Romance Slam Jam News Jan. 2012
I can’t believe it’s already 2012. I’m just not ready, but I guess that doesn’t matter. The new year didn’t wait for me to move forward. Oh well, I’ll survive. That just brings us closer to RSJ 2012 in Little Rock!
As always, if you haven’t reserved your hotel room, please do, and if you have changed your mind about attending, please release the room. There is another event going on at the same time as ours and I want to ensure everyone has sleeping accommodations.
Early registration is over and regular registration fees are in affect. The Romance Slam Jam Conference still gives you more bang for the buck than comparable conferences, so it’s all good. Please try to get your registration in early so the Little Rock team can make plans. If you are a member of a group and haven’t finished paying your fee, you now pay the group regular registration price.
Emma Award Finalist
Thank you to those of you who sent in the Emma Award nomination form. The accountant is sorting through the nominations and will send me the list of finalists by the end of the week. The finalists will be notified first, then the judges, then I’ll post the winners here.
RSJ Aspiring Author Contest
Help spread the word: Each year aspiring fiction authors take a step closer to having their dreams come true by entering the Romance Slam Jam Aspiring Author Contest. The winners’ manuscripts are read by an editor or agent with a chance at publication or representation.
Note: Registration for the 2012 contest is now open.
Genres: Black Romance and Women’s Fiction
Eligibility: If you have not had a full-length novel published by a traditional publisher, you are eligible for this contest. Therefore, if your publishing credits are, short stories, novellas, eBooks, poetry, nonfiction and or you are self-published, you are eligible. RSJ Aspiring Author Registration Form
Prizes:
- Editor Selena James (Kensington Books) considers full submission for publication.
- Editor Evette Porter (Harlequin) will critique the synopsis and first 50 pages of the manuscript
- Editor Kelli Martin will critique the synopsis and first 50 pages of the manuscript
The first place winner chooses which prize she/he wants. The second place winner chooses from the two fantastic opportunities left. The third place winner will receive the remaining prize.
Black Romance Book Club
A.C Arthur dropped by the club last month where we discussed her title Winter Kisses. All I can say is HOT! January we’ll be doing a double header. Regina Hart will be joining us Jan. 28, 2012 to discuss her titles Fast Break and Smooth Play . Come on and join us. We talk women’s fiction and romance 24.7/365. http://www.shelfari.com/groups/12038/about
Final Words
Up next we have the host check in. I know I’ve probably said this before, but wow. The Little Rock team is ON THE BALL. We are going to have a great time. I can hardly wait to see you.
Last but not least, I have rights back to my titles Beauty and the Beast and Whisper Something Sweet and have released them in eBook (Kindle and Nook) and print with new covers. They are still the same great books. Enjoy.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Deatri King-Bey
A Word From Your Host
Book clubs have always been an important part of Romance Slam Jam. We want to do something special for book clubs this year. Send me the name of your book club and the number of years the group has been together to rsj dot claritta at gmail.com
Are you a member of a book club? Let us know what it means to you. I asked a couple of our members to tell what being a part of the Sistahs of Color Reading Group means to them.
Melrita R. Bonner
Being part of a book club can be very interesting in a number of ways and, I have found, a book club can be many things. From the beginning, the main draw for me to the Sistahs of Color Reading Group was that I could read whatever book I chose to read without the burden of being saddled with reading books in which I had little, if any, interest. For all these years, so far, the group has functioned smoothly and amicably with everyone, of varying ages and reading interests, reporting enthusiastically their reading adventures. This, inevitably, leads other group members to explore new authors and genres. It doesn’t hurt either to have the phenomenal facilitator Lareeta, who keeps us on track and provides us with boundless incentives/awards/treats/gifts/prizes as well as invaluable information, updates, 411s, etc. about authors, new publications, release dates, conferences, interviews and so much more!
