February 8, 2009
Tamara K. Fournier founded Vision Development Corporation (VDC) in reflection of her own personal success story. P.I.E.C.E.S.: A Booster’s Story is her story. Born in Columbus, Ohio and raised in the Church, Tammy’s connection to her spiritual foundation began at an early age as the sister of a minister and wife to a minister’s son. Her life course took a turn for the worst when she divorced her husband of 14 years and married a Dominican drug dealer. Swept off of her feet and into the fast lane, her life spun out of control, and the end result was her 3-year sentence at the Ohio Reformatory for Women and Franklin County Pre-Release Center.
During her incarceration, Tammy did much soul searching. Having the spirit of a born leader, she knew and understood that her true purpose was to give back to her community through outreach. Today, she is currently the Program Director for the Revival Development Corporation at Trinity Baptist Church. Her ministry has been working hands-on with several Re-entry and prison programs, personally working with and cared for hundreds of at-risk youth in Educational Development Empowering Network (E.D.E.N.) after-school program and Camp Healthy Kids summer camp, as well as being a Life Coach and Motivational Speaker. Life experiences have led her to the creation of VDC and the completion of her first novel.
- What led you to write P.I.E.C.E.S.? Do you remember the moment that you wanted to write your story?
While working at Triple Crown Publications, and reading hundreds of submissions, I realized that many of the stories published by TCP were similar to my own story. During my employment at Triple Crown I assisted with the plotline of the book Crackhead by Lisa Lennox. It was then that realized I had a strong desire to write my story and my “baby” was born.
- Walk us through the process: How did you write your story? How did you edit and review it?
Because my book is based on my life experiences, I began writing my book by first outlining the time period in my life that I wanted to focus on. Knowing that I would be writing a sequel, I knew from the start where I wanted the book to end. My love affair with Julio was a truly moving love story and I wanted to share that experience with the world. I also wanted to use my story as a cautionary tale for anyone that has stumbled in life’s journey. Upon my completion of the novel’s first four chapters, I shared my writing with friends and family members, and used their comments and critiques to help further the storyline.
- What steps did you take to getting it published? Did you search out for an agent?
Having previous experience working in the publishing industry, I was fortunate to have several contacts and friends who were interested in my story and helping me to get it into print. I reached out to my friend, Joylynn Jossel, who read the book, believed in me and secured my two-book deal with Urban Books.
- What have you done to promote your book? What’s it like to do booksignings and readings? Any interesting stories to tell?
In my position as a Program Director, I work hands-on with at-risk youths and incarcerated men and women. Through my work in this field, I’ve been able to promote my book in several youth programs as well as correctional facilities across Ohio. I use my story to teach others how to overcome the challenges that we face everyday. I believe that each of us have a Purpose, and once you’ve discovered your individual Purpose or calling, you should use it to empower those around you. I believe that my Purpose is to be an advocate for the misplaced and misrepresented in our society. By sharing my story, I hope to prevent others from making the same mistakes I’ve made.
My first official book signing was the most stressful, nerve-racking, fulfilling, wonderful experience of my life. I worried about it until the day of the event and ended up having the time of my life sharing my experiences with my friends, family and colleagues. I planned the event for 50 people and, on the day of the event, I had only sold 10 tickets! However, by the end of the event, we had over 100 guests and standing room only. The highlight of the evening was when Joyce Beatty presented me with a proclamation from the State of Ohio.
- Is being a published author what you expect it would be? What has been the reaction of your readers?
It continues to sink in daily that I am a published author. At times it’s overwhelming to think of this accomplishment, considering that, in the early 1990s, I was certain that my life was over. For this reason, and many others, I am so grateful for God’s grace and mercy. I know that each day we have a fresh opportunity to get it right.
- Any plans or hopes for P.I.E.C.E.S. – bestseller lists, theater play, movie options?
My dream is to see P.I.E.C.E.S. on the big screen and to watch the characters in the book come to life in an American Gangster-meets-Medea style.
- Any lessons learned about writing or promoting your book?
I have learned that writing is therapeutic process, especially when you tell your own story.
- Any plans for another book? How about any other artistic endeavors?
