 FRAGMENT IN THE SAND |
Annette P. Lee |
Annetta P. Lee has lived in Mississippi and Ohio, but now lives with her husband, Kenneth, in Oklahoma, where she works as a Chiropractic Assistant. Annetta has always had a passion for writing, but it was not until she graduated from from THE INSTITUTE OF CHILDREN'S LITERATURE in 1997, that she finally went after the life-long dream of being a published author. Her first book, A BITTER ROSE, was released in 2000.
1. What made you want to become a writer?
I've always been a writer. As a child, I found comfort in my make believe world. I made up stories, acted them out with puppets made of socks, and believe it or not, even talked to God in the midst of it all. In the beginning, of course, it wasn't anything consciously sought after, but there was a pattern of escaping to express myself with pencil on paper that it became a passion. I believe it was the plan of God for me all along.
2. Tell me a little bit about FRAGMENT IN THE SAND?
Fragment In The Sand is an intense account of a young woman overcoming past fears in the middle of a frighteningly violent storm of circumstances. She learns to trust and follow fragmented directives that she soon realizes has been with her all along.
3. FRAGMENT IN THE SAND is a rather unique and intriguing? Is there some significant in this choice of title?
I wrestled with using this title against "Pieces of a Dream". Fragment in the Sand is how, at one time, all of us feels (just a fragment of a grain of sand--insignificant and rejected.) But if we're strong and quiet, like the sand, we will find the purpose and worth God has placed on each of us.
4. Are you a full-time writer?
I wish I could be. I currently work full-time as a Chiropractic Assistant at a clinic here in Oklahoma City.
5. I know that FRAGMENT IN THE SAND is your sophomore effort. Tell us a bit about your first release and your
journey to publication?
My first novel is titled A BITTER ROSE. It was published by Milligan Books in 2000. A BITTER ROSE is semi-autobiographical--a story of a young girl getting to know and love a mother who gave her up at birth.
As stated earlier, I've always written, but my journey to publication began when I completed a course of study at Institute of Children's Literature. I also met Maxine Thompson, who was very instrumental in helping me fine tune my work and seek publication. She then introduced me to Dr. Rosie Milligan. The two of them encouraged and taught me so much about this business that at one point, I felt it wasn't the thing I wanted to pursue. But the yearning to share my creations is in my bones. I have to write. I have to create the world I want to live in. I have to see the poetic justice of truth unfold on the page.
6. Who are your favorite authors?
It would probably surprise you. I love reading after Iris Johansen, Julie Garwood, Nicolas Sparks and Janette Oake.
7. In the world of the inspirational romance there are very few African-American authors, and more so, there are very few authors of the African-American inspirational romantic suspense. What made you chose to write in this genre?
Wayne, this would be a good place for me to hop up on a soapbox, but I promise I won't do that. This genre is my life. Before I am black, female or American, I am Christian. I want to speak to everyone, regardless of who they are. In real life, especially, I've always loved seeing the semblance of integrity and validity flow through a technique of love. SUSPENSE--Suspense is like God's favorite word to the Believer. Wait. And then it's like opening a present at Christmas.
8. What's next for Annetta P. Lee?
I have two books that I'm tidying up right now: A PATH OF THORNS and THUNDER IN THE SHADE. I'm currently researching for a fifth.
9. Any special message for the aspiring author?
Yes. Write in the genre you like to read in. Write in the passion and for the
pure joy of writing...nothing else. Read...Read...Read, do your homework and be patient.
10. How can readers contact you?
Visit me on my Websites: www.annettaplee.com (or) www.intcon.net/~aplee and travel the links.
ROMANCE IN COLOR would like to thank Ms. Lee and wish her success.