A book club is, indeed, many things. For me, it’s a relaxing and pleasant way to spend time with, and share interests with, other ‘Sistahs’. It can also be a vehicle for provocative topics and discussions. It’s a great outlet for friendly debates about all sorts of good, bad, or indifferent books that I enjoy whether anybody else enjoys them or not. Book club meetings are a good way to spend a hassle free afternoon pondering, lamenting, and otherwise ruminating about our culture and heritage in books by us, for us, and about us.
Antoinette Thames
I have been a member of the Sistahs of Color Reading Group for nine years. Invited by my mother, one Saturday afternoon I attend my first book club meeting and I loved it! The primary purpose for us meeting is to share, recommend and have friendly discussions about books each of us are currently reading with the main focus being books written by authors of color .For Us , By Us, About Us. I hadn’t been exposed to many authors of color at that time. The Sistahs of Color Reading Group with the diversity in ages, and reading styles has introduced me to books, authors and genres that I would not normally have been exposed to or ever considered reading. The book club facilitator has been a God send, she takes the time to make sure that all the book club members receive information on upcoming books, authors, book signings, writing workshops through e-mails and a newsletter she calls Sistahs’ News & Views. I look forward to our book club meetings the ladies are fun to be around and we all share a common interest – we all love to read!
Smooth Play Giveaway
Author Patricia Sargeant writing as Regina Hart is offering one uncorrected advance reader copy of her January 2012 contemporary romance, Smooth Play, to each of the first three people who can name one city in which the Romance Slam Jam has been held in the past.
Smooth Play is the second book of the Regina Hart Brooklyn Monarchs contemporary romance trilogy featuring a fictitious professional basketball team. The first release in the trilogy was Fast Break. For more information on the books, please visit the author’s website, www.AuthorReginaHart.com. If you’d like to participate in the trivia question, please send an email to Patricia/Regina at BooksByPatricia@yahoo.com. Please include “Romance Slam Jam trivia question” in the subject heading. Good luck! And may everyone enjoy and peace-filled and blessed New Year.
Romance Slam Jam News Dec. 2011
Happy Birthday December babies!
Wow, it is getting cold all over the country, including down here in Phoenix, Arizona. Someone needs to remind the weather that I live in a desert, and it’s flat out wrong to get cold. The Romance Slam Jam is only a few months away. Are you ready? Have you reserved your hotel room and booked your flight? Remember there is another event going on at the same time as ours so get your rooming accommodations made early. Have you told ten people about the conference and spread the invitation? Have you sent in your registration so you can get the discounted rate (which ends Dec. 31)? Have you sent in your Emma Nomination form (due Dec. 31)? If not, what are you waiting for?
Emma Awards
I know I’m being redundant, but get your Emma nominations in. Don’t delay. You help select the nominees for the Emmas, you help judge the finalist, you help select the winners. This process is as good as you help make it, and the accountant has told me nomination entries are low this year. Come on, let’s get to nominating.
RSJ Aspiring Author Contest
I’ve FINALLY updated the RSJ Aspiring Author Contest page. Sorry for the delay. Each year aspiring fiction authors take a step closer to having their dreams come true by entering the Romance Slam Jam Aspiring Author Contest. The winners’ manuscripts are read by an editor or agent with a chance at publication or representation.
Note: Registration for the 2012 contest is now open. If you sent in a registration form but did not hear from Dee, then you need to contact her before March 31, 2012. Use the Contact Us page to contact her.
Genres: Black Romance and Women’s Fiction
Eligibility: If you have not had a full-length novel published by a traditional publisher, you are eligible for this contest. Therefore, if your publishing credits are, short stories, novellas, eBooks, poetry, nonfiction and or you are self-published, you are eligible. RSJ Aspiring Author Registration Form
Please spread the word
Previous Aspiring Author Contest Winners
Black Romance Book Club
Be sure to drop by your book club where we talk Black romance and women’s fiction all year long and have a good time. Our next discussion will be Winter Kisses by A.C. Arthur on Dec. 17. A.C. will be there so be sure to come out and have a good time with us. Our discussions are online, so you can pop in and out as you can. Visit the Black Romance Book Club where we talk Black romance and women’s fiction 24/7/365.
