Author interviews
Meet Angela Benson, author of Sins of the Father
Meet Angela Benson, author of Sins of the Father
Angela, tell us about yourself.
I’m an author with a full-time job as a university professor. I liked school so much that I went long enough to get five degrees, including a doctorate in instructional technology from the University of Georgia in 2001.
Kensington Books published my first novel, Bands of Gold, back in 1994 during the launch year of Arabesque Books, their ground-breaking line of romances featuring African-Ameircan heroes and heroines. In total, I published five romance novels and one romance novella with Arabeseque during the 1994-1997 timeframe. BET Books (now Harlequin Books) released a collection of three of those early books (Bands of Gold, For All Time and Between the Lines) in April 2006. I also published two novels with Silhouette Books which were recently re-issued.
My first Christian fiction titles were Christian romances. Awakening Mercy (Tyndale House Publishers) hit bookshelves in 2000. It was a finalist for both the RITA Award for Excellence in Romance Fiction and the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction. Abiding Hope (Tyndale), winner of the EMMA Award for Excellence in Romance Fiction, followed in 2001. My third Christian fiction title and tenth book overall, The Amen Sisters (Walk Worthy Press, 2005), which was an Essence bestseller, marked my entry into what is considered mainsteam Christian fiction.
In my eleventh and twelfth books, Up Pops the Devil (Avon, 2008) and Sins of the Father (Avon, 2009), I refine my Christian fiction a bit into what I characterize as inspirational family drama. In inspirational family drama, the main characters are related, the story problem threatens to break the family bonds in some way, and one or more characters deal with a faith issue.
What type of jobs or careers have you worked in the past?
I’m on my third career. My first, and longest, career was as a systems engineer in the telecommunications industry. The last project I worked on was the Caller ID service. Then I spent three years as a full-time writer and part-time student. My current, and last, career is as a university professor. I teach and conduct research in instructional technology.
Who are your favorite authors?
I refuse to answer this one. I have too many author friends that I read and enjoy. Every time I make a list, I leave somebody out.
What are your favorite books?
I’m going to be safe here and stick with non-fiction books.
When did you begin to realize you wanted to write?
I started writing when I was in fifth grade. At the time, I had no idea that writing was a career option. I just wrote for my class. It wasn’t until twenty years later that I began to explore writing as a career.
Tell us about your journey to publication.
I sold the first book that I wrote. I started writing it in 92, sold it in 93 and it was published in 94. That’s not bad for writers.
But a lot happened between the time I started writing and the time I sold my book. The first, and I think the most important, is that I joined Romance Writers of America, the national chapter and the local chapter. The support and information that I received from this group has been invaluable.
Secondly, I joined a critique group of new writers like myself. We met at the local RWA meeting. When we started meeting we knew next to nothing about writing, but we learned together. Five people participated in the critique group and three of us are now published.
Thirdly, I set goals and kept them. My first goal was to write a synopsis and three chapters so I could enter a contest. I accomplished that goal. My next goal was to finish the book in order to enter another contest. I accomplished that one was well. Using contests as milestones help me set and manage my goals. In addition, the critiques from contest judges helped me hone my writing skills.
Lastly, I learned to accept rejection. All writers want their work to be loved and adored by all. I do too, but that’s not a realistic expectation. Your writing is not going to resonant with every reader.
That’s a fact of life. Think about John Grisham and Danielle Steele. Not everybody thinks their work is wonderful, yet they have magnificent careers-careers that we’d all like to have. As a beginning writer, you have to be prepared for rejection. You can’t let one rejection or ten rejections get you so down that you become discouraged and quit writing. You have to hang in there until you sell. And even after you sell, rejection is still a part of the writer’s life.
Are you a full-time writer? If so, describe your day?
No. In addition to writing, I’m a university professor.
About the Book
Successful media mogul Abraham Martin has great wealth, an elegant wife, Saralyn, and a rebellious son, Isaac. He also has a secret: a second family that no one knows about. Now, after thirty years—driven by the urging of his long dormant conscience—Abraham is determined to do the right thing by finally bringing his illegitimate children into the light…and into the family fold.
But beautiful, manipulative Saralyn will never accept the proof of her husband’s indiscretions. Isaac the heir, shaken by his father’s revelations, will fight mercilessly when his world is threatened, and may lose everything that matters as a result. And while Abraham’s forgotten daughter Deborah is open to the undreamed-of possibilities suddenly awaiting her, son Michael cannot forgive the man who cruelly abandoned them to near poverty. And he’s driven by only one desire: revenge!
Angela Benson’s Sins of the Father is a powerful story of a house bitterly divided—a rich, multilayered family saga of betrayal and redemption, rage and compassion, faith, forgiveness, and ultimately, of love.
Follow the blog tour at http://bitly.com/SinsoftheFather.
For more information about Angela, visit her at AngelaBenson.com.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( 16 so far )Murder on the Down Low Tour – Meet Pamela Samuels Young
Meet Pamela Samuels Young, author of Murder on the Down Low
Pamela, tell us about yourself.
