~ Author of the Month - Carmen Green ~

1.  What inspired you to write ENDLESS LOVE?

Because of a persistent outcry from fans, I wrote Michael Crawford's story to please them.

2.  Tell us a bit about the book?

ENDLESS LOVE is the story about the renewal of love.  Love can heal wounds.  Because Terra and Michael know firsthand the effects and pain of divorce, they approach loving each other tentatively at first, then fully.  
 
3.  Tell us a bit about the cover of your new book...i.e. featuring Arabesque's "Man Cover Model"... Dr. Harold Jackson.

I was blessed to have EL chosen to feature "The Arabesque Man."   BET ran a contest looking for a cover model who not only is handsome, but community oriented and intelligent.  I don't think they could have made a better choice.  Working with Harold has been fun as well as enlightening.  
 
4.  ENDLESS LOVE is your first book in a long time?  Why the long hiatus?

During the time you didn't see any published work from me, I was working on other projects.  You'll see two of them in the future.  Angel's Legacy is my
story in the Genesis Press anthology MIDNIGHT CLEAR.  That book is available
next month and I want everyone to get it.  The stories have a mystical
element and are tied together in the most remarkable way.  I don't want to
give too much away so you'll have to trust me and buy it.

5.  Do you have a full-time career outside of your writing? No, I write full
time now.  I just recently quit a part-time job. 
 
6.  When you're not writing, what do you like to do in your spare time?

I like to garden though, lately I kill more than I grow.  I know that's sad,
but I'll master this gardening thing one of these years.

7.  What is something about you that your readers would be surprised you do?

I love kiddie amusement parks.  I hate the big rides, but give me teacups or
a swing, and I'm quite pleased.  I love to sing loud and off key, and I like
to laugh. 

8.  What should a reader expect from one of your books?

A sense of realism.  People can relate to my characters.  In COMMITMENTS,
which is slated to be a BET TV movie May 4, 2001, Van Compton is a carpenter.  We all know hard working brothers who are FINE, pay the bills and make their women happy.  Fox Giovanni, the heroine, has a heart attack.  We all know somebody whose life has been changed by a dramatic event.  Whether it's a divorce, death in the family, or illness.  My characters touch real lives.

9.  Which of your books is your favorite? and ENDLESS LOVE. Did you most enjoy writing?  I most enjoyed writing Sweet Sensation--WINE AND ROSES, BET/Arabesque, February 1999.  I loved the heroine.  She was funny and exciting and he was the opposite.  I could have fun with her and make the readers laugh.
 
10.  If you could pick one of your books for a movie, which one would you
choose, and whom would you cast in it?

Good question.  COMMITMENTS has already been chosen, so I'll stick with that.  I'd cast Taye Diggs or Morris Chestnut as the hero.  They are close in build and color to Van.  I'd cast Viveca Fox or Vanessa Williams from Showtime's Soul Food as Fox Giovanni.  I feel they can carry Fox's attitude and do it justice.

11.   How would you define the African American Romance?

African American romance are stories that not only feature characters of
African descent, but the stories include our values, culture and beliefs and
they're all told by Sisters.

12.   How did you get started writing your novels?

For two years I asked God what was I supposed to do with my life.  I was led to writing prayers, essays and thoughts and eventually started my first novel NOW OR NEVER.  I was born to be a storyteller, so I feel blessed with a gift that touches so many lives.  
 
13.   What process do you use in writing your novels? I try to create
memorable characters, then plot the story from their perspective. 
 
14.   How long does it take you to complete a manuscript?

The longest has been nine months.  That's when I first started.  I'm a lot
faster now. 
 
15.  What was your becoming a published writer journey like?

The journey to becoming published has been filled with surprises, great
highs, unappealing lows, but in general satisfaction.  I've enjoyed it.
  
16.  Is being a published writer what you thought it would be like?

Yes, and so much more. 
 
17.  What do you feel has been your greatest accomplishment as a writer and why?

I've started on the path to be what God wants me to be.  I'm excited about
the journey.

18.  Do you think an agent is necessary?

No.  Having an agent can help your
career, but don't not write because you don't have one.

19.  If you had known then what you know now, what would you have done
differently in terms of your romance writing career?

So much of this business is out of your hands, you can't predict.  I'm thankful for my success and pray my good work gets noticed by the right people. 
 
20.   Any advice for those aspiring romance writers?

Join a local writers group.  Attend writers conferences.  Practice your craft and always be professional. 
 
21.  Do you like communicating with your readers? And how can a reader contact you?

Yes!    Email me at carmengreen1@aol.com or www.authorcarmengreen.com 
 

Romance in Color thanks Ms. Green for her wonderful interview.