FINDING HER DESTINY IN ROMANCE

by LaShonda El

Date of Birth: December 17th

Occupation: Author

City of Residence: Hampton

3 Favorite books: The Bible, Guardian Angel by Julie Garwood, and The Nanny by Dan Greenburg.

1. How long have you been writing?  Is it what you always wanted to do?

Three friends and I decided in middle school that we would write the first black soap opera.  I’ve been writing ever since but just for my own enjoyment.  I began writing seriously to get published in ’92 but I had no idea what to do and learning was a very slow process.  I’ve always wanted to write, but I actually enjoy editing better.

2. How easy or difficult was it for you to become published?

At first it was difficult because I had the gift but didn’t understand the craft.  I wrote off and on, mostly off while I attended college around my husband’s military assignments and raising our children.  I decided upon completion of my degree that I would submit a manuscript, and I received an offer for a two-book deal several months later.

3. Is being a published author everything you thought it would be?

I never really had any expectations, but I’ve found it to be a great experience.

4. What made you decide to write romance over the other genres?

I’ve been reading romance since I was eleven or twelve, so it’s my first love.  It’s romance’s promises of love and happily ever after that draws me the most.

5. Tell us a little about Honor’s Destiny.  

Honor’s Destiny is the first of three books dealing with the McIntyre sisters.  They had a happy family until everything went wrong in Mia’s, her oldest sister’s, senior year.  The repercussions rippled through Cai’s life and Honor’s, and none of them handled it very well.

Honor meets Nicolas Morgan two years before the story open.  She’s instantly attracted to him, only her boss, doesn't date models for personal reasons. Now that her contract is over, she wants him to get to know her one on one, out of the spotlight. But that means facing the consequences of her past.

6. How did you come up with the idea for Honor’s Destiny?

I heard Nic and Honor arguing over an outfit she was supposed to where at a photo shoot.  It was too revealing and she’d refused to wear it.  I was grocery shopping at the time and trying to chuckle under my breath once I realized people were looking at me.  I rushed home, hoping I wouldn’t forget what I’d heard.  I started writing and the story flowed from there.

7. Who is your favorite character in Honor’s Destiny and why?

Tough question!  I’d have to say Honor, for her quiet strength.  She really has a tough time and she comes through shining.

8. Are there any authors that have inspired you? If so who and why?

Anne Kolaczyk was instrumental in the earlier stages of my writing, critiquing my work, offering advice.  Despite her length of time in the industry, she remains a humble person, willing to help those coming after her, and I admire that.

9. What are your goals as a novelist?

To write stories that touch people, that shows African Americans in a positive light, and to definitely reveal the strong, loving nature of the Black Man who is too often misrepresented in the press, in print, and on television.

10. What do you do in your spare time?

I work in the church.  Currently, I’m the assistant secretary, and I work with the youth as a Sunday school teacher and praise dance co-director.  I’m available to youth in any capacity they need me—usually it’s to listen to them and fuss at them lovingly. J  I’m a court appointed special advocate for children.  It’s basically volunteer social work.  I interview families, submit reports to judges, and make recommendations as to the removal of a child from his/her home.

11.  What’s next for Yolonda Greggs?

I’ve submitted Sweetest Taboo which is scheduled for release in November ’05.  I’m currently working on Mia’s story.  I’d like to get my MA in guidance counseling.  I hope to always write romance, but I do have a mainstream burning in my heart.

12.  What message do you have for inspiring writers?

Learn the craft.  Writing is an art but there’s a craft behind it that needs to be mastered.  It’s not easy but the reward is great.

13. How can your fans communicate with you?

I can be reached via email at yolonda@yolondagreggs.com or through my website at http://www.yolondagreggs.com.

Thank you for taking the time and allowing me to interview you. On behalf of RIC, I would like to congratulate you on being our selected new face for the month of March 2005. I would also like to wish you continual success in work and life.