A Message From Dyanne Davis

Hello Everyone,

I’d like to start this month with a BIG ‘Thank You.’ Deatri put out an SOS and the authors came pouring out. It felt like Christmas, and believe me it came at just the right moment. I was seriously considering ending the blog.

The intent of the blog is to keep the RSJ family connected and up to date on what’s happening with the authors and readers. It was meant to be our bridge between visits. Deatri tells me that you’re stopping by, if you could say hello it would be most appreciated.

To the readers: This newsletter is for you. I would love to feature a reader each month along with the authors. As Dee would say, “Don’t be scuuuurd.” I won’t bite. Write me and let’s have some fun. davisdyanne@aol.com

To the authors: Again thank you for your support. I will notify you when your interviews will be up in the coming months.

Dyanne Davis
http://www.dyannedavis.com

An Interview with Shirley Hailstock

Hello Everyone, Dee here. Sorry, but this was supposed to go up last month. Boooooo, bad Dee, Bad Dee.

Dyanne: Our next interview is with Shirley Hailstock. Good morning Shirley. Thanks for dropping in on the RSJ family so we can know what’s going on with you. How about if we began by playing catch-up. Anything exciting happening with you?

Shirley: I am so excited about two new books. The first is out now. It’s call Nine Months with Thomas and it’s the story of a surrogate mother. Thomas lost his wife two years ago. Prior to that they were undergoing fertility problems and had frozen embryos. Due to the efforts of his meddlesome in-laws he agrees to hire Meghan as a surrogate in order to fat
her his child. Life changes dramatically for the both of them. The book got a 4 ½ stars (out of 5) from Romantic Times BookClub Reviews.

The second book I’m excited about is called The Right Wedding Gown. It’s the companion book the last year’s Right Guy, Wrong Dress. The Right Wedding Gown is Samara’s story. She’s the sister of the heroine in Right Guy, Wrong Dress. Strongly superstitious, Samara believes that marriage inevitably ends in divorce and she’s not willing to take the chance on marriage. But everywhere she turns she’s confronted by something involving a wedding, including opening a grab bag (actually a trunk) and finding a vintage wedding gown. And then there’s Justin McKenna, who’s set his sights on Samara. All he needs to do is convince her to take a chance on him. The Clayton series had ended. The five books have been published. I appreciate all the fan mail I received asking for more stories in this series. I will be starting a new series soon.

Dyanne: You’re definitely staying busy. Congratulations. Is there anything else going on?

Shirley: I have a book coming out in February 2010 that’s a little departure from my usual romances. The title is still being determined. Right now I’m calling it Amber. This is the story of a 28 year old who’s looking to her future and deciding to do something about her marital state. She’s going to find a man – a rich man, marry and settle into the life of country clubs and afternoon luncheons with the girls. Things don’t go quite according to plan when she discovers the man she’s most attracted to has nowhere near the net worth she requires. But there is a man who can satisfy all but the most basic of her requirements. With him she’s not in love.

Dyanne: Amber sounds interesting I’m sure the RSJ family can’t wait for it. Are there any other projects you’re working on for the future?

Shirley: I’m writing proposals for sale to my editors for new books. I have a new romance series I want to start involving a family of department store owners. I also have several women’s fiction stories in the works that I’m about to send to my agent. Hopefully, they will find a home.

Dyanne: Shirley, are there any awards you’ve won that you’re particularly proud of?

Shirley: I received the highest honor from Fairleigh Dickinson University. I went to graduate school there. In 2008 I was selected as one of the recipients of their Pinnacle Award. Like I said, it’s the highest honor the university gives a previous graduate. The ceremony was wonderful and the aftermath of questions and congratulations was truly humbling. Recently they sent me a book of the program, including photos from that wonderful day.
And then the Black Alumni Association invited me to speak at one of their meetings. The place was packed and people stayed until the very end. I got a lot of great questions and people were eager to find out how to write a book.

Dyanne: I love hearing about the many fantastic things that are happening with the RSJ authors. A little birdie told me about another award you’re up for. Care to share?

Shirley: I recently received this news and I am so excited. My book Wrong Dress, Right Guy is a finalist for the National Readers Choice Award. They announce the winners at the Romance Writers of America Conference. The conference is in July in Washington, DC. I’ll be on pins and needles until then.

