayne: Dyanne, thanks for the opportunity.

Interview with Aspiring Author Darlene Cole

Dyanne: I decided to search out a winner of an Aspiring Author contest to see how she’s doing. A few years ago, Darlene won the Parker Publishing Aspiring Author Contest. Darlene, you won an aspiring writer's contest a couple of years ago. Can you tell us (honestly) about the experience and what has happened with your writing since?

Darlene: When my name was announced, I was speechless, it was such an honor. Since then I've written another story, and continue honing my writing skills.

Dyanne: Did entering the contest make you work harder toward your goal or has it had the opposite affect?

Darlene: My goal has always been to become a published author. What the contest did was make me realize I could be published. So I guess you can say the contest has made me work harder to achieve that goal.

Dyanne: Tell us a little about you, what you write, what you read and what you're doing now.

Darlene: I live in Saratoga, NY. That's about 150 miles north of New York City and about 150 miles south of the Canada border. I have two grown daughter and two teenage grandchildren. And, I've just celebrated my sixtieth birthday.

As far as what I write, my motto is: "I write the type of stories I like to read." Basically they're romantic, but I like including different issues. One story is about a young couple who receives a lesson on commitment from a World War II veteran. Another one tells of a man's personal growth as realizes his love for a woman of color.

I am a romance junkie, but will read any book that catches my fancy. I've just finished reading E. Lynn Harris book; "Basketball Jones." Right now, I'm finishing up a novelette I call "My Everything." It was inspired by a question asked at RSJ '08 as to why aren't many stories written about a full figure women getting the fine looking brothers? We know it happens.

Dyanne: Are there plans to attend another conference? Are you going to attend the cruise?

Darlene: I'll answer your second question first, I plan on being on the cruise and because of that I'm only doing a few local conferences this year.

Dyanne: Is there anyplace you call home that we can visit and maybe sample some of your work.

Darlene: I wish there was. Right now, I'm trying to set up my web page once it up I will be announcing it to the world, because I would love for people to read my stories.

Dyanne: Darlene, I wish you the best of luck in your career. Thanks for doing the interview.

Darlene: Thank you Dyanne

Interview with Author Patricia Sargeant

Dyanne: Once again RSJ family I’m back with short but insightful interviews. If you haven’t yet seen the interviews you’re dying to see keep waiting. Better yet, email the person and tell tem to contact me. I hope you’ve all had a glorious month and wish the same for each of you for May. I’d love for the readers to email me so we can turn the spotlight on you. Think about it. It’s painless. I promise. Patricia Sargeant is our first author interview for May.

Hello, Patricia, and thank you for doing the interview. Would you tell us a little about yourself please?

Patricia: Dyanne, thank you for including me in these wonderful Romance Slam Jam interviews. I’ve enjoyed reading them, and I’m honored to be included. For a brief background on myself, hmmm, ... My husband and I have lived in Columbus, Ohio, for years. But I'm originally from New York, and still consider Brooklyn home since my family lives there. (Anyone from Brooklyn in the house?) I come from a family of voracious readers and have wanted to tell my own stories since I was nine years old. There's a great quote by Barry Lopez, "Sometimes we need stories more than food to survive." My hips may not bear it out, but I do agree with the sentiment behind that quote. I've been lucky enough to have three titles published to date, two single titles and a short story in a benefits anthology. My first release is You Belong to Me. It's a romantic suspense that reunites a divorced couple in a race to unmask a serial killer. The story asks the question if you had a second chance, what would you do to ensure your happily ever after? My second release is On Fire. It's also a romantic suspense in which adversaries become allies when they realize a string of arsons are connected to a series of murders. The theme of this story is trust. I believe to love someone unconditionally you have to trust them completely. Would you agree? My third title is The Power of Love. It's a romance anthology featuring original short stories from 12 award-winning and best-selling authors. The goal of the anthology is to raise money for a battered women's shelter in Ohio, and awareness of the issue of domestic violence. I'm very proud to be a part of that project. I have two releases scheduled for June - my first contemporary romance, Sweet Deception, and another multi-author benefits anthology, Tails of Love. Tails of Love will raise money for a no-kill animal shelter in Ohio as well as awareness of the needs of abused and abandoned animals and pets.

Dyanne: Patricia, I wish you the best of luck with all of your books, but most especially the anthologies. I hope you all make lots of money for two very worthy causes. Changing the tone a little bit. What's the craziest thing you've ever had happen in your career?

