Interview with Author Dara Girard

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, and Happy Birthday to All of you with a birthday in November. I’m giving thanks right now for all of the authors who are allowing us to spend a bit of time with them. It’s been fun for me and I think painless for the authors.
This month we’re bringing you interviews With Dara Girard and Stacy Deanne. I think you’re going to enjoy learning about these two authors.

Dyanne: Hello Dara. This is our get acquainted opening question. For the members of the RSJ family that may not be familiar with you yet, would you tell us a bit about yourself?

Dara: First, thanks for having me here! My name is Dara Girard and I am the author of fourteen novels and one book of nonfiction, plus numerous articles and essays. My March 2010 book, WORDS OF SEDUCTION, was a Borders Favorite and is the first book in my “Ladies of the Pen” series about three writer friends who learn that passion can go beyond the page. My upcoming release, PAGES OF PASSION, is the second book in the series.

When asked why I write commercial fiction, I like to say that I never want to write anything that becomes required reading in a college class. I aim to entertain not to be studied to death by elitists. I love being able to tell a wide range of stories with happy endings.

Dyanne: Oh, I can tell right off the bat that this is going to be fun. I love your intro. So, Dara, when did you decide to become a writer?

Dara: Writing found me when I was about six. I wrote my first story in my mother’s diary and fortunately she was very understanding and encouraged me. By twelve I was determined to get published. I thought it would take about two years so I planned to have my first novel published by fourteen. I was off by more than a decade.

However, I don’t find the publishing world too insane because I grew up around musicians, actors, artists and other creative spirits and learned that most fields have their quirks. Once you treat publishing (which is different from writing) as a business it starts to make sense.

Dyanne: Of course I’m wondering how well you could read at that point. LOL. Unlike Art Linkletter, I will not ask you to divulge what was in your mother’s diary. I’ll ask instead for you to tell us about your first book, the highs, the lows, and the unexpected.

Dara: Ah, yes what memories. My first published book was TABLE FOR TWO. I make the distinction between published and unpublished because I’d written more than ten novels (as well as articles, plays, poems, essays etc…) before the one that was published. It was the first book in my Henson’s trilogy and very exciting except--my editor left, a close family member was diagnosed with cancer, another had to have major surgery and I learned that the picture used for the cover, was also used in a flyer for an ad about heart disease! But in spite of all these events, I was thrilled to see my book face-out on a shelf in a bookstore.

What I learned from that experience was that getting published doesn’t stop life from happening. Fortunately, the people I care about are all healthy now, I don’t pull my hair out regarding what my covers look like and my first book was the start of an amazing ride that hasn’t stopped.

Dyanne: Life not stopping is an eye opener isn’t it? Heck it doesn’t even slow down. I’m glad to hear all of your loved ones are healthy now. As far as covers goes, you’ve definitely got the right attitude. Dara, if you could change one thing about your writing career thus far what would it be?

Dara: Nothing. All my failures and disappointments have been perfect fodder for my work. I’ve fallen down plenty of times (and have the bruises to prove it) but it’s given me great insight into myself and the industry. I put some of that knowledge into my book THE WRITER BEHIND THE WORDS: STEPS TO SUCCESS IN THE WRITING LIFE where I talk about dealing with disappointments, rejection, discouragement and other obstacles in the writing life and how to overcome them.

Dyanne: It seems as if we have a lot in common. I give workshops based on all my failures and battle scars. Hmm. Okay, the memories aren’t welcome at the moment. Let’s lighten things up. How about a game of what if? What if you could write your career in writing the way you would want it to be, give me the first line of your dream career.

Dara: “International bestselling author Dara Girard just left the movie set where the film adaptation of her novel is currently underway.”

Dyanne: That’s a great line. I’ve heard if you put it out there it has a chance of coming true. If you could have one selfish wish, what would it be?

Dara: To have a thousand more wishes. Okay, I’ll play along…to have perfect health. I’d never get sick, not even a cold—ever!

Dyanne: LOL. It’s just like a writer to wish for more wishes. What are you working on?

Dara: I’ll try to be brief because as you know being an author is a business and you do a lot more than write. I just submitted the manuscript for the final book in the “Ladies of the Pen” series, which will be released in April 2011. It’s called BENEATH THE COVERS and it’s about Claudia Madison a woman forced to work side by side with the man she’d left standing at the altar several years ago.