Currently, I am writing the sequel to P.I.E.C.E.S., which will pick up where the first novel ends, with Tara heading off to prison. My desire is to tell a very realistic tale of prison life from a female perspective. I don’t think prison life is often told from that view.
- What other books or authors are you reading?
I just started reading Living At The Next Level by B. Courtney McBath. Next, I plan on reading Tavis Smiley’s Accountable.
January 8, 2009
Title: Booksigning – Kimberla Lawson Roby
Location: Rockford, IL
Link out: Click here
Description: Barnes & Noble
7200 Harrison Street
Rockford, IL
Go to www.kimroby.com for complete tour locations
Start Time: 18:00
Date: 2009-01-13
November 25, 2008
New York Times bestselling author, L.A. Banks has penned over 35 novels and 12 novellas in a wide range of genres and is the recipient of the 2008 Essence Magazine Storyteller of the Year Award, as well as the 2008 Best 50 Women in Business Award for the State of Pennsylvania.
A native of Philadelphia, Banks is a graduate of The University of Pennsylvania Wharton undergraduate program, and alumnae of Temple University’s Master of Fine Arts in filmmaking program. Ms. Banks began her career in corporate marketing for several Fortune 100 firms and worked as an executive for over a decade at Xerox, Hewlett Packard, and Digital Equipment Corporation. She then subsequently evolved her veteran marketing experience into a solid entrepreneurial career as a marketing consultant within the economic development and community-based organization environment.
In 1992, Banks added another facet to her career, entering the publishing industry. She writes under the pseudonyms: L.A. Banks, Leslie Esdaile, Leslie E. Banks, Leslie Banks, and Leslie Esdaile Banks. She has won several business as well as literary awards, and writes in genres as diverse as romance, women’s fiction, crime suspense, and paranormal. She has contributed to magazines, newspaper columns, and has written commercial fiction for a variety of major publishers: St. Martin’s Press (NYC), Simon and Schuster (NYC), Kensington Publishing (NYC), BET/Arabesque (NYC), Genesis Press (MS), Parker Publishing, Harper, and Tor. Her non-fiction work includes the riveting and motivational story of Bank’s life journey in her contribution to the Chicken Soup for the African American Soul anthology.
Banks has written the book series for the popular cable network television series, Soul Food and the novelization of the movie, Scarface. In addition, Banks penned a four-book crime thriller for Kensington/Dafina, beginning with Betrayal of the Trust, under her alternate pseudonym, Leslie Esdaile Banks. From there, Banks transitioned into another hot genre—the world of paranormal fiction, in the form of the 12-book Vampire Huntress legend series under the pen name, L.A. Banks, as well as a hot new werewolf series, Crimson Moon.
Currently, Banks writes full-time, always working on multiple projects and anthologies simultaneously, and she resides in Philadelphia with her teenage daughter and her black labrador retriever.
- 2008 has been good to you. You won the 2008 Essence Magazine Storyteller of the Year Award, as well as the 2008 Best 50 Women in Business Award for the State of Pennsylvania. Were you surprised to receive such prestigious awards?
I was absolutely stunned to receive those awards, LOL–seriously… the Essence one came out of the blue–my Street Team nominated me, fought for me, but given who else was up for that award, I assumed that they would get it. But that just goes to show you the power of passion… my Street Team and readers are passionate about the series… so, yeah, it was very surprising and humbling to say the least. I was honored.
- How have your fans and readers reacted to your success?
They are the cause of it, they participated in it, and have been fabulously supportive. If I didn’t have them, then what? I really enjoy the notes of encouragement they send and all the love–I’m blessed to have them.
- You have written across a number of genres. Is it your diverse interests, a call to write different stories, or an agent selling you an idea? Are any of these genres near and dear to you than the others?
I think, more than anything, what I write about is a function of who I am and what interests me. I am a total romantic–so I write romance, I believe in “Obama-esque” couples, you know… when I see Michelle & Barack, I’m like–Yeah! I believe in justice and the underdog, so I write crime thrillers where the good guy or gal triumphs in the end. I believe that good will conquer evil, hence The Vampire Huntress Legends series… albeit a very graphic depiction of the spiritual battle (smile), but I flow my beliefs into a genre that’s fun for me to write. I don’t think one can really separate it out… and when writer’s just write what their agents pitch, readers can tell. The writing lacks the passion.