Patricia: I've given this question a lot of thought. It's an excellent question. The publishing business itself can be pretty crazy. Would you agree? The craziest thing I've ever had happen in my career is the way I got my first contract. I'd heard Kensington was launching Dafina, its African American imprint. I think this was late 2003 or early 2004. I submitted a proposal - a synopsis and the first three chapters - of the story that would become You Belong to Me to the Dafina editor. When I didn't hear anything within the stated response time, I followed up with a letter, and then I called. The editorial assistant explained they'd never received my proposal and asked me to send the complete manuscript. I put aside the project I'd been working on and revised the manuscript again. I wanted to be certain it was as clean as I could get it. Then, I sent it in - and waited. I mailed a letter, made a phone call, sent an e-mail. Within two hours of sending the e-mail, the editor responded that she'd read You Belong to Me and would be calling me to discuss it within two weeks. You could imagine how excited I was. Over the moon. A couple of months went by; still no contact. It's now 2006. I put You Belong to Me completely out of my head and concentrated on my new project. That's when the editor called offering a contract for You Belong to Me. It was a pretty crazy ride.

Dyanne: First off, yes I totally agree with you that the publishing business is crazy. But your story is indeed the reason for my two favorite mottos. Preserve, and never ever give up. Truth is way stranger than fiction. Wow Pat!! I can’t wait to see how you answer the next question. Share your most selfish decadent wish (G-rated).

Patricia: Oh, Dyanne. This one is hard. I think my most selfish, decadent wish is being able to support myself completely with my fiction writing. I have this dream of being able to sleep for eight hours every night. Of being able to read for hours on end solely for pleasure again. Of using vacation time to actually vacation instead of extra time to meet a deadline. Of getting back into a regular exercise routine so I can get healthy and stay healthy.

Dyanne: I could use this moment to reiterate how many people don’t think writers really work. Your answer to the question just proved them wrong. Again. Patricia, What's on your plate for 09?

Patricia: Thanks so much for asking about my 2009 schedule, Dyanne. I'm pretty jazzed about it. My first contemporary romance, Sweet Deception, is a June 2009 release. The theme is female empowerment and identity. The story features a dutiful minister's daughter who leads a secret life as an erotic romance author. When she begins a relationship with another more famous author, her identity is revealed, and she's forced to choose between obligation and passion. I think, especially as women, we wear so many hats – wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, career professional – we sometimes lose track of who we are individually. Who is Dyanne Davis? Who is Patricia Sargeant? Sometimes we allow other people to define us rather than taking the time to define ourselves. Also in June, Berkley will release the romance anthology I mentioned, Tails of Love, which features original short stories by Lori Foster, Stella Cameron, Dianne Castell, Kate Angell, Ann Christopher, Marcia James, Donna MacMeans, Sarah McCarty, Sue-Ellen Welfonder and me. My short story, “Scaredy Cat,” features a heroine whose adopted stray cat plays matchmaker. I feel silly admitting this, but I fell for the guy the cat chose for the heroine, too. If you read the story, let me know what you think of Paul Strahan. Also for 2009, I hope to shop a couple of romantic suspense projects. I love writing contemporaries and hope to continue. But I’d also like to continue writing romantic suspense.

Dyanne: Patricia, you’re a terrific interview. Thank you. You do know I’m wondering if Paul is fact or fiction don’t you. I’ll have to make sure to get a copy of the book. I promise this is the last question. How do you want to be contacted by readers?

Patricia: I love hearing from readers! I love talking about my books, Dyanne’s great books, other author’s books, yada, yada, yada. Please feel free to e-mail me at BooksByPatricia@yahoo.com. In the interest of full disclosure, I admit that, while I’m on deadline, I’m not able to respond as quickly as I usually do. However, I do appreciate the communication and I always respond. Just sometimes not that quickly. Dyanne, thank you so much for taking the time to chat with me. This truly has been great fun!
SWEET DECEPTION, Kensington Publishing, June 2009TAILS OF LOVE, Berkley Publishing, June 2009 http://www.patriciasargeant.com/ Romances To Die For

Dyanne: Thanks Patricia. I really enjoyed the interview.

Interview with Author J.S. Hawley

Dyanne: Next up we have an equally fascinating interview with author J.S. Hawley. J.S. you’re up. Tell the RSJ family about J.S. Hawley.

J.S. The one thing about me is that my friends and family are always in my heart. That I still smile at strangers and say good-morning. No I don't know the guy on the cover of my first book Come With Me but the guy described inside is based on a real man. When I knew him ('97-'98) he had long hair, nipple piercings, light skin, and he (let's call him 'Leslie') got me. I'd love to put out a national ad (and reward) and see if I could locate him. So if you know the guy...

