| The "writing" bug: When did you first get bitten by it? Was writing something you've always wanted to do?
First, thanks for having me. It's an honor to be here. I never thought about being a writer. I'm a reader. I grew up reading romance novels. Every time I finished a novel, I'd say that I could write one. In 1996, I was in between jobs. So, with time on my hand I began writing,
In The Name Of Love.
Is there a process to your writing? Like, do you sketch out characters, write an outline, and go chapter-by-chapter..., or do you venture out into your writing and let the chips fall where they may?
Whenever I get an idea, I free write. The idea can be a thought, a sentence, or a conversation going on in my head. As the draft moves along, I sketch characters, adding and deleting as needed. I've tried working from an outline. It doesn't work for me. I write in long hand, in a tablet, and chapter-by-chapter.
I'm a big fan of IN THE NAME OF LOVE as you well know. For those who may not know, tell us a bit about the novel.
In The Name Of
Love, tells the story of Dr. Shari Thomas and businessman Derrick Rawlings. After a nasty breakup, on his
part, Shari has moved on with her life. She has a thriving medical practice, a new man in her life, and a son that means the world to her. She runs into Derrick years later at a fund-raising
event and secrets that have been buried for years begin to unveil.
KEEPING SECRETS is a big theme of this book...do you think this is a big part of real life: people who keep big secrets from those they love? Why do you think we do that?
Unfortunately, keeping secrets is a part of life. People keep secrets because they're afraid of something. Afraid of how people will react when/if the truth is discovered. In the novel, Shari was afraid of how the Rawlings will react once they found out her secret.
If there was one thing you hoped readers to get out of IN THE NAME OF LOVE, what would it be?
Don't keep a secret from your
loved ones. The truth is the best policy.
What has been the best part about being a writer?
The satisfaction of readers enjoying my articles, novels, and short stories. It makes me feel good when
readers lets me know they got something out of an article, or they can relate to the characters in one of my novels, or short stories. It lets me know I'm doing my job as a writer.
Who inspires you as a writer?
It's hard to narrow down to one person. My taste in
literature ranges from Terry McMillan to James Patterson, from Rochelle
Alers to Brenda Joyce.
Picture this, you're about to sit down to write...describe the setting that creates the perfect mood conducive to great writing for you.
The perfect setting would be in a room on the beach; without television, radio, family, or friends. It would be just me and my computer, notebook, and
thoughts.
If you were not a writer, what would be your dream career?
I wanted to join the army. I'm proud to say that I accomplished that dream.
What are your top three guilty pleasures?
Butter Pecan Ice Cream, Cheesecake, and The Rock. Put us together in that room I mentioned earlier and it's on. (Laughing)
CASTING CALL :: Who would play the main characters of IN THE NAME OF LOVE, if it were turned into a movie?
There's an actor by the name of Sean
Blakemore. He recently starred in the movie, Big Ain't Bad. I think he'd be perfect in the starring role of Derrick Rawlings. Lark Voorhies would be perfect as Dr. Shari Thomas.
What projects are you working on now? Any conferences or book signings in the near future?
I'm working on releasing my third novel titled,
Seven Days in September 2005. It's a romantic suspense. It tells the story of Lieutenant Colonel Victor Sexton, whose scheduled to retire from the army in seven days, but the murder of an army nurse in the officer's quarters may prevent that from
happening. As far as book signings, I'll be at the RAW Sistaz conference in Atlanta,
GA, September 16th -18th. I invite you to come on out. I hope to see you. |
