candid (kan'did) adj. - free from prejudice or bias; fair; just; impartial; very honest or frank in what one says or writes; unposed and informal.
Why did you start Princess Dominique Multimedia?"I've offered my talent to more than just a few companies, but with no stake in the companies other than the modest royalties and the advance that ranged from very skimpy to none at all, I was led to implement a long-overdue idea--Princess Dominique Multimedia."
Tell us a little about the Love Better Camp (formerly Far Above Rubies)The mission of the Love Better Camp (formerly Far Above Rubies) is to assist with boosting self-esteem and help men, women and young adults learn how to get out of their own way, break old habits and uncover issues that hinder spiritual growth and lifelong fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The goal whether single, married, divorced or dating is also to assist them with halting self-sabotaging behavior before it starts, utilizing Biblical principles to help them embrace and love themselves despite contradicting images they are exposed to in various forms of media and finally aid them in choosing and forming better relationships to ultimately live a life where they avoid the counterfeits, love better, and can marry well.
How do you believe The Plural Thing: Spiritually Preparing for Your Soul Mate will change lives?I believe that people will change their thinking when provided with a viable solution. The Plural Thing: Spiritually Preparing for Your Soul Mate is Biblically-based and snatches away the excuses that many people give as to why they can't find a nurturing relationship. When women and men read the book so many have come back and said how it made them look inward and search themselves. Sometimes when we are complaining about a string of failed relationships, the common denominator is "us". We could be the ones with personality disorders, suffering from depression or unappealing behavior and habits that won't allow people to desire to get close to us or simply have our minds enmeshed in wrong thinking. This book will prayerfully deliver the readers, change the way people approach relationships and ultimately how they conduct themselves once they've found someone they're led to be in a relationship. Our prayer is that love proves to be a thriving and nurturing presence in their lives.
How has the reception to The Plural Thing: Spiritually Preparing for Your Soul Mate been so far?There are people who support me no matter what I do, be it poetry, fiction or non-fiction. At times they appeared to be more excited about the project than I did. Then the pre-orders started coming. I started getting calls and emailing telling me to "hurry up" or asking, "what's taking so long?" so, once the book was finally available, word spread pretty quickly and it appears that The Plural Thing: Spiritually Preparing for Your Soul Mate was well received. It is moments like that that truly make me proud to be an author.
How come all of your books aren't featured on your website?Sadly, I've severed contact with several publishers who have published some of my earlier works, so, I no longer promote the books they've released on my website. I have to wholeheartedly buy into the way a company does business to support them and I can no longer do that with all of them.
How would you say that your fiction writing differs from your non-fiction writing and which do you prefer?I'm a writer so I love writing period. There are times when I don't want to hide behind adjectives and it is at those times when I lean toward non-fiction. I'm currently working on several ideas, but The Plural Thing: Spiritually Preparing for Your Soul Mate is the closest one to my heart and my spirit. On days when I want to play around with words, those are the times I pull out my novels in progress. I've just completed my 8th novel. I'm having a fabulous time with its premise. I just don't feel like I have to compete with an over-saturated market when I write non-fiction. That's another refreshing thing about how it differs.
What was your greatest obstacle in life?I'd have to say writing The Plural Thing: Spiritually Preparing for Your Soul Mate. When you start reading you'll see how it has been under constant attack since its inception, and how everything that could have come up against it--did. Even in pulling this edition together there was a delay with the cover that threw off the whole printing schedule and had readers contemplating canceling their pre-orders. Initially the file for the "original" version of the book wasn't readily available to me and I had to scour the Internet for a copy of my own book. I purchased a copy and someone dear to me, who is now my loving husband, took on the task of typing the entire manuscript over page by page for me, however, with all of that I realize, nothing can hinder something that's meant to be and I feel that this book has risen from the ashes on several occasions. I just want it to be a bright light in the lives of those who choose to read it.