Dyanne: I haven’t had a chance to see any guys with nipple piercing but I see anyone matching his description I’ll let you know. LOL. So, tell us, what's the craziest thing you've ever had to happen in your career?

J.S. Getting published. I stumbled blindly and fell in face first. I got very lucky. A friend who had never read a word I'd written, told a friend, who had a friend who was an editor. They harassed me through thick and thin patiently waiting for my life not to be soooo crazy and for me to complete the manuscript I'd been working on for five years. I've lost each of my manuscripts a handful of times. Once one of my 'Cheerleaders' (I was a coach at the time) gave me a magnet when she returned from vacation. I stuck it in my bag and it found its way next to my disk and magnetized the sucker. Another time I was working on the document and we had a power outage. Another time I stuck my hand in my pocket only to fine the perfect little thumb drive sized hole. I also had a fire in my home and a robbery, believe me when I say didn't think the manuscripts would ever get done. However my work turned out to be a solid piece of writing if nothing else. I thank the powers of the Universe that the timing was right. Just shows that sometimes the bad does have a silver lining.

Dyanne: WOW! To me that mean your being a writer was meant to be. How about if now you share your most selfish decadent wish (G-rated)

J.S. Right now I wish I could write the love affair I just ended with my ex. For me he was a very sweet and caring man but I was too busy 'fixing myself' and couldn't commit. Wish I could swallow my pride the way characters do in books and march over there and tell him how I feel and have him feel the same way. You know write our love affair including the HEA ending. Either that or fitting into a pair of size 12 jeans again.

Dyanne: Ahhh, that’s so sweet. The writing the love affair that is. What I wouldn’t give to get into a size 12 again myself. Maybe my third born. (note: I have one child. LOL) What's on your plate for 09?

J.S. With two inter-racial contemporaries on the shelf, I hope to put out a Historical Romance, also with inter-racial overtones, a Romantic mystery, a sci-fi/fantasy/romance, an urban romantic mystery and as many others as I can get to. I'm working on an e-published anthology submission with Isabo Kelly and Tori Anne.

Dyanne: As expected you have a full plate. Congratulations. Last question. J.S. How do you want to be contacted by readers?

J.S. Readers can reach me at J.S.Hawley@hotmail.com, myspace: www.myspace.com/jshawley and even Facebook @ Jae S. Hawley. I've also got a blog up on amazon.com. Thanks for the opportunity Dyanne. Hope to hear from you again.

Dyanne: Thanks Jackqueline/aka J.S. Great interview.

Interview with Aspiring Author Kathy Thigpen

Dyanne: Now we have an interview with an aspiring author, Kathy Thigpen. Welcome Kathy. At this point in the journey do you see your writing as a hobby or as a career you're aiming for? (There are no wrong answers here)

Kathy: Both, my immediate goal is to finish my manuscript to fulfill a pact I have with my nephew. He hands me a college degree I hand him a book. The pact didn’t specify published book so for now writing is my hobby. Long term I am aiming for a career. I see this as one of my part time retirement jobs. My retirement goals are to go back into the classroom and teach management at a HBCU and write (romance and in my academic field of management and organizational development ). By the time I retire in xx years, I’ll be a multi-published author with an agent and big name publisher that loves my work.

Dyanne: I love your goals. Let’s see how hard you’re working to make it happen. How many hours per day do you devote to your writing?

Kathy: I try to write at least one page day except on Wednesday and Fridays when I write for four to six hours. I also have a goal to do something every day to advance the cause. I count everything that relates to developing my self as a writer. Going to RWA meetings, working with my critique group, and I even include reading since now I’m a writer I read differently.

Dyanne: Very good Kathy. Are you actively doing things to take you to the next level? Ex: doing this interview, going to conferences, honing your skills, submitting your work, learning the industry?

Kathy: First doing this interview, is a big step in claiming my identity as a writer, thank you for the opportunity. I’m the assistant news letter editor for my RWA chapter and I write a column called “Letters to My Unpublished Self”. It’s a public diary that chronicles what I’m feeling and learning on this journey. For my educational goals I plan to take a grammar seminar this year, to brush up on my comma usage. I am also preparing to begin submitting my work in June. And thanks to my participation in contest I have a query letter and synopsis!

Dyanne: I really like the idea of Letters to My Unpublished Self. Kathy, let’s say that I can do just that. I have the power to grant you one wish what do you wish for?