Holiday Books
This time of year, many of us pull out our holiday themed romances. Here are a few you may enjoy that are available in eBook and print.
 |
A Christmas Affair by Adrianne ByrdAmazon, Barnes & Noble |
 |
Santa’s Helper by Deatri King-BeyAmazon, Barnes & Noble Purchase the print double header from Amazon |
 |
Winter Kisses by A.C. ArthurAmazon, Barnes & NobleThis is the discussion title at the Black Romance Book Club. See you Dec. 17. A.C. will be there! |
Final Words
I’ll keep this short and sweet. Spread the word about the conference and the aspiring author contest. The workshop slots are full, so if you still want to conduct a workshop at RSJ 2012 and haven’t been approved, then you will be put on the wait list. Next we’ll have a few words from our host and Dyanne has more fantastic interviews!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Deatri King-Bey
http://deatrikingbey.com/
A Word From Your Host
We have a great schedule of workshops planned for 2012 Romance Slam Jam – “Romance in The Rock”. After a full day of sessions, we all look forward to the evening events. Here’s a preview of what we have planned.
Intimate Conversations
We are bringing the intimate sessions back with a different flavor. We have something special planned for these sessions so be sure to sign up for a session when you receive your special invitation. The Intimate Conversation is your opportunity to have a more personal chat with one of your favorite authors in a smaller setting. They are limited to 10 registered attendees per session. These sessions will be held in the Governor’s Suite.
Mix and Mingle Reception
Thursday night come out for the Mix and Mingle reception. This is a time to fellowship with old friends and meet new ones. We have an event designed to help you get to know your fellow RSJ attendees. While you interact with your fellow Slam Jammers, we have some special live entertainment. If you like Earth Wind & Fire, Frankie Beverly & Maze, B.B. King, The Gap Band, Luther Vandross, Gerald Levert, and Teddy Pendergrass; you will love the entertainment for the night – Little Rock native William Staggers. http://www.staggersmusic.com/index.html
Karaoke Contest and Party Night
Friday night is the Karaoke Contest and Party Night. I can’t sing but I love Karaoke. So let’s be clear this is not a singing contest. The judges are looking at everything from costume to performance. Get your solo and group acts together and enter the contest. To be sure the DJ has your music, send your song choice to rsj2012dotclaritta at gmail.com before you arrive. If not selections can be made on site from his playlist.
Now I heard someone say Slam Jam should always have a dress up night. Well we are going to give you the chance. If you are not entering the contest, come out as your favorite music artist or group and dance the night away. Dressing up is now required but dancing at Slam Jam is a tradition we are definitely upholding.
A Night at the Emma Awards – A Red Carpet Affair
Last but certainly not least is the Emma Awards. Semiformal or business attire is preferable but not required. We are rolling out the red carpet for this event. Before the winners are announced, take a walk done the red carpet and be camera ready. Make sure you make the 2012 Emma Awards Best-Dressed list. This will be a glamour filled night.
Don’t forget early registration ends December 31st. Be sure to make your hotel reservations now. You don’t want to miss “Romance in The Rock”.
Claritta Stinson, Host Book Club Chair
Romance Slam Jam 2012 – “Romance in The Rock”
April 11-15, 2012
Interview With Author Sienna Mynx
Happy Birthday to all of you with December birthdays. Happy 41st anniversary to Bill Davis, my real life hero. And last but not least, Merry Christmas to all. We have two great interview for you this month—Sienna Mynx and Angeline Bishop/
Dyanne: Hello Sienna, would you please tell us a little bit about yourself. Where are you from, what is your background?
Sienna: I’m from Miami Florida, I’ve spent most of my adult life out of college in Atlanta Georgia. I currently work in a technology driven field and have been on my job for 14 years. I’m the oldest daughter of two, from a school teacher mom. My mother taught English and was an avid reader, writer of poetry and she has since retired. Often when I reflect on who I am it’s to her credit. My love for story telling is because of her and my grandfather. The best storyteller I’ve ever met.