- How about a character? Do you have a favorite, or one that you want to spend more time with?
LOL… oh, yeah… Carlos Rivera is my quintessential bad boy that I had so much fun writing. Now that the series is over at book #12, The Thirteenth, I’m gonna miss him dearly 
But that only means I have to create another one!
- As “Storyteller of the Year,” you have to share some secrets. What gets you started on a story? Do you have to get into a certain mood for the story or a certain scene that you are writing? What provides your inspiration?
Oh, yeah, I definitely have to be in the mood to write whatever scene I’m working on. First, I have to let the story roll around in my head for about a week… I have to really cogitate on the characters, their motivations, their voices, even their names and backgrounds. Then comes the time to write them. If it’s a battle scene, I put on Luda, old DMX, Pit Bull Miami, LOL… if it’s a love scene, I’ve gotta get mellow, have a glass of Merlot, turn the lights down, put on soft jazz, light some candles, and get my head into that zone. Most assuredly, one has to mentally be there to create what translates onto the page.
- Does writing for horror/paranormal present any challenges to you? It would seem that building to that moment of suspense can be more difficult than writing a romance story.
It does have the additional challenge of significant research and the action/adventure quality of plot design is formidable in a long-running series. The romances I write are what I call “my palate cleaners” in between the gore and paranormal adventures However, attention to character detail is key in anything you write if you’re going to present believable characters–and that takes work no matter what genre.
- Going back to your fans and readers, vampire lore seems to have piqued everyone’s interest lately with the upcoming movie release of Twilight and the new HBO series True Blood. Your 12-book series, The Vampire Huntress, is drawing to a close with the soon-to-be-released, The Thirteenth. How have your fans reacted? Are you sure this is the end?
BIG SMILE… With vampires, you are never sure it’s “the end” — but I am going to be coming out with a graphic novel version of the series in 2009, plus manga and a version of the tale young adults. So, in that regard, I guess the danged thing morphed on me, LOL! But the response from readers has been HUGE!
- And we know that we haven’t seen the last of your pseudonym, L.A. Banks, with the release of the Crimson Moon series. How have your fans reacted to the start of this series? Any surprises that you would like to share?
People have been overwhelmingly supportive… so much so that, the big surprise is this is no longer a trilogy. We’ve inked another 3 book deal taking it up to at least 6 books so far contracted for this series. The response to my werewolves and shadow wolves has been very cool.
- Do you have some favorite stories or authors to share? For example, if I was to peek at your book shelves, what would I find?
Wow, yeah, you’d find an eclectic mix… Tananarive Due (Blood Colony and The Living Blood series), Brandon Massey (Thunderland), Sherrilyn Kenyon (Archeron), Jonathan Maberry (Cryptopedia and Patient Zero–I got an arc, smile!)… then there’s biographies, Obama (The Audacity of Hope), Patti LaBelle, Phyllis Hyman… self help stuff from TD Jakes, Deepak Chopra… I mean, my bookshelf is like my sock drawer–a hot mess
- It looks like you have taken advantage of the Internet to promote your novels — Amazon, MySpace, your websites. Do you get a lot of feedback? Do you look forward to the book readings and the booksignings?
I get so much feedback sometimes that it’s scary, because I try diligently to answer all my email myself–which becomes daunting while crafting a novel… Hey, I don’t even answer my family, then, LOL! But I do love people and look forward to going out and meeting folks. I look at booksignings and readings as mini-focus groups, because people give you instant feedback–good or bad, it’s all good, because then you can know how to work better in the future.
- Do you have any tips for your fellow writers? Anything that has worked for you in writing, finding a publisher & agent, in promoting your book?
