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Urban Reviews: Tell us more about your latest book One In A
Million.
Barbara Keaton: One In A Million is about two strong
individuals who have allowed their fears of falling in love get in
the way; especially the heroine - Deena - but she's got more of a
reason than the object of her attraction does. The whole premise of
the story is letting love in and becoming vulnerable enough to trust
a person with your life literally!
Urban Reviews: Where did you get the idea for this novel?
Barbara Keaton: One In A Million started as a true cop story several years
ago. It's actually the guts for the novella Wishing For
Tomorrow that was featured in the anthology Homeland Heroes and
Heroines, Vol. II. I had almost forgot about it until I found
it on a recovery disk. I looked at, saw where it was going,
made some major changes and thus the idea was born - but I wanted to
draw the heroine as more conflicted while touching on a subject I'm
passionate about: Domestic Violence.
Urban Reviews: What was it about romance writing that drew you to it?
Barbara Keaton: I'm a true romantic at heart! I love the whole boy chases
girl, girl runs from boy, then boy catches girl -- and all the
workings in between! When I first started writing romance, I
didn't know that it would become a passionate love for me and right
now I don't see an end. Just when I'm not sure about the next one,
up pops an idea and I roll with it.
Urban Reviews: What are your ultimate goals as a writer? Have you ever consider
writing outside of Romance?
Barbara Keaton: Funny you should ask about writing outside of Romance - I have
one book, a women's fiction that I submitted to Kensington a year
ago! I haven't heard from them yet, but I haven't given up. As for
my ultimate goal: to continue writing passionately and to
continue to experiment with the sub-genre's of Romance - like I'd
like to try my hand at another romantic comedy or maybe even another
suspense.
Urban Reviews:
Are there any authors who have mentored or inspired you?
Barbara Keaton: Oh my gosh!! Too many too name, but the two authors who
continue to mentor and inspire me are Rochelle Alers and Leslie
Esdaile! Rochelle has listened to me moan, cry and huff-puff
about the business and has given me great, sage advice and I love
her dearly for it. Like when I was writing Blaze - I went to
her, told her the conflict and she talked me through it. As
for Leslie - this sister, like Rochelle, never turns me down when I
come calling. These two sisters are serious writers and are
quite busy, but always make time for me and I love them for it.
Urban Reviews: What is the one thing you wish you had known when you first
started in the business?
Barbara Keaton: I was asked this question not long ago and my answer is still the
same: that it's truly a business - it's the business of making
money! Oh, and I had to come to this the hard way. But
once my head got really clear, it became the saving grace.
Never forgot it - never will.
Urban Reviews: What projects are you working on for the future? When can we
expect them to be released?
Barbara Keaton: I'm finishing up a novella for an anthology
titled Good With His Hands.
Mine is called "Mr. Telephone Man" and its scheduled for an April or
May release published by Parker Publishing. And then its
on to creating a synopsis for a series that is just running all over
my head because I overheard that Harlequin is looking for more
romantic series. Then I have a women's fiction book that I began
writing ten
years ago that I have yet to finish, as well as another romance. Y'all say a prayer
I get them finished and at some publisher!
Urban Reviews: What advice do you have for aspiring authors?
Barbara Keaton: I'm a firm believer in having mentors and networking. I have been
blessed to be among some of the best writers, the Godmothers of
Black Romance if you will. As I stated my friend and mentor is
Rochelle Alers; and then I'm also blessed to be able to reach out to
other authors like Leslie, Francis Ray, Donna Hill, Beverly Jenkins,
Gwen Forester, and my partners in crime: Dyanne Davis and Earl
Sewell - they all root me on! So, when new writers approach me, I
stop and give them as much of my time as I can spare.
Urban Reviews: What do you like to do outside of writing? (hobbies, activities,
etc.)
Barbara Keaton: I'm a voracious reader!! I just finished reading several Rita and
Golden Heart entries for RWA, of which I'm a member. I love to
write, watch the History channel and play Bid Whist. Five No in the
Door anyone? And I volunteer my time for several causes, like
Domestic Violence and Adult Literacy.
Urban Reviews: Is there anything else you would like to share with us about you
or your books?
Barbara Keaton: No, I can't think of a thing. But I would like to take this
opportunity to thank you and Urban Reviews for the exposure! I truly
appreciate it and the readers. God Bless you all.
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