Your blog is like a phenomenon. Do you guard your posts or write what you honestly feel?I've been blogging since 2004 and started my brand new blog in September, 2005. In the other blogs I was sort of feeling my way around. My newest blog is more candid sort of like this interview, no holds barred. I think readers have really gotten to know me by following along. My blog is getting thousands of hits per week. It amazed me at first and had me thinking, "who's reading my blog, anybody famous?" I never wonder what people think about my posts though, because I don't pretend. I say what I feel and that is my space to do that with. Now my entries are more geered towards fashion and celebrity new, that's my candy. I had to shy away from all of the person stuff because there were people who were literally stalking my blog, trying to find out where I'd be so they can be there too and some were there just to comment on every word that they disagreed with. When that started happening I thought, "This is 'my' blog isn't it?" People still truly amaze me sometimes.
I know you're a romantic, would you say that you are in love right now?Isn't everybody? I am truly and deeply in love with a man who loves me (flaws and all), loves God and proves it daily and supports me no matter what. There is something so beautiful about supporting another person's dreams. As a couple now, it's "our" dream. I've never been so happy--ever!
What are some of your favorite things?My favorite things changed. I just became more aware of the things I was doing and am trying to take better care of myself. I love jellybeans but honestly haven't had a jellybean in years--like two or three. Domino's cheesy bread is another thing I used to gorge on but trying to stay fit and cheese doesn't go together. Walking barefoot in grass and on the beach are still among my favorite things to do. I also love wedding cake, The Power Puff Girls, Maxwell, Teena Marie, Kem, Floetry, Marc Anthony, Tiffany & Co., the color pink, Mexico, Paris, clean comedy, authentic East Indian food, independent films, caramel frappachinos, natural hair (finally), love poems, black and white photography, kittens and shoes, shoes, shoes!
Is there one word that describes your life?Bohemian--sort of. If you mean my personal fashion style, lately I'd have to say that I'm leaning a little towards "vintage" right now. From vintage tees and jeans to vintage style dresses, I'm old school Jackie O style mixed with a little barefoot hippie--meaning I might do the princess seamed dress, retro heels and even the Kelly bag, but then top it off with a flower in my hair.
What is the riskiest thing you've done to date?Entering the More/Wilhelmina 2008 Model Search.
Your photos are amazing, do you think you'd ever pursue modeling?They say that you should never say never, but I'm really content just having my photos featured in a few magazines here and there. I love food way too much to dwindle down to 110 pounds just to fit into a pair of size 2 jeans and mug for the camera. I'm pretty content teetering around a size 10. Now if they want me to hold up a Pepsi can and smile--yes ma'am--I can definitely take some time out of my schedule to do that.
How do you juggle promoting your many titles and still find time to write?I've always managed multi-tasking pretty well. I feel like I'm slacking if I'm not doing more than one thing at a time. My writing comes in spurts anyway so I'm never plucking away at my computer all day every day. I don't like feeling overwhelmed, or pressured to finish a book--that's when gimpish writing riddled with cliches can come in and taint a fabulous story. I try to do a lot of writing in off-seasons like Winter so I don't spend my Summer locked in the house on the computer when the weather is so beautiful outside. I can write the first draft of two or three novels at a time; I really love the variety of doing that especially since my mood changes--then I can simply find a story to fit how I'm feeling on any given day. Once they're completed I put them away for a month or two to clear my head before I pull them out and beginning the editing process. I always like to have an iron in the fire, or a finished novel, just in case an editor calls or I have a deadline approaching.
Do you listen to music when you write?Oddly enough I only listen to music when I'm writing a love scene or trying to evoke a sensuous episode between two characters. Maxwell, Floetry or Kem is perfect for that. The music makes the moment come alive for me and I can visualize it all in my head, then my job is to just hurry and get it down on paper before I miss it. When I write, unless my characters are in a cafe or nightclub the scenes are often devoid of music as I'd rather fill them with everyday sounds like car horns, barking dogs, ringing telephones and doorbells. That's more realistic to me than stark silence.
How focused do you get when you are in your zone?I could get lost in something I'm writing if it's moving me passionately enough. Maxwell said in an interview about his music and creating it, "What I do is so difficult for most women to deal with sometimes. I immerse myself in my work to such a degree that there's no time." I'd have to agree with him. My husband gets it, but other people sometimes don't fully get all it takes. It's hard to get people to see that this isn't a fluke or a game for me, it's my life and I was born to do this.