Currently I’m in my marketing mode getting the word out about PAGES OF PASSION (October 26, 2010) about a cynical romance writer who meets a real life hero. So I’m updating my website and Facebook Page, getting my newsletter out and working with my media specialist on a book trailer.

Dyanne: What words of advice would you give to a new writer?

Dara: Buy my award-winning book THE WRITER BEHIND THE WORDS. Seriously! I wrote this book with aspiring authors in mind and now it’s only $2.99 on Kindle. What I like to tell new writers is to enjoy the process, trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to make mistakes—they’re not fatal. If you’re smart, you’ll learn from them and you can use them in your work.

Dyanne: I’m not sure if you’re serious or not but I like the marketing behind the advice. What plans do you have for the future?

Dara: How long have you got? For me, I see so many opportunities that I have to pull myself in at times. Some of my goals are to expand the reach of my stories in various venues including indie films, ebooks, audiobooks etc…

Dyanne: Dara, that’s a very good goal. Where can readers reach you?

Dara: One way for readers to keep up with me is to visit my website: www.daragirard.com or write me here: http://www.daragirard.com/contact.php

I’m now on Facebook so I’d love to see them there: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dara-Girard/103779512990243

Dyanne: It’s been a pleasure talking with you. By the way Dara writes for Kimani. I just visited her website. She has a lot of fun stuff on there.

Interveiw With Author Stacy Deane

I can’t tell you all what a thrill it is to present Stacy Deanne to you. I already know you’re going to enjoy her interview. Hopefully you will become new fans of hers, check her out on facebook, her website and many other places she frequents. Without further ado I give you Stacy Deanne.

Dyanne: Stacy Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Where are you from, what is your background?

Stacy: I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. I still live here. My family hails from East Texas. I’m an only child. I’m very tall, six feet actually. I’m single, no kids. I have a lot of interests but I am always researching things about nature and I just love anything about animals. I’m not an animal lover in terms of pets. I don’t have pets. I just like to learn about all the different types of animals in the world, LOL. I am also a big mystery and crime fiction buff, the reason I write it. I love anything involving interracial romance, another thing I love to write. I’m also an introvert. I prefer being alone compared to being with people. I love my space.

Dyanne: Out of all of that I’m thinking six feet tall, Wow!! See I’m only a little over five feet but I feel as tall as 6’- 2”. LOL. When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer, and what was it that inspired you to start writing?

Stacy: I never intended to become a writer honestly. I got my first computer when I was nineteen and I just started writing. Before long I had a story going and I loved how writing made me feel. It just hit like lightening that I wanted to pursue it as a career. It made me so happy and I felt like writing is what I was put on earth for.

Dyanne: Stacy, you’re the first writer I interviewed that’s admitted to just stumbling into it. When did you write your first book?

Stacy: Well the very first one was at nineteen but it was some years later when I got published. That story wasn’t ever published though.

Dyanne: You share company with a lot of writers. From what I understand about 95% of writers do not have their first books published. But it does prove something; you can complete an entire novel. How many books have you written? Do you have a favorite?

Stacy: I’ve written probably close to twenty books. Melody (my crime/thriller/interracial romance novel which came out in ‘08) was always my favorite but the more I write on my new detective/interracial romance series, the quicker it’s becoming the most enjoyable thing I’ve written.

Dyanne: Since you didn’t grown up wanting to be a writer, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Stacy: I wanted to be all sorts of things. My mom (RIP) was a math teacher so I wanted to be a teacher at one point. Then I wanted to be a singer or actress. Then I wanted to be a beautician, etc. I have a lot of interests and things I wanted to pursue.

Dyanne: I was thinking the singing and wanting to be an actress would have still kept you in the arts. Then I thought of some of the hair shows and realized that would have done the same. (smile) So, back to writing. How long does it typically take you to write a book?