In addition to being a published author, I’m a native of Compton, California, a wife, step-mother of four and an employment lawyer for a large corporation. Until a few years ago, I taught business law at the University of Redlands School of Business. I gave it up when grading papers began to cut in on my writing time. I still have a lot on my plate at the moment, but I love every hectic minute of it! People often ask me how I find time to practice law and write a novel a year. That answer is simple: I have a strong faith in God. Without that, I couldn’t do any of this.
What type of jobs or careers have you worked in the past?
Prior to law school I was a television news writer at WXYZ-TV in Detroit and an associate producer and news writer at KCBS-TV in Los Angeles. I also spent a summer as a reporter for the Rockford Register-Star in Rockford, Illinois and was a copy editor for the Long Beach Press Telegram. Some of my prior jobs included sorting mail during Christmas time at the Post Office, working as a clerk at JC Penney’s and ToysRUs, and cooking up samples to hand out in grocery stores.
Who are your favorite authors?
These days, I read more mysteries than anything else. Some of my favorite authors include Walter Mosley, Greg Iles, Sandra Brown, Tami Hoag, James Patterson, Valerie Wilson Wesley, and John Grisham. I love a good plot and I think all of these writers write very entertaining novels. I also enjoy women’s fiction and I’ll buy anything Terry McMillan decides to write.
What are your favorite books?
There are way too many to pick just a few! The book that had the greatest impact on me as a kid was Claude Brown’s Manchild in the Promised Land. I can still remember stumbling across a copy of the book at my aunt’s house when I was about twelve. It was the first book I can remember reading that had African-American characters and I was thrilled to be reading about people who looked like me. It was also a very gritty and graphic coming of age story. I promptly “borrowed” the book without asking for permission for fear that my aunt would think I was too young to be reading such a sexually graphic book. After that, I developed an insatiable appetite for African-American fiction. That led me to Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, Richard Wright, Toni Morrison and other truly great literary authors.
When did you begin to realize you wanted to write?
I knew pretty early that I wanted to be a writer, having worked on school newspapers in junior high, high school and college. When I decided to major in journalism at the University of Southern California, I didn’t give much thought to creative writing. At the age of 18, I didn’t have the guts to even consider a career as a novelist. The writers I enjoyed reading – James Baldwin, Richard Wright, Toni Morrison, Joan Didion – were incredibly talented literary writers. I knew I didn’t have that kind of poetic writing talent. So I pursued a career in journalism and later, earned a law degree. After finishing law school, I started reading mysteries, particularly those that involved fascinating legal cases. It bothered me, however, that the legal thrillers I read never depicted women or African-Americans as attorneys. So I decided to fill the void by bringing some diversity to legal fiction.
Tell us about your journey to publication.
It took me about three years to finish my first novel. It wasn’t a very good book and it was months before I realized that. Instead of telling me the book sucked, my friends just avoided me. I then started working on another novel and with the encouragement of a friend who really enjoyed the first 50 pages of the new book, I finished it in less than a year. That book, Every Reasonable Doubt, received a very different reception from my test readers. Their praise for the book taught me a very valuable lesson: If you’ve written a good book, people will tell you it’s good. If you’ve written a bad book, most people will just avoid you. Prior to my getting a book deal, an excerpt of Every Reasonable Doubt won the Black Expression Book Club’s Annual Fiction Writing Competition. After months of rejection from agents, all of a sudden three agents were suddenly interested in the book. I signed my first two-book deal with BET Books, which was later acquired by Harlequin, which published In Firm Pursuit. There were no takers for Murder on the Down Low, so I self published the novel, and I’m so glad I did. Murder on the Down Low was not only the Editor’s Pick by the Black Expressions Book Club but was a finalist for the 2009 African American Literary Awards. The praise for Murder on the Down Low that I’ve received from readers, particularly my book club, fans has been tremendous. That’s what keeps me going!
Are you a full-time writer? If so, describe your day?
I wish I was a full-time writer! I still work as an in-house employment attorney for a major corporation. I only work four days a week, but it’s still difficult to write and publicize my books in the limited time I have. As a result, I don’t write every day. I find the time whenever and wherever I can. I will spend anywhere from a few weeks to as long as three months outlining a book before I actually start writing. During this time, I mull over my story quite a bit. I’m thinking about it in the shower, while I’m standing in line at the grocery store, and during my 45-minute commute to work. Even during the outlining stage, I can almost see each chapter as if it were a scene in a movie. Only after I have a completed outline do I start writing. And when I write, I go from page one to the last page without doing much editing along the way. For me, it’s psychologically motivating to complete that first draft, even if it’s so bad I’d never dare show it to anyone. Once I have a first draft, then the real writing starts. I revise, and revise and revise some more. That process can last six months or more.