What do you think about women comparing themselves to other women?I don't think they should. I've heard 20 year old women who were slim, skinny or just plain fit say, "I have good genes". Well, at 20 and even 30 its still too early to tell. My battle with weight didn't start until my late 30's and then I found that the basic regimen I had done prior, no longer worked. We all have something unique about ourselves and we need to appreciate that--embrace it. 40 or 50 year old women shouldn't be competing with 19 and 20 year olds or comparing themselves to them either. Just love yourself, whatever the age and watch what you eat.
What is your favorite U.S. vacation destination?I absolutely love Mexico and have been there several times to Cancun and Cozumel. It's a colorful, inexpensive and pretty quaint place. I love tropical weather, but I am looking forward to visiting Paris, France, Italy, Japan, Africa, Fiji, Singapore and Greece sometime in the near future. I love culture and locations with delicious cuisine. I enjoy trying new things and learning about the world around me. I also enjoy the warm water on the beach, tranquil sunsets and trade winds blowing through the trees, and sitting out by the pool and chatting long into the night too. I guess I just enjoy the carefree nature of summer.
What is your favorite car?A black convertible BMW 325ci with a customized leather interior. I've spied a baby blue Jaguar XJ model too. I love the front grill. I think they're both fit for a Princess who enjoys sliding on a pair of designer shades and having the wind in her hair.
What won't you give up no matter what your age?Laughter. It keeps me young. Nobody believes how old I am.
Are there any authors who inspire you? What else inspires you?I absolutely love Sandra Cisneros' The House on Mango Street--vignettes are my favorite. I'm a fan of Sanchez, Pablo Neruda and Carlos Fuentes for obvious reasons. When writers write, their words should always paint a picture like that. Music does it for me. Nature inspires me as well; trees, grass and that sort of thing. When I write a book it is an invitation to come inside the world of my characters. I take that very seriously. I urge my readers to approach my books with an open mind and not expect the "traditional" kind of story because I know that oftentimes my characters' world is nothing like their own. It's my job as a writer to transport you with each page and if you read my books and feel like you've been there, then I've done that.
Are there any people who inspire you in general?I love my husband and our love inspires me endlessly. We are from the same era and grew up admiring the same kinds of things. We have so much in common that it can't help but be inspirational. I can't forget my mom. She's inspired me from day one to aspire to want, do and be more. Musicians like Maxwell and Teena Marie who refuse to be boxed in inspire me to an enormous degree too, and so does my son. I have friends too that both inspire me with the things they've overcome personally and encourage me on a daily basis, they've all let God use them immensely and those are the only type of people any of us should be inspired by.
Can you describe your accomplishments and some of the things you hope to accomplish in the future?I've written more than ten novels, several which are in print--I'm excited about that. With the launch of Princess Dominique Multimedia I'm currently eager yet a tad nervous about filming my first documentary this summer. I'm lining up subjects to interview. That's something that I'm looking forward to accomplishing. I'm in the process of getting my non-profit organization Love Better Camp off the ground too and my first non-fiction title The Plural Thing: Spiritually Preparing for Your Soul Mate has been well received. I love it when a plan comes together, but I couldn't begin to tell you what the future holds. Only God knows that.
What lessons have you learned along the way in the business world that you would like to share?Find your niche. Don't follow trends. Market and promote to the hilt.
Paper or plastic?I get asked this in Whole Foods all the time. It baffles me because I've used both so it doesn't really matter to me.
So, you aren't an environmentally sound kind of person?I'm not a "let's save the whales-ozone-landfill" kind of person, no, but I certainly care about what goes on around me. I don't believe you have to be radical in something to show you care.
Why did you initially decide to self publish?Because I'm radical! I'm kidding. I self-published to spare myself from those dreaded rejection letters from the "big" houses telling me what will or will not sell. I figured if I proved them wrong they'd have no choice but to step up to the plate. I did. They have. But I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
Are you pleased with the reaction to your books?I'm pleased that people want to hear what I have to say, definitely.
What kind of following do you have?I'd have to say that its more cultish (although I hate that word) than mainstream because I'm not on the list of top ten authors everybody is raving about, and I like that fine. I've always been an "off the beaten path" kind of person anyway. Many people say they've "stumbled across" my books and that's perfectly all right, as long as they find them and enjoy them, that's music to my ears.
