Author of the Month - Beverly Jenkins

JEWEL - May 2008 - Harper Collins/Avon

Read Review HERE

In May 2008, just a month ago, Beverly Jenkins won the lion share of Emma Awards at the annual Romance Slam Jam Conference. In 2001, we interviewed Ms. Jenkins, we thought it would be interesting to update that interview and see the changes which have taken place over the years.

Are you a full time author?

Yes, I do write full time.

When you’re not writing, what do you like to do in your spare time?

In n my spare time, I’m an avid gardener, I’m a lay minister at my church, I’m on a few community boards, and I mentor in many forms.

What would you say is responsible for your critical success and your popularity with readers?

I think my success can be attributed to writing good books. Writing a good book is really all a writer of any genre can control.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment (as a writer) to date?

My greatest accomplishment, in my mind in my longevity. I’ll keep writing as long as readers keep buying.

If you were introducing a new reader to your work, which one would you choose and why?

For readers new to my work, I’d recommend TOPAZ for my historicals and SEXY/DANGEROUS for my contemporaries. Both works are good solid indications of what I write and lead new readers to the “old” titles that they are based upon.

Tell us a bit about Jewel?

JEWEL is the follow up of sorts to my second book, VIVID, published in 1995.

What has been the most difficult thing about being a published author who write African-America Romance?

One of the most difficult things is letting readers know we are in the marketplace. Back in the day, the romance genre didn’t feature us. Getting bookstores to stock our books in the same way they stock mainstream romance writers continues to be a big issue as well.

You write historical and romantic suspense. How easy or difficult it is to write in two totally difficult genre? Do you have a preference?

Writing both historical and suspense has been fairly easy believe it or not. Each genre has their own flavor but going back and forth between them has been fun and helped me stretch as a writer.

What are you working on right now?

Right now, I’m doing revisions on my first mainstream. It’s titled BRING ON THE BLESSINGS. The story is set in my fictional historical all Black town Henry Adams Kansas but takes place in 2008. We get to see what has happened to the residents as they enter the 21^st century.

How have you grown as a writer since the release of your first book, NIGHT SONG in 1994?

I think I have grown since NIGHT SONG’s publication. I’ve done not only historicals and romantic suspense but two young adult novels as well. Any time a writer gets to step outside of her comfort zone is an opportunity for growth.

I’ve heard about your PJ Parties. Tell us a bit about them.

The PJ Party is thrown every two years. It’s a weekend of books, fun, sistership and history. We hold it in Michigan and participants have come from all over the country. It gives me a chance to say thanks to my readers and them a chance to connect with each other. Next one is planned for 09.

I’ve heard that your two young adult historical romances are to be released. Any information about the publisher and release dates?

My two young adult titles, BELLE AND THE BEAU, and JOSEPHINE AND THE SOLDIER will be reissued by Harlequin’s Kimani Books in early 09.

How can readers contact you?

Readers may contact me at indigo@beverlyjenkins.net or at my post office box. PO BOX 1893, Belleville MI. 48112.