Urban Reviews:  Tell us more about your book From Dusk To Dawn.
Niambi Brown Davis:  From Dusk to Dawn is the story of a man and a woman who couldn’t be more opposite –in age, in religion, in goals for their lives.  Still, they fall deeply in love. Even obstacles (and there are many) are no match for their love until it’s tested by the greatest challenge of their relationship.  In the end, will love or fear conquer all? 
 
Urban Reviews:  Where did the concept behind this novel come from?
Niambi Brown Davis:  The inspiration for the story came from a long-ago trip I took to Trinidad. I met an African-American woman and her tall and very handsome Trini man. In 2008  terms, they had that “Barack and Michelle” kind of love. When I had to come up with an introductory paragraph in a writing class, she popped into my mind. I applied the “what-if” test until I came up with the story of Ayo and Bilal.

Urban Reviews:  When did you know you wanted to be an author, and has Romance always been your genre of choice?
Niambi Brown Davis:  One look at my long-ago SAT scores told me that I’d never have a career with numbers so I’d better head in the direction of words (lol). I’ve always been an avid reader, and I thought my love of the written word would end there. But when I joined RAWSISTAZ and took an online writing class, the writing bug took firm hold of me. 
 
As far as chosen genre, it goes back to the day when one of my cousins brought me a box of Arabesque novels. I couldn’t get enough of the stories of black women and men in love. I loved the happy endings. They were wonderful to read, an escape from the sometimes not-so-good news. I guess it was only natural that I would try my hand at the genre that I enjoyed so much.
 
Urban Reviews:  Can you describe the first day you held a final copy of From Dusk To Dawn in your hands?
Niambi Brown Davis:  Parker, my publisher, wasn’t sure they would have copies of the book in time for Romance Slam Jam. So when I walked into the bookstore and saw From Dusk to Dawn on the table, it was like one of those movie moments when the hero and heroine run in slow motion towards one another.  I couldn’t get to it fast enough! And when I held that book in my hands, I told myself “you did it!”
 
Urban Reviews:  What are your expectations when it comes to your career as an author?
Niambi Brown Davis:  More than expectations, I have aspirations and a firm belief in first things first.  Huge contracts and best-seller lists aren’t the only measure of success (although I’d be delighted with them both) (lol) It may sound like a “made for interview” answer, but my aim is to write the book I love, and make it the best book possible.  That’s the first step; and then to paraphrase, I’ll “keep on writing, and see what the end will be.”
 
Urban Reviews:  What has been your biggest obstacle(s) so far regarding the book business?
Niambi Brown Davis:  Intellectually I understood some of how the publishing industry worked, but when my turn came, it was an entirely different story. There was the long wait, then the hurry up and wait, the final editing process, etc. Believe me, it was a lesson well learned - no remedial classes needed! (lol)
 
Urban Reviews:  What projects are you working on for the future?  When can we expect it to be released?
Niambi Brown Davis:  I have two books in the works, but right now I’m not sure when they’ll be released.  One is a historical over which I am totally obsessed. I’m also working on a contemporary suspense based on a visit to a lawyers’ office. I’ve said it before - I understand how people can lose their minds for a minute – (lol).
 
Urban Reviews:  Who has been your biggest inspiration in the book industry and why?
Niambi Brown Davis:  Authors who persevere; those who keep writing in spite of rejections, or when their genre isn’t “hot.” And I take my hat off to the self-published authors who take complete charge of their book and put out a product that can rival that of any big-name publishing house.
 
Urban Reviews:  Do you think Romance gets the respect it deserves?  Why or why not?
Niambi Brown Davis:  In terms of its being a proven money-maker, yes.  For romance fans, of course. But for those who stereotype it as sweet, predictable fluff, no. This excerpt from my blog post is the reason why I believe that from some readers, romance “gets no respect.”  When I announced that I’d written a book, friends and acquaintances celebrated with me. As soon as I uttered the words “romance novel” some of their hearty congratulations turned to patronizing amusement. “Oh how cute,” as if my book was a third grade essay I’d proudly presented to the world. Was it my imagination, or did they begin to speak slower and louder? To them, romance writing isn’t real writing – not at all. And when I heard the words “highbrow” and “lowbrow” from another aspiring author, I knew I was in the presence of a snob who believed that skill and storyline were mutually exclusive.”
 
Urban Reviews:  Is there anything else you would like to share with us about you or your books?
Niambi Brown Davis:  In planning the promotion for the book, an idea came to me out of the blue. It turned out to be “Ayo’s Beach Bag,” named for the heroine Ayo Montgomery and reminiscent of the days she spent on the beach at Harbour Island in the Bahamas. Ayo is also in the bath and body business, and the Beach Bag contains her Maracas Bay Orange Blossom Balm and Coconut Cloud. The Beach Bag is a hit – so much so that people have placed orders. Stay tuned - it will be up on both sites soon.
www.sandandsilk
www.niambibrowndavis.com
 
For more information, I can be reached at niambi@niambibrowndavis.com.
Now that my traveling days are over for a while, my blog will be up and running again – check me out soon at www.niambibrowndavis.blogspot.com
I enjoyed talking with you about From Dusk to Dawn and my writing experience – thanks so much!