Your books have been difficult to categorize. What category would you put them in or do you feel that they even need a category?Personally I'd have to say that the older books I've written find a balance between fiction and self help. I didn't want to write Jerry Springer novels, drama, and nothing else. I wanted to provide a solution or at the very least, insight into the issues that are going on in the book and in society, which is why my storylines follow such universal themes. Currently with the completion of The Hamptons I've grown fond of the sub-genre romantic suspense, thus aside from various anthologies I'm participating in, all of my future full length novels will probably employ the romantic suspense theme in some form or fashion.
Some authors never get the recognition they deserve, do you consider yourself one of these?Recognition would be good. I've never been in it to get recognition though, otherwise I would have quit a long time ago. When you see interviews on self-published to mainstream authors I'm not on the list or in those interviews, however, I was self-published back in 1998 and sold 13,000 without a publicist or advertising campaign. That was years before some of the ones they're quoting even jotted down the first sentence for their novel. But I have stories to tell so, that's my focus.
I just visited your website ASKPRINCESSDOMINIQUE.com, what inspired that?I think the more mature I became the more I had to evaluate myself and figure out what my purpose was in life, not just what I wanted, but how I could in turn help others. I'd become more vocal and opinionated about a lot of things including relationships and domestic violence and I really just needed a forum to share it. I'd always been the "go-to" person for my friends so giving advice came naturally. My relationships aren't always perfect, and I've been the victim of domestic violence in intimate relationships as well as friendships, but I can see clearly on the outside looking into a situation. I've received letters from the lovelorn for years and decided to just kick it up a notch. The response really has been overwhelming in a good way. There are questions and responses from people across the globe on the message board. For me it's a great way to bring my readers and site visitors together.
Is Princess Dominique an alias?No, Princess Dominique is me--it's my royal side and the side of me that is pretty and feminine yet doesn't take no for an answer. Its the part of me that knows that I'm a jewel based on Proverbs 31. If my Father is a King then that honestly makes me royalty. I believe that Princess Dominique is who I was born to be and I've finally stopped running and embraced that.
What do you think of society as a whole?People routinely die to be beautiful and live to be vain. I mean they are literally dying on operating room tables because they want plastic surgery to look like some woman in a magazine who--minus the air brushing and PhotoShop manipulation--doesn't even look like her true self. I don't think its wrong to want to look your best or enjoy nice things--especially since you can't take them with you, but you also have to make certain that in your wanting and desiring beauty and things that they don't in fact become your god.
Do you mentor other writers or aspiring writers?Very few.
If an author would like to send you their novel can you give them a general opinion on their work?I do consulting now, so, yes, they can contact me for my affordable rates and a list of the various services I offer.
I've read poems from your collection of sensual poetry titled Body Language. As a Christian, what do you say to those who want know why you produced a collection like that?I'm human, you're human and sex is a part of life--people who think it isn't are only fooling themselves. The saddest thing to me is when Christians refuse to talk about sex. That's why there are so many dysfunctional Christian marriages out there and marriage in which people are staying together for the kids. Sex within marriage isn't dirty. Let's be honest, it's not dirty outside of marriage either, it's just not God's ideal way to do it. As for the poetry book, it isn't graphic and I'm not saying where to put it or giving the reader step by step instructions. I understand the question and I think that people do tend to take things too far--I don't think I've done that. I just don't think that we should shut off our senses and then end up in frigid passion-less marriages once we do find someone either. Both parties in a Holy union should feel like the subjects of my poems on a daily basis, so, buy it and put it away and don't read it until you get married.
What inspired you to begin writing one day?Writing novels for me was an all out accident. I started out writing an article and I got so caught up into what I was writing that it grew into a short story and then a novel. I had always written poetry as a teen. I never thought I'd have readers emailing me directly or waiting for my next release though, but I love it. Writing is a deep part of me now and I can't imagine doing anything else at the moment.
If a writer wants a cover blurb for their book, can you do that?Unfortunately I am unable to endorse or provide blurbs for books without the consent of my publisher. All requests must go through them in writing and they make the final decision.
