Dyanne: We’re all aware that without readers, writers whether published or unpublished, would be a bunch of mighty lonely people. And if you can believe this, readers are even more shy than writers so I am extremely grateful for the readers who have agreed to answer a few questions. I have a couple who answered but since it’s like pulling teeth (or worse) I’m using one per blog. This month we have Carmen Harris .
Hello Carmen , tell the Romance Slam Jam family a little about Carmen .
Carmen : Hi I'm Carmen Harris, a 41 year old single mom of two living in Decatur, GA. I work for the Georgia State Government as a Data Processor at Georgia Public Health Laboratory. I spend my free time reading.
DD: Carmen, what kind of romance stories are you most interested in?
Carmen: I enjoy reading contemporary romance most.
DD: Carmen can you tell us why you’re a romance reader?
Carmen: I enjoy romance because I like to see relationships develops into love and end happily ever after.
DD: Have you ever heard of RSJ, been to one or ever plan to go?
Carmen: Yes, I've heard of Romance Slam Jam, have never attended one but hope to in the future.
DD: If you could go to an event that featured dozens of your favorite romance authors at an affordable price even if you can't go soon would you like to?
Carmen: Yes, I'd love to attend an event where my favorite authors are featured.
DD: Carmen, are you a reader of only paper books or do you read ebooks as well?
Carmen: I read paper books. I've never read an ebook.
DD: Where do you hang out on the internet, Carmen?
http://www.myspace.com/amethyst168
http://www.facebook.com/people/Carmen-Harris/513471987
http://www.shelfari.com/carmenharris
http://harr1249.paperbackswap.com
Thanks Carmen . Keep reading.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
INTERVIEW WITH DOROTHY BINNS/YASMINE PHOENIX (ASPIRING AUTHOR)
Dyanne Davis (DD): Hello Dorothy, you may as well get used to being before the public. There is no better place for your coming out (so to speak) than to the Romance Slam Jam family. Let’s begin by your telling us something about yourself.
Dorothy Binns (DB): I live in a snow covered, cold south suburb of Chicago. I'm a Virginia girl by birth and as I get older I miss the mild weather and being near 'real water'. I'm married, twenty-five years now, and have two kids. One on her own, youngest is in college. I love tennis, but my knees don't. I'm rediscovering my identity after being introduced as Jennifer or John's Mom for a number of years. I love to read, write, and listen to music. I have always been a scifi person. Star Trek, Dark Shadows. Now it's Doctor Who, Torchwood, Battlestar Galactica, Smallville, Supernatural... okay that's enough. My friends find it easy to talk to me, because I tell the truth. I dress it up so they don't cry, but still tell them the truth. My parents taught me to smile, but not be a fool. Passed that on to my kids. I have a dry, cynical sense of humor, passed that on to my son. I love being around people, but eventually the loner in me emerges and I retreat for a few days. Again, passed that on to both kids.
DD: I like that. Great intro. Now tell us when were you first bitten by the writing bug?
DB: The first time was in high school. I wrote a short story about Charlie of the Tunaka Islands. He was a prince who swam so well a tuna fish company, StarKiss, used 'Charlie The Tuna' for their product and he sued them for defamation of character. My classmates 'believed' my fictional story. Hence I knew I could lie well. I continued practicing the art of lying well to boyfriends, until I met my husband. I didn't want to lie to him. Then later, I was in a paralegal program and an idea hit me about what if Cher was really interracial, which had absolutely nothing to do with the class. Hence I wrote an interracial romance which my black heroine discovers her father had married a white woman, divorced her, but didn't know she'd had a child. Father dies, Cher shows up, and problems begin since my he roine was engaged to a white man whose family didn't approve. I did pass my paralegal class, by the way and received my first agent rejection which enabled me to get my Pro pin from Romance Writers of America.
DD: Dorothy, you’re cracking me up. You’re a natural born writer. 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)
DB: I see my writing as a career and it's hard. In my previous career, I had work assignments, deadlines, a manager, and a paycheck. Now I'm responsible for everything. Being paid is secondary, producing quality and exciting manuscripts is first. If I take my eyes off of this goal and think about monetary, I won't write well.
DD: To that end, how many hours per day do you devote to your writing?