Stacy: Hmm, it takes me at least four months to finish a story (and that’s writing on it constantly). That’s also minus editing or revising. Editing and revising takes longer depending on the story. I’m now at the point with my skills that I can edit a story as I go along or I can write it in a way that can be a final draft or close to it so it saves more time than when I first started writing. The longer you write and the more skills you learn, the easier it is to pump out first drafts that might not need much revision. Still it depends on the story. Some stories need heavy tweaking and some might not. It’s extremely difficult writing crime fiction and mysteries because there is so much detail involved in the cases and clues. You always have to check over the little things as well as the research you might have to do. Writing a mystery is like a puzzle. You gotta make sure everything fits along the way and comes together in the end where it makes sense.

Dyanne: That’s a very good explanation. Where do the ideas for your books come from?

Stacy: Straight from my psychotic, warped mind.

Dyanne: LOL. Shh, you know that’s a secret you’re not supposed to tell. I’ve been trying to convince people that I make up the more crazy things I write. Where is your favorite place to write, where do you feel most creative?

Stacy: I just write at my computer in the den. I feel creative any and everywhere to be honest. My imagination’s never on a break. LOL.

Dyanne: Spoken like the creative writer that you are. I’m sure your readers think it was an easy road for you. Was it? Please tell us how you got started.

Stacy: I started writing professionally in 1997 right after high school. My road was the same as most. I wrote for years, worked on my craft and researched the industry. I did all I could to get my work to a publishable level and then I started sending it out. I of course got rejected a bunch of times but what writer doesn’t? But the key is determination. You gotta want it and love writing enough to keep going. I’m just happy I was one that made it to the role of “published author”. It’s an amazing feeling and I wouldn’t go back to being unpublished and struggling to find my place for anything in the world.

Dyanne: what advice would you give to aspiring authors that they need to hear even if they don’t want to?

Stacy: They’d better be realistic about their goals. They should be aware that not everyone gets published no matter how hard they try or how good they write. Sometimes it’s not in the cards so the best thing is to make sure you are writing because you love it and it makes you happy, not just for seeking publication. If you really love it, then it won’t matter if you get published or not. You’ll still be happy doing what you do. The hard truth is everyone’s not gonna get published. The competition is too steep as well as other factors.

Dyanne: What are your future plans? What books are coming out next?

Stacy: Right now I am concentrating on my detective/interracial romance series. I am so excited that the first installment, “Giving Up the Ghost” will be coming out April next year! I also have some standalone novels I’ve completed as well. I have a good indication that the next release after “Giving Up the Ghost” will be the second one in the series. Gotta wait and see.

Dyanne: Stacy, I saw your new cover for “Giving Up the Ghost, fantastic. I want to thank you so much for allowing me to interview you. It’s been a pleasure picking your brains. Where can readers reach you?

Stacy: Thanks so much, Dyanne! I appreciate the opportunity and the support. Readers can find me all over the net but they can reach me through my web site: http://www.stacy-deanne.net/

Once again, everyone out there, if you’re a fan of interracial romance (BW/WM novels), mystery and crime then put “Giving Up the Ghost” on your list! It rocks! LOL! Go to my site http://www.stacy-deanne.net/ for a sneak peek!

Gwynne Forster's been AMBUSHED!

Report from A.C. Arthur: Things are moving along. I’ve been told A.C. believes in throwing a good party so I can only imagine the fun to be had at the conference. There’s still time to register for 2011 Romance Slam Jam conference.

Now on to the literary ambush. Enjoy.

Love Me Tonight by Gwynne Forster

• Kimani Press Arabesque
• Sep 2010
• Miniseries: The Harringtons
• Category: African-American
• Paperback
• ISBN: 9780373831876

A MAN ON A MISSION…

While his adoptive parents were alive, Judson Phillips never tried to find out where he came from. Now he's determined to uncover his roots, and falling for diplomat Heather Tatum —a woman he can imagine making a life with—is yet another reason to delve into his past. But Judson, a handsome lawyer accustomed to success, is striking out on both fronts: his search is going nowhere, and Heather, who witnessed her own parents' unhappy marriage, has no intention of settling down.

Putting her job first has been Heather's way of avoiding heartache. But when Judson unearths his ties to the Harringtons, Heather gets a glimpse of the kind of loving family she's always craved. But taking a chance means risking everything their sweet, sudden passion has brought and trusting that tonight is just the beginning….

