An Interview With Michelle Smith

by Nathasha

Every so often a new voice emerges on the literary scene that stands far above the rest. There’s just something special about that author’s work that indicates that he or she is going to go far in the literary field. Such is the case with newcomer, Maureen Morah Smith, the author of GHOSTS OF FIRE.

The first thing that this reviewer noticed about Smith was her humility and professionalism. I had the pleasure of meeting her for the first time at Romance Slam Jam 2002 and briefly spoke with her about her debut novel. It sounded like something I’d want to read and I had planned to put it on my to-be-read pile and eventually get to it. However, when I was assigned her novel to review, I read it quicker than expected and was shocked—pleasantly shocked. The professionalism she displayed at RSJ foreshadowed that which was in her book. I can say, without reservation, that GHOSTS OF FIRE was one of the best books I have read to date.

Smith had so much to share with Romance In Color readers, so we asked her to chat with us about them. She found some time in her busy schedule to grant that request and boy, did she have plenty of great information. Please sit back, relax and read what she told us and you’ll definitely learn something about this elusive business called publishing.

ROMANCE IN COLOR: Talk about your book and where the idea came from. How did it all come together for you?

MAUREEN MORAH SMITH: Ghosts of Fire is the story of graphic designer Rachel Calloway, a woman whose seemingly normal world collapses when her father is charged with setting fire to the family’s restaurant. Rachel knows he’s innocent and will do anything to prove it. Little does she know how soon her loyalty will be tested when she crosses paths with Nick Hunter, the notoriously ruthless attorney prosecuting her father’s case. From the moment Rachel and Nick meet, a forbidden attraction sizzles between them that neither can ignore. Thrown together in an unlikely alliance, the two fight their growing feelings for one another even as a stranger lurks in the shadows, coldly awaiting an opportunity to strike. Suddenly nothing in Rachel’s world is as it seems, and it isn’t long before she finds herself in the biggest fight for her heart…and her life.

Since I love pitting my hero and heroine against each other, I tried to think of the biggest obstacle a potential couple could face. That’s how I came up with the idea of having Rachel’s father charged with a crime that Nick would prosecute—a situation sure to cause tremendous animosity between the two characters. As for the setting, I chose my hometown of Upper Marlboro because I feel it is a writer’s gem. The city has a “small town” feel; yet as the county seat, it is the hub of much political activity and influence.   

RIC: How and why did you decide to write a romantic suspense novel as opposed to writing a straight contemporary or historical romance?

MMS: Although I enjoy reading straight contemporaries and historicals, my favorite sub-genre is definitely romantic suspense. There’s nothing like the dynamics between two people who find themselves thrown together against a common enemy, especially when an attraction already exists between them. The danger heightens the tension between them and adds dimension to the relationship and overall story. As a romantic suspense writer, I love it when readers tell me that my story had the perfect blend of romance and mystery—and that they never guessed whom the villain was until the very end!

RIC: You seem to be very, very organized and on top of your marketing and promotions. That’s rare for first-time authors. How did you know to do the things you’ve done and tell RIC about your overall marketing plan?

MMS: Thank you! First let me say that my publicist, Gequeta Valentine, has been an invaluable resource to me. She is a consummate professional who truly believes in my talent and is constantly seeking ways to promote my work. She solicits and respects my ideas, knowing what a driven, hands-on person I am. Having a vision for my future is the fuel behind our promotional efforts. I also learn a great deal from others who are willing to share information about their publishing experiences—positive or negative. My overall marketing plan includes launching a publicity campaign first in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, utilizing the local author angle. I have been featured in several local publications, which has resulted in speaker invitations, increased sales, and interest from book clubs. No author should underestimate the power of his or her local media. An article in a local newspaper can go a long way toward advancing your promotional efforts! In addition to the local blitz, I have also sent press kits and review copies to various book clubs, national publications, and fellow authors. The main objective of any author’s marketing plan should be to generate a buzz about your work—and the louder the buzz, the better! 

RIC: Talk about your road to publication. How did you go from having not one but two deals, then opting out to self-publish?

MMS: Following graduation from college, I took a long hiatus from writing. A combination of burnout from college writing courses and personal diversions kept me away from writing for three years. When I finally rediscovered my passion for the pen in 1999, I was determined to find a home (other than beneath my bed) for my book. I corresponded with published authors about their experiences and gleaned a lot of valuable information. I finished Ghosts of Fire in 2000 and had my agent submit it to a publisher. By March of the following year, after fulfilling the editor’s revision requests, I had a publishing contract in my hand. Unfortunately, things fell through with that publisher after we reached an impasse in contract negotiations. Shortly afterward, I sent my manuscript to another publisher. For the second time, I received another publishing contract—this time a month later. Things didn’t work out with the second publisher, either. So, somewhat frustrated, I finally decided enough was enough and self-published Ghosts of Fire in May 2002.