DB: As I answered in the previous question, this career is hard. I'm struggling to write four hours a day. Not four straight hours. I realize I just kept saying20I was going to write eight hours a day, I've never made it pass day one. So I'm doing it in increments, four hours a day by the end of January and then by the beginning of March eight hours. Weekends are hard, there are too many people (2) in the house. Our beagle doesn't count.
DD: Dorothy, 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?
DB: This interview, okay great. Conferences, yes. Last year I attended my first Romance Slam Jam and I am looking forward to the RSJ the cruise, 2010. I went to San Francisco, RWA National Convention, my local chapter's conference. I'm bringing my daughter on the RSJ cruise. I'm scheduled to attend the Indiana RWA Conference in March. Honing my skills: I do online classes, not every month. I'm very picky about what class I take. Submitting my work: Absolutely, my goal is to have work ready for submission monthly. Learning the industry: My online chapters are very good about providing information and I receive Publishers Weekly20and deals page. I'm active in my local RWA chapter, librarian and Pro Liaison. Oh yeah, I exercise, yoga and tennis. Writing is solitary, activity outside is essential. However: But... the most important aspect of my career is to finish what I write. I can't submit if my writing isn't complete.
My tagline is exactly how I feel about my career.Yasmine, www.YasminePhoenix.com
"Writing is the only thing that, when I do it, I don't feel I should be doing something else." - Gloria Steinem .
DD: Great interview Dorothy . I wish you all the best in your career. I’m glad you put your website for the RSJ readers. You have a fantastic blog. Thanks for allowing me to introduce you to the RSJ family.
Dorothy Binns (DB): I live in a snow covered, cold south suburb of Chicago. I'm a Virginia girl by birth and as I get older I miss the mild weather and being near 'real water'. I'm married, twenty-five years now, and have two kids. One on her own, youngest is in college. I love tennis, but my knees don't. I'm rediscovering my identity after being introduced as Jennifer or John's Mom for a number of years. I love to read, write, and listen to music. I have always been a scifi person. Star Trek, Dark Shadows. Now it's Doctor Who, Torchwood, Battlestar Galactica, Smallville, Supernatural... okay that's enough. My friends find it easy to talk to me, because I tell the truth. I dress it up so they don't cry, but still tell them the truth. My parents taught me to smile, but not be a fool. Passed that on to my kids. I have a dry, cynical sense of humor, passed that on to my son. I love being around people, but eventually the loner in me emerges and I retreat for a few days. Again, passed that on to both kids.
DD: I like that. Great intro. Now tell us when were you first bitten by the writing bug?
DB: The first time was in high school. I wrote a short story about Charlie of the Tunaka Islands. He was a prince who swam so well a tuna fish company, StarKiss, used 'Charlie The Tuna' for their product and he sued them for defamation of character. My classmates 'believed' my fictional story. Hence I knew I could lie well. I continued practicing the art of lying well to boyfriends, until I met my husband. I didn't want to lie to him. Then later, I was in a paralegal program and an idea hit me about what if Cher was really interracial, which had absolutely nothing to do with the class. Hence I wrote an interracial romance which my black heroine discovers her father had married a white woman, divorced her, but didn't know she'd had a child. Father dies, Cher shows up, and problems begin since my he roine was engaged to a white man whose family didn't approve. I did pass my paralegal class, by the way and received my first agent rejection which enabled me to get my Pro pin from Romance Writers of America.
DD: Dorothy, you’re cracking me up. You’re a natural born writer. 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)
DB: I see my writing as a career and it's hard. In my previous career, I had work assignments, deadlines, a manager, and a paycheck. Now I'm responsible for everything. Being paid is secondary, producing quality and exciting manuscripts is first. If I take my eyes off of this goal and think about monetary, I won't write well.
DD: To that end, how many hours per day do you devote to your writing?
DB: As I answered in the previous question, this career is hard. I'm struggling to write four hours a day. Not four straight hours. I realize I just kept saying20I was going to write eight hours a day, I've never made it pass day one. So I'm doing it in increments, four hours a day by the end of January and then by the beginning of March eight hours. Weekends are hard, there are too many people (2) in the house. Our beagle doesn't count.
DD: Dorothy, 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?