Really hone your craft and your manuscript before submitting it by going to the conferences and taking the classes there. I go to about 4-5 conferences annually, and I sit and listen in the workshops taking notes… We’re all still learning and polishing our craft, so that is the biggest thing I would say to do. A really tight manuscript is hard to reject–and it’s a joy for agents to sell. Once you have a deal, start marketing. Set up that website, get your booksignings organized, and hit the street. Great numbers mean a repeat in contracts with higher advances. It’s really simple, just a LOT of hard elbow grease.
- With 2008 being such a banner year, any plans for 2009?
In 2009 I’ll be writing like a fiend, LOL… graphic novels, manga, YA, follow-on books for the Crimson Moon, whew! It’ll be the kind of year where I’ll look up and it’ll be 2010, LOL! So pray for a sistah, would ya? BIG HUG!
November 25, 2008
A native of St. Louis, Michele Andrea Bowen began writing stories as a child, and her experiences growing up gave her insight concerning all of the possibilities for telling great stories about regular folk who go to church and love the Lord.
Michele was educated in the St. Louis Public School system in segregated schools. She then went on to earn her Bachelor and two Master’s degrees from Washington University in St. Louis. And she also furthered her education by earning graduate degrees in United States History and Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has worked as a social worker in mental health and child abuse, a program coordinator in health care, and instructor at the undergraduate level. She also worked at Barnes and Noble Books, a job that offered considerable experience with the retail side of the book world.
Michele currently lives in Durham, North Carolina with her daughters. They are members of St. Joseph’s AME Church.
I was on my way to becoming a history professor when the writing bug really hit me and I started writing what was the rough draft of my first novel, Church Folk. I originally titled this book “The Missionary Ladies” but quickly came up with Church Folk after my good friend, Dr. Valerie Kaalund, a professor at UNC-Chapel Hill, took one look at that title, frowned and said, “NO. NO!”
I became a writer and subsequently an “author,” when Church Folk became the third book in an African American Christian Fiction line of books under a new Warner Books Imprint called Walk Worthy Press in June 2001. I was blessed beyond belief with the response to this outrageously funny book about black “peepes” who went to “chutch.” And since that time, I have published two other books with Warner, Second Sunday (June 2003) and Holy Ghost Corner (September 2006).
I am currently writing a fourth book that continues with my tales of African American religious life and culture. Writing is a ministry for me. I love the Lord and I love writing about God and church life. It has been a tremendous blessing to reach so many people with my stories. I praise God for this. I can’t imagine writing in any other way.
Her next novel, Up At The College, is the second novel in a three-part series about the lives of contemporary African American church folk who live in Durham, North Carolina, featuring Yvonne Fountain Copeland.
From her website – www.micheleandreabowen.com: “She writes black Christian Fiction because that is what the Lord called her to write. And each novel is a venture into black church life and culture that she hopes will entertain, make you laugh out loud, inform, inspire, and hopefully encourage each reader to seriously think about what a wondrous thing it is to serve the Lord.”
- With each of your novels appearing on the Essence bestseller list, do you have any expectations for your next novel, Up At The College? Do you expect any “controversy” that came with your first, Church Folk?
My prayer partners and I prayed over Up at the College. I asked God to bless this book, as I have for each of my books. My expectation is that the Lord was listening and answered our prayers.
As for any controversy…haven’t thought about it at all.
- Like most genres, Christian fiction can’t be lumped into a simple bag. Are you stretching those boundaries? Or, are you writing something secular with a church setting? How would you classify your work?
I write Christian Fiction. I don’t write something secular with a church setting. I write as a ministry and I’m thankful that my stories crosses the lines, so that folks who read secular fiction will reach out and pick up a copy of one of my books. And I write what is placed in my heart, what appears to be a good project to pursue, and something that makes me crack up with laughter whenever I think about it.
- How have readers reacted to your success?
The readers have been a blessing and very encouraging and supportive. I am thankful for them. Many of them keep me lifted in prayer, some have prayed for me when I meet them, some have met me and just started laughing and said that I was funny and those books were something else.
When I was in Dallas, Texas at Cedar Valley Community College, a reader came up to me, hugged me and blessed me while we hugged. She prayed over me. That is not the first time this has happened. On another occasion, back in 2004, I was at the AME General Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. A woman who worked in the maintenance department came over to us on her break and asked about my books, she was very interested but didn’t have the money at the time. We gave her a copy because there was something kind, honest, and warm about this lady. She thanked me, and then turned back and gave a blessing that floored us. I will never forget that experience. I could feel what she shared.