Dyanne: I hope you tell your mom to read your interview. She’ll be pleased. When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer, and what was it that inspired you to start writing?
Sienna: I realized I wanted to be a writer around eight. At the time I did more drawing than writing so most of the books I created had pictures with ‘bubbles’ coming out of the mouths of my characters. Reading and writing has been my favorite pass time since I was very young. It’s hard to say when I decided to be a writer, but if we are talking inspiration to publish my work the answer is easy–fanfiction. I discovered fanfiction in 2004 and haven’t stopped writing since.
Dyanne: I’ve been hearing about fanfiction but so far I haven’t read any. When did you write your first book?
Sienna: My first book I wrote at eight. My first published book I wrote in 2008 under the penname T.A. Ford. The book is called Zoe. Some of my finest work. A historical romance about a mulatto freed woman in France and her torrid affair with a French man of nobility. Love that book!
Dyanne: J I love it when writers can name books of their own that are their favorite. How many books have you written?
Sienna: I currently write under two pennames. Under T. A. Ford, I’ve written 3 books. Under Sienna Mynx, I’ve written 16 books and plan to publish four more before the end of the year.
Dyanne: I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you, but I’m thinking there’s really no need. When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Sienna: When I was younger I had dreams of being a comic book artist. I wanted to tell stories but through illustration. I wasn’t that good but I thought my drawings rocked!
Dyanne: LOL. I love your moxie. How long does it typically take you to write a book?
Sienna: Oh God. I don’t know. In the past four years I’ve written so many stories you wouldn’t believe me if I told you. What I do now is go through all the stories I’ve written and polish, rewrite, publish. For example Black Butterfly was my first book I wrote in 2006. I put it down and wrote Zoe then published it in 2008. This
summer I spent three months cleaning up Black Butterfly and released it in October. I’m shocked at how well it’s been received. To be truthful, if my job and life doesn’t interfere I’d say I can do a complete story in 45 days.
Dyanne: Where do the ideas for your books come from?
Sienna: Initially from television and film. I was a soap addict. Fangirl to the extreme. I obsessed I tell you. So I’d create alternate world based off my favorite show. Throw a black chick in there and make the hero choose her above all else. Recently I’ve been inspired by music. I can hear a song and dream up a story. I discovered KEM as an artist and penned my book Before Sunrise (the rewrites) to his lyrics. Music is so damn enticing for me now it inspires me in my car on the way to work.
Dyanne: You are really and truly amusing. Hmm. Have you ever thought of comedy? Where is your favorite place to write, where do you feel most creative?
Sienna: On my sofa. I used to love Borders. Had a special chair and window I’d sit bye every Saturday and Sunday morning. Boy did I have the blues when they closed Borders in my neighborhood. Now I just sit on my sofa. I would love to write at some of these cyber cafes, because I love people watching. But I’m pretty lazy in my routine since Borders closed.
Dyanne: I think all of us will forever miss Borders. Do you have any role models? Have there been any other writers that have inspired you?
Sienna: Role models? Hmm, not sure. Other writers who inspired me? Yes. My thirst for historicals from Zora Neal Hurston. I love her style, I love her grit, she’s just kick ass. My love for horror comes strictly from Stephen King. I used to be able to say I’ve read all of his work but I can’t now. If I wanted something forbidden I would say James Baldwin – Go Tell it on the Mountain, was the most shocking book I’d ever read at 13. I just didn’t know people wrote homosexuality and the things taboo subjects I discovered in that book. I think that book is banned in most schools today. That’s a shame. Also when I was young I would gorge on Stephen King and VC Andrews. The tragic dark style of their writing and the drama, well it’s all over my work. Though I write romance, some of my stories go to the dark place. Can’t help it. I had a love affair with Eric Jerome Dickey’s work between 2000 and 2002. I haven’t read much of his work since but I would say surprising I think of his work often when I do romance. Not sure why. I guess it’s because he’s the only romance writer I actually read. My last fangirl crush on an author was LA Banks. I had the pleasure of meeting her this past April. I’ve skipped many authors in between but those authors came to mind.
