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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FAYE THOMPSON - Of cheesecake and teardrops. by Wayne Jordan ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ |
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How long have you been writing? My love affair with books and writing began at an early age, and as a child I believed I could do anything. When I was ten years old, I spent an entire summer attached to my mother’s old manual typewriter each morning in an attempt to write my first novel. I enjoyed reading but grew tired of rarely seeing my own people reflected in the books that I read. It was the early seventies and though Black was beautiful, most publishers didn’t agree. Unfortunately, the book never materialized, and at summer’s end I packed away the typewriter but not my dreams. A tremendous love of writing that remains with me to this day was born. What convinced you to get started on your first book? Were there any major challenges that almost prevented you from going ahead with it? Life happens and childhood dreams get placed on the back burner. One day I woke up and realized that it was time to reclaim my dream of becoming an author. I also realized that if I didn’t step out on faith and just do it, it would never get done. After taking a couple of creative writing courses the idea for In Her Mother’s Shadow was born. Back in the early 1990’s, I didn’t own a computer and didn’t know much about self-publishing. I received hundreds of rejection letters from mainstream publishers, editors, and agents. It took ten long years to find a publisher, but I refused to give up. That was the biggest challenge. I signed a two-book deal with Urban Books. Did you ever imagine that you would become a published author? What do you enjoy most about being published? I always believed that if I stayed focused and kept the faith, that one day I’d become an author. I am truly blessed. My mother has always been proud of me, but the pride in her eyes when we’re at book signings or in her voice when she speaks of me living my dream is priceless. When my readers relate to my characters, tell me they didn’t want the story to end so they’re going to read it again, or tell me they were up until the wee hours of the morning because they couldn’t put the book down, that’s the icing on the cake. Who are some of your favorite authors and books? Favorite books:
When I need reminding of how men think, I pick up Carl Weber. What do you do when you are not writing? When I’m not actually writing, I still allow myself to be receptive to its inspiration. I also enjoy travel, music, and a good workout at the gym. * * * All about CHEESECAKE AND TEARDROPS: Tell us a bit about CHEESCAKE AND TEARDROPS. What inspired you to write it? Cheesecake and Teardrops is my sizzling new summer release, and writing it was pure joy! It’s about three best girlfriends—Charisma, Tangie, and Heather—and their issues with race, relationships, and body image. More than that, however, the story revolves around the sisterhood as they are each reminded that “behind every successful woman is herself!” Originally, I was inspired to write a story of revenge against the system for all the discrimination and racial injustices that people of color have endured. However, when my father passed, God softened my heart and made me more gracious, taking me in a different direction. I’m thankful for that. The novel’s working title was The Privileged Sect, but my publisher asked me to come up with three additional titles. The first two were easy—The Privileged Set and Joy Cometh in the Mourning. I didn’t have a third title in me, but I needed something bittersweet. Off the top of my head I chose Cheesecake and Teardrops, and that’s what they selected. At first I was disappointed because it took all of thirty seconds to think up. I hadn’t given it much thought. Then, I decided that maybe it was the perfect choice. After all, what woman doesn’t like comfort food or hasn’t shed a few tears over someone or something? It was my fervent prayer that readers would give Cheesecake and Teardrops a chance. I did not want them to get bitterly frustrated with the characters and take a negative view of the plot or abandon the story midstream. Where would authors be without their fans? I can’t say enough about mine. I think that readers and writers are just the flip side of the same coin. It’s just a matter of taking the plunge. My fans offer a great deal of encouragement, but they also let me know when they don’t think I’ve done right by my characters or the storyline. I welcome their feedback. Do you have any favorite characters or scenes that you wouldn’t mind sharing or providing a little more insight on? I love Cheesecake and Teardrops’ Charisma Dearborn from her short, glossy locks to her peep toe pumps! Bringing her to life was fun. Tony Banks was special too. He was a man of integrity. He loved enough to take a stand. * * * ALL ABOUT THE FANS What’s next for Faye Thompson? I left my readers hanging with In Her Mother’s Shadow. I am currently working on its sequel. Do you have any reader events coming up (book signing, tours, etc.)? Upcoming Events-
How can your readers stay in touch with you? Readers can visit my website www.fayethompson.com or Facebook.com What advice or encouragement do you have for aspiring authors? Aspiring authors, develop a thick skin! All those rejections are inconsequential once you’ve tasted that yes. Finally, believe in yourself. If you don’t, who will?
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