Read Excerpt http://www.eharlequin.com/storeitem.html?iid=22272

Authors and readers don’t forget to let us know about the fantastic books that you’re writing and reading. Thanks to all of you who have responded to requests to be interviewed. If you’re interested in an interview just email me. Until next month stay safe.

Dyanne Davis
davisdyanne@aol.com

www.dyannedavis.com

Interview with Author Farrah Rochon

Happy birthday to all in the family that will be celebrating a birthday this month. First up this month is a note concerning the next RSJ celebration. Things are moving right along and I’m told to tell everyone to hurry and get your hotel room reserved. More on that next month. This month we’re bringing you interviews with Farrah Rochon and Shelia Gross.

First up is Farrah. Welcome Farrah. For the members of the family that may not be familiar with you yet, would you tell us a bit about yourself?

Farrah: I’m a native of southern Louisiana, a small town on the bayou, about 35 miles west of New Orleans. And even though I now reside in central Texas, I remain a Louisiana Girl at heart. I’m a graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana and Southeastern Louisiana University’s Graduate School. Much to my father’s chagrin, I only worked for a couple of years in a “real” job as a Human System Specialist for Shell Oil before leaving to pursue my dream of writing romance novels. It was the best decision I have ever made.

My favorite pastime is reading, of course, but I am also a huge sports fan. I adore Broadway musicals and have spent way too much money flying to New York to see shows. My newest addictions are the television show Glee and keeping up with the randomness of complete strangers’ lives on Twitter.

Dyanne: So, when did you decide to enter this insane world of writing?

Farrah: I’m sure readers get tired of hearing authors say they’ve been writing their entire lives, but that pretty much fits. Writing has always come easy for me. During my sophomore year of college, I decided to try my hand at writing a novel, and I’ve been penning stories ever since.

Dyanne: Tell us about your first book, the highs, the lows, and the unexpected.

Farrah: The idea for my debut novel, DELIVER ME, came to me while driving. That’s actually where I’ve gotten several ideas. It is the first in a series about three brothers from New Orleans and features the middle brother, Elijah, who is an Ob-Gyn. The heroine, Monica, is an ER doctor who transfers to New Orleans in hopes of making a new start after being dumped by her boyfriend and passed over for a promotion at her previous job.

The highs and lows were pretty equal for this book. It was my first attempt at a single-title romance (I’d written three category-length romances that will probably never see the light of day), and I learned a lot about myself and what I was capable of doing.
As for the unexpected, well, as I mentioned, the book is based in New Orleans. I sold it to Dorchester Publishing in July 2005. A couple of months later, in August, Hurricane Katrina blew ashore and irrevocably changed The Big Easy. I was given the option of writing a letter to the readers, acknowledging that the book was written pre-Katrina, or completely revamping the novel to reflect a post-Katrina New Orleans (which, by the way, was changing everyday at the time). I knew there were two additional books in the series, so I took the harder route and revamped the entire book. It was certainly an interesting experience.

Dyanne: Wow, Farrah, you definitely took the harder route. If you could change one thing about your writing career thus far what would it be?

Farrah: My career so far has been even more amazing than I expected. I can’t think of a single thing I’d want to change.

Dyanne: You have such a great outlook. Now for a game of what if. What if you could write your career in writing the way you would want it to be, give me the first line of your dream career.

Farrah: New York Times Best-selling author Farrah Rochon was spotted lounging on the deck of her 80-foot yacht off the coast of Cape Hatteras

Dyanne: LOL. I like that. If you could have one wish (selfish) what would it be?

Farrah: Just one? A genie in a bottle gives you at least three wishes. But, I guess if I could only have one wish (beside having my family safe and secure), it would be to write stories well into my senior years. I love this job so much and could easily spend the next fifty years churning out stories.

Dyanne: That was such a good answer that I’ll give you two wishes next time. What are you working on?

Farrah: I just finished the third book in my New York Sabers series which is slated to be released in September 2011. I’m currently brainstorming the forth in the football series. I’m also working on separate three-book series set in a small, fictional Louisiana town.

Dyanne: How did you come up with your new series for Harlequin?

