by Jennifer Coates

A glimpse of Niqui Stanhope

Pen Name (What is it and Why or Why do you not use one?) 

Niqui  Stanhope.  Niqui comes from my first name: Monique.  Everyone calls me Neko or Niqui.  Hope is my middle name.  Stan was a prefix I added to lend some balance to the last name.

Occupation: 

I’ve worked for many years as a research and development scientist, but I’m trying to really focus on writing now.

Dream Job:  Writer.

Where do you live: 

I live in California for most of the year.

Where’s Home:

I’m not sure if I’ve found my home yet.  I’ve lived in many places.  I think I’m still looking.

Most romantic song you know: 

I hate to choose just one.  So, here are two of my favorites:  ‘Unforgettable’ by the incomparable Nat King Cole.  And, what I think is an extremely passionate/romantic song: ‘When We Dance,’ by Sting.

This month RIC presents Niqui Stanhope, a veteran author from the West Coast.  Read on to find out how this dynamic author, who has maintained her earthiness, became a multi-published leader in the industry.

The Real Nitty Gritty…

When did the writing bug bite you?

I guess I’ve always written.  I started my first book at the tender age of eight.  Unfortunately, the book was lost when I immigrated to the U.S.  Boy, would I like to see what my writing was like then.  I think I started writing seriously though, in my final year of college.

Why romance novels?

Contrary to popular opinion, romance novels are not literary fluff.  We who love and respect the genre know that romance novels come in many flavors, and are as worthwhile as books in any other genre.  Love after all, is a fundamental and extremely important aspect of human existence.  In fact, if we are fortunate enough to have a healthy, loving relationship in our lives, the many burdens which the world can often throw at us, don’t seem nearly as significant.  In short, love is important, so romance novels are important. 

Please list your novels, and the years that they were published:

• NIGHT TO REMEMBER – January 1998

• MADE FOR EACH OTHER – May 1999

• WEDDING BELLS – June 1999

• DISTANT MEMORIES – December 1999

• SWEET TEMPTATION – November 2001

• HOPELESSLY DEVOTED – July 2002

• “UNTITLED” HOLIDAY ANTHOLOGY – October 2002

What were your initial expectations for your writing career after you sold your first novel?

One of my objectives has always been to continue to improve my skill and ability as a writer.  I’ve always felt that this is fundamental to everything else.

What is your greatest source of inspiration?

I love the ocean.  There’s something cosmic and spiritual about it.  I feel very close to the divine when I’m by the sea, and this love I know, is often reflected in my writing.

How do you contrive your story ideas?

This is a hard one.   Sometimes the story ideas come in pieces…like a jigsaw puzzle.  When this happens, I have to spend time putting the pieces together.  Other times, a person, place, or thing might suddenly cause an entire story idea to materialize.

Of all of your stories, what has been your favorite to write?  Why?

The Champagne series: Made For Each Other, Wedding Bells, Sweet Temptation, has been very popular with readers.  I of course like this series very much, but if I absolutely had to choose a book, it would probably be my next book: Hopelessly Devoted.  This one is a sweet and tender kind of story filled with lots of humor and passion.  The heroine is strong, independent, and the hero is totally in love with her…and she doesn’t know it.  I’ve always enjoyed reading books of this type, so it’s great to actually write one where the characters have to do essentially (with a few minor exceptions), what I want them to do.

How do you make each of your stories distinct from the next?

I try to create strong, unique characters from book to book.  This allows me to build interesting and different plots around them.

Tell me about your latest novel.

My latest novel is called: SWEET TEMPTATION.  It is book 3 in the Champagne family trilogy.  In this one, we see Nicholas Champagne again.  Nick is a devil-may-care ladies man who has vowed to remain a bachelor.  But Amanda Drake and Nick’s brother Gavin intend to see that he breaks this vow!  SWEET TEMPTATION is set on the island of Jamaica…right by the sea.  I think readers will laugh a bit as Amanda tries to “tame” Nick, and I think they will also come away from the story feeling just a little bit Jamaican….

What inspired this story?

SWEET TEMPTATION is book three in the Champagne family trilogy.  So, it was a natural spin off of the first Champagne book: Made For Each Other.

What, if any, parts of your own character or life are reflected in your hero/heroine and their struggles?

I guess the humor which runs through most of the books is probably all me.  I love to laugh, and I tend to see the humor in very ordinary situations.

What would you like your readers to take away from your story?

There are many themes running through my books.  But, the most persistent theme, I think, is hope.  I want readers to really believe that no matter what might have happened to them in their lives, there is that perfect someone out there for them.  I want readers to come away from my stories feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and hopeful.

How can readers contact you?

I always respond to each piece of mail I get, and I love hearing from readers!  I can be reached via email at: Niquij@aol.com.  Or for snail mail at: PO box 6105, Burbank, CA 91510.

The Staff of RIC wish Ms. Stanhope continued success!