ABOUT THE BOOK
A high-profile lawsuit erupts into chaos, revealing its place in a larger spree of violence in this scandalous tale of lust, lies, and vengeance. A brazen gunman is targeting prominent African American men on the streets of Los Angeles, and police are completely baffled. At the same time, savvy big-firm attorney Vernetta Henderson and her outrageous sidekick, Special, lead the charge for revenge against a man whose deceit caused his fiancée’s death. For Special, hauling the man into court and suing him for wrongful death just isn’t good enough. While she exacts her own brand of justice, a shocking revelation connects the contentious lawsuit and the puzzling murders.
Follow the rest of Murder on the Down Low Blog Tour at http://bit.ly/MurderOnTheDownLow
For more information about Pamela, visit her at PamelaSamuelsYoung.com.
Murder on the Blog Tour Giveaway
Please leave a comment to be eligible to win an autographed book and a 25 dollar gift card from Pamela Samuels Young. One winner will be chosen each day for a total of FIVE winners.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( 31 so far )Meet Tia McCollors – The Last Woman Standing Blog Tour
Tia, tell us about yourself.
Wow! That’s such a broad question. Besides being an author of Christian novels, my first love (and first priority as far as I’m concerned) is taking care of my family. This November my husband Wayne and I will celebrate five years of marriage. Since the day we said, “I do,” we’ve been blessed with two children. Evidently they were sent here to keep us young and spry because we have a very lively three year old son and a daughter who’s almost one.
In my (limited) free time, I love to read, browse through home decorating books (which means I’m a HGTV junkie), and enjoy scrapbooking – which by the way I’m about one hundred and twenty pictures behind on!
What type of jobs or careers have you worked in the past?
Where should I start? I actually only had two jobs in high school. One of them was at a local drug store which didn’t last long at all. One night at closing I went to the back to clock out and the manager accidentally locked me inside the store and left to go home. That was the only reason I needed to justify quitting!
Other than that, my post-college jobs were all related to my journalism and mass communication degree. After ten years in the corporate world as a public and media relations professional, I was fortunate to be able to leave my job in 2006 and pursue my writing career full-time. Actually at that time I considered it writing part-time because I had no idea with my first child that being a stay-at-home-mom was a full time job. Somebody should tell you those things!
Who are your favorite authors?
Would it sound vain if I said, “Me”? (Laughing). That’s such a hard question because there are so many writers I enjoy. I try to expand my horizons by reading different things…though I must say I stay away from hard-core urban novels as well as erotica. I tend to enjoy literary fiction, though. Did you notice how I didn’t really answer the question?
What books are on your summer reading list?
I’m a featured author at the Faith and Fiction Retreat this year that’s being held in Orlando, Florida. That’s why the current books on my list are those written by the other authors. I’m checking out Up Pops the Devil (Angela Benson), The Bishop’s Daughter (Tiffany Warren) and The Devil is a Lie (ReShonda Tate Billingsley).
When did you begin to realize you wanted to write?
I think it originally started in seventh grade when I had an “advice column” in my school’s newspaper, called Tia Talks. When I entered high school, I decided to take “Journalism” as one of my electives…and I was hooked. But even before that I used to enter every fiction writing competition that was school and county-wide. However, I never fathomed that my love for writing would lead to a career as a novelist. It wasn’t until I was included in a round of layoffs at a job in 1999 that God I truly began to search for my passion and purpose.
Are you a full-time writer? If so, describe your day?
My days are far from mundane and that’s because I have a three-year old son and soon-to-be one-year-old daughter. At the beginning of each year I try to map out when I want to turn in proposals, and from that point I estimate how much writing time I’ll need to complete the proposals and the manuscripts. Does that technique always work perfectly? No, but for me it’s about having those written goals to keep me focused.
Right now, the majority of my days are being spent working on promotions for my August 1 release, The Last Woman Standing. But when I’m writing, I work best when I leave the house and go to my local library or coffee shop. It prevents me from procrastinating and finding household chores and projects to do! I’ll write for a couple of hours, take an hour-long break, and then go back in for another two hours or so.
How do you balance your writing time and family time?
Good question! I think my family actually balances my time for me because with such young children, I’m pulled more to tending to their needs first. I can have the best intentions of waking up and knocking out 5,000 words in a day, but never get to it. But when there’s a deadline looming over my head, I take both of my children to child care during the week and call in my hubby and mama for back up during the weekend.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Lynette Bowers had no intention on falling in love with her ex-husband, “Ace” Bowers. After all, it has been ten years since their marriage ended, and two years since the beginning of his relationship with the younger and prettier, Sheila Rushmore. Besides Sheila, everyone knows that only a fool makes the same mistake twice, especially when it comes to marriage.
Ace seems stuck between his past and his future. With his conflicting emotions, he risks losing two women who hold a significant place in his heart. It’s going to take his faith and God’s love to handle the ensuing drama.
Sheila is starting to see Ace’s ex-wife as a threat to her lifelong dreams of achieving the happily-ever-after. Sheila is used to getting what she wants – except Ace’s commitment to marriage. When Sheila realizes Lynette may be the cause, she launches a plan to play the hand of God, instead of allowing Him to bring the love all three of them desire.