These are just two examples but this happens on a regular basis. And I get the laughter from readers all the time. They give testimonials about the people at their church. They also will tell folks that they need to read one of my books because they are very funny.
- From where do you find the inspiration for your stories? For your characters?
I find inspiration in events happening around me. I find inspiration in what folks share. I find inspiration in my own experiences…and I am inspired when I read the bible (lot of good stuff in the bible). As for the characters…I see so much in everyday life and find a lot of inspiration in some of the most unlikely places like the mall, grocery store, a church event.
If I see something that tickles me to no end, I use it to create a character. Also, if someone has come through a serious storm and is still standing, I use that story or experience to create a character. The person who inspired me to create Baby Doll Henderson was actually a man, who used to be homeless. He lived under a bridge, has battled with crack/cocaine for years, and got saved, joined our church, and walks a hard road each and every day.
- Do you have a favorite character?
I have a few favorite characters. Precious Powers and Rev. James (Church Folk); Sheba Cochran Wilson, George Wilson, and Mr. Louis Loomis (Second Sunday); Baby Doll Henderson Lacy (Holy Ghost Corner).
These characters are my favorites because they are funny, sweet at times, very different with regard to their outlook on life, bold, unconventional, and have good hearts. My characters are true-to-life, only because they represent something that needs ‘reppin’ well. And I haven’t created anybody who I personally thought was too outlandish, even if some of them are very colorful at times
- How do you write? Do you work in developing dialogue, characters, or scenes? Are there any special challenges to writing your novels?
I write on the computer or laptop… I like to type. Also, I prepare a synopsis and now, write a very detailed outline that provides comprehensive overview of entire book from start to finish, including characters.
- African American fiction and Christian fiction have experienced booming sales over the last few years. Publishers have certainly responded. Do you have to do anything different than other authors to promote your novels because of the content?
Yes, I have to be aggressive about where to go and how to market the book. I look for those hidden markets that publishers may overlook because it’s outside of the main stream. I use the model of gospel artists. They go to the churches and places where they know their audience is in abundance, and trust that they will support them and their work–which they do. There is a very vibrant market of readers out there…you just have to know where to look, and have your heart right when you go to those places and to those potential readers because they don’t like mess and foolishness.
- Do you have any tips for your fellow writers? Anything that has worked for you in writing, finding a publisher & agent, in promoting your book?
I think I’ll have to tailor this answer for budding writers of Christian Fiction. Be right with the Lord. Study God’s Word. Pray without ceasing. Be in church and fellowship with other Christians. Read, read, read, and write your story as you are led by the Lord to write it. Trust God in every phase of this endeavor, strive for excellence in your actual craft of writing, pray for direction, and ask questions of those who have come before you.
October 21, 2008
Like many young people who join the military, Wayne Jackson wanted to serve his country and go on an adventure beyond the confines of Mineola, Long Island where he grew up. As a Military Policeman in Baumholder, Germany he served Uncle Sam and took sometime to travel throughout Europe.
When he was deployed to Saudi Arabia in 1990, his unit was filled with confidence and youthfulness. During their tour of duty, his unit, along with Army engineers, constructed some of the first detention camps in Iraq. His platoon was attached to a unit of Army intelligence officers and he assisted with the apprehension and interrogation of Saddam Hussein’s spies that operated covertly in the cities of Safwan and Basra. Eventually, Wayne’s unit was awarded for processing over 10,000 enemy prisoners of war. However, after six months of witnessing the atrocities and rapid degradation of mankind, Wayne Jackson knew he’d never be the same.