What "can" you do for aspiring writers?Direct them to my BESTSELLING AUTHORS KNOW PROMOTION course/book, Dan Poynter's Self Publishing Manual, the Writers Market (where they can find tons of agents along with the genres they're interested in representing) and the Writers Handbook; its what helped me get where I am, and it will help them as well if they're serious about putting in the hard work and dedication it takes to become a published writer.
Writing is catchy. When you write one story that's wildly received you want to write another. How do you prevent writing from taking over your entire life?In all honesty I have to say that even when I'm doing other things I think about writing. I think about titles and storylines all the time, however, discipline is the key. Even though I'd like to be at my computer cranking out a story, I have to make time for my husband, my cat and the other duties of life that call. It wouldn't make sense to be a successful author and have all that's going on around me falling apart. Balance is a very important thing as a writer. I'm still trying to master that.
It's hard to believe that you are in your 40's, what are some of your beauty secrets?Some of my basic beauty regimens are lemons, facial scrubs and olive oil. I use lemons on my face once a week. The acid in the lemon works like the AHA (alpha hydroxy acids) that were in tons of products a few years ago. The facial scrubs I use twice a week (in the summertime) to just get the dead skin away from the surface and let my pores breathe. When I wash my face I never use anything with harsh detergents or strong smells, and I always put a light dab of olive oil on my face before I go to sleep. It keeps my skin smooth and I wake up with it feeling baby soft.
Speaking of family, how does your family feel about you being a writer?Initially they probably thought it was another whim. I've had my share of those, but they can see by my dedication to writing now that I'll be doing this for awhile, or at least until my love of filmmaking pulls me away from writing books altogether.
In your opinion what is the state of fiction?I'd say that fiction is more popular than it's ever been. More people are reading and it seems that even our churches and elementary schools are forming book clubs for both the young and older. It's easier than ever to get a book in print too. At last check you could do it for $99. If you're speaking of quality, I'm extremely selective about what I read. So, if you were to ask me about the trendiest books out now I would probably be a little vain and say "mine." My life consists of writing and keeping my family happy. That keeps me pretty busy albeit content.
What is your ultimate vision as a writer?As a writer I'd love to be able to write a few books a year or every two years and keep my sanity. That's very important to me. I love to remove myself from all the hustle of the literary world and just write without becoming involved in who's doing what and who's on what list or has gotten what award. I'm a writer, yes, but then I'm so much more than that too. I refuse to allow myself to be defined by a book, a bestseller list or an award.
Speaking of awards, your highly acclaimed second novel LIKE BOOGIE ON TUESDAY won ROMANCEINCOLOR'S 2002 Reviewers Choice Award for Mainstream Fiction. How does that feel?It's shocking--do I eat my words now? There are so many other popular books that people are talking about I'm sure. I never expected to win an award. It's a wonderfully put together website and I love to visit it to see what Wayne has done with the place. However, I truly don't write for the goal of winning an award, if I did I'd probably be crazy and talking to trees by now. But honestly it does feel good to win an award for something that you love doing. If I said it didn't I'd be lying.
What is your advice to writers who receive negative reviews?I've received them, it's really no biggie. Sometimes people are very harsh and go far beyond reviewing a book with their comments. I can only write the story that's trying to be told through me. That's my ultimate goal as a writer. I urge other writers to do the same.
If you could offer one single piece of advice to aspiring writers what would that be?Learn the craft of writing. Don't be swayed by a flash in the pan or dollar signs and promises of multi-book deals if you write in a particular genre. The industry is fickle and ever changing. Simply write the best book you can. Writing good books is work, but if you put in the work and dedication it takes to turn out a well-crafted product, readers will know and you'll have fans for life.
It appears as if you like to play dress up, is there something we should know about that?Well, you should know that I like to have fun and dressing up and wearing high heels is fun for me now. I'm enjoying the make-up and the hair aspect of it and I appreciate my body so much more now than I did when I was twenty. I can truly say that I'm living the glamorous life. It hasn't always been that way, but it is now--so I'm enjoying it to the fullest.