Farrah: That’s easy, I’m a football fanatic. I grew up in a football family, with an uncle who has been in the NFL as a player and coach for nearly 30 years, and a younger cousin (my uncle’s son) who just finished his rookie year with the Cleveland Browns. Writing a series that centers around a NFL team came naturally. Did I mention that I’m a football fanatic? I try not to plan any weekend events from September to early February, because I’m usually in front of the television watching college and professional ball.

Dyanne: Can you tell us how many books you have planned?

Farrah: I currently have four books contracted with Kimani for the Sabers football series, but I have ideas for more than twice that many. That’s the beauty of writing a series based on a sports team, players can be traded, drafted, etc. The possibilities for stories are endless.

Dyanne: Without giving anything away can you whet our appetite for the series?

Farrah: In the first book, HUDDLE WITH ME TONIGHT, entertainment writer/blogger, Paige Turner, writes a harsh review of New York Saber wide receiver, Torrian Smallwood’s new memoir/cookbook. It starts an online war between the two, which eventually leads to a cooking competition on a local morning news program. Things heat up pretty quickly between Paige and Torrian.

The great thing about this series is that readers meet the heroes of the first four books in book number one. Stay tuned for stories about Cedric, Jared, and Theo.

Dyanne: How often will we get to read each new book?

Farrah: The books are scheduled to be released every six months, in March and September, with the first being released September 2010.

Dyanne: How has your writing schedule changed?

Farrah: I’ve been fortunate enough to write fulltime since March of this year. It took some trial and error, but I’ve come up with a great writing system where I separate my day into five writing chunks. I write a minimum of three pages per chunk, so I average about 15 pages a day. Of course, I try to write more, but as long as I make that 15-page minimum, I’m happy.

Dyanne: What words of advice would you give to a new writer?

Farrah: If you can think of a dozen other things you’d rather be doing when you’re writing, then this isn’t the job for you. The joy in being a writer comes in the actual writing of the novel. You have to love the creation process, because the business side is enough to drive a person crazy.

Dyanne: What plans do you have for the future?

Farrah: I would love to have a long career with Kimani. I’ve had such a great time writing these first three novels, and I have so many ideas for future series. However, I’d like to continue writing the longer single-title books, as well. I don’t like to look too far into the future. I count my blessings for what I’ve been given so far, and just try to enjoy whatever each day brings.

Dyanne: Farrah, it’s been great interviewing you. I really do love your attitude and wish you a long life with Kimani. Where can readers reach you?

Farrah: Readers can reach me through my website, http://www.farrahrochon.com/, by email at farrah@farrahrochon.com, on Facebook , or they can follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/farrahrochon and at http://www.farrahrochon.tumblr.com/. I love hearing from readers.

Dyanne: Thanks Farrah.

Interview with Author Shelia Goss

I don’t know about the rest of you but I love finding out things about the authors of the books we love. Our next interview is with Shelia Gross. Hello, Sheila, and welcome to the RSJ family.
Shelia, for the members of the family that may not be familiar with you yet, would you tell us a bit about yourself.

Shelia: I am the author of Delilah, Hollywood Deception, My Invisible Husband, His Invisible Wife, Roses are thorns, Paige's Web and Double Platinum. I also write young adult books.

Dyanne: I love your titles. So, when did you decide to enter this insane world of writing?

Shelia: LOL. Around 1998 is when I started making preparation to enter the publishing world. I took workshops, attended conferences, etc.

Dyanne: I love it when I hear authors saying they made preparations to join this insane business. You really have to. Tell us about your first book, the highs, the lows, and the unexpected.

Shelia: My first traditionally published book was My Invisible Husband. It is my best-selling book to date. I'm actually surprised, but happy that it's still selling because I haven't been promoting it. I've been promoting my latest books. The low point for me is never knowing if a promotion is working well enough to make an impact on sales. I would love to see some of my other books have the same momentum. The high point is, in the case of My Invisible Husband, word of mouth has kept the book in print.

Dyanne: Amen on that. Wouldn’t it be nice to know when something that you’re trying is working? Well, back to the next question. If you could change one thing about your writing career thus far what would it be?

Shelia: I would have made wiser decisions in certain areas.

Dyanne: You’re getting another Amen from me on that one. Now for a game of what if. What if you could write your career in writing the way you would want it to be, give me the first line of your dream career.

