Getting To Know Alicia Wiggins

by La-Tessa Montgomery

Have you been writing long? What convinced you to get started on your first book?

I have always loved writing, but I didn’t get serious about it until nearly thirteen years ago. That was when I became inspired by the early stories written by Shirley Hailstock, Deidre Savoy, Donna Hill, and Francis Ray. These writers inspired me to dream big and to also create stories and characters that readers would fall in love with.

Did you ever imagine that you would become a published author? What did you do when you found out that someone wanted to purchase your story?
 

When I first began writing I did it with every intention of becoming a published author. Being more optimistic than informed, I didn’t know how hard it would be at first. There’s so much more to getting a book published than putting pen to paper (or fingers to the keyboard). Query letters, submissions, and having an editor bluntly tell you to take out a passage of your story that you painstakingly crafted were all humble learning experiences that eventually lead to the ultimate goal – becoming a published author.

Once I made it through those processes and found out that my first story was going to be a book that people far and wide could read, I was excited beyond belief. My kids were little at the time, but I remember taking them out for ice cream to celebrate. Eventually, the celebrations became better. I took them on a cruise when my second book was published.

But even more exciting than getting the call or letter that your book is going to be published is seeing and holding the finished product.

What are some of your favorite authors, genres, and/or books?

I absolutely love Tina McElroy Ansa. If you haven’t read The Hand I Fan With find it and read it. You’ll fall in love with this author, too.

Octavia Butler is another favorite. There is nothing nerdy about her science fiction novels. She had the ability to create worlds and characters that are not only fascinating, but are guaranteed to keep you up all night wondering what’s going to happen next. Sadly, she passed away several years ago.

I also love anything written by Francis Ray, J. California Cooper, and Valerie Wilson Wesley.

What do you do in your down time, assuming you have any?

When I’m not writing, involved in promoting my books, or working my day job, I enjoy cooking and traveling with my children (they are getting old enough to pay for things now!). I love being a tourist, taking pictures, eating and shopping at unique places, and seeing the sights. I also spend time volunteering in my community and church.

All about A PLACE LIKE HOME:

What inspired you to write A PLACE LIKE HOME?

I was visiting a small town in southern Ohio. In that town the homes sit on tree-lined streets, people still sit on their porches in the evenings, and the outskirts of town are bordered by old family farms. It’s a beautiful place that I thought would make the perfect setting for someone who had been beaten up by life’s ups and downs and was seeking the comfort of home.

Do you have any favorite characters or scenes that you wouldn’t mind sharing or providing a little more insight on?

Lee Oliver is the hero in HOME and he is one of my favorite characters. Why? He’s smart, funny, handsome, all the usual characteristics, but what makes him special is that on top of everything else, he’s a great dad. He’s raising his daughter by himself and at times dealing with her “pre-teen drama” threatens to drive him nuts. I tried to include enough about their relationship in the book to make him endearing to readers.

Were they any major challenges you faced writing this story?
 

My biggest challenge was to be careful not to make the story too “homespun”. I wanted the characters and setting to be believable, but not too old fashioned.

ALL ABOUT THE FANS

What’s next for you? Do you have any upcoming releases or projects you are working on?
 

I am actually working on two books at once. This is something I’ve never done before. One is a sequel to A PLACE LIKE HOME and tells Marshall Oliver’s story. He’s the hero’s brother in HOME.

I am also working on a mainstream novel that deals with political corruption and the personal and professional fallout that is the end result.

Do you have any reader events coming up?
 

I have a book release party scheduled for May 23, 2009 from 5-8 PM at Urban Spirit in Columbus, Ohio. If you’re in town, stop by for some delicious food, good music, and fun. I’ll also schedule more book signings over the next several months. Check aliciawiggins.com for updates.

How can your readers stay in touch with you?
 

I am so humbled when I receive emails from readers. Readers can reach me at writeme@aliciawiggins.com or they can visit my web site to see what’s going on in my world of writing (aliciawiggins.com). I make a point to respond to every email (as long as I’m not being spammed).

What advice or encouragement do you have for aspiring authors?
 

Think about your favorite book(s). Did the story draw you in? Did you love or hate the characters enough to want to find out what happened to them? Was the writing free from grammatical or spelling errors? Were you entertained or informed (depending on the content)? Now, ask yourself how your readers will answer those same questions.
 

ROMANCE IN COLOR would like to thank Ms. Wiggins for taking time out of her busy schedule to share with us.