THE LAST WOMAN STANDING BLOG TOUR GIVEAWAY
Tia McCollors is the author of four Women’s Fiction books. Read the question below to see if you can answer it and provide the name of the book in which it was featured.
What is the name of Monet Sullivan’s long-time (but unequally yoked) love interest in Zora’s Cry?
Leave your answer in the comment section. All post with correct answers posted to the blog comment sections will be entered in a random drawing for prizes. The more you post (with correct answers) the better your chances. Winners will be contacted via email and also posted on Tia’s Blog, “From Tia’s Pen”.
Contest prizes include:
- $5 gift card to Smoothie King or Panera Bread (Winner’s Choice)
- $5 gift card to Chick-Fil-A
- $10 gift card for Border’s
- Autographed copy of The Last Woman Standing
- Autographed copy of The Last Woman Standing
Follow the rest of The Last Woman Standing Blog Tour at:
http://bitly.com/TheLastWomanStanding
Tia’s Contact Info:
- www.TiaMcCollors.com
- Tia@TiaMcCollors.com
- www.myspace.com/TiaWrites
- http://www.shoutlife.com/TiaWrites
- Visit Tia’s blog: www.TiasPen.blogspot.com
Meet Michelle Larks – 'Til Debt Do Us Part Blog Tour
Meet Michelle Larks
PART 1: GETTING TO KNOW
Tell us about yourself.
I am an older sistah in my early fifties. I am married and the mother of 2 adult daughters. I am the oldest of my siblings, six sisters and 6 brothers. I was adopted by my aunt and uncle as a child. I have tons of nieces and nephews and I love being a part of a large family.
What type of jobs or careers have you worked in the past?
I have been employed in the IT field, known as Data Processing back in the day for over 30 years. I started out as a Keypunch Operator, an Operator, Network Specialist, and now I am employed as a Communications Systems Programmer.
Who are your favorite authors?
My favorite authors are Lolita Files, Kimberly Lawson-Roby and Delores Phillips.
What are your favorite books?
I have read so many books during my lifetime that’s it’s hard to pinpoint favorites. I began reading avidly at the age of eight. If I had to narrow my list down to 2 favorites, they would be A Child Of God and The Darkest Child.
When did you begin to realize you wanted to write?
I realized I wanted to write at about 11 years old. I folded sheets of notebook paper together to create a book and my story was titled, Return to Oz. I loved the movie the Wizard of Oz.
Tell us about your journey to publication.
I self-published my first book in 2002 with gently prodding from one of my sister’s. A friend of her’s self-published a book. I had always written poetry to celebrate milestones in my friend’s and family’s lives. My sister told me it was time for me to get started writing and I did. The title of the book is A Myriad of Emotions.
Are you a full-time writer? If so, describe your day?
I am not a full time writer, I am still employed in the IT field. Writing has become my second job though. I usually write a couple of hours in the evening after work. My workday starts at 5:30 A.M. That’s the time I report for my IT job. I get home around 3:15 P.M. and begin my second job, writing and everything related to that.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Life was easy for Nichole Singleton, with a voice like an angel, a job she adores, and a church she has called home since her teens. While Jeffrey, Nichole’s loving husband, has control over the life they are living, Nichole still feels blessed . . . until her gambling “hobby” turns into a personal cross to bear that threatens to destroy her marriage.
Through her trials and tribulations, will Nichole remember to put her trust in God and reaffirm her faith in the Lord, or will she see her marriage and gambling habit as bigger than even the God she serves?
Purchase this book at Amazon.com.
Follow the blog tour at http://bitly.com/TilDebtDoUsPart.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( 22 so far )Buzzin' about with Kimberly Cheri Brown
Hello Kimberly, and welcome to All the Buzz! It is a pleasure to spotlight you.
First, tell me who is Kimberly Cheri Brown?
I am an artist; I’ve known since I was a girl that what I wanted to do with my life. I went to college to study art against the suggestion of many. However, I was one who was determined enough to see my dream come to fruition: as a girl I dreamed of going to college, being an athlete and artist/business owner. I am happy to say that I’ve made my dreams come true.
Please tell me about Beautiful Like Me.
“Beautiful Like ME!” is a multicultural coloring/activity book that stresses developing a positive self image. The characters are diverse, with names and meanings native to their homelands. Additionally, the book features an activity where the reader is encouraged to illustrate herself and complete a similar gift for a friend.
What is the significance of this book?
This book is unique in that it offers opportunities for learning in cultural sensitivity, geography, and character development/building. Its appearance is simple yet it is multi-faceted.
When young girls pick up a copy of this book, what can they expect to find between the pages?
In this book, girls meet Zauditu, from Ethiopia who likes to run and play tag with her friends. Zauditu has a mole (or beauty mark) on her face, something not generally featured in coloring books. Rosario is from Guatemala, and has no hair and a gap. She says her gap reminds her of her grandmother, who died when she was six. Similar physical characteristics and stories are found within this book.
Is this a book for everyone, or is your target market only young ladies within a certain age group?