Shelia: Academy award winning writer Shelia Goss latest page-turner not only has readers eagerly turning the pages, but movie studios scrambling to buy the script to the high impact drama.

Dyanne: If you could have one wish (selfish) what would it be?

Shelia: I would love to see one of my books as a motion picture on the silver screen.

Dyanne: And we’ll all stand in line to see the movie. What are you working on?

Shelia: I am working on a few new book proposals as well as polishing up manuscripts I already have written.

Dyanne: What words of advice would you give to a new writer?

Shelia: Make sure you do your homework. Don't take everything at face value. Do your own research.

Dyanne: Great advice. What plans do you have for the future?

Shelia: In 2011, I have two new books being released: Delilah and Savannah's Curse. In addition to those two books, I will be releasing independently, several e-books. The first two e-books, A Forever Love and Love UnExpected, will be on sale at the end of August 2010 and in September 2010.

Dyanne: Where can readers reach you?

Shelia: Website: www.sheliagoss.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sheliagoss
Twitter: www.twitter.com/sheliamgoss

Ambushed by Dyanne

Authors, I’ve decided to ambush your sites and pull a blurb about your books since you won’t send it to me. Keep reading and you might be next. Of course you could just send it to me. LOL. Reader, you can do the same. Don’t forget to contact me if you’d like to do an interview. Until next month, stay safe.

Dyanne

To the outside world, the Reynolds family is picture perfect. In the Reynolds’ home, Jacob Reynolds, CFO of a major corporation, is experiencing a midlife crisis; Anna Lee Reynolds, happy home maker who isn’t too happy with her life choices, is slipping into menopause; and Junior, the sixteen-year-old son, is proving the terrible twos have nothing on the terrible teens.

When Anna Lee decides to return to college, the family portrait is torn to shreds. Jacob wants a new and improved portrait with his entire family. Anna Lee insists it is time to take separate portraits. Junior begs for the old portrait to be refurbished. All three are hurting and unsure, and the changes in their lives have just begun.
Purchase Picture Perfect

Those who purchase Picture Perfect receive a free copy of Love's Desire. Just forward your receipt and the collection will be emailed to you. Email addresses are not harvested, saved, sold... They will be used to send your book and then deleted. (deatrikingbey@yahoo.com)

Love's Desire
A short story collection that captures the essence of first love, love lost, love found and love’s passion... Stories range from highly erotic to sweet romance.
Purchase Love's Desire


Dyanne Davis
www.dyannedavis.com
davisdyanne@aol.com

Interview with Author Barbara Binns

Happy Birthday AGAIN to ME and all the September babies. And Happy Labor Day. This month we’re talking to Barbara Binns who most recently was up for an RWA Golden Heart. And we have Niambi Brown Davis. For a special treat A.C. Arthur is giving us a recipe for crab cakes. Last but not least a surprise excerpt.

Hello Barbara. For the members of the family that may not be familiar with you yet would you tell us a bit about yourself?

Barbara Binns: My name is Barbara Binns. I write YA as B. A. Binns, and adult works under my own name. I won’t tell my age, but I retired three years ago and now write full-time. I am a member of both the Romance Writers of America (Chicago North, Wisconsin, Golden Network and YA chapters) and Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.


My first Romance Slam Jam was in 2008 at Chicago. I loved being on the 2010 Anniversary cruise and I can hardly wait for Boston 2011.


My agent is Andrea Somberg from Harvey Klinger, Inc. and in April 2010 she sold my YA manuscript, PULL (formerly titled Pull My String) to WestSide Books. Since then I’ve been on a whirlwind as they are rushing it to print for an October 2010 release.


Contest finals
• 2009 Indiana’s Golden Opportunity
• 2009 Maryland Romance Writer’s Reveal Your Inner Vixen
• 2010 RWA® Golden Heart


Contest wins:
• 2009 Rose City Romance Writers Golden Rose
• 2009 Oklahoma Romance Writers of America Finally a Bride

Dyanne: Barbara thanks for the background. So, when did you decide to enter this insane world of writing?


BB: If you discount my first attempt, which I totally do since I recently found a copy of the manuscript I “wrote” back in college and I will never admit that it was mine, I started writing seriously in 2007. Since then I’ve taken a number of writing classes and completed three adult novels and two YA novels as well as a number of short stories. PULL is the first one that sold.