DB: This interview, okay great. Conferences, yes. Last year I attended my first Romance Slam Jam and I am looking forward to the RSJ the cruise, 2010. I went to San Francisco, RWA National Convention, my local chapter's conference. I'm bringing my daughter on the RSJ cruise. I'm scheduled to attend the Indiana RWA Conference in March. Honing my skills: I do online classes, not every month. I'm very picky about what class I take. Submitting my work: Absolutely, my goal is to have work ready for submission monthly. Learning the industry: My online chapters are very good about providing information and I receive Publishers Weekly20and deals page. I'm active in my local RWA chapter, librarian and Pro Liaison. Oh yeah, I exercise, yoga and tennis. Writing is solitary, activity outside is essential. However: But... the most important aspect of my career is to finish what I write. I can't submit if my writing isn't complete.
My tagline is exactly how I feel about my career.Yasmine, www.YasminePhoenix.com
"Writing is the only thing that, when I do it, I don't feel I should be doing something else." - Gloria Steinem .
DD: Great interview Dorothy . I wish you all the best in your career. I’m glad you put your website for the RSJ readers. You have a fantastic blog. Thanks for allowing me to introduce you to the RSJ family.
Interview With Beverly Jenkins
Dyane Davis: Beverly, we both know you need no introduction to the Romance Slam Jam family, but I’ll bet there are still a few secrets you can share. Hmm. Let’s see if we can’t come up with something. Okay, I have it, what's the craziest thing you've ever had to happen in your career?
Bevery Jenkins: Ok, Craziest thing to ever happen was to look up and see Attorney Johnnie Cochran walking into one of my signings. He'd come to get a book for his wife. I'd just stuffed a big peanut butter cookie in my mouth, so I'm trying to be cool and not scream and hold an intelligent conversation while mumbling around this cookie. I'm sure he thought I was insane!
DD: You know I’m also thinking that’s one of your historic moments considering Johnnie Cochran ’s most famous trial. Now how about if you share your most selfish decadent wish (G-rated)
BJ: Most selfish decadent wish? Hmm. Probably one last make me wanna holla love session with my late husband, then he can go back to playing golf in heaven.
DD: I have to tell you I love your wish though I’m sure your readers will quickly turn it into an X rating. LOL. So, what’s on your plate for 2009?
BJ: The plate for 09 is full. The reissue of my two YAs Belle and Josephine for Kimani Tru . Bring on the Blessings - my first women's fiction and faith based novel hits stores late January. The 15th anniversary reissue of my very first novel Night Song in May; a novella project for Kimani due sometime this summer, and the release of my newest historical Captured from Avon in the fall. This is also a BJPJ party year. Lordy! I'm tired just thinking about all this, AND have 2 books to write this year for publication in 2010.
DD: WOW! You are busy and thank you again from taking the time from your busy schedule to play along and send a holla to the RSJ family. One last question. Where can readers reach you?
BJ: Readers can contact me at indigo@beverlyjenkins.net or via my po box-
PO BOX 1893
Belleville MI
48112
Thanks Dyanne.
http://www.beverlyjenkins.net/
http://www.beverlyjenkins.net/
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Reflections
HAPPY NEW YEAR
To welcome the beginning of 2009 I decided this month to deviate from what has become our usual format of interviews. I feel compelled to speak of things that have impacted my life personally and things that have impacted the lives of every American.
First off I’d like to give thanks to the Creator for allowing me and my family to see the dawning of a New Year. All my life my mother would begin the New Year by reflecting on the ones we lost and giving thanks for the ones who made it through. That has also been my practice for many many years. So to the RSJ family, if any of you had loved ones who didn’t make it to this point I extend my condolences. I think sometimes as you get older and the natural state of death starts claming those in your generation, you begin to feel your own sense of mortality. Many well known and loved stars have not made it to 09 and actually as I write this it’s December 26th and I’m listening to the news of Eartha Kitt’s passing. Don’t worry I’m not going to turn this into a gigantic list of names or have this piece be entirely morose. I’m just acknowledging my reason for giving thanks to see 2009(hopefully)
Despite the sadness there was one defining moment of joy that cannot be overshadowed. America has voted for its first president Barack Obama who’s considered to be African American. But in my reflections I will not list that as it would take away his mother’s part in his having been born. Personally I think the fact that our new president is of two cultures worked to unite the country to the extent that it has been united. For it was with the combined votes that he won and made all of us feel a bit of the “Yes we can” spirit. I count it a blessing that Amanda Roberts Jones, a slave's daughter who lived to be 110 and passed away on December 19th 2008 cast a vote for Barack Obama.