Initially, I created the book with girls between the ages of 6-13 in mind because of the self-image tenant of the book, but I’ve come to notice that more seasoned ladies and men comment that they benefit from the book as well! It has been warmly accepted by diverse groups.
What has the response been since the publication of Beautiful Like Me?
Usually, it’s “WOW! My (daughter/niece/granddaughter) would really love this. Are there more? The gentlemen usually ask if I have one for boys. Educators and parents love it. Nonprofits appreciate the character-building aspect of the book. All around, it’s been a great response.
Can we look forward to more books like this from you?
Yes, as a matter of fact, “Beautiful Like ME!” is the first book of a series. The additional titles will delve more into each of the ten characters’ lives and introducing heavier subjects (diabetes, eating disorders, dealing with trauma/grief, physical impairments, etc.)
Additionally, I have illustrated a cookbook/storybook for children entitled “The Adventures of Barackli & the Chef: Helping Kids Make Better Food Choices”. The main character is a stalk of broccoli named “Barackli” that goes around encouraging kids to eat their veggies. It is also full of recipes that children can prepare with little or no adult supervision. It’s a really fun start to the series! To order visit http://www.barackli.com
Please tell readers how they can find out more about you and your books.
For more information on the titles listed, visit kimberlycbrown.com. Each book will have a synopsis and will feature a link to that title’s website. Customers may order online or shoot me an email at kim@kimberlycbrown.com to arrange bulk orders (bulk orders over 20 copies qualify for volume discounts). Just be sure to list the title with ordering information.
http://iambeautiful.ning.com
www.beautifullikeme.net
Thank you again for allowing me to spotlight you on All the Buzz! I wish you continued success in all that you do!
Click here to read more about Kimberly, reviews of the book, and more!
As a thank you to the readers who stop by, read and comment on the interview, you will be entered into a drawing to win a copy of Beautiful Like Me for a young girl in your life, as well as a Platinum Book PR pack, courtesy of Dawnny Ruby of Platinum Book PR.
Buzzin' about with Kimberly Cheri Brown – part two
Kimberly Cheri Brown is an author, contributing writer, public speaker,
non-profit consultant and fundraiser, and community activist.
Ms. Brown established Therapeutic & Creative Arts in 2006 with the firm
belief that the arts, when used communicatively, are powerful healing tools
that strengthen personal and societal development. She is a native of
Huntsville, Alabama and the eldest of five.
Please visit her website
www.kimberlycbrown.com
therapeutic_arts@yahoo.com
Beautifil Like ME!
Kimberly Cheri Brown
ISBN: 978-1-4276-2126-9
$9.99
Beautiful Like ME!, the ONLY multicultural coloring/activity book that
focuses on fostering the healthy self esteem of young ladies!
Beautiful Like ME! is an interactive multicultural coloring activity book
that features ten female characters, each of a different ethnicity,
appearance and personality. With a foreword by award-winning author, Nikki
Giovanni, the coloring book encourages positive self-esteem among girls and
explores the unique cultural differences.
Self-esteem affects how children approach new tasks and challenges and how
they interact with others. Empowering girls to believe in themselves,
develop positive images about themselves and strengthen their self-esteem
are the goals behind Kimberly Cheri Brown’s Beautiful Like ME! product line.
According to the National Association of Self Esteem, low self esteem is
linked to criminal activity, poor performance in school, teenage pregnancy
and even suicide.
Utilizing initiatives like “Beautiful Like ME!” provides an alternative to
the negative media youth are exposed to on a daily basis.
Intended for ages 4 and up, “Beautiful Like ME” Coloring/ Activity Book is
the first of a series of books that Brown will publish. “This book makes
not only a great gift, but is a great way to begin conversation about the
many stereotypes that pervade our communities.
Join the “Beautiful Like ME!” girls’ forum
A social network centered around girls issues
Reviews
Kimberly Brown has done a great service to recognize little girls’ need to
mirror themselves and accept the beauty within
– Nikki Giovanni
Loved [the book] and my niece did as well. She read and colored in it all
day! Thank you for being on purpose and being ‘beautiful like me’…
-Erika Monroe | ISEE Member
(Institute for Self Esteem & Evaluation)
A wonderful educational tool that teaches diversity. A fun and interactive
approach to learning.
-Little Feet Daycare
Albany, NY
Organizations that have purchased orders of Beautiful Like ME! include
Boys&Girls Club of Williamson County, Preston Taylor Boys&Girls Club/YMCA,
Center for Women’s Health & Research at Meharry Medical College, The
Harpeth Hall School, Time to Rise Summer Camp and the YWCA Girls Inc.
program.
Kimberly Cheri Brown wrote and illustrated the book after realizing how
self-esteem issues affect girls of all backgrounds.
Kimberly Cheri Brown is an author, contributing writer, public speaker,
non-profit consultant and fundraiser, and community activist.