When did your fascination with fashion begin?Way back when I was younger sitting with the Sears and Roebuck catalog checking off the outfits I liked. I loved when my mom ordered our school clothes and they came in a box and we'd sit and go through them. I also remember in 7th grade when I got tired of boring fashion and made a pair of navy velvet pants in shop class. I bought the pattern and the fabric, cut it out, pinned it and sewed it myself. I didn't do the best job, but nobody had a pair like mine! I started noticing my individual fashion sense then and when my high school classmates were wearing creased Lee jeans, Pumas and Christian Dior rain hats, I was preferring Ferragamo. That was eyeopening.
I've heard that you have a fascination with diamonds is that true?Not just diamonds in general, but Tiffany & Company diamonds. I'm not coveting, I just adore the little blue boxes--they're so cute!
If I were to open up your cosmetic bag, what would I find there?You'd probably find false eyelashes in there by MAC! I love The Body Shop product Born Lippy too. Lip gloss is so girlish and I feel that my lips deserve that because I love to kiss. Oh, and a citrus fragrance too. Citrus just does something to me.
Do you suppose you have more female fans or male fans?I wish I had more male readers or fans. Maybe I do and they're just low key about it or don't want to be seen with my brightly colored books in public. Women are the ones who email me mostly and tell me what they think of my work though, so I know they exist.
How does it feel when someone reads one of your books and says it changed their life?"I don't know how to answer that. It's a calling I guess. I write what I felt led to write, so, I don't plan it and its not premeditated to get a particular response out of people. That goes for my fiction too. I believe I just touch on things in novels that people are struggling with and need to hear. Even though there is sensuality in my novels I still believe they minister to people. There's sensuality in real life--people can relate to the authenticity I've been told. The Plural Thing: Spiritually Preparing for Your Soul Mate was long overdue. I think too many people want to love, but they're hurting and its sad that so many spend years fumbling trying to get it, but we who know owe it to them to share the keys. I was given the keys and I've passed them on.
Who is your dream interview?Terry McMillan. I'd like to pick her brain and see what she thinks about the state of African American fiction. I'd love to interview Oprah too, and of course Maxwell (for women everywhere). If Pablo Neruda was alive I'd probably like to vibe with him about poetry as well.
Anything in particular you've enjoyed reading lately?Love: Ten Poems by Pablo Neruda. I highly recommend it for non-poets as well as those who aren't currently in love. It's a marvelous illustration of emotions. Anything by Neruda is a joy. I'm also re-reading Love by Leo Buscaglia for the fourth or fifth time too and simply loved Selah's Bed by Jenoyne Adams and recommend that anyone who can get their hands on it, do so.
If you could be anywhere in the world right now, doing anything at all, what would that be?On the beach, any beach, nude at sunrise getting massaged from head to toe with a fragrant oil while sipping a mimosa or pomegranate wine.
Are you an animal person?Definitely. Preferably cats, only because they don't bark, interrupt your sleep and demand you take them out for a walk in the rain and unGodly times of the day. Cats also know how to curl up in a corner and be alone--they aren't needy and they can walk themselves right to the litter box. You've got to love that about them.
Aside from your make up, what are your essentials for a night out?A CD of my favorite lovelies; Maxwell, Floetry or Kem, preferably--to set the mood. High heels, very high. Lavender or tangerine oil for my hair, Eclipse mints for that kissable freshness and a fruity body lotion and lip gloss too.
What is your ideal romantic moment?Nibbling sugar-dipped strawberries under the full moon on a candle-lit beach with a blanket and someone special to keep away the impending chill.
How do you advise aspiring authors to handle rejection from a publishing house?I say always have a plan B so that your hopes don't dangling on one option. We need alternatives and back-up plans, that keeps us moving forward in our dreams. If one publisher turns you down, seek three more. If that doesn't work, do it yourself. It's simple to self-publish and there is no rocket science involved. Most writers are seeking a publisher to foot the bill, but nobody knows your story better than you do. Foot the bill yourself.
If you could go back and speak to your 25 year old self what would you tell her?Leave those pretty boys alone--and stop trying to save every emotionally unstable man you run across--turn them over to God and let Him deal with them because they're so bruised they'll never see your truth worth anyway.