Dyanne: Ah, a lot of your favorites are also favorites of mine, most especially L.A. Banks and V.C. Andrews. When you’re not writing, what do you like to do for fun?
Sienna: Travel. I belong to a travel group. Next year (2012) I’m going to Italy for ten days. I have a Mafia story set in Florence and I plan to see it. I’m soooo excited! I also love to hit book conferences. Check out my website to see how far I go! LOL!
Dyanne: I love it, you get to travel to Italy and you get to write it off. Ah, that reminds me of something, Sienna. I’ve heard that you’re nominated by RT for Best Erotic fiction by an Indie Publisher. Would you share with us your emotions on learning of this?
Sienna: Believe it or not I had no idea. I got an email from a fellow author one night and all it said was ‘Congratulations’. Confused I emailed her back and she told me. I screamed. Sorry to be so dramatic but this is like the best thing to happen to me since I’ve started writing. To get the nom and have my publishing company listed along side Ellora’s Cave, Samhain and Loose Id. I was just floored. I think I read the review three times before it sank in. Right now I’m excited that my work is getting out there and people are discovering me. This nomination now reaffirms what my mama always taught me: The sky is the limit when you believe in your dreams!!
Dyanne: Congratulations. Surprises are the best. Do you have anything that you’d like to say to your readers?
Sienna: Yes. Many know this already but I’m so proud I have to share. My book Buttercup by Sienna Mynx has been nominated by Romantic Times in the Indie Author Erotic Fiction category. I’m so surprised. Most times our work is shelved in just multi-cultural. I’m right up there with five other talented (some best selling) authors. I can’t get over the shock. To celebrate my first nomination I will be doing a re-release of Buttercup and extending some of the scenes to the book for print. For those that love this book keep checking my site for more details.
Dyanne: What kind of advice would you give to new writers?
Sienna: I LOVE new writers. They will tell you this. I gobble them up honey! As soon as I see a new writer kicking ass I try to be as supportive as I can. What I share with new writers is to OWN your product. I know self-publishing is not for everyone, I get that. But understand which ever choice you make in publishing you are a BRAND. Therefore sharpen your stories and present them the best way you can. Reach out to some of these old heads to see if they will BETA for you. Join some critique groups. Visit sites like ARE Cafe (Cafe Au’ lait) and mingle with readers. Promote yourself to anyone around you who will listen. Tweet, facebook, blog hop, do it all honey. Your success isn’t from a publisher and agent. In the tough market of pushing stories, the success lies with you! Kisses!
Dyanne: Sienna, can we have a couple of links to find you?
Sienna: Of course. My sites are for those over 21. LOL.
http://siennamynx.com/home.html
http://siennamynxx.blogspot.com/
http://thedivaspen.com/
Dyanne: I check out both of your sites and they are so beautiful. I’m jealous and will be trying to redo things. Thank you for the great advice and the fantastic interview. I totally love your advice on self publishing.
Interview With Author Angeline Bishop
DYANNE: Hello, Angeline. Tell us a little bit about how you got started and about you.
Angeline: Since I was a child, I’ve always loved being transported by a good book. There are no commercial interruptions or some director telling you how each character should look or sound. So it was a natural progression to want to write my own stories.
I work in academic and I’m the parent to two wonderful daughters — one is in college and the other is a high school senior and I struggled to find the right balance for my writing, my day job and being a mom. I’m lucky my girls enjoy the idea of their mother busy writing away as they study for their exams and write their papers. It’s like I’m still in the trenches with them. Working hard, getting frustrated, having breakthroughs just like them. The cutest thing is when they text or tweet me when something happens in pop culture so I can stay in tuned to their world.
For example:
Daughter: Mom, Will and Jada broke up!