Kathy: Besides the cash? I just need 1 million dollars once. But since you are my literary fairy Godmother, please tap my work-in-progress with your magic wand and make it complete and publishable.

Dyanne: Well now, there are many things your literary fairy can do including tapping your work and making it complete. But I don’t think that would be in your best interest so I won’t. The best part of your fulfilling your goal is the hard work that goes into it. So you will have to do all of the writing. That’s what you are. A WRITER. Do you have a website?

Kathy: I don’t have a website but I do have a blog. http:/signifysoftly.wordpress.comThe blog is primarily for another project of mine but the topic is related to my platform. My blog is dedicated to celebrating the softer side of sisterhood and embracing the power of acting like a lady. In my opinion Steve Harvey is 98% right, he should have titled his book Act like a Lady, Out Think Any Man.

Dyanne: Thanks Kathy. I wish you all the best in your writing. It looks like you’re heading in the right direction. Persevere.

Well RSJ family, we’re still looking for readers to talk. Contact me. Let’s Talk. Until next month I wish all of you the best. Happy Mother's Day.

Dyanne

Interview with Author Leslie Esdaile Banks (AKA L.A. Banks)

Dyanne:

Hello family it’s that’s time again. I do hope you’ve been enjoying the newsletters and our attempts to keep you informed. This month the interviews are with authors Leslie Esdaile Banks AKA L.A. Banks and Michelle Cameron.

L.A.: You may or may not be aware that I write under several names--so many that sometimes the aliases get crazy and confusing (smile.) So, bear with me while I take a moment to introduce my full writing portfolio to you, given that I write various genres under multiple pseudonyms using the names: L.A. Banks, Leslie Esdaile Banks, Leslie E. Banks, Leslie Banks and Leslie Esdaile, simultaneously with five major publishers: St. Martin's Press (NYC), Simon and Schuster (NYC), Kensington Publishing (NYC), BET/Arabesque (NYC), and Genesis Press (MS.). Crazy, isn't it?

Dyanne: Generally I ask the authors to take a couple of lines to tell us about themselves. I’m glad Leslie was able to crunch it down for me. ( smile)

So, Leslie, tell us what's the craziest thing you've ever had to happen in your career.

L.A. My career itself, LOL! I "fell" into this... girlfriends mailed off my first manuscript, dragged me to a writer's conference, and I literally stumbled into a meeting with who would become my first editor at Kensington/Arabesque back then. Talk about the accidental tourist, sheesh!

Dyanne: You do know you have a ton of people wanting to become an accidental tourist, me included. Share your most selfish decadent wish (G-rated)

L.A.:( G-rated burns all my wishes to a quick, BIG GRIN... but a movie deal, TV series, working full time as a screenplay writer with a Harry Potter (or Lord of the Rings) budget on all my films with the best directors and producers... nice to dream!

Dyanne: I’m pretty sure your wishes are going to come true. Carlos belongs on the big screen. With everything you have going on what's on your plate for the rest of 09?

L.A.: Too much, ha ha ha! Let's see... The Thirteenth--which is the 12th and final installment of The Vampire Huntress Legends series, came out in Feb; Undead on Arrival, werewolf book #3, comes out this April, I just turned in werewolf book #4, Cursed to Death--a fall release... and I'm working on a manga script and graphic novel script for The Vampire Huntress Legends series, as well as a young adult follow on to that series which will deal with the next generation. i am also working on a couple of anthology contributions that should be out this year.

Dyanne: What are you up to now that The Vampire Huntress series is over, and tell us a little about the two contest you had recently.

L.A: I'm still working on vampires, just in different media (graphic novels and manga scripts), as well as YA... werewolves have become my newest passion--blended with the Fae (Seelie and Unseelie stuff)... and recently we had a contest to give away an actual replica of my heroine's sword from the Vampire Huntress Legends series. It was a life-sized, anvil forged, six thousand dollar, jewel crusted model of The Madame Isis blade that heroine Damali Richards uses in the series. This was donated by The Devil's Candy Store and created by Hollywood swordsmith, Tony Swatton, to be given away as an essay contest prize to commemorate the formal end of the series. If you haven't seen it, check it out on the blog--it is GORGEOUS!

Dyanne: Leslie, I for one am thrilled that you’re still going to be working on vampires. By the way I saw the sword and I’m still salivating. I know you barely have time to breathe, so thank you for taking the time to do this interview. Last thing: How do you want to be contacted by readers?

L.A.: They can hit my contact pages at http://www.vampirehuntress.com/ or http://www.leslieesdailebanks.com/ or http://www.crimsonmoonnovels.com/