You started out writing Christian fiction, why did you decide to write a book that didn't quite fit that genre?I guess I have to set the record straight here. My first majorly published book was an inspirational type story, "not" Christian fiction per se. When I was offered the book deal, it was supposed to launch BET's New Spirit Christian fiction imprint, however, they felt that the story was mainstream enough to garner a general audience so, it was released via their Sepia; women's fiction imprint and distributed by Kensington (now Kimani/Harelquin). I've always written stories that appealed to women in general and upscale, rich girls are no different; however with The Hamptons I definitely needed a different approach. My books all teach life lessons and although The Hamptons may not be as inspirational as some would like/hope or expect--it definitely teaches and that's why I write--to honor the gift in me. If I wrote what someone else wanted me to write or expected me to write it would be their book, not mine.
What is your opinion of bestseller lists?I've graced a few. I think that as in anything, some of us need guides. The bestseller lists adequately provide that for some, although I don't know how reliable or truthful they are. There are so many rumors going around about the legitimacy of the lists as a whole, but I advise readers to do like I do; I buy what I like and hardly ever rely on lists especially since they're not a true testament to writing talent.
What is your pet peeve as a writer?I'd have to say my name. I really don't like when people get my name wrong. My name is Linda Dominique Grosvenor (pronounced "Grove-ner") and sometimes on agendas, websites and even in print magazines I see variations of my name. Sometimes I get Linda D. Grosvenor, some people leave off my first name all together and feature me as Dominique Grosvenor and they spell my last name all kinds of ways. Being referred to as Linda Dominique Grosvenor and having people put forth the extra effort to make sure they get it right makes me happy and pleases me to an enormous degree.
What inspires your book titles?God, life and many different things. Like Boogie On Tuesday was inspired by what us New Yorkers call the "Boogie Down Bronx". Titles just come for me. I've got 40 titles swimming around in my head and each one has its own unique premise. Now you can see why I release some books myself. It would take me 40 years if I let publishers limit me to one book per year.
Do you cook? What is your specialty?Of course! My mother did not play when it came to cooking. The first thing I learned how to do was boil rice. She taught all of us because she was determined not to have her girls opening up a box of Hamburger Helper or a package of hot dogs and pretending we were preparing a home-cooked meal. Pre-packaged food isn't cooking--that's heating up. My specialty is curried chicken with coconut milk, macaroni and cheese and bar-b-que chicken. I also make an awesome peach cobbler and my husband says my sweet potato pie is "bangin'".
What is the best/worst part about being a published author?The best part of being a published author is being able to clear your books out of your head. As an author I can say that I'm not truly satisfied with just finishing a story, I want it sent out into the world to make its mark. Until the book is on the shelves, things get backed up in my mind. I'm working on remedying that, but right now I have so many projects waiting to be released that I do get a little anxious at times. The worst part of being a published author I'd have to say, is putting a whole lot of effort into pulling together a great book promotion course and still getting authors who want to me to verbally tell them everything I did to become successful for free INSTEAD of taking my course. I find that many authors think that writing the book alone is the cake, I'm hoping they come to understand that promotion is the icing.
Do you think you'll write books forever?Probably not. While I have many stories the market is changing and I refuse to sell out as a writer just to ink a deal. There's so much more to me than just words on papers. I have a myriad of ways to express myself. I could never see limiting myself to just writing books. Television and film for me have always been a growing fascination and it's looking better and better by the moment.
You are very creative when it comes to promotion. Can you give aspiring authors with a pending release any tips on keeping their name in front of their target audience?Supporting other authors creates a network base for your own books, whether they are in the works or have recently been released. I go to local signings not just for authors that I'm familiar with but even some I've never heard of. We all like support. Networking is a great thing, especially when done with the right motives. I also recommend that they email me about taking my online promotion course. With hundreds of books being released daily a new title can get lost in the shuffle. My saying is that if you don't budget for promotion then you honesty don't want your book to be a success--and sadly that's the case for so many authors.
