~ Author of the Month - Jacqulin Thomas ~

1.  What inspired you to write LOVE'S MIRACLE?

Since I was doing a holiday book centered around Christmas, I decided to do a story loosely based on Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus.  One can only imagine how Joseph felt when Mary announced she was pregnant.

2.  Tell us a bit about the book?

Laine Ransom comes from a large but loving family.  It is his dream to be a father but because of a low-sperm count, he has been told that he can't.  His first wife leaves him and becomes pregnant shortly thereafter by another man.  Out of concern, his siblings send him on a singles cruise.  Aboard the Emerald Princess he meets Regis Melbourne.  Less than a week after their first meeting, Laine and Regis are married.  Because of a misunderstanding, Regis takes off as soon as the ship docks the next morning, leaving Laine. Three months later, the two see each other again.  When Regis announces she is pregnant, Laine refuses to accept the possibility that the child is his. Love's Miracle is about having faith, trust and allowing yourself to accept the many miracles in our lives.          

3.  I've notice that LOVE'S MIRACLE is your second consecutive holiday book.  How were you chosen to write for these special books?

Actually this is my third consecutive holiday book.  My editor approached me about writing the first two books and I proposed the story for Love's Miracle.  

4.  Do you have a full-time career outside of your writing?

I've just gone back to work since moving to North Carolina.  I enjoyed writing full-time but I found that I missed the challenges of a job.  For now I'm planning to work for the next couple of years--then we'll see what happens.  

5.   When you're not writing, what do you like to do in your spare time?

When I'm not writing, I'm reading books on the craft of writing or some of my favorite authors.  I don't read when I'm working on a project, so it's become a way for me to reward myself.

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

I love to paint ceramics and I love floral design, but I think they'd be most surprised to know how much I love law.  I read law books for fun--especially criminal case law.  When not in regular bookstores--I'm in a law book store.

7.   Which of your books is your favorite?  Did you most enjoy writing?

My books are like my children--I love them all.  I really enjoyed writing Love's Miracle because I really like Regis and Laine.

Regis was a wonderful character to write and as strange as this may sound--she taught me a few things as well as Laine.

8.   How would you define the African American Romance?

Romance is universal but I think the heart of African American Romance novels include not only our experiences, but also our pride.  The paths our ancestors traveled have helped to shape and add dimension to our culture, like church, music, food and family.  All of these things give our stories a flavor that is uniquely ours. 

9.  How did you get started writing your novels?

I started writing at 16 when I went home and killed my first boyfriend in a story.  He'd dumped me and I wanted revenge.  After my hunger for revenge was quenched, I realized that I truly enjoyed writing.  However, I didn't write much after that until I wrote my first novel while on bed rest when I was pregnant with my third child.  I sent out the manuscript just to get rejection letters because I wanted feedback.  HIDDEN BLESSINGS was picked up by Kensington and I've been writing ever since. 

10.  What process do you use in writing your novels?

I start out by doing character biographies for my characters.  I have to get a good feel for them, then I write a chapter by chapter outline.  From there I write the synopsis.  When I start writing the book, I write it completely--first draft, that is.  I let it get cold, then I go back and start the second, third and fourth drafts.  After that it's time for the editing and polishing stage. 

11.   How long does it take you to complete a manuscript?

It could take me anywhere from four months to six months to complete a book.

12.  What was your becoming a published writer journey like?

I think the easiest part of the journey was getting published.  Now, I'm concerned about storylines, characters, and deadlines.  I always get sick right before a book hits the stores because I worry whether readers will like the book.  And then I'm always worried whether or not I can come up with another story.

13.  Is being a published writer what you thought it would be like?

No, not at all.  But I don't let that get in the way.  I love writing and I write for the pure joy of it--I'm determined not to let anything destroy that for me.  

14.   What do you feel has been your greatest accomplishment as a writer and why?

I think it's wonderful being considered among a group of extremely talented authors.  I'm always blown away when I get letters from young girls who write and tell me how much I inspire them.  What we're doing is so positive and I'm proud to be a part of the experience.  

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

No, I wouldn't change a thing.

16.  Do you like communicating with your readers?  In what forms.  And how can a reader contact you?

I love to hear from readers.  They can write to me at my PO Box.  The address can be located in the back of any of my books, or they can email me:  jacquelinthomas@usa.net.

17.   I've notice on your website that you mentioned that you've moving to writing inspirational?  Does this mean you're going to stop writing for Arabesque?  Give us some details about this development in your career?

I have a hardcover coming out in April 2001, titled SINGSATION and it is a Christian Fiction novel by Walk WorthyPress/Warner Books.  Writing more Christian-based fiction has been on my heart for a while--however, I won't say that everything I write will have a central Christian theme.  Any future Arabesque books will not be overtly Christian but they may have some inspirational elements.   

18   What's next for Jacqui Thomas?

As I stated earlier, SINGSATION will be out April 2001.  My next Arabesque title will be UNDENIABLY YOURS which is the long-awaited story of Kaitlin Ransom and Matt St. Charles.  UNDENIABLY YOURS will be released June 2001.  Also coming out Summer 2001 is "Skin Deep" (AFTER THE VOWS anthology by Genesis Press).  I'm currently working on a book titled 3 LOST WOMEN. 

Thank you, Jacqui.  ROMANCE IN COLOR wishes you continued success.