Kimberley White is the founder of KIMBERLEY'S CRITIQUING & CONSULTING
SERVICES.  She is a reviewer for Black Issues Book Review.  She will be
speaking at the Detroit Black Writer's Guild conference and the Romance
Writers of America national conference.  SWEET TOMORROWS is Ms. White's first book. 

1. What made you want to become a writer?

I have been writing since high school but never considered myself a serious writer until talented black writers started publishing work about people and situations that I could identify with.  It is a thrill to see your words on the page.  I hope that I move readers the way I have been moved by those who have come before me.    

And why romance?

Writing romance allows me to escape from everyday stresses.  I hope that
my readers turn the pages, become engrossed in the characters, and are
touched by a bit of fantasy.

2.  Tell me a little bit about SWEET TOMORROWS?

SWEET TOMORROWS is Talya’s story of how she was able to overcome abuse
and have a loving relationship with a wonderful man.  I stress the point that
only once she was able to stand up and solve her own problems was she able to find love and happiness.  The subject matter is heavy, but not as hot as the love scenes.  I want readers to walk away with the knowledge that breaking a dangerous cycle of self destruction may be difficult and there might be set-backs along the way, but in the end, it will save your life.

3.  Besides writing what do you like to do?

I read as much as I write.  Taking luxurious vacations is a summertime
favorite.

4.  Are you a full-time writer?

I was a full-time writer for a portion of 2000, I am now working as a
registered nurse.

5.  Tell us a bit about your journey to publication?

It took me a year and a half to sell my manuscript, SWEET TOMORROWS.  I
found that representing my own work was better for me than having an agent.  I had ten queries in circulation every single day.  When a rejection came in the mail, another query went out.  I attended every writing conference I could find and met several authors who offered priceless advice.

6.  What's next for Kimberley White?

I continue to write reviews and run my critique business.  I have finished my second novel and am working on my third.  My long term goal is to open a bookstore specializing in multicultural literature.

7.  Any special message for the aspiring author?

Write everyday--if you don’t feel inspired to work on your novel, write a letter to a friend or relative; just keep writing.  Gather all the knowledge you can about the career of writing.  Always conduct yourself in a professional manner--remember, you’re selling yourself as well as your book. 
Surround yourself only with positive people who support and encourage your
work.  Never give up--the rejections will come, let them.  Study the rejections for clues, fine tune your work, and send it out again.

8.  How can readers contact you?

I love hearing from readers.  I’m particularly interested in what moved
you in my book.  Who would you like to know more about?

kwhite_writer@hotmail.com 

The website:  www.communties.msn.com/sweettomorrows 

ROMANCE IN COLOR wishes Ms. White the greatest success!