Why did you decide to begin teaching online promotion seminars?I had been getting so much SPAM. I guess people would hear that I'm an author or copy someone else's email list and I would end up getting huge book cover attachments, entire manuscripts and press releases that jammed up my inbox. Don't get me wrong, my vision is to ultimately help authors out there who are aspiring to have what I have, but the authors were so oblivious to protocol and just sent out emails blindly to anyone with a valid email address. That's definitely not the way to bring positive attention to your books and I knew that. I wanted to help them so I devised the BESTSELLING AUTHORS KNOW PROMOTION course and book. The feedback from authors who have taken the course has been wonderful and their books have gone on to garner tremendous success and some self-published authors who've taken the course have gone on to ink multi-book deals in the process.
If you could become one of your characters from any of your books, which one would you choose and what would you be wearing when you became them?All of my characters are flawed. I don't think I'd want to be any of them, but if I had to be wearing something I'd be wearing a cute Ann Taylor outfit. I was a fashion design major and I love clean lines and neat fitting clothes.
Is it true that you're also a filmmaker?I'm working on broadening my talents in that arena. I don't think it's fair to say that I'm a filmmaker quite yet, but I'm getting there. I am currently filming a documentary titled Blackgurl that I've been trying to get going for several years. I'm also filming a documentary about The State of African American Fiction. We'll see what happens next.
Who are your favorite designers?When it comes to clothing I'd have to say Richard Tyler, Nanette Lepore, Tara Jarmon, Roberto Cavalli, Ann Taylor, BCBG Max Azria, Escada and Michael Kors. As far as shoes, I love Prada, Gucci, Steve Madden and Cole Haan. They make sturdy, pretty shoes that are worth whatever the price. I've only ever seen one pair of Manolo's that I loved, and they were three seasons old and impossible to get. I've recently spied a pair of zebra print Manolos so that makes two pairs I've ever seen that I loved. We'll see if I'm able to bend the budget for a pair. Miss Trish of Capri made a pair of turquoise Cha Cha slides that were featured in Hampton Magazine one summer and I hunted across America for them--they were impossible to get also, I've decided to satisfy my hunger for them and just go ahead and recreate them for my fashion line.
We know you love fashion, but what are you most comfortable in?I'm comfortable in anything I wear, that's the beauty of fashion for me, feeling good in it. Right now however, I am leaning a little more towards feeling best in worn blue jeans, a baby tee and at least three inch heels--oh, and lip gloss.
Are you drawn to any of the other arts?I'm not sure if fashion is an art but it should be. I'm totally into designing myself now. I adore museums and can get lost in them for hours at a time. Music too, as I've shared I am learning to play the guitar and although I can't play a full song yet; I pluck a lot. I recently wrote a song and am working on my memoir. I figure if I ever do actually publish my memoir I'd have the song as an accompaniment. I love musicians and get a kick out of people who play their own instruments. What I like most about museums is analyzing the paintings. I used to paint a lot when I was a kid. It didn't make much sense to me then either.
What is your favorite quote?I have two, "The only abnormality is the incapacity to love." - Anais Nin and "Beauty unaware of itself is the most beautiful." - Anonymous.
What is your favorite scripture?I've hit an occasional pothole here and there, but I aspire to be a Proverbs 31 woman. I devour the book of Proverbs. It's my favorite book as a whole and has a poetic feel about it, but there are Godly life lessons in it that help us live the life we were intended to live.
If you had it to do all over again what would you do differently?I would write 10 books, dump them on my agent's doorstep and flee to a tropical isle, soak up some culture and let whatever is going to happen, happen.
What do you think is the biggest misconception about you?That I'm materialistic. I could take or leave the stuff I talk about though. Also that I'm rich monetarily. It's not really a misconception per se, but some people just focus on how many books I have in print, the number of book deals I've gotten and how much money I must have made releasing some books myself and then selling those for a tidy sum to the major publishers. I've always been business minded, but I'd like to say about the being rich part, nowadays 1 million doesn't begin to make you rich, honey. Think after taxes; it really doesn't. Being spiritually rich is worth more in the long run.
I've heard about all the negativity that goes on in this industry, what are your thoughts about that?It goes on in every industry. My prayers are for everyone who needs a life, to get a life.
When all is said and done what do you want people to say about Linda Dominique Grosvenor?Whatever they want.
When you meet God at the pearly gates what do you expect He'll say to you?Daughter, it was rough, I know and I'm glad you made it spiritually intact, but no you can not bring all those shoes.