RIC: What are some of the ups and downs of self-publishing and what did you learn along the way?

MMS: I’m still learning! LOL! Some definite advantages to self-publishing include maintaining creative control of my work. My husband, a graphic designer, designed the concept for the book cover, which was quite exciting for both of us. It’s also thrilling to know that I’m largely responsible for my own publishing destiny. I know that my talent-- combined with the efforts I pour into self-publishing-- will ultimately determine my success or failure. As for drawbacks, even with the assistance of my wonderful publicist, self-publishing is hard work. There’s a lot of legwork involved that you may not fully realize when you’re initially considering this option. And then there’s the negative perception self-published authors must contend with. Although great strides have been made in this arena, there are still many who don’t take self-published authors seriously. We face greater challenges in convincing major bookstores to carry copies of our books; that’s why independent brick-and-mortar booksellers are probably a self-published author’s best friend!   

RIC: What advice would you give to aspiring authors wishing to self-publish but don’t have a clue about getting started?

MMS: Do as much research as possible! Knowledge is power, believe me. Approach self-publishing as you would if deciding to launch a business. Your publishing career is an investment of your time and financial resources, and you should be committed to doing everything you can to realize a return on your investment. To ensure maximum success, you should have a business plan, a marketing strategy, and a budget. Identifying your goals beforehand can save you a lot of stress and uncertainty in the long run. Take a personality assessment test. Are you the sort of person who requires constant validation from others? As a self-published author, much of your validation must come from within—at least initially. You have to believe in your talent before others will. Another crucial question to ask yourself: Are you willing to “shamelessly” promote yourself? A self-published author afraid of self-promotion is like an accountant who’s afraid of numbers—not very effective. A good book I recommend is How to Self-Publish and Market Your Own Book by Mack E. Smith and Sara Freeman Smith. It was an invaluable resource to me as I contemplated self-publishing.    

RIC: What is your writing process? What kinds of things do you do to keep writing and not become blocked?

MMS: When I’m in the throes of writing a novel, it’s hard to tear me away from it. I become completely immersed in the lives of my characters. Their feelings, emotions, and predicaments become my own, so to speak. When I’m working on a novel, I usually prefer not to read works by other authors because I want to keep my own writing voice pure and distinct. Other than the occasional bout with the “sagging middle,” my ideas generally maintain a steady flow—sometimes to the point of keeping me up all night thinking! Unfortunately, my muse does not adhere to schedules or my body’s need for rest. LOL.  

RIC: What is your day job and how does it lend itself to and detract from your writing? How do you balance both?

MMS: I have been blessed with a loving, supportive husband who allowed me to become a full-time freelance writer after the birth of our son two years ago. To say that the flexibility of a freelance career has made a world of difference in my writing would be an understatement! I still have to juggle my publishing career with freelance deadlines and the endless demands of motherhood, and sometimes priorities can collide. But I know that working from home full-time has enabled me to accomplish many goals, which may not have been possible if I still held a stressful office job.  

RIC: What has been the absolute high point of your writing career thus far?

MMS: Receiving so much positive feedback and support from friends and readers! I am humbled every time someone tells me that they really enjoyed Ghosts of Fire and are looking forward to my next novel, or that my pursuit of a publishing career is an inspiration to them. Hearing such comments affirms my commitment to being the best writer I can be! 

RIC: What has been the absolute low point in your career thus far?

MMS: I don’t think I have reached that point yet; I know it will eventually come, but so far I’ve been spared. Don’t get me wrong, I definitely get discouraged at times and question the wisdom of my decision to pursue a demanding publishing career. But I guess that’s normal.   

RIC: If you had known then what you know now (in terms of publishing, writing), what would you have done differently?

MMS: I probably would have self-published a long time ago! I wish I had made the decision to self-publish earlier, rather than waiting around on others to make my dreams a reality. But I know timing is everything and nothing in our lives occurs by accident, so I’m grateful for the lessons I had to learn, some of which were downright painful.

RIC: Tell us about the next level of your publishing career?

MMS: Only God knows! But seriously, as much as I’m enjoying the complete autonomy of being a self-published author, I certainly wouldn’t mind landing a contract with a major publishing house. Either way, I’ll continue writing and, if necessary, self-publish my next novel. I figure if I’m talented enough to have been offered two publishing contracts, then I just might be talented enough to enjoy a successful publishing career-- solo or not. 

