LaConnie Taylor-Jones

by La-Tessa Montgomery

I met LaConnie at the Romance Slam Jam conference in Chicago in 2008.  We hit it off immediately, and not just because she’s a native Memphian, like myself, and one of my lovely Sorors (OO-OOP).  LaConnie is a genuinely warm, down to earth person, and her loving personality just jumps out at you.  LaConnie has had a roller coaster of a year, but has graciously accepted my interview request.

1. First off, congratulations on being the 2008 Romance Slam Jam Debut Author of the year for WHEN I’M WITH YOU.  How was that experience for you?

The experience was absolutely surreal! It was no different than sitting at the Academy Awards and listening to the presenter say, “And the winner is…” Not only was I humbled, but honored to have been chosen from such an awesome field of authors.

2. How long have you been writing?  You currently have 3 books published, has the writing process gotten any easier for you?

I threw my hat into the literary ring in the spring of 2003. Two and a half years later, I’d completed my first two published novels, WHEN I'M WITH YOU and WHEN A MAN LOVES A WOMAN.

I thoroughly enjoy the process of writing. It not only affords me the opportunity to bring my characters to life, but to connect with readers and fellow authors. And there’s no doubt that with each book, the process gets a bit easier.  

3. What convinced you to get started on your first book? 

One night, I was in bed reading a romance novel, but I simply couldn’t get into the story. It was well past midnight and I guess I’d whined and moaned enough. My husband rolled over and said, “Baby, if you can write a better book, do it.  Now turn out the lights, please.” 

At first, I thought my husband was crazy. Well, truth be told, I thought he was funky, crazy insane. Although I was a fairly decent technical writer in my profession as a public health educator, fiction writing is a different monster all together. Eventually, I honored my husband’s request to turn out the lights, but not before a zany cast of characters settled in my head, and wrapped around my heart.  They’d later become known in the literary world as the Baptiste Family.

4. How has life changed for you since selling your first book?

For me, life is pretty much the same. I’ve always been able to multi-task, although the older I get, there are a lot fewer balls that manage to stay in the air. One of the benefits of being published is that I’ve had the joy of becoming acquainted with some wonderful people, which otherwise wouldn’t have been possible.  

5. Did you ever imagine that you would become a published author?  What did you do when got “the call”?

Becoming a writer was never something I was particularly interested in or even considered doing. Honestly, I was content being an avid reader.

From the time I learned to read, I always had a book in my hands. In 1979, my college roommate introduced me to the world of romance when she handed me a tattered copy of THE FLAME IN THE FLOWER by the late Kathleen Woodiwiss.  Instead of studying for an organic chemistry mid-term the next day, I spent the entire night reading one of the greatest romance novels of all times. And just in case you’re wondering, about that exam, wonder no more. Yep, I flunked big time. Overnight, I’d transformed into a hopeless, never to recover, romance-a-holic. I didn’t know realize it then how that one night, thirty years ago would ultimately land me on the road to publication.

The day I got ‘the call’, I did a shimmy across my kitchen floor. Uuh…I’m just glad I was alone because a few joints fell of their hinges – LOL!!

6. What are some of your favorite authors and genres?

Of course, romance tops the list as my favorite genre.  I cut my teeth reading African American romance written by authors such as: Beverly Jenkins, Brenda Jackson, Francis Ray, L.A. Banks, and Donna Hill to name a few.

Also, I enjoy sitting down and reading a great mystery every now and then. And you can tempt me with biographies, too.

7. What do you do in your down time, (assuming you have any J)?

Down time…what’s that with four kids?? J No seriously, once a month I pamper myself by setting aside a day for when I get my nails done topped off with a pedicure and massage.  Aaah…that day is coming up soon!

All about IF I WERE YOUR WOMAN:

8. What inspired you to write IF I WERE YOUR WOMAN? 

My fans are 100% responsible for this story coming to life. It features the youngest brother of the Baptiste Clan, Raphael Baptiste. Readers will get the opportunity to revisit some of their favorite characters from my two previous titles, When I’m With You and When A Man Loves A Woman. They’ll also be introduced to a host of new characters. And I believe they’ll come to love them, too.

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

Not to brag or anything, but the heroine in this story is absolutely awesome. God, I love Dr. Laney Olivia Houston! Finally, a woman whirls into the life of player extraordinaire, Raphael Baptiste and straight up drops a bomb on him.  

9. Did you face any major challenges writing this particular story?  If so, what were they?

I wrote this book during an extremely challenging period in my life. My husband, Colin had recently been diagnosed with colon cancer. So while we were at chemo three days a week, I lugged my laptop with me and wrote.  I didn’t realize it then, but the personal experience of dealing with cancer enabled me to become a better writer and tell a story from a much deeper perspective.

Sadly, Colin lost his fight on January 13, 2009.  Despite the tremendous void in my life, I’ll always be eternally grateful and remember the thirty-five years we were blessed to spend together.  

10. You have our condolences here at RIC; we were saddened to her about Colin.

ALL ABOUT THE FANS

11. Do you have any upcoming releases or projects you are working on?

Currently, I’m working on a couple of romantic suspense plots.

12. Do you have any reader events coming up?

Later this year, I’ll be back on the tour circuit, so readers should stay tune!

13. How can your readers stay in touch with you?

I love to hear from my readers! They can reach me via my website at:

http://www.laconnietaylorjones.com/

14. What advice or encouragement do you have for aspiring authors?

The first tip I’d give is to prepare. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways:  reading books from authors published in the genre you’re writing in, taking courses or workshops, entering contests, and if possible, speaking with published authors in your targeted genre. Once you have a workable draft of your manuscript, join a critique group and above all, accept constructive feedback.  All of these things will help in the end so that you’re providing a quality product for agents and editors to review.

A couple of books I’d highly encourage writers to purchase are: Building Better Plots by Robert Kernen and Writing Novels that Sells by Jack Bickham.

15. LaConnie, thanks for much for sitting down with me for this interview.  Is there anything else you care to share with our readers as we wrap up?

With all of my stories, there are three things I’d like readers to take away.  First, I want them to understand the beauty and power of love that exists between the right man and woman, Secondly, I want readers to know and cherish the importance of family. Finally, I hope readers will discover strategies they can apply to whatever real-life situation they’re facing to overcome it.

Until next time – stay well and be blessed!

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