Once he returned to Germany, Wayne was reassigned to Ft. Jackson, South Carolina where he later became a member of the Special Reaction Team (SWAT). There, he served the remaining years of his service tussling with PTSD and the dramatic aftermath its malignant destruction. Once he was honorably discharged the demons of the past were always around the corner and once his beloved mother died in 2001, they came calling and Wayne resorted to alcohol and became one of the walking wounded like many other former soldiers suffering from PTSD
After a period of darkness, Wayne was able to find his way back to life through writing. Although he never considered himself a writer, Wayne actually began journaling his military experiences in 1988 when he joined the Army. Instead of writing about his experience in Saudi Arabia, Wayne found a sense of peace and creative zeal that was dormant for a long time, which is how the In Lieu of Light Series was born.
Wayne Jackson has a unique perspective that relates to both soldiers and civilians. In Lieu of Light (Dailey Swan Publishing May 2008) has received terrific reviews and is amongst the showcased titles at the BEA in LA.
The following is an interview with Wayne by Eric Brasley of Books of Soul conducted on October 19, 2008.
- I have to ask the most obvious question first, what was your inspiration for writing In Lieu of Light?
To be honest and off the cuff, Eric, when I was living in South Carolina, I found myself at the lowest point of my life. I was in a very dark place spiritually after witnessing the death of my mother and taking on the huge responsibility of raising my younger brother.
Although the basic blueprint for the story began years prior, after reading the first three novels of Anne Rice’s Vampire series, I discovered a missing element and wanted to capitalize on it. I wasn’t sure how to approach the story until I found myself empty and spiritually bankrupt. I was then able to harness the negative energy and make it work for me.
So in short, I would say several tragic moments in my life have ignited my ambition and Anne Rice has inspired me to write about them.
- Did your military experience help in developing your novel?
Yes. I would say that my military experience most certainly has tempered me as an artist. Having experienced war and combat I knew then I wasn’t going to make a career out of the Army. The atrocities that I witnessed still linger and from time to time I am able to draw from memory just how brutal (mankind) can be.
I used photography and writing as my avenue of escape while we marched forward as the rawest element on earth.
- Authors seem to approach the task of writing in different ways — writing certain scenes first & building a story, writing the end first, etc. How do you write? Did you have a favorite time? A favorite spot?
I call my approach to writing “drops in a bucket.” First, let me say you must have an outline before you can begin, it’s the most practical blueprint. The writer can always alter the basic blueprint as the story evolves but you should begin with the basics, after that it’s just drops in a bucket.
Whenever a thought comes to me I have a pen and some paper or I use my hand so as not to lose the idea. At the end of the month, I place all the writing in separate folders that correlate to the sections of the outline. Then after a few months, I begin to piece the story together using the collective material.
So far as a favorite place or time, I’d say no. But if I needed a character analysis, I would sit for hours in a coffee shop or a mall and write descriptive details of the patrons as they passed. I’m sure many thought of me as some psycho or pervert, shooting glances at them. But what better way to create a character of fiction than from the living?
- What shaped your writing style? Where did you get your writing experience and hone your “chops”?
For this question I would have to refer back to the first question, but to expound by saying my grandmother (Laverne Jackson) was an awesome creative writer and has also in some way inspired me. I must give credit to the dearly departed.
- Can you introduce us to Sabrina and Chantelle, the Le’Noach sisters? How did you come up with these characters?
The two sisters, Sabrina and Chantelle, both bi-racial children, grew up on their father’s plantation in post-slavery South Carolina. Most of their lives, they lived under the protection of their father and his estate but in some ways are bound to the land because of racial barriers.
One tranquil evening while they were playing on the outskirts of the plantation, they encountered young white men from the neighboring estate. A conflict ensues, and the young women and their brother fight for their lives. A chain of events occur and Sabrina is abducted by a stranger (a vampire) that was passing through toward Charleston.
Sabrina’s inner strength and beauty is what saves her from the vampire’s thirst and an untimely death. The vampire obligates Sabrina to do his bidding and to help him kill another vampire. In turn, he sets her free. Sabrina returns several years’ later craving companionship and family. She leads her younger sister astray, into a dark and seedy life, a lifestyle that Chantelle finds repulsive.
(Sorry, I speak vaguely so not give too much away)
The two sisters represent how we each deal with traumatic moments in life. How we choose separate paths in order to cope with a negative experience. I believe everyone has found themselves in a dark place spiritually and some want to free themselves of it in search of redemption. Others like Sabrina choose to dwell in darkness and, as their malignant life continues, their hatred grows too.