In 2008 in my own professional life I’ve had highs and not so highs. The year ended with one of my books, The Critic, being nominated for best AA book of the year. That’s a good and bad thing but I’m not going to elaborate on it here. Another good and bad thing: My first published book, The Color of Trouble is being re-released in mass market with a new cover that I’m sure some will blame me that the story doesn’t match the cover.
Then we have the decision I’ve reached which had a lot to do with my writing a letter of reflections. My muse appears to be moving more toward a paranormal bent and for awhile the RSJ family will not be as connected to me through my work as I have a feeling most of it will not be in the romance genre. (Smile) This is beginning to sound a bit like a letter of resignation isn’t it? Well it’s not. It’s just that my creative muse for fear of becoming stagnated has decided to lead me on a journey, one I’m eager to pursue by the way. I’ve also met challenges in the past year. I’ve used the, “Yes we can” turned it into, “Yes I Can” and found that I not only can write shorter but that I’m enjoying it. Yeah I know you can’t tell it by the length of my reflections. But seriously, I was once told lovingly by my editor, Sidney Rickman, that I didn’t have a short book in me. I laughed but for the most part agreed. I love proving people wrong even me, so I challenged myself to write short stories and did. I’m proud to say two of my short stories will be coming out this year in Love Stories Magazines.
Wrapping this up I could tell you my New Year goals are the usual: get healthy, lose weight, keep up with my blogs, but I won’t for I find I don’t like limitation, even my own. So I won’t have any resolutions this year.
There is a new title I’m adding to my resume and that is literary dentist. I think this one will prove to be the hardest. It appears my patients are extremely reticence so I will be forced to pull the creative teeth of many in order to return you next month and the following months to the interviews that will keep us connected from now until we meet again in April 2010.
So here’s wishing each of you a very prosper, healthy and joyous New Year.
Dyanne Davis
http://www.dyannedavis.com/
First off I’d like to give thanks to the Creator for allowing me and my family to see the dawning of a New Year. All my life my mother would begin the New Year by reflecting on the ones we lost and giving thanks for the ones who made it through. That has also been my practice for many many years. So to the RSJ family, if any of you had loved ones who didn’t make it to this point I extend my condolences. I think sometimes as you get older and the natural state of death starts claming those in your generation, you begin to feel your own sense of mortality. Many well known and loved stars have not made it to 09 and actually as I write this it’s December 26th and I’m listening to the news of Eartha Kitt’s passing. Don’t worry I’m not going to turn this into a gigantic list of names or have this piece be entirely morose. I’m just acknowledging my reason for giving thanks to see 2009(hopefully)
Despite the sadness there was one defining moment of joy that cannot be overshadowed. America has voted for its first president Barack Obama who’s considered to be African American. But in my reflections I will not list that as it would take away his mother’s part in his having been born. Personally I think the fact that our new president is of two cultures worked to unite the country to the extent that it has been united. For it was with the combined votes that he won and made all of us feel a bit of the “Yes we can” spirit. I count it a blessing that Amanda Roberts Jones, a slave's daughter who lived to be 110 and passed away on December 19th 2008 cast a vote for Barack Obama.
In 2008 in my own professional life I’ve had highs and not so highs. The year ended with one of my books, The Critic, being nominated for best AA book of the year. That’s a good and bad thing but I’m not going to elaborate on it here. Another good and bad thing: My first published book, The Color of Trouble is being re-released in mass market with a new cover that I’m sure some will blame me that the story doesn’t match the cover.