Dyanne: We’ll all be sending you good thoughts that you win. Now it’s time to have some fun. What is the craziest thing that has ever happened to you in your career?

Shirley: A friend whose first book was coming out asked me to do a book signing with her. I didn't want to do it. I hate sitting in a mall smiling at everyone who passes and directing them to the bathroom or someone else's book. But she's a good friend and I agreed. At the book signing, a person comes over looks at me and my book and starts to scream my name. She was so thrilled to see me, it was embarrassing. She hugged me, jumped up and down and proclaimed to all that could hear how great my books were. Consequently, I sold out in no time.
And my friend says -- "And you don't want to do book signing..."

Dyanne: What is your most decadent (G rated) wish?

Shirley: To be on the lists, all of them, the NYT, Essence Bestseller, USA Today (at the top of course), Washington Post, Los Angeles Times. I have a small note on my computer saying "You are writing a bestseller."

Dyanne: Shirley, thank you for the interview. Again I wish you lots of luck in July. Where can the readers reach you?

Shirley: I’m working on a New Website. I finally bought my name to have an easier website for people to find and get the latest news. I’m designing it and it’s taking longer than I expected but soon you’ll able to find out about my book with a new and greater look, not to mention more bandwidth. Until then readers can reach me at my personal e-mail address, Shirley.Hailstock@comcast.net

An Interview with Author Iris Bolling

Dyanne: Hello Iris, your work has been getting terrific reviews. Can you tell the RSJ family a little bit about yourself and bring us up to speed on your work.

Iris: Thank you, Dyanne, for this wonderful opportunity. As a new author it is difficult to make the right connections. RSJ has opened so many doors for me, from the chance to attend the cruise to the online seminars you offer. Also, I want to thank all of you for sharing your in dept knowledge. Anyhooo, as Deatri say's, I was born the daughter of a share cropper --oh wait, that's not the story you want. LOL! I'm from Richmond, VA. I lived in Morristown, NJ during my high school years. I wrote The Heart Series in 2005 but did not publish it until 2009. The Heart Series is a collection of six novels telling the story of JD Harrison rise from the Assistant District Attorney in Richmond, VA to President of the United States. The first novel Once You've Touched The Heart, tells how he met and fell in love with his wife Tracy. This novel has been very well accepted by women and men. The male following was a surprise because it is a romance novel. But hey, I'm not complaining. The second novel, The Heart of Him was release in November 2009 and tells the love story of JD's sister, Ashley Harrison and his campaign manager, James Brooks. The third novel of the series, Look Into My Heart, was just release June 2009. It tells the story of Cynthia Thornton, Ashley and Tracy's friend and Samuel Lassiter, who becomes a part of JD' security team. The remaining novels will be released at the end of 2009 through the middle of 2010.

Dyanne: All of the stories sound interesting. Yeah to getting men interested. That gives me a nice segue into the next question. Writing is a crazy business. Can you share the craziest thing that has happened to you since you began a writing career?

Iris: Not a lot of crazy things yet. Except the woman that keeps telling me - better not let Brian and Tracy have an affair. (You know who you are-VW). I do anticipate a number of crazy things to happen on the cruise in April. Ask me that question this time next year, I'm sure I will have quite a few ans wers then.

Dyanne: LOL. Now, I'm going to have to read the books for sure just to see why Brian and Tracy can't have an affair. So, Iris, tell us, What is your most decadent (G-rated) wish.

Iris: Since I have to keep this clean-- I would like to have my series made into a TV series, have all creative rights and the right to do the screen test with each of the leading men that I personally select.(I'm just joking, sweetie). Or, have the opportunity to sit down with Beverly Jenkins, Brenda Jackson, Francis Ray and Julie Garwood to pick their brains on how to be successful in this business. Oh and one more thing--to have someone else write all my query letters and synopsis for submission to publishing houses. Now that would really be nice--:-).

Dyanne: I really love the part about having someone else write the queries and synopsis. Iris, where's the place that you call home where the RSJ family can reach you?

Iris: You can find me at http://www.irisbolling.com/ – http://www.sirient.com/ – MySpace, Facebook or Twitter. I encourage anyone to contact me with questions or comments about the novels, I enjoy feedback. The not to good, helps me to improve and the really good keeps me motivated.

Dyanne: Thanks so much, Iris, for allowing us to get to know you.

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.