RIC: Give us a sneak peek of your next book.

MMS: I’m working on another romantic suspense called IF WALL COULD TALK, which involves a dangerously handsome FBI special agent and a college professor who find themselves fiercely attracted to one another…and the targets of a kidnapper’s sinister web of revenge.

RIC: What other projects are you currently working on?

MMS: I’m revising a coming-of-age mainstream romance called EVERYTHING SHE WANTS, which is about childhood friends-turned-lovers who overcome a shattering act of betrayal to find love once again.

RIC: Who are your favorite authors and what kinds of things have you learned from them that you apply to your own writing?

MMS: My favorite authors are Jane Austen (the literary classic, Pride and Prejudice, remains my favorite example of a purist’s romance novel), Tami Hoag (THE queen of romantic suspense in my humble opinion), Judith McNaught, Rochelle Alers, Valerie Wilson Wesley, Shana Abé, and relative newcomer Trisha R. Thomas. From each of these amazing authors, I have learned the importance and impact of giving readers a well-balanced story, no matter what the genre. This means skillful writing woven with three-dimensional characters and well-developed, compelling plots—elements I will consistently strive for in my own writing.

RIC: What is your feeling about critique groups? Are you a member of one and if so, how has it helped or improved your writing? How has it hurt your writing?

MMS: Writing can be a very isolating experience. I definitely think it’s important to have at least one or two trusted critique partners because as writers, we’re often too close to our work to provide objective assessments. Although I don’t belong to any critique groups, I have heard arguments both in favor of and against such groups. My philosophy is that writers should utilize whatever works best for them.   

RIC:  Are you a member of any writers’ organizations and if so, which ones? How have they benefited your career?

MMS: I am a member of the Washington Independent Writers, Black Writers Alliance, and African American Authors Helping Authors. The latter two organizations, in particular, have exposed me to a network of like-minded, supportive writers who have shared their knowledge and experiences, and have provided me with opportunities to promote my work.

RIC: What have you seen about the publishing industry that you’d like to change? Why?

MMS: Although the publishing industry has experienced a “black explosion” in recent years, allowing more black writers an opportunity to share their literary talents with the masses, I think there are still many disparities that need to be addressed—which I won’t go into detail about at this time. LOL. 

RIC: What challenges are you facing as a new author? How do you think you can change, roll, and deal with it?

MMS: As a new author, the greatest challenge is establishing yourself as a legitimate writer amongst more experienced well-known authors. It’s a double-edged sword being a self-published AND first-time author. I feel like I have to work overtime to overcome both hurdles. But I strongly believe that if you write a compelling story that is strategically promoted, you should have little or no problem overcoming “new author” challenges and building a loyal fan base.

RIC: What is your advice for new authors who are hungry to write professionally and don’t know how to begin?

MMS: First and foremost, believe in yourself because if you don’t, why should others? If you’re doing everything you can to hone your craft as a writer and you honestly believe you have a gift to share with the literary world, don’t let anything stand in your way of realizing your publishing dreams. If you’re interested in freelance writing but don’t have clips, I suggest writing on a volunteer basis to start with—if you can afford to. For writers, exposure is oftentimes more important than monetary gain. Again, I cannot stress enough the value of conducting research. There is a wealth of information out there for anyone seriously interested in pursuing a writing career, whether it’s as a fiction or non-fiction author.

RIC: What is your position on agents? Are they necessary? Why or why not? Do you have one?

MMS: My position on agents is that no agent is better than a bad agent. A supportive, proactive literary agent who really believes in your work and is committed to helping you achieve success can be an author’s best ally. However, an agent who is not willing to work hard on your behalf can be more of a hindrance than an asset. Since embarking on the road to publication, I have had two agents and things didn’t work out with either. No hard feelings; I just felt that my needs would be better served by flying solo for a while. 

RIC: Your last word. This is the place for you to have your say and talk about anything that I didn’t ask you, but you are burning to say.

MMS: I just want to commend the many authors who reach back and lend their support to new and aspiring authors. I’m a firm believer that you truly “reap what you sow,” and I know that the success of those authors who give unselfishly of their time and resources is a testament to this scripture. The generous contributions of such exemplary authors as Donna Hill, Delores Thornton, Beverly Jenkins, Nathasha Brooks-Harris, R. Barri Flowers, Brandon Massey, Shana Abé, and others too numerous to list here renew my faith in the goodness of people!