The real truth is I didn’t decide. The characters in my head tried to drive me crazy until I agreed to write down their stories.

Dyanne: Tell us about your first book, the highs, the lows, and the unexpected.


BB: PULL is a YA romanceD between two youths, David and Yolanda, who have suffered loss and developed a strength that the other needs. It’s also a coming of age story where both of them reach forks in the road leading toward adulthood and have to make choices that will forever alter their futures. And it’s a boy book, with everything seen and experienced from David’s point of view. I did that because I especially hope that male readers will find this a book they can relate to.

The most unexpected thing in the journey of writing and publishing PULL was how quickly things moved. I wrote the book in the beginning of 2009. I entered contests and got some good feedback which I used to upgrade the manuscript. Entered more contests and began to final. The first win was a huge high and I began sending out queries. Some got the quick rejection but others resulted in requests for partials and fulls before producing some really encouraging rejections letters-but they were still rejections. That 10th rejection was a major low. So was the 11th, 12th, etc.

Then, in November I won the Golden Rose YA contest and Andrea Somberg, the final judge, asked to read the full. She asked to represent me in December. We signed the agency contract in January and she sold the manuscript in April.

The unexpected – while the sale was being negotiated I was diagnosed with uterine cancer. After a complete hysterectomy I found myself juggling radiation treatments, line edits and promotion attempts.


My biggest high occurred earlier this summer when PULL received a glowing blurb from Tanita S. Davis, who received the Coretta Scott King Author Honor for her writing. And the second biggest high came when New York Times bestselling author heard about PULL and Lisa Kleypas told me she was eager to read it.


Dyanne: Barbara, if you could change one thing about your writing career thus far what would it be?

BB: I’d find a way to do a better job with my first drafts. The re-writing is exhausting. And I’d try to find the time to put more into my adult works.


I’d learn to write short stories and novellas. I’d kill for the skill to be able to tell a complete story in under 60,000 words.

Dyanne: Now for a game of what if. What if you could write your career in writing the way you would want it to be, give me the first line of your dream career.


BB: I’m not sure; I don’t have a dream career other than what I have now. Asking for too much more would be tempting fate.

Dyanne: If you could have one wish what would it be?


BB: Related to writing – I wish I could write better and especially faster.
Related to life – I would like to have many long, loving, prosperous and healthy years with my daughter. We aren’t close now, but I hope that will change.


Dyanne: What are you working on?


BB: I’m currently working on another YA novel as yet untitled. It’s a little darker than PULL and deals with a young man considering suicide and a girl who considers herself invisible and unlovable and how they both discover their mistakes about themselves.

I’m also working on an adult Romance that I call The Last Logan, about a woman forced to join forces with the brother of the man who raped her a decade earlier when a serial killer targets members of his family; including her daughter.

Dyanne: What words of advice would you give to a new writer?


BB: First, be a good reader. Read for fun, but also read to understand technique. Consider books you like (and those you hate) as textbooks of examples to show you what to do, and not to do.

Second, never stop working on your craft. It’s easy to think that writing is natural, like walking or running, so there’s little need to keep studying. But I find myself discovering something new with every writing course conference session or even reading blog posts on craft. Become part of a critique group, one that really tears into the words on the page. Learn the business end, seeing the world through the eye of an agent or editor will help you attract them.

Finally, treat writing like it’s a job. It may be a part-time thing, but schedule time to write every day and plan so that you meet your goals. This is a solitary profession and you are your own boss and that’s the toughest job there is.


Dyanne: What plans do you have for the future?


BB: Since a woman’s reach should always exceed her grasp, to paraphrase Browning, I’m planning on hitting the New York Times bestseller list as soon as humanly possible. Why waste time dreaming about anything less? My immediate future is to launch PULL, and complete the sequel. And promote like hell.

Dyanne: Where can readers reach you?


BB: Take a look at my website – http://www.babinns.com/, follow me on my blog, http://harperwriterstogether.blogspot.com/, or just email me at binns@babinns.com
You can also catch me on Facebook or look at my Amazon.Com author page. I’m afraid I rarely tweet.