This month, AUTHOR OF THE MONTH is ARABESQUE Author, Marcia King-Gamble.

1/  What inspired you to write ILLUSIONS OF LOVE?

Answer - I have always thought of setting as essential to any storyline. It
adds a certain flavor.  I chose to set ILLUSIONS OF LOVE in the Poconos as I
believe it to be one of the best kept secrets in North America, and one of
the prettiest. I own a home there.  What better backdrop for two underdogs
who persevere and succeed, and whom, despite the trimmings of success, still
carry a great deal of baggage like we all do. I wanted to write a story for
all the Skye's and Creed's  out there. A story that touched the heart.

2/ Do you have a full time career?

Yes, I do. I have a very busy full time job. I am an executive at a
well known cruise line. Twelve to fourteen hour days are the norm.

3/ What do you like to do in your spare time?

What spare time? But seriously, I love traveling and make a point of
taking frequent short vacations. I read every opportunity I get, and I live 
at the gym. Step aerobics are my salvation.

4/ What is something my readers would be surprised I do?

I am actually very artsy and love to decorate homes. I have
redecorated mine several times, and always on a shoestring. I frequent garage
sales, thrift shops and auctions. I buy  things as inexpensively as possible
then I race home and turn my finds into these incredible pieces of art.    

5/What should a reader expect from one of your books?

Real people. Exotic settings. Controversial issues. Sensitive heroes.  I love sensitive yet strong men.

6/ Which character did you have the most fun writing about?

Kimberly Morgan, who made her debut in REMEMBRANCE, and plays another prominent role in A REASON TO LOVE (my recently completed BET novel.)  The much married Kim hasn't been a heroine yet, but boy does she have a tendency to try to take over.

7/ Which book would you pick for a movie and whom would you cast?

Probably my latest, ILLUSIONS OF LOVE. I would cast Michael Dorn in the lead He'd make a super Creed. Halle Berry would make an awesome Skye. 

8/ What do you like about African American Romance Novels?

I like reading about people that look like me. It's nice to know that we are finally seen as falling in love. That we can be as romantic as any other culture. Tenderness is not what you see when we're depicted on T.V. Yeah, BET/Arabesque. You made it happen.

9/ How did you get started writing novels?

I was a freelance reader for Harlequin/Silhouette. I read a lot of aspiring authors manuscripts. One day I said, "I can do that."

10/ What process do you using in writing your novels?

I am what you call a seat of the pants writer. I get an idea and run
with it. I let my fingers do the typing. I guess I do everything wrong. I
write the synopsis when I'm halfway through the story and only because my
editor insists on one.

11/ How long does it take you to complete a manuscript?

Because I work full time, ideally six months.  I've just completed one in four months. It was a marathon.

12/ What was becoming a published writer's journey like.

Not as bad as I thought it would be. You hear some horror stories out there but I was one of the lucky ones.. I always got nice rejections then along came BET/Arabesque.

13/  Is being a published writer what you thought it would be like?

In many ways yes. It's a lot of hard work. Sometimes writing under less than ideal circumstances, especially when you have a deadline. I didn't realize you were responsible for so much of your own promotion.

14/ What has been your greatest accomplishment as a writer?

Touching the hearts of fans.  Making the difference in just one person's life. It means the world to me.

15/ How do you feel about critique groups.

I recommend them. I depend on my critique group so much, not just for the feedback but keeping me firmly on the ground.

16/ Do you think an agent is necessary?

If you aspire to write only category, then certainly not. If you aspire to greater things, an agent is essential.

17/ What would you have done differently about your writing career?

Started writing romance at an earlier age. Learned all I could about the business side of writing .

18/ Any advice for aspiring writers?

Never give up. And don't ever change your voice because someone wants you to. Voices sell.

19/ Can You give us a peek at what we can expect from your next romance?

I just put the finishing touches on A REASON TO LOVE, yesterday. It is the sequel to REMBRANCE, my first BET/Arabesque. My heroine is Charlie's, buddy, Niki the half-British- half African American beauty. Niki is a burnt out pediatrician who comes to the Jersey Shore for a little R&R.  She ends up running  Coffee Mates - Kim's dating service. Cary, my hero is to die for. That's the only thing I'll say. You'll have to read it.

20/  Do you like communicating with readers? In what forms? How can readers contact you?

I love hearing from readers, it validates what I am doing and makes it worthwhile. I love getting letters and I respond to each one personally. Enclosing  a stamped self-addressed envelope is helpful. I can be reached at
P.O. Box 25143, Tamarac, FL. 33320 or e mail me at mkinggambl@aol.com. My website address is http://www.marciaking-gamble.webjump.com