Then we have the decision I’ve reached which had a lot to do with my writing a letter of reflections. My muse appears to be moving more toward a paranormal bent and for awhile the RSJ family will not be as connected to me through my work as I have a feeling most of it will not be in the romance genre. (Smile) This is beginning to sound a bit like a letter of resignation isn’t it? Well it’s not. It’s just that my creative muse for fear of becoming stagnated has decided to lead me on a journey, one I’m eager to pursue by the way. I’ve also met challenges in the past year. I’ve used the, “Yes we can” turned it into, “Yes I Can” and found that I not only can write shorter but that I’m enjoying it. Yeah I know you can’t tell it by the length of my reflections. But seriously, I was once told lovingly by my editor, Sidney Rickman, that I didn’t have a short book in me. I laughed but for the most part agreed. I love proving people wrong even me, so I challenged myself to write short stories and did. I’m proud to say two of my short stories will be coming out this year in Love Stories Magazines.
Wrapping this up I could tell you my New Year goals are the usual: get healthy, lose weight, keep up with my blogs, but I won’t for I find I don’t like limitation, even my own. So I won’t have any resolutions this year.
There is a new title I’m adding to my resume and that is literary dentist. I think this one will prove to be the hardest. It appears my patients are extremely reticence so I will be forced to pull the creative teeth of many in order to return you next month and the following months to the interviews that will keep us connected from now until we meet again in April 2010.
So here’s wishing each of you a very prosper, healthy and joyous New Year.
Dyanne Davis
http://www.dyannedavis.com/
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Getting to Know Brenda Willis
Dyanne: Thank you, Brenda, for heeding the call to serve. So, you’ve chosen the writing path. What put the bug in you to write?
Brenda: I wouldn’t say it was so much a bug, but God placing the right person in my life telling me I was a writer and to write. I truly believe that there are no accidents in this life. It was merely my being put on the path that I was meant to be on.
It was a relief to realize I was a writer and not crazy, well not completely. I wondered what I was going to do, having spent the last 25 plus year raising my three children. My daughter was entering her last year of high school. And I had no idea what I was supposed to do next. Well now I know. Thank you, Dyanne.
Dyanne: Brenda I’m old and slow. I didn’t get the last part of your comment until this moment. I agree that God uses people who allow themselves to be used. But considering that I’ve been reading your writing and am blown away by your talents all I can say is no thanks necessary. Deciding to write is the first step toward fulfilling your dreams. Can you tell us as an aspiring author what you've done so far to move your career toward the path you want it to go?
Brenda : Well I started a blog, I attended RSJ/08. Had a blast by the way, I was disappointed to hear that it was canceled for 2009. I was looking forward to seeing and reconnecting with all the talented writers I met in Chicago . I joined this really wonderful supportive group of ladies called R.I.C.H writers group.
I write ever day. I’ve even submitted some of my short stories for publication. Got my first rejection, went home, had a little pity party, got over it, and got back to writing.
Dyanne: Congratulations Brenda , you’re a writer. Rejections are only temporary stumbling blocks. I’m so proud to hear you say you had your little pity party and continued writing. That’s the absolute right thing to do. Now, can you tell us briefly what things you read and what kinds of stories you're writing?
Brenda : An avid reader since childhood, I’ve always had a love of books and reading. When I was a teenager I was fascinated with history. I loved reading biographies of famous and not so famous people. Which really wasn’t cool growing up in the 70’s for a black girl to know who Ivan the Terrible was or why spaghetti westerns are called a spaghetti westerns. But I digress. I’ve amassed quiet a collection of books over the years. They range from contemporary romance/literature, Christian, mystery/suspense, erotic fiction/romance, to paranormal.
I don’t read for pleasure anymore, simply because now I write. At this moment I have about ten WIP. Three of which I’m currently working on. My charters are just ordinary people who find love in the most uncommon or where you would least expect two people to come together places.
Dyanne: Brenda , you mentioned that you have a blog where you’ve posted some of your work.Can you give readers the info on that?
Brenda : Sure, come on over to my blog at www.amwells.blogspot.com. All comments are welcome. Oh, did I mention I write under the pen name of A.M. Wells .
Dyanne: Thanks Brenda , also I’m glad that you mentioned you’re using a penname. By RSJ 2010 all will know you. I wish you the best of luck in your career and have a very Merry Christmas.
Brenda: I wouldn’t say it was so much a bug, but God placing the right person in my life telling me I was a writer and to write. I truly believe that there are no accidents in this life. It was merely my being put on the path that I was meant to be on.