Me: What???
Daughter: Sorry false alarm, their son just tweeted it’s a false rumor.”
Me: Oh, okay.
I love technology; I just hope both of them don’t ask me to buy them the latest Kindle because my novel is out. I’m offering the new Kindle Fire in my contest but my family members can’t win it.
DYANNE: What a fantastic prize. Since we’re going to be talking about your debut book why don’t you tell us about how it all happened, the call, what you did on receiving the call and the process and what surprised you the most.
Angeline: North Star is the first book in the Sheridan series and it mainly follows the love relationship of Graham Sheridan and Caresse Aldana. It was a wonderful to write because it reminds readers that romance can happen anywhere and to anyone. The story received good feedback in RWA-sponsored contests and even piqued the interest of some upcoming film producers so I knew if I could just get North Star in the hands of a good publisher everything else would fall into place.
The day I found out that a publishing company wanted North Star, I was reviewing my emails at 7AM at the university when I saw a message from Deborah Gilbert of Soul Mate Publishing. She explained about how I should look into a certain marketing firm and I remember feeling a bit puzzled because I sent her my novel for publishing consideration, not marketing tips. Then at the end of the email, she stated, ‘And let me know if you have any questions about the contract.’
Right then, my eyes bugged out of my head, as my mind raced for answers. Contract! What contract?
When I looked a few emails down and saw her first email stating her desire to publish North Star. I think I read it three times before I ran around my office and giggled like a little schoolgirl. It was exciting…very exciting. My family and friends were elated.
Later that night, I continued to work on the second novel in the series, South Beach. It picks up with Graham’s little sister Laila in sunny Miami, Florida
What surprised me the most about the whole process? Well, I’d have to say how quickly the other Soul Mate Publishing (SMP) authors bonded with each other. I was one of the first to be recruited as a member of the author blog and I must say the ladies are so encouraging and thoughtful. I hope the good feeling continue because there are some real breakout authors in this group.
Dyanne: That is a fantastic story. I love it. It almost brought tears to my eyes so I know it had to have brought a few to yours. So Angeline, tell me what had you nearly in tears?
Angeline: Only two things: reading my acknowledgement page and submitting my final draft after my editor’s revisions. There’s nothing like seeing your words in print. It’s even better than attending your graduation day or getting a raise. All of your hard work has paid off and you can feel the sheer joy of it. They were happy tears. Very, very happy ones. It was a wonderful moment.
Dyanne: My God, does that bring back memories. How did you feel when you first held your book in your hand, your first book signing?
Angeline: The first time I saw my North Star it was in eBook form. I downloaded it to a Kindle and just marveled at it. I think I sat right on the floor of my office transfixed at how nice my novel looked. You would think I was observing a rare gemstone the way I grinned from ear to ear.
Since the book signing of ebooks is quite new, I’ve enjoyed using Kindlegraph, a personal ebook-signing marketing tool to sign readers’ kindle editions. (You can view a video on http://kindlegraph.com/ to see how authors use this application with their Twitter accounts.) The process is quite fun and the readers really enjoy the personalized touch.
Dyanne: I just signed up for Kindlegraph less than a month ago and was pleasantly surprised to find I had signature requests waiting. What a rush. I’m so glad technology has kept up with the publishing industry to that extent. Sorry to keep gong on, Angeline. Tell us a little about North Star.
Angeline: Caresse Aldana is chosen to persuade Psyche’s dangerously handsome editor-in-chief, Graham Sheridan, to feature an article on the Mason Community Center. She tells herself it’s just business.
She thought her heart wasn’t in jeopardy, but she clearly underestimated Graham’s charm, and his determination to win her heart. As their passion intensifies, disturbing mishaps at the Center place Caresse’s life in danger.
The highly anticipated Mason Ball fundraiser is in peril. Can Graham decipher the evidence, finger the culprits, and save Caresse before it’s too late?
North Star takes inspirational themes of family bonds and community involvement and gives readers a passionate romance.