Ms. Brown established Therapeutic & Creative Arts in 2006 with the firm
belief that the arts, when used communicatively, are powerful healing tools
that strengthen personal and societal development. She is a native of
Huntsville, Alabama and the eldest of five.
Please visit her website
http://www.kimberlycbrown.com
therapeutic_arts@yahoo.com
Ms.Brown is available for speaking engagements, book club chats, mom & me
groups and Beautiful Like Me parties.
Media Contact: Platinum Book PR/518-851-9030 publicist@platinumbookpr.com
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( 2 so far )The Devil is a Lie Blog Tour with ReShonda Tate Billingsley
Meet ReShonda Tate Billingsley
ReShonda Tate Billingsley is a national bestselling author of 17 books, all published by Simon and Schuster/Pocket Books. Her sophomore novel, Let the Church Say Amen, is being made into a movie and national touring stageplay of which she is Executive Producer and actress Regina King is the director. Five of her other books, have also been optioned for film by CodeBlack Entertainment.
ReShonda’s literary career is such a success that in 2007, she was able to leave her job as a reporter with Fox 26 News in Houston to pursue writing full time. ReShonda has appeared on the Essence Bestseller’s list more than 20 times, as well as The Washington Post, Dallas Morning News and Ebony Magazine Bestseller’s lists.
ReShonda has won numerous awards for her journalism, fiction and poetry writing skills. She is a five-time winner of the National Association of Black Journalists Spirit in the Words competition. ReShonda’s upcoming projects include The Devil is a Lie (July 2009), Holy Rollers (2010) and two more teen novels. The Houston native and University of Texas at Austin graduate also serves as a freelance editorial and marketing consultant. She has ghostwritten four fiction projects and five non-fiction projects. She is married with three small children.
ReShonda, tell us about yourself.
I am a writer who loves what I do so much, that I would do it for free. Luckily I don’t have to. I am the author of 18 books. I also work as an editor, ghostwriter and newspaper editor and I’m the co-host of From Cover to Cover literary radio talk show. I am the mother of three small children, 9, 7 and 2 years old (I’ve discovered I’m too old for a two year old).
What type of jobs or careers have you worked in the past?
I spent the majority of my career as a television news anchor/reporter before retiring to write full time. I have also worked as a reporter for The National Enquirer, a variety of telemarketing jobs, and as a hostess at McDonalds.
Who are your favorite authors?
Kimberla Lawson Roby, Tracy Price Thompson, Victoria Christopher Murray, Mary Higgins Clark
What are your favorite books?
Gather Together in My Name, Child of God, Casting the First Stone, I could go on and on…
When did you begin to realize you wanted to write?
I’ve always loved writing and making up stories. My mom called it lying. But my first real memory is fifth grade, when I lied about what I did on my summer vacation. I said I dodged bullets in drivebys, watched elderly ladies get mugged and struggled to stay alive in the ghetto. I actually went to summer camp.
Tell us about your journey to publication.
After getting 2 gazillion, 343 katrillion rejection letters, I decided to self publish. I hustled to sell my book any way I could and it paid off. A major agent caught wind of me, signed me up and got me a book deal with Simon & Schuster/Pocket Books. I’ve been with them ever since.
Are you a full-time writer? If so, describe your day?
I am a full time writer, but since I’m the mother of three I have no structure. I get the kids off to school, then I answer emails and do other promotional things, before doing work for my many freelance editorial projects. I then head out to the radio station or to speaking engagements. I make it home around 7, at which time I cook, spend time with the family. I get them in the bed around nine (well, except the two year old, he goes to bed when he wants to), then I write until three or four in the morning.
About the Book
AS LUCK WOULD HAVE IT. . . . 
When Nina Lawson wins $16 million in the Texas Lottery, the real estate executive and her fiancé, ecstatically begin planning their future — from paying off their credit card debt, to setting their wedding date, to a spontaneous, spare-no-expense island getaway.
But when Nina goes to claim her winnings, she gets an astounding twist of fate: her ex-husband, Todd Lawson, shows up to inform he isn’t her ex —since the paperwork for their divorce was never officially filed. By Todd’s side, his money-hungry girlfriend, Pam – the woman he left Nina for.
MORE MONEY, MORE PROBLEMS
Between her divorce drama, Nina also has to deal with relatives coming out of the woodwork to seek a payday for themselves. Before all is said and done, Nina must ask herself if scoring a fortune in cash comes with too high a price tag. With a little bit of luck, Nina will discern the real wealth in her heart, not just her bank account—or risk losing everything—to find out what matters the most.
Visit ReShonda online at http://www.reshondatatebillingsley.com/.
Follow the blog tour at http://bitly.com/TheDevilIsALie.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( 15 so far )What the Bayou Saw Blog Tour – Meet Patti Lacy
Patti, tell us about yourself.
I’m a fifty-something transplanted Southerner with a professor husband, two grown kids, and a dog named Laura. Though we miss the warm front porch and drawly talk of Louisiana and Texas, we’ve found community in the wonderful town of Normal, Illinois (perhaps not the expected place for an abnormal woman who darts out of the house during rainstorms to save drowning worms!)