It was a relief to realize I was a writer and not crazy, well not completely. I wondered what I was going to do, having spent the last 25 plus year raising my three children. My daughter was entering her last year of high school. And I had no idea what I was supposed to do next. Well now I know. Thank you, Dyanne.
Dyanne: Brenda I’m old and slow. I didn’t get the last part of your comment until this moment. I agree that God uses people who allow themselves to be used. But considering that I’ve been reading your writing and am blown away by your talents all I can say is no thanks necessary. Deciding to write is the first step toward fulfilling your dreams. Can you tell us as an aspiring author what you've done so far to move your career toward the path you want it to go?
Brenda : Well I started a blog, I attended RSJ/08. Had a blast by the way, I was disappointed to hear that it was canceled for 2009. I was looking forward to seeing and reconnecting with all the talented writers I met in Chicago . I joined this really wonderful supportive group of ladies called R.I.C.H writers group.
I write ever day. I’ve even submitted some of my short stories for publication. Got my first rejection, went home, had a little pity party, got over it, and got back to writing.
Dyanne: Congratulations Brenda , you’re a writer. Rejections are only temporary stumbling blocks. I’m so proud to hear you say you had your little pity party and continued writing. That’s the absolute right thing to do. Now, can you tell us briefly what things you read and what kinds of stories you're writing?
Brenda : An avid reader since childhood, I’ve always had a love of books and reading. When I was a teenager I was fascinated with history. I loved reading biographies of famous and not so famous people. Which really wasn’t cool growing up in the 70’s for a black girl to know who Ivan the Terrible was or why spaghetti westerns are called a spaghetti westerns. But I digress. I’ve amassed quiet a collection of books over the years. They range from contemporary romance/literature, Christian, mystery/suspense, erotic fiction/romance, to paranormal.
I don’t read for pleasure anymore, simply because now I write. At this moment I have about ten WIP. Three of which I’m currently working on. My charters are just ordinary people who find love in the most uncommon or where you would least expect two people to come together places.
Dyanne: Brenda , you mentioned that you have a blog where you’ve posted some of your work.Can you give readers the info on that?
Brenda : Sure, come on over to my blog at www.amwells.blogspot.com. All comments are welcome. Oh, did I mention I write under the pen name of A.M. Wells .
Dyanne: Thanks Brenda , also I’m glad that you mentioned you’re using a penname. By RSJ 2010 all will know you. I wish you the best of luck in your career and have a very Merry Christmas.
A Little Chat with the Paperback Diva, Andrea Jackson
Dyanne: First I want to thank Andrea Jackson for the goodies that your group provided for 
each and every bag that was given out at the 2008 RSJ. Thanks also for doing the interview. Christmas is coming soon and you're Santa. (Seriously) Where will you go first and where might you skip altogether?
Andrea: First I'll go someplace warm! I hate cold weather. The Southern US, California, Hawaii, Caribbean, Tropical Africa. And I'd be awfully tempted to skip places like Iceland and Scandinavia. LOL. Good thing the real Santa doesn't feel that way!
Dyanne: LOL. I didn’t think about just going to warm climates. I love it. Now, your life has taken a turn. You're now Andrea and Santa didn't stop at your house. Can you tell us why?
Andrea: Oh, my gosh! Did Santa find out what a witch I've been this year? I could have been nicer to my husband, and tried to understand my kids better. And spent more time with my mother. Santa may also have found out how little writing I did this year! I couldn't seem to finish anything.
each and every bag that was given out at the 2008 RSJ. Thanks also for doing the interview. Christmas is coming soon and you're Santa. (Seriously) Where will you go first and where might you skip altogether?Andrea: First I'll go someplace warm! I hate cold weather. The Southern US, California, Hawaii, Caribbean, Tropical Africa. And I'd be awfully tempted to skip places like Iceland and Scandinavia. LOL. Good thing the real Santa doesn't feel that way!
Dyanne: LOL. I didn’t think about just going to warm climates. I love it. Now, your life has taken a turn. You're now Andrea and Santa didn't stop at your house. Can you tell us why?
Andrea: Oh, my gosh! Did Santa find out what a witch I've been this year? I could have been nicer to my husband, and tried to understand my kids better. And spent more time with my mother. Santa may also have found out how little writing I did this year! I couldn't seem to finish anything.Dyanne: You’re the paperback Diva so we all have great faith in you that you’ll finish all of those projects. Besides, I know you’ve been busy. This takes me to the next question. Even though you haven’t finished anything, you’re a writer and that means you’ve been writing. Tell us what you're working on now and your future projects.
