Katherine D. Jones’ debut novel, LOVE WORTH FIGHTING FOR, is a suspenseful romance about Tangerine Taylor, a successful businesswoman still reeling from a romantic betrayal, and Eric Duvernay, an undercover officer with an elite unit of the FBI.  They meet in New Orleans and the sparks fly.  But their relationship is one fraught with danger and deceit.

Below, Jones talks about the book, its sequel, and the writing life.

Q.      What do you want readers to take from Love Worth Fighting For?

I want readers to take away that love isn’t perfect and that’s okay.  If a couple works on it together, it can be wonderful.  If you have preconceived notions or maybe even baggage from your previous relationships, those issues need to be settled so that you can give freely in your next relationship.  I also want readers to take away that it is okay to fight for a good relationship, if that is what your heart tells you to do.  So often we, as women, are willing to fight for the love of a man who doesn’t want us and will treat us like dirt, but a kind and considerate man is considered weak.  I don’t get that!  Fight for the man who loves you and will walk through fire to be with you.  Or in this case, rescue you.

Q:       Who is your favorite character from the novel and why?

My favorite character is Tangie Taylor because it is her story.  I wanted to write about someone who wasn’t perfect, had insecurities, and took missteps, but who manages to have a good life.  I like a woman who can make it in spite of her challenges.  That type of character appeals to me.

Q:      What intrigued you about writing a series of novels about the Special Corruption Unit?

I like the continuity.  I wanted to write a crime series because I  like mystery and suspense novels.  I was intrigued by the idea of presenting an African-American elite unit especially, because of the negative stereotypes that pervade the media.  I wanted these men and women to highlight images that are more positive.  I felt stories about the Unit closing out tough cases would be something we hadn’t read before.  There are a few family and even family business series, but not much by way of law enforcement.

Q:     Why did you pick the romance genre?

When I first started Love Worth Fighting For, which was originally titled Love in New Orleans, I didn’t even know there was such a thing as a romance genre.  I read a lot of mysteries and suspense novels, but I didn’t pay attention to genre; I was loyal to the authors I enjoyed.  It didn’t occur to me that my original manuscript was probably women’s fiction because it wasn’t until much later that I learned the definitions of the different classifications.  When I started, I just wrote.

Q:       What changes have you noticed in the romance world and what contributions do you think you make to the genre?

I see more of a variety in the stories told.  For instance, there are books for every taste now from sweet to historical to bombshell romances.  That’s quite telling.  The audience is more diverse, which means in turn the books have to be as well.  The contribution I’d like to make is to showcase African American characters in highly responsible, national security, protect the nation kind of cases.  There aren’t too many African American super agent stories in public view and I’d like my SCU stories to say to the world, we’re out there too.

Q:      Which writers inspire you?

Beverly Jenkins, Mary Balogh, Rochelle Alers, Tom Clancy, John Grisham, Walter Mosley, and Robert Ludlum.  I like stories with tough heroes and heroines.  I want them to make me sad, or better yet, laugh, but also make me root for them.  I am inspired by complex stories with layers to sift through before the resolution.  I like stories that make me work, I don’t want to be spoon-fed.  Drop clues that stimulate my imagination. I guess I’m just different in that way, but I am inspired by writers who develop a real give and take with the reader.  I want to be entertained this is true, but I also want to use my mind during the process.

Q:      Which writers, if any, have influenced your writing?

I appreciate many romance writers for their characters or their style, but I think I am most influenced by suspense writers.  I grew up reading mystery and suspense because of two parents who loved the genre.  Robert Ludlum and Tom Clancy lined our shelves.  Now of course, I am the proud owner of over 200 romance books, but I started reading after I started writing six years ago, so I think it makes a difference.

Q:        Which five books can you not live without?

The Bible, a good dictionary, a thesaurus, The Chicago Manual of Style, and the Romance Writer’s Phrase Book (by Jean Kent and Candace Shelton).

Q:        What are your goals as a novelist?

To continue to write first and foremost.  I would like to be able to write across lines too.  Meaning, I’d like to write traditional contemporary romance, romantic suspense, mainstream fiction and even maybe romantic comedy.  Also, I’d like to be in a position where I can help others achieve their goals.  I’ve started a writing group on yahoo for people to post questions and receive answers or make comments (People can access the group by going to my website: www.katherinedjones.com).  I have been given so much in my life, I can’t see going along and not doing what I can to help others.

 Q:    What can we look forward to in your follow-up novel, Worth the Wait?

In Worth the Wait, I was really attracted to the characters in the story. I wanted to write about the emotional journey of these two.  The initial meeting between Kevin and Maria takes place at the end of Love Worth Fighting For, and due to circumstances beyond their control, they are thrust into a relationship in this story.  The seriousness and passion of which neither one is expecting and prepared for.  It was a lot of fun to do and very much a change from what I had done in the first novel.

Q:      How much of yourself and your life do you put into your novels?

I put what I feel into each novel, and for that reason each will be very different.  I am not the same person emotionally as when I wrote Love Worth Fighting For six years ago, neither am I am exactly the same as with Worth the Wait.  You should change or at least grow from your experiences and I try to translate that into my writing.  Each book should reflect some new lesson or some period of growth.  That’s why it is so important to keep writing and keep learning. 

Q:        What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

I advise aspiring writers to keep writing because you never know when it will be your time.  As you write, you become a better writer and with more product to sell.  You are much more marketable with two or more manuscripts under your belt than a synopsis and three completed chapters.  Keep pushing even as you are waiting to hear from an editor or agent, just keep writing.

Q:        Anything else you would like to add?

I am currently working on the third installment in the series.  The story is set in Texas involving two of the characters from Worth the Wait.  I have a working title, but it has not been approved by the publisher yet.  It promises to be the spiciest and juiciest story I have written yet.  So, if you like it hot, this is the book for you.  Check my web site for updates and more information, www.katherinedjones.com

I also, wanted to add a special thank you to Wayne Jordan for the opportunity to be recognized by the site.  And thank you for the interview!