Until 2005, I carried the tattered briefcase of my teacher mother and father and husband to Heartland Community College here in Normal, where I taught Humanities 101. Then God whispered in my ear to write an amazing story I’d heard in Terre Haute, Indiana, of all places. I picked up my “writer’s pen” and did my best to capture that story on paper—actually, a computer file. An Irishwoman’s Tale began my writing career, and I hope to keep on writing as long as God keeps whispering.
What type of jobs or careers have you worked in the past?
I taught junior high earth science and coached a junior high boys’ tennis team, then temporarily closeted my briefcase and purchased a court reporter’s machine. For twelve years, I tapped on that tiny keyboard to capture the words of expert physicians, bitter divorcees, and injured plaintiffs. Proofreading over a thousand pages a month prepared me well for this writing career. And oh, do I have some stories to tell. Like the exploding toilet…
Who are your favorite authors?
As a fellow bookie, Renee, you know we’d be here forever if I gave you a complete answer, but I’ll give you a few to get you drooling! In the CBA, I read Stacy Hawkins Adams, Athol Dixon, Tosca Lee, Julie Lessman, Charles Martin, Francine Rivers, Lisa Samson, and sooo many more!
I’ve always gobbled down the classics: Atwood, Austen, Bronte, Cather, Ellison, Fitzgerald, Hemingway, Hugo, Hurston, Kingsolver, Morrison, Stegner, and Walker.
During my master’s studies in African-American literature, I devoured Angelou and Butler and Jones and Gaines and Larsen and Naylor and Petry.
A favorite activity is to scour Barnes & Noble shelves, load up my arms with a foot-high stack, and settle into the coffee bar chair with a latte and my pretend fortune. Then I begin the complicated sorting-out process to find the one or two new friends that I can afford to feed and nourish and call family.
What are your favorite books?
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, To Kill a Mockingbird, Les Miserables, The Poisonwood Bible, anything by Morrison and Austen. Recent discoveries? The Madonnas of Leningrad, The Passion of Mary-Margaret, The Memory Keeper’s Daughter, The Shape of Mercy, the At Home in Mitford series. There’s always an about-to-topple-over stack on my nightstand, so this list may change…next week!
When did you begin to realize you wanted to write?
Not until 2005, when God whispered for me to write the story of Mary, a feisty Irishwoman I met when we were yanked from our warm Southern porch and plopped in Terre Haute, Indiana. Before then, I’d only penned maudlin poetry and embarrassing love notes, some of which I keep stashed at the bottom of a basement storage box.
Tell us about your journey to publication.
In the spring of 2005, I attended the Write to Publish conference in Wheaton with a partially complete manuscript of An Irishwoman’s Tale and high hopes to sell that manuscript in three days. Boy, did God have a thing or two to teach me! What I did gain at Write to Publish was an inkling of how the market worked. I hired a professional editor, changed my story from first to third person, made countless revisions, resubmitted to the tired editor, then sent out a proposal and sample chapters to The Writer’s Edge. In the fall of 2006, Kregel Publications e-mailed a request to see the full manuscript. Six weeks later, a contract offer buzzed across the electronic lines.
In 2009, my second baby, What the Bayou Saw, hit the bookstores. I’ve written a third book, My Name is Sheba, and the gray matter has drummed up a fourth, Reclaiming Lily. It’s been a wild ride!
Are you a full-time writer? If so, describe your day.
In the spring of 2006 I resigned my community college job to write full-time. During the draft stage, I get up at 5:00 a.m., pray, then write until I meet my page requirement. Until that’s done, do not pass go. Do not check e-mail. DO have coffee.
If the Muse lingers, sometimes I write until noon, when I stop to eat lunch with my son and play Yahtzee or Trouble. If words and ideas have clogged up my brain, I eke out my minimum page quota, then head to my second office, a local coffee bar, and chat with friends or people-watch. Sometimes that looses the traffic jam and I return to my computer and tap away a few more pages.
Afternoons pass with publicity details, phone calls. I try to stop by four o’clock, because someone’s gotta cook the big dinner we Southerners love!
Right now I’m between books, so there’s much more emphasis on research, reading…rest! After all, a girl’s gotta live! There’s Bible study and my daughter’s wedding to plan and running with my dog and smelling the wonderful lilacs that frame our living room window.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Segregation and a chain link fence separated twelve-year-old Sally Flowers from her best friend, Ella Ward. Yet a brutal assault bound them together. Forever. Thirty-eight years later, Sally, a middle-aged Midwestern instructor, dredges up childhood secrets long buried beneath the waters of a Louisiana bayou in order to help her student, who has also been raped. Fragments of spirituals, gospel songs, and images of a Katrina-ravaged New Orleans are woven into the story.
Visit Patti on line at www.pattilacy.com.
View the full blog tour schedule at http://bitly.com/WhatTheBayouSaw
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( 12 so far )Buzzin' about with Tiffany Warren
Hello Tiffany! Thank you for allowing me to spotlight you on All the Buzz. You are one of my favorite Christian fiction authors, so it is truly a pleasure to “speak” with you one on one.
