keisha mennefee:
"Vivid Dreamer,Creative Thinker"
by Wayne Jordan
Name: Keisha Mennefee
Date of Birth: September 29 Occupation: Contemporary and Romantic Fiction Author Residence: Philadelphia, PA
A BIT ABOUT YOU:
1. What are some of your favorite authors, genres, and/or books?
I enjoy reading mainstream fiction, chick lit, Christian fiction, and of course, romantic fiction. I have a lot of favorite authors, but I definitely enjoy reading novels by Rochelle Alers, Donna Hill, Brenda Jackson, Patricia Haley, Dana Girard, Victoria Christopher Murray, Francis Ray, and Adrienne Byrd. Donna Hill’s Intimate Betrayal was the first romance novel I ever read and with good reason I’ve been hooked ever since.
2. How long have you been writing? Was it always a dream of yours to become a published author?
I started writing and creating stories from the moment I could put pen to paper. Although some years I did not spend as much time writing, the passion was always there. I got serious a little over a decade ago and started pursuing my dream of becoming a published author. That’s when I started freelance and working as a newspaper reporter and columnist.
3. What challenges did you face in becoming published?
One of the hardest lessons I’ve ever had to learn was learning how to swallow the rejection pill. Another was being ready for opportunity whenever it presented itself without second-guessing and over thinking the moment. Those challenges, in addition to, balancing family and other obligations with developing my writing career are ones I’ve faced, but feel blessed to have endured.
4. What is the first thing you did when you found out that you sold your first manuscript?
I first thanked God and then I cried. I was at work when I got the news and had to walk away to find a place where I could just let the tears of joy fall freely. Once I got myself together, I waited anxiously for my children to come home from school so I could share the news with them.
5. What are some of the things you like to do you do in your down time?
I love to travel, cook, read, and spend time with my family and loved ones. As a self-proclaimed chocoholic, I also love working with my team to create new flavors for my exotic chocolate line Yummy by Keisha. I just love being creative in all areas of my life.
All ABOUT BLUE INTERLUDE:
1. Tell us a bit about BLUE INTERLUDE? What was your inspiration for this, your debut release?
In Blue Interlude, under her father/manager Timothy Russell’s tutelage, there was no end to the heights singer Tara Russell could achieve. First, with her two sisters Mia and Jordan as part of singing group, Pure, and later as a solo artist, the gifted performer delighted audiences with her quiet beauty, charming personality, and impressive vocal range. Though her rise to fame included stays in luxury hotel suites, exotic cars, and all the designer labels she could want, it also came with terrible sacrifice; including, the relationship with her siblings, the loss of her first love, Marcus, and the child Tara gave up for adoption almost a decade ago.
Now on the brink of releasing the “album of her career,” Tara’s life appears golden to the outside world. Only her assistant, Sydney, and her long-time friend and producer extraordinaire, Quinton, notice the pain and loss in Tara’s eyes. When asked by a ratings-hungry talk show host whether she regrets not making time to start a family, Tara, no longer able to mask her anguish, realizes the time has come to finally come to terms with the decisions she has made. Determined to make peace with her past, Tara sets off to heal old wounds and possibly open her heart to love.
While working in the music industry several years ago, I decided to pursue a writing career. It was only natural that my love for the music business found it’s way into my debut novel. The inspiration for Tara came to me while working in the music industry during a time when everyone was trying to figure out what made the "perfect" female singer. All of those discussions sparked my imagination, and POOF Tara was born!
Developing the two main male characters, Marcus and Quinton, took more work. As I wrote the love story between Tara and Marcus, I started to wonder what their life would be like in ten years. That is where Blue Interlude begins. To even my surprise Quinton (who started out as a minor character) stepped up and quickly began to play a larger role.
2. Do you have any favorite characters or scenes that you wouldn’t mind sharing or providing a little more insight on?
I love all the characters and found it hard writing the final scene, because I knew we were parting ways. As an author that has lived with these characters for so long, that was difficult. Of course, I love Tara. Watching her evolve throughout this story inspired me.
I loved working with two very opposite, but beautiful men in their own right. However, Quinton’s intuitiveness and persona was just plain sexy. I’m looking for a Q right now. He raised the bar for me, especially the scene where we find him in the kitchen cooking one morning. Yummy indeed.
3. As a new author, did you face any particular challenges on your road to becoming a published author?
Managing the creative side with the business side of writing is quite a task. To be successful, I believe you can’t just write; you have to connect with the reader beyond the pages in your book. In order for me to do that I have to stop writing and handle business that puts me where I need to be, which can include responding to emails, being on the telephone, or an interview. Although it can be a challenge to balance, I love every minute of it.
My children are my greatest inspiration; therefore, they help me push through the obstacles that could come my way. All I do is not just for me; it’s also for them.
ALL ABOUT THE FANS:
1. Do you have any upcoming releases or projects you are working on that you wish to share?
I am working on a couple of releases for next year and a film manuscript. I love being versatile, as well as exploring other areas of interest through my writing.
2. Do you have any reader events coming up (book signing, tours, etc.) where your fans can come out and meet you?
I will be visiting several cities this summer. My calendar, including events and signings, can be found on www.keishamennefee.com. I look forward to seeing as many people as I possibly can on the road this summer!
3. How can your readers stay in touch with you?
I love to hear from readers! They can connect with me through my web site www.keishamennefee.com.
4. What advice or encouragement do you have for aspiring authors?
Read outside your genre, but pay attention to yours. Never give up. Always write, even if you write about nothing. Most importantly, never forget that your time will come soon.
The staff of Romance in Color would like to thanks Ms. Mennefee for taking the time out to be our guest.