Andrea: All those projects I've begun need to be completed. There's a contemporary novel about a woman who's struggling to get custody of her deceased sister's two young daughters and no way is she going to be distracted by the sexy guardium ad litem who's been assigned to the case. I'm working on my first shapeshifter, a novella for Samhain. A paranormal about a world where warriors are delectable, protective alpha males.
Dyanne: See MS. Paperback Diva, I knew you had a lot going on. Now tell us where can RSJ readers look for you?
My website is http://www.pbdiva.com/
My blog is Proud to be a Paperback Diva, http://www.pbdiva.wordpress.com/
I'm also on Twitter daily. www.twitter.com/pbdiva
My website is http://www.pbdiva.com/
My blog is Proud to be a Paperback Diva, http://www.pbdiva.wordpress.com/
I'm also on Twitter daily. www.twitter.com/pbdiva
Thanks Andrea. I can’t wait to read all three of the novels you’re working on.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Interview with A.C. Arthur
Dyanne: A.C. , since I’m now using initials I love it more than ever when authors use their initials. Would you mind telling us what they are stand for.
A.C.: My first and middle name: Artist Contina Arthur. When I was growing up people would look at my first name and always thought I was a boy, so when the first book was being published I said I’d rather have the initials then my first name on the book then have to go through the same questions about my first name. My parents weren’t too pleased with the idea but it’s growing on them.
Dyanne: I like that. I tried to change my name when I was a teen but my mother refused to acknowledge it and threatened me if I didn’t keep answering to the name she’d given me. (smile) You know that I’m giving authors a chance to express their true creativity by asking them crazy questions right? Okay, here goes: You are the last mortal on Planet Earth. In order to survive you will have to find a way to procreate. How will you accomplish this?
A.C: This is funny, Dyanne and only you could come up with this. LOL Sometimes, on those days when the kids are driving me crazy, I wonder why I even tried procreation at all! But here goes: Since I’m the last mortal I’m thinking there has to be some shape shifters left or even some immortal gods which are my absolute favorite! Half the fun in procreation is the process (the sexual one, I mean) so if there was say a Zeus look-a-like or a feral jaguar shifter with great eyes, you could definitely send him my way for a long seductive evening. If not, then I suppose there’s always prayer! LOLDyanne: You have just been given a million dollar advance (yeah I know) to write your own personal true to life love story. Give me the short “G” version.
A.C.: First off, I’m not even going to get a million dollar advance for this boring story! LOL
Heroine has simple dreams to become a secretary with a husband and kids to return home to in the evenings, when her destiny is altered by one great book. In the blink of an eye this normal, mild mannered woman is morphed into a scintillating storyteller with new dreams to color the world with fantastic stories and enlightening characters.
Heroine has simple dreams to become a secretary with a husband and kids to return home to in the evenings, when her destiny is altered by one great book. In the blink of an eye this normal, mild mannered woman is morphed into a scintillating storyteller with new dreams to color the world with fantastic stories and enlightening characters.
Dyanne: Thanks for playing along. For the record your dream has already come true. YOU’RE DEFINITELY A SCINTILLATING STORYTELLER. Now for the serious question. What do you have on the burner for the next year? What new projects, books, submission, dreams. Anything you can talk about.
A.C.: Let’s see, I have two additions to my Donovan Family series from Kimani Romance: the long awaited Trent Donovan ’s story, Defying Desire 4/09 and Full House Seduction, Noelle ’s story, 8/09. In the mainstream arena, I have the scorching sequel to Indecent Proposal, aptly titled Indecent Exposure coming from Urban Books in 7/09.
As for submissions I’ve just completed the first book in a series of dark, erotic paranormals under my pen name, Sapphire Blue. Hopefully it will find a publishing home soon!
Dyanne: Hmm. I had thought it was a secret that you’re Sapphire Blue. I think maybe I’ll have to interview her also. Last thing A. C. where can readers reach you?
A.C.: Email me at http://us.mc521.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=acarthur22@yahoo.com or visit my website.
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