- Horror fiction always has its “gotcha” moment, either something suspenseful or something gory, that has the reader turning the page. You don’t have to give too much away but what scenes or events will give your readers the chills?
I would have to say the slaughterhouse chapter. Many readers are taken aback by what occurs in the slaughterhouse, when Sabrina is carried off by the group of boys and into the slaughterhouse. Then the vampire is provoked by their aggression and exacts his own nature upon everyone.
- You have plans for a second volume. What’s next? What seeds are you planting in this novel that will carry us to the next one?
The second novel is complete and due to be released April of 09. The seeds planted in the first book are the mysterious years that Sabrina was missing before her return to the United States. I write about her adventure with her abductor in England while they tracked his maker.
I also lead the reader into Chantelle’s quest for redemption and her search for religion which doesn’t help her situation on a personal level but reveals a cure. Chantelle realizes she must first be released from Sabrina’s fettered love in order for the cure to work.
- What are your plans for marketing and promoting your novel? Are you looking forward to the book readings and booksignings?
Other than selling books out of the trunk of my car and soliciting book stores for signings, I leave the rest to my agent and publisher. They pretty much tell me what to do and where to go and sometimes not in a nice way.
- Do you belong to any writer groups?
I use to belong to a writing group when I lived in Miami while I was promoting this book. They were very supportive and we took turns critiquing each others’ work. I recommend writers that are just getting started to join.
I would like to join another group but at the moment I’m just inundated by the demands of my agent and the endless pursuit to sell more books. I feel I spend a great deal more time marketing than writing.
- What horror authors do you look up to?
I don’t really look up to any horror authors I was relegated to this genre by my publisher. He said, “If it’s got gore and vampires, it’s Horror.” I believe it’s more suspense with a touch of gore but a story of inspiration as told from a macabre viewpoint.
- If I was to peruse your book shelves, what would I find?
I have a very long book shelf. Most books that I have read I’ve donate to the library or VA Hospital where I’m employed. If you perused my “shelf,” you’d find:
Anne Rice’s collection
Edgar Allan Poe’s collective works
Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray
Ernest Hemmingway’s The Garden of Eden
Vladimir Nabokov’s Lolita
Bram Stoker’s Dracula
C.S. Lewis’ The Screw Tape Letters
Franz Kafka’s book of short stories
T.S. Elliot’s The Waste Land
Elizabeth Nunez’ Prospero’s Daughter
Milan Kundera’s The Unbearable Lightness of Being
Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye
The Bible
You would also find a host of poetry books, and books on fine cooking and photography.
- Since it’s Halloween time…. What was your favorite costume? And, what got you scared as a kid?
The most frightening is the clown costume. I don’t know why but some people should not wear that costume. I usually keep it simple and dress up as a monk or the Grim Reaper. It saves time and money.
- What is the creepiest thing you’ve ever eaten?
As a child, I was forced to eat “cow tongue.” I sat at the table and cried for an eternity but my uncle made me eat it. He called it a delicacy. I called it awful and abusive.
- Back to writing, what is your favorite part? Developing plots, creating characters, writing dialog or something else?
My favorite would be writing characters and being descriptive as possible. A person’s mannerisms can tell a story alone, and too many writers get caught-up in dialog. Of course, dialogue can move a story but without a good description of the characters, the story has little depth. Many words can be said without the character even speaking.
- Do you have any tips for your fellow writers? Anything that has worked for you in writing, finding a publisher & agent, in promoting your book?
The best advice I can give is to believe in yourself even when others don’t! Take criticisms lightly but pay attention to a good critique. Above all, don’t sign a thing without sound legal advice even if you have to pay for it.
Over the years I’ve saved a few bad contracts that I refused to sign and occasionally I pull them out of my briefcase and look at them. It fuels my ambition.
Other people will recognize your talent and do their best to exploit you. Many people want a free ride at the cost of your talent, sacrifice, and hard work. Don’t give credence to their cause!!!!
Thanks, Eric!
