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Urban Reviews: Can you tell us what your latest book Uncrossing Her Legs is all
about?
Teresa D. Patterson: Uncrossing Her Legs is about the damage that unhealed wounds can
do to a person. The main character Dominique Green is somewhat
damaged and flawed because of what happened in her past. Her actions
are really a cover-up for the pain. At Troutman Mutual Funds and
Investment she'll stop at nothing to get what she wants, even if it
includes stepping on some toes and bruising some egos. She clashes
with the new CEO, Arvind Thompson. He sets out to teach her a
valuable lesson, but ends up getting more than he bargained for.
When the two get stuck in an elevator together, more than their
tempers heat up.
Urban Reviews: Where did you come up with the plot for this novel?
Teresa D. Patterson: Actually Uncrossing Her Legs
was created during National Novel Writing Month (www.Nanowrimo.org)
in 2007. The goal of the event was to
write a 50,000 word novel in 30 days. Uncrossing Her Legs was my
creation. As I began writing, the plot pretty much developed on its
own. My goal was to grab the reader from the beginning, pull them in
and make them want to read more.
Urban Reviews: What goals do you hope to eventually accomplish as an author?
Teresa D. Patterson: My goal is to publish at least two books per year through my own
publishing company, Edit Again Publications.
Urban Reviews: What things did you do to help prepare yourself for the book
business? (read books, take a writing class, learn about publishing
rights, etc)
Teresa D. Patterson: I've taken some creative writing classes. I've also joined book
clubs and writing groups. Recently, I've learned a great deal about
self-publishing. I'm constantly on the Internet doing research.
Knowledge is the key.
Urban Reviews: Can you describe the day you found out your book was being
published?
Teresa D. Patterson: I was somewhat surprised because Project
Queen had recently been
published. I hadn't expected Uncrossing Her Legs to be out so soon
thereafter. When I found out, I was skeptical. I thought: "Are
people going to get tired of seeing my name?" Obviously not, because
both books are doing well and I'm getting requests for future books.
It's good to know that my fans will read them as fast as I put them
out.
Urban Reviews: Has there been any lessons learned about the book industry?
Teresa D. Patterson: Yes. I've learned that the easiest part is writing the book. I've
also learned that you have to do your research regarding contracts.
Don't sign anything unless you're 100% sure of the terms. Once you
sign, you're bound to that contract by law. If you desire to
self-publish, you need to find out everything you can about it.
Lastly, you may never get rich and a best-seller doesn't happen
overnight.
Urban Reviews: Do you have any upcoming projects that you'd like to share
with us?
Teresa D. Patterson: I've recently completed Ex-Boyfriend which was published through
my own company Edit Again Publications. Look for Project
Queen 2, as
well as a Christian fiction novel, In Need Of A Joshua Man and a
teen series, Whatever!, that I'm writing with my 15-year old son.
Urban Reviews: What things are you doing to promote your novel to the world?
Teresa D. Patterson: First and foremost I use word-of-mouth. I just tell everyone I
know. I also utilize sites like Urban Reviews that offer advertising
opportunities. I send out books to be reviewed by book clubs, and
reading groups. I write press releases and send them to the local
newspapers in my area. I get flyers printed up and send them
everywhere I can think of like beauty and barber shops. I also use
MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, etc.
Urban Reviews: Do you have any favorite authors or books that you enjoy
reading?
Teresa D. Patterson: I recently began reading Relentless Aaron. I enjoy his books. I
have too many to pick any favorites. I love to read a variety of
titles by various authors.
Urban Reviews: Is there anything else you would like to share with us about
you or your books?
Teresa D. Patterson: I'm pretty low-key. I've never liked being in the spotlight.
However; look forward to seeing more of me. I'll be at some of the
upcoming book festivals and events this year. One other thing, I
also write erotica under the pseudonym Diane Diamond. Expect to see
more titles under that name as well.
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