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This month, AUTHOR OF THE MONTH is ARABESQUE/GENESIS PRESS's Donna Hill... by LaShaunda Hoffman.
How did you get started writing romance novels?
I began writing romances quite by accident. I wrote a short story and sent it to Black Romance which they published and paid me! (1987) Then, I continued with Jive as well. Then I became their advice columnist which I did until 1990-91. My magazine editor Nathasha Brooks was the one who encouraged me to write my first book--ROOMS OF THE HEART, (which was originally our concept for a black romance comic book!)
What was your becoming a published writer journey like?
Full of wonderful people! I've had the pleasure of interacting and meeting people from all over the country and some outside of the country because of this "writing thing" The beginning was a bit difficult and sometimes discouraging when I quickly discovered that in 1987,88,89 publishing companies were not looking to publish black romances. Odyssey Books was the break that opened the doors for me and several other authors and opened the eyes of the publishing industry.
Is being a published writer what you thought it would be like?
It's better. It's scary. It's exciting and it changes everyday. The challenges change.
What's the best part about being a romance writer?
Bringing to the page the warmth, beauty and passions of black men and women and being able to showcase black love in a positive light. Being able to tour the country and tell people that, being interviewed on radio, or television or newspapers and be able to say that.
What do you feel has been your greatest accomplishment as a writer and why?
Being able to touch the lives of so many people in a way that would have been impossible otherwise.
What is your most successful book?
It depends on what you mean by successful. Impact on people, financial?? In terms of personal impact I think it was CHANCES ARE, which resulted in an agency in Louisiana patterning a residence after the one in the book. Impact on readers, I think A PRIVATE AFFAIR, most controversial: PIECES OF DREAMS.
How did you feel about your novel coming to life on screen?
It's exciting and scary at the same time. Its like nurturing your child then sending them out to face the world and hope that they don't get hurt in the process. It's a very personal kind of thing.
Do you have a full-time career outside your writing?
Yes. I work in public relations for the Queens Library system in NY coordinating with the media and organizing special events and promotional campaigns. I also have my own production company: Annod Productions.
If you had known then what you know now, what would you have done differently in terms of your romance writing career?
Nothing.
What do you like about African-American Romance Novels?
Their ability to give a different view of AA that is not shown in movies, in the news, on television.
Is there anything you would change about romance publishing?
The stigma that's attached to the genre, although thank goodness it seems to be getting better.
What process do you use in writing your novels?
Process? My process varies with each book. I generally start off with an idea, or concept, sometimes just a title, or the name of a character. I begin to ask myself questions: what if this happened, or that, who would be involved and why, if I do this here, what will I do there? The idea is like a fine wine, it gets better as is ages. I usually let an idea roll around in my head. Sometimes I don't even realize its there gathering steam and information. Then sometimes the idea comes full blown and I just right out the entire storyline in one fell swoop.
Which writing tools make the job easier?
A computer, a laptop (when I travel), my trusty note book, pens (dozens of them) dictionary, thesaurus, scrap paper, character sketches, pictures, the internet.
Do you advise writing classes?
I would if you feel you need one. My belief is that a writing class can never teach you how to be a writer, it can only give you the skills to be technically equipped to write a story.
How do you feel about critique groups?
I think if they are constructive they can be very helpful, especially to new writers. If it is a group of frustrated, wannabes, who get a kick out of tearing people's stories apart, then I find that to be a problem
Do you think an agent is necessary?
Now, I think so. I negotiated my first four contracts without one. But a lot has changed since then. And since I write for multiple houses, with a variety of requirements I don't want to have to worry about that kind of paperwork.
Any advice for those aspiring romance writers?
Study the genre, bring a fresh voice to it. Read things other than romances.
What should a reader expect from one of your books?
To be entertained and enlightened.
Do you like communicating with your readers and in what forms (letters, e-mail, forums)?
E-mail is my preference, because it is immediate and I can answer write away. Forums, chats are great too.
Can you give us a peek at what we can expect from your next romance?
My current release SOUL TO SOUL is available now. In Feb. LOVE LETTERS will be re-released and my story "Masquerade" will air on Fri. Feb. 4. My next romance will be released in Nov. it is the sequel to SCANDALOUS! It is tentatively titled LESSONS AFTER DARK. A PRIVATE AFFAIR will air in May.