First, tell me about your newest release, The Bishop’s Daughter.
The Bishop’s Daughter is about a writer named Darrin who is looking to find a scandal in a mega-church. He never expects to fall in love with the bishop’s daughter, nor does he expect salvation to ever be in the mix.
What message do you hope to convey through this story?
First off, I want to convey that salvation, for everyone, is a process. It’s not just about accepting Christ. There’s the part of your life that has to conform to God’s will. I think sometimes we forget about that part of the process in Christian Fiction. I also wanted to portray that not all men of God are crooks. Some of them are actually searching after God’s own heart.
What do you find most challenging about writing in the Christian Fiction genre?
Because I view this as a ministry, I have to be careful to convey what God’s mind is on a matter. When I think of how a character should react, I have to go to the Bible and study on similar stories. The biggest difference between mainstream and Christian Fiction is not having the stories set in a church. The biggest difference is that when the characters have problems they look to God for the solution.
Have you ever considered writing in another genre?
I do write Young Adult fiction under the pen name Nikki Carter. It’s not Christian Fiction, but it is inspirational. I’d also love to write Science Fiction. I’m a huge Sci-Fi fan.
If you were to write in another genre, would you feel that you were not being obedient to the calling on your life?
Not at all. In any way that I use this gift it will be to God’s Glory. No matter what genre I write in, my novels will be clean.
Do you read novels in other genres? If so, do you feel convicted, like you shouldn’t be reading that particular story/genre?
Yes, I read novels in other genres. I didn’t even know there was a Christian Fiction genre until I got published! No, I don’t feel any conviction at all, but that’s not to say that someone else might. Everyone’s walk with Christ is different and He requires something different of each one of us.
Since you started your writing career, have you ever questioned God about the course of your life/literary journey?
Hmmm…I’ve never questioned God about the course of my journey, but there have been times where I felt I stepped out on faith and it didn’t pan out. Those times make you step back and evaluate the scenario to see if you are on the same page as God.
Of your three novels, which was the hardest to write and why?
I would say “Farther than I Meant to Go, Longer than I Meant to Stay”. I know many women like Charmayne, but I’ve never walked a mile in her shoes. I tell my single friends all the time that I don’t really know what it’s like to be saved and single. When I was single I wasn’t saved! It’s a very unique experience for single Christians.
Are any of your stories based on real life experiences?
No, but my writing is definitely colored by my experiences. Sometimes, the characters see the world through my eyes, but when it’s time for them to make the life-changing decisions, I really strive to get God’s mind on the matter.
If you had to pick one verse in the Bible that motivates/inspires you the most during trials and tribulations, what would it be?
Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I really do believe this scripture, and it has caused me to be fearless in my pursuits of many goals.
What are three things readers don’t know about you?
That I’m a trekkie! I dragged my husband to see the new Star Trek movie on the opening weekend and LOVED it. I also write music. I’m a very musical person in my worship and in life in general. I was that girl who listened non-stop to love songs, going through a breakup. Readers can hear some of my music on my MySpace page www.myspace.com/whatasista. Some of the songs are from a gospel stage adaptation that I did of What a Sista Should Do. My favorite song on there is “Dream Deferred”. I wrote that in response to a time in my life, where I’d stepped out on faith and it wasn’t successful. Lastly, I love to cook. I didn’t used to be a good cook before I got married, but I’m pretty good at it now.
Thank you again for allowing me to spotlight you on All the Buzz. Any last words for those who are reading this interview?
Thank you for having me!!! I appreciate it. I just want to let readers know that in a couple weeks, I’m going to have a special edition short story on my website. It’s the prequel to “What a Sista Should Do”, and for those who read the book, it will shed more light on Taylor’s paternity scenario. My second book, “Farther than I Meant to Go, Longer than I Meant to Stay” will be out this fall in mass market edition. I’m excited about that because it’s a way for readers to get acquainted with my work! My fourth novel “In the Midst of It All” will be out in February 2010.
My young adult fiction is in stores now! The first two titles “Step to This” and “It Is What It Is” have been getting great feedback from parents and teens!
If you’re in Florida, please think of joining us for at least one day at the Faith and Fiction Retreat. We’ve got ReShonda Tate Billingsley, Angela Benson, Tia McCollors and myself as the featured authors and a score of author panelists including Sherri L Lewis, Linda Leigh Hargrove, Pat G’Orge Walker and more. Florida residents can register for the entire weekend at www.faithandfictionretreat.com/payment.html or for special Florida one-day pricing at www.faithandfictionretreat.com/florida.html . Hope to see you there!
Many blessings to you & yours!
Visit Tiffany online at: www.tiffanylwarren.com, www.faithandfictionretreat.com, Facebook, www.myspace.com/christianauthor, www.twitter.com/texasauthor
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( 7 so far )« Previous Entries
All The Buzz 
You must be logged in to post a comment.