LaConnie Taylor-Jones

Three years ago, I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting veteran reviewer, Pricilla Johnson. Since then, our bond has strengthened and we’re as close as two blood sisters could ever be. So when she agreed to review my latest release, If I Your Woman, I was absolutely thrilled.

Here is what Pricilla, aka ‘Cilla – the book maniac from Baltimore, MD, shared with me about reading romance . . . .

Why did you decide to read romance novels?
I am late bloomer when it comes to reading romance novels. I began reading them after i discovered Beverly Jenkins. I discovered that finally there were a lot of romance novels with characters that looked like me.

What are the elements of a great romance for you as a reader?
Elements of great romance – female and a great hero. He doesn’t have to be gorgeous (even though that helps), but he has to be considerate, loving respectful. A story line that is realistic and not so-o predictable.

What is the hardest part of reading a romance/the easiest for you?
The hardest part is the formula many authors use ( in know it is standard) but it gets to be old and it doesn’t hold an interest long.

What is the most rewarding thing about being a romance reader?
The most rewarding part is the adventures, introduced to many different types of romance authors and readers

Join the celebration and show ‘Cilla some love by listening to her review of IF I WERE YOUR WOMAN.

Dyanne is my Romance Slam Jam partner in crime! I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Dyanne at the 2005 RSJ in Dallas, TX and we’ve been glued to the hip ever since. And you absolutely, positively must stop by her website to check out her latest release, On My Knees.

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Beverly is a woman after my own heart—she’s a romance-a-holic, too! Our paths crossed when we both became members on the LiveLaughLoveandBooks yahoo group. Since then, she’s become one of my most avid fans. Let me take this time to publicly thank Beverly for her love and support. Smooches!

Here’s what Beverly, aka BeachLover, shared with me about reading romance . . . .

Why did you decide to read romance novels?
I enjoy reading about positive love relationships.

What are the elements of a great romance for you as a reader?
Strong hero and heroine while doing well before they meet by getting together they are even better.
A secondary storyline and secondary characters that often preview an upcoming story (yes, I prefer romance series) and a great sense of location.

What is the hardest part of reading a romance/the easiest for you?
I would say the hardest part is if a romance is part of the series waiting for the next book in the series to be published. The easiest part is that it is a great way to relax after a stressful day.

What is the most rewarding thing about being a romance reader?
All of the wonderful friends I have made – readers and authors. I cannot think of a more awesome group of people than romance readers and authors.

Join the celebration right now and show Beverly some love by listening to her review of IF I WERE YOUR WOMAN!

I’ve had the pleasure to work with Monica for the past few years. Not only is she one of my favorite romance writers, she’s also a wonderful friend. This award-winning author of nine books has the ability to pen a sizzling romance and she doesn’t disappoint her fans in her latest paranormal release, Charm Me Baby.

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An air of confidence filled the room the moment Raphael Baptiste swaggered into the parlor area of his Presidential Suite at the Peabody Hotel in downtown Memphis. As we exchanged greetings before an exclusive one-on-one interview, I couldn’t help but recall my initial meeting with him at the start of his career a little over eight years ago.

As a veteran entertainment reporter, I’d finally landed an interview with the man the music industry knows as Ray LaSalle, pianist and founder of the jazz band Les Croisés. Unlike the celebrities I’d interviewed in the past, I was immediately struck by LaSalle’s persona. He’s a master at holding people away and observes cautiously. He’s perfected his uncanny ability to use his charm as a shield to appear outgoing, perhaps spontaneous when in fact, he isn’t.

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I’d be remiss if I didn’t salute the countless literary pioneers who paved the way for me and other African-American authors during the month deemed Black History Month. Although we’ve come a long way, we’ve got a long way to go.

During a recent interview with Shelia English, CEO of COS Production, we talked about the significance of Black History Month and ways African-American authors can be better promoted in the publishing industry. Our discussion was candid, and hopefully, lends to the implementation of strategies, which allow for parity to all authors regardless of ethnicity.

Enjoy!!

Until next time – stay well and be blessed

Tinsel Town is about to learn a few lessons from a Southern belle name Dr. Laney Olivia Houston. She has the courage to win the heart of a certain jazz man who swore no woman ever would in – If I Were Your Woman – due to be released March 4, 2010!

For months, I’ve tried to interview this petite-framed leading lady and finally succeeded. I was stuck by her warmth and honesty the moment she walked into the room. At only five feet, three inches, physician researcher with flawless butter cream skin, red hair and eyes the same shade as polished emeralds captivated my attention for over an hour. During our time together, I learned a lot about this freckled-face heroine that I believe readers would be interest to know.

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A few weeks ago, one of my readers e-mailed me. Her query was simple: how do you create the characters in your stories? That’s a simple question, right? Well for me, it’s a little more complex than simply creating a character. My goal as an author is to create characters readers will love!

Here’s the analogy I go through each and every time I sit down to develop the characters in my stories:

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My response has been and will continue to be the same. Why not?

I love romance! Plain and simple. Based on the 2006 report from Simba Information, revenue from romance fiction was estimated at 1.37 billion dollars. With the exception of religion/inspirational books, romance fiction outsold every market category with a whopping twenty-six percent. So, there are a lot of authors and readers who love my addiction to the genre, too.

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If a Gallup Poll was conducted today and people were asked to define the term romance, an overwhelming percentage would say it’s the collection of love stories, the genre. Although the term has several meanings, there’s one other definition I’d like to put on the table—the spirit of adventure.

Aaah…the spirit of adventure! Are you ignoring the still, soft voice of your inner spirits? You know the one, the voice that begs and challenges you to escape the comfort zone you’re in and strive for higher ground. None of else, and especially authors should ever permit the walls of complacency to close in around them.

Perhaps you’re at a crossroad in life, contemplating a new path. Even though circumstances are aligning in perfect sync in order to go in that new direction, you fail to seize the opportunity. Why?

I don’t believe any industry is as daunting as the world of publishing. Every day, authors are faced with decisions ranging from penning in a different genre to changing agents or publishing houses. Instead of embracing modification, they hide behind the shield of same-old, same-old. Why?

Maybe, just maybe the ability to embrace our romance, the spirit of adventure is because we fear change.

Let’s face it people, change is the most difficult concept for human beings to accept. It’s even more difficult for writers. Whether the reluctance to engage in our romance is due to procrastination, lack of effort, or fear of the unknown, those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities just might pass us by. Then we’re left to ponder the proverbial, ‘what if’.

I’m not a ‘what if’ individual—never have been. Don’t get me wrong. I’ve delved into some romances in my lifetime that have straight up bombed! Rather than dwell on my lack of success, I focused on the lessons learned, the experience gained. There are some things in life only our romance can teach us.

What romance lies dormant inside of you?