Interview with Nicole S Rouse, November 2009 Featured Author

Join us as we chat with award winning Christian Fiction author, Nicole S Rouse. And don't forget to visit the Sexy Ebony BBW AA Book Club website for a chance to win one of the Nicole S Rouse prize packets. Contest ends December 5, 2009

1) Tell us about yourself? My name is Nicole Rouse and I am the author of two novels, Happily Ever Now and Someone to Love Me. Born and raised in West Philadelphia, I currently reside in Chicago where I am an editor at one of the largest education publishing companies.

2) How long have you been writing? I have been writing stories since elementary school, but more seriously during my junior years in college.

3) What drove you to pick up that pen for the first time? Growing up, I lived with a very loving, protective, and strict grandmother. As a child, I couldn’t stay outside as long as the other children, I couldn’t talk on the phone past a certain hour, and I wasn’t allowed to have a boyfriend until I graduated from high school. Although I understand my grandmother’s rules now, it bothered me at a young age. So instead of rebelling, I picked up a pencil and wrote stories about all the places I wished I could be, and about all the fun I believed the other children were having without me. So, I guess in many ways, my grandmother gave me motivation and a reason to write.

4) How did you get your first publishing deal? When I made the decision to follow my dream, I had no clue about where to begin or how to start. I had written a love story, but wasn’t sure where to go from there. I did some research in the library and discovered how to send query letters. After a few rejections, I felt God pushing me to do something different. I took several writing classes, became a part of a small writer’s group, became an intern for a local newspaper, and taught teachers how to incorporate writing into all subject areas.

While I was busy with all these activities, a co-worker stopped me one day and told me, “It’s never too late to follow your dream.” She had no idea what my dream was, or that I was becoming discouraged and frustrated in my pursuit of becoming published. Once again I felt God’s presence, and after praying for direction, I was led to Chicago.I didn’t know what was ahead, but I moved to Chicago and several doors opened. Again, I took classes, organized and taught workshop for parents, and worked for a small magazine. I also met someone who had self-published her first novel. We became very good friends and eventually I became, in a sense, her assistant. Eventually, we started doing workshops together. And, it was at a book fair with my friend, that I met the executive editor at Urban Christian. As I listened to her talk about shifting from mainstream writing into Christian fiction, my spirit jumped. I was struggling with the same thing at the time. When she was finished speaking, something inside me said, “Go talk to her.”

I didn’t know what I was going to say, but I rambled on about my novel while she patiently listened. When I was done, she said, “Send me your first three chapters.” I cannot tell you how excited I was when I left that building. Less than two months later, I was offered a book deal.

5) Tell us a little about your most recent release Someone To Love Me? What is it about? Why should readers go out and buy this book? Someone to Love Me tells a story about a two people trying to move on with their lives after an affair. Although years have past and they both have moved on with their lives, a secret is exposed that challenges their current marriages and relationship with God. For Jerome Thomas, he must deal not only with the lies he told his wife, but also with the teenage daughter he abandoned. Left to raise her firstborn without Jerome, Taylor Belle struggles through a strained relationship with her daughter. She must also deal with her in-laws, who hold her responsible for the affair.

Someone to Love Me is a realistic story that will take readers on an emotional journey as they follow each character. Filled with intrigue, readers will discover if Jerome and Taylor allow God to mend old wounds and restore the love in their lives, or if they are destined to suffer the consequences of their past sins for years to come. This story will help readers understand that there are consequences for every action. Although Jerome and Taylor’s affair ended years ago, the repercussions of their actions eventually came to light.

6) When will your next book be released? Tell us a little about your next book? Be Careful What You Pray For is tentatively scheduled to release in November 2010.

7) What are you reading now? Til Debt DO Us Part by Michelle Larks

8) Who are your favorite authors? Kimberla Lawson Roby, Pearl Cleage, Terri McMillan

9) You are a very busy woman. Between book signings, interviews, workshops you have a lot going on? What is a typical day like for you? How do you keep it all together? I love my Blackberry! I use it to schedule and remind me of all events, personal and professional. I still work as a full-time editor, so Monday through Friday, I begin my day in the office, managing and editing numerous book-related projects. After work, I begin my “other job.” :) Typically, I split the evening between writing and preparing for workshops and interviews. I work until my eyes grow weary. This year, I had to seek additional help from a virtual assistant. Thanks to Pamela King, I am able to schedule and keep track of possible and upcoming events. She has also helped to draft letters, create a press kit, and send out email blasts to readers. Most of my weekends are filled with book signings and/or workshops. I am able to write during the weekend as well. So that I am not completely disconnected from family and friends, I schedule a few days each month just for fun. :)

10) Tell us about the online and offline personal appearances you have planned over the next couple of months. Where can readers connect with you up close and personal?
November 7, 2009: Book signing & Authors Workshop sponsored by CMB Virtual Assistants (Smitty's Place)
November 22, 2009: featured on AAMBC radio
November 29, 2009: Book signing @ Walden books (Aurora, IL)
December 5, 2009: Book signing @ Walden books (Aurora, IL)
December 13, 2009: book signing @ Walden books (Aurora, IL)

11) How can readers get in contact with you? Do you have a website? I can be reached through my assistant Pamela Swearengen-King: phone: 206-376.0735, email: pamela@cmbvirtualassistants.com. I can also be reached by email: nsrouse@yahoo.com, or through my website: http://www.nicolerouse.com/.

12) What is the one thing you would like all of your readers to know about you? On this journey, I have met a number of people who have invested their time and talents into my dream. As such, I enjoy helping others develop their literary talents and set goals to reach their dream.

***Don't forget to visit the Sexy Ebony BBW AA Book Club website for a chance to win one of the Nicole S Rouse prize packet.***