Dyanne: The blurb you just gave has me adding North Star to my “To Buy” pile. How long did it take you to write your first draft of North Star? How long to have it submission ready? How long before you made the sale? LOL. Yeah, I know I asked you several questions at once, but hey, you’re a writer, you can handle that. J
Angeline: The first draft took two months but it wasn’t ready for submission until a month later. I queried agents and publishers for about a year before it was picked up.
Dyanne. A career in writing definitely isn’t for the faint of heart. LOL. It takes a lot of work and a lot of balancing to keep everyone happy and still manage to create. What is the strangest thing that has happened to you since you began writing?
Angeline: I’ve learned to plot my books the way writers plot out screenplays. I see the whole story in my mind’s eye and take the time to outline it. Then the characters take on a life of their own and shoot my best laid plan all to hell.
Dyanne: What is the one lesson you’ve learned in this business that you’re grateful for?
Angeline: Every writer needs to become a part of a writer’s organization that believes in education and support. The Romance Writers of America (RWA) has been a resource I just couldn’t live without.
Dyanne: I second that. What is the one secret that you have that you hope is never made public?
Angeline: Now you know if I told you that, it would become public. I know how popular you are, Dyanne. Don’t try to make me think a secret expressed in this forum would stay between me and you.
Dyanne: You know I had to try. I was thinking you were going to say you’d have to kill me if you told me. That I could have worked into an evil contract. Now how about having a little fun. I have the power to grant you one wish. What is your wish?
Angeline: Well, if you could grant me one wish it would be able to entertain romance readers with the Sheridan series. It’s been so fun to write Book One I would like the opportunity to reveal the Sheridan siblings to them.
Dyanne: Ahh, that’s such a sweet wish. Consider it granted. Tell me Angeline, what’s on your plate for the future?
Angeline: Continuing to work at the university, completing the Sheridan series for Soul Mate Publishing, raising my daughters, do a little traveling, enjoy my life, and the people in it.
Dyanne: Promo is the one thing I don’t do often enough. What promotional things are you doing?
Angeline: I have a GREAT Kindle Fire contest to promote North Star so I hope a true fan wins it. I’m also blogging, facebooking and tweeting like every other author. The fans can reach me if they want to discuss the characters.
Dyanne: I hope a true fan wins your contest also. It’s taken me years to decide to buy a Kindle. This year my husband will be giving me one for Christmas. I’ve already pre-ordered it. J So giving away the Kindle Fire should definitely be won by a fan. I know you’ve already started on your next book, so can you tell us a little about that one?
Angeline: My next book, South Beach, is Laila’s story. I’ll be sending her on a much-needed vacation in sunny Florida, where she’ll cause a media whirlwind with her old college friends, Dr. Sofìa Vega-Barea and Ms. Marina Carter. Fans will get to hear from Malcolm, Graham and Gray again.
Dyanne: I haven’t read North Star yet, but I’m sure when I’m done I’ll be just as anxious to read South Beach. Who are your biggest supporters?
Angeline: My family, friends and colleagues. I guess it takes a village to grow an author. I’m hoping my fans will soon lead the wave of support so I can get feedback on the minor characters in North Star they want me to write about in the future.
Dyanne: Did you enter any writing contest?
Angeline: College writing contests when I was younger and Romance Writers of America (RWA) sponsored contests because the feedback is priceless.
Dyanne: Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
Angeline: Yes, don’t waste days, months, and years talking about the story you want to write. Just make it happen. Don’t talk the talk, walk the walk.
Dyanne: That’s great advice. I can’t wait to meet you in Arkansas next year for Romance Slam Jam. Angeline, where can readers find you?
Angeline: Email: amb.novels@yahoo.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/ambishop1
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/AMB-Novels/348407484637
Website: http://www.angelinembishop.com
Dyanne: Angeline, thank you so much and let me know how your contest goes. Congratulations on your book and here’s wishing you continued success.
This Month With The Slam Jam
