Savannah, you’ve had a lot of highs in the last few months. You were up for an Emma at the 2008 Romance Slam jam conference for Best new author, you had a birthday and you met and gained a mentor, Beverley Jenkins, a most amazing author.
Dyanne: Savannah, tell us a little about each of the things I mentioned above and what each meant to you.
Savannah: We’ll start with the birthday—I turned twenty-five in May and found out Lisa G. Riley and I share a birthday, which is absolutely cool! I say the most exciting thing about turning twenty-five was the fact I can now rent a car without paying the underage fee! I’m still excited about that, actually! The first quarter of my life is done and I’m just getting my sea legs into this “adulthood” business. I’m stretching myself and my own borders, and it’s as thrilling as it is terrifying! Lol
The Emma Awards . . . that nomination was the last thing I expected. I mean, yes, I put my name up for some of those categories, but I honestly thought I would be the only one to even put my name in the hat! But to know enough people had read my book to even nominate it was so surprising and humbling. It didn’t matter I didn’t win. That cliché—it was an honor to be nominated—that wasn’t one for me. That was the honest truth, especially because, to my knowledge, mine was the only book on the entire Emma Nominations list that was self-published, so it was doubly an honor.
In the spirit of full disclosure, I didn’t start reading Miss Beverly’s books until this year during New Year’s. My first book of hers was Wild Sweet Love, and I’d picked it up on a whim in the airport because I wanted something to read. And then after that, I inhaled just about every Beverly Jenkins book I could find. She’s an amazing writer to me, and her characters are so strong and relatable; her heroes are tender with their women, and her heroines are strong, and more importantly, strong enough to be vulnerable. There’s not one book of hers that I’ve read that I haven’t enjoyed. And then, I come to find out I’m sharing a Reader’s Session with her . . . I was a mess! I just wanted to sit there and hear what she had to say, but she encouraged me to talk. I felt very out of place because my panel was with her and Nathasha Brooks-Harris, and they were published and Ms. Brooks-Harris was an editor, and I was a self-published author with no publishing house or agent. So for these women to see me and believe in my talent—even without reading my book—was amazing and very humbling. In fact, so many authors and readers were very encouraging and made me feel very welcomed. One of my best experiences as an author by far. Gaining a mentor such as Miss Beverly is something very priceless and I’m so, so grateful for it.
Dyanne: Savannah, I have to tell you that I love your full answer to the first question. Thank you for sharing. Are you ready for the next one? At twenty-five you’ve come a long way in your writing career. First tell us what other job you have and then tell us of your road to publication.
Savannah: Outside of writing, I am a proofreader and editorial services liaison for a textbook publisher in Boston. I started as a proofreader during the summer between my sophomore year and junior year, and now I do that as well as make sure projects come in and go out in time of the Quality Assurance department, there’s open communication between project managers sand proofreaders, and I train proofreaders on the job. I’m also a content editor at Red Rose Publishing, and I freelance edit for various authors. Additionally, I edit college essays. I’m always working with words, as you can see!
My road to publication was short, as I’m learning. LOL. I thought if you had an excellent story, people would be snapping at the bit to publish you. I mean, I’m a reader, and I want good stories. I was on various writing groups and discussion boards posting up Being Plumville, and everyone loved it. So I thought if they loved it, other people would too. Except, publishing is a business, and I didn’t fully understand that. So I was getting rejections right and left—sometimes months after the date where they said I should expect an answer. Or I’d get a partial request, then a subsequent rejection, but the reason for the rejection wouldn’t make any sense to me, especially when they’re rejecting it for the very reason they asked for the partial in the first place. Then my friend said the theme of the book might make people nervous, especially since you’re an unpublished writer. After that, I got to thinking about self-publishing. The funniest part, though, was as soon as I’d sent the money to pay for my publishing package, I got a manuscript review from a traditional publisher—and they’d rejected me weeks earlier. Now, maybe someone would’ve said, yes! and happily submitted her manuscript for the editorial review. I stuck to my guns and continued to self-publish, and I don’t regret that decision at all. I learned so much about how a book is made, pricing, and I think every author should learn it, even if she is with a traditional publisher.
Dyanne: I think we’re going to have to do a follow up with the tecnicial side of the business. Writers don’t want to hear it and some even think other writers are trying to keep them out of the game. But they need to know the info even if they don’t use it. So keep that in mind because I will be calling on you again. (smile) Savannah, now’s the time for promo. (LOL) Tell us about each of your titles, what made you write it, how much you love the characters and don’t forget to name any awards you’ve received from your work thus far.
Savannah: My debut novel was Being Plumville, it’s about two childhood friends—a white boy Benjamin and a black girl Coralee—who are separated during their youth and are reunited in adulthood; and they must deal with their former friendship, their current estrangement, and their possible romantic future, all amid the rising racial tensions on their small, Southern college campus in 1968. This book has exceeded all of my very modest expectations. The reception for it has been amazing—everyone who approaches me about says they loved it. The group cuts across ages, genders, races, nationalities. I’m humbled by the response it’s received. And, not only had it been nominated for 2008 Romance Slam Jam Emma for Debut Author, it also won three awards in the 2007 SORMAG Readers’ Choice Awards for The Best Multi-Cultural Self Published Book Of The Year, The Best Multi-Cultural Self Published Author Of The Year, and The Best Multi-Cultural New Self Published Author Of The Year. Romance in Color also named me a New Face and a Rising Star; and my high school alma mater included the novel on its Summer Reading Program.
What made me write this was the fact at the same time I was writing my college thesis Reconstructing Jada Channing, and there were a lot of concepts I wanted to discuss, but my thesis wasn’t shaping up to discuss them. I’d also stumbled upon National Novel Writing Month, so I had the brilliant idea to not only write my thesis, but 50,000 words in a month at the same time! Happy to say, I accomplished both goals!
My second release was AJ’s Serendipity. It started out as a free read for my Google Group, and then I decided to release it to the masses. It’s a very sweet story concerning love at first sight and leap of faith. It’s also told exclusively from the male perspective. The wonderful Aliyah Burke let me borrow one of her characters—AJ, a cousin of one of the SEALs of her Megalodon Team Series—and it’s about how he meets his ladylove Samara across a Grecian market, but she is a tourist only in Athens for a week and he is a native of the city. He has to convince her that the feelings they share are real, and to have the courage to follow her heart. Some of those who’ve read the story have described it as a modern-day fairytale; I’m not too upset about that description!
My third release was The Coach’s Counselor, and it is my very first contracted work through Red Rose Publishing. It is a short story featuring two characters from a novel-length manuscript I completed earlier in the year, which I had up as a free read on my Google Group. It’s about a college football assistant coach Bernard who is attracted to his best friend’s boss Eunice, who just so happens to be the counselor for one of his star athletes. The problem is, Bernie doesn’t date women with children, and Eunice isn’t in the market to date at all—she’s done the married with children thing, and she isn’t keen on doing that again. Not only that, she is several years older than he is; but as you know, rarely is it up to them! I decided to delve into their story because they were so strong and present in the main manuscript, and they are my first African-American couple to actually have their own story. I primarily write interracial couples, but I always try to have a strong black couple present as well. Also, the folks on my Google Group responded favorably to them, so I decided they should have their time to shine.
My fourth release is The Beauty Within, and it comes out September 30th. I’ve gone back to self-publishing, but this time I’m much savvier than with the previous two novels in terms of how to format books, cover choices, etc. The Beauty Within was formerly called Gym Story as I hadn’t had a name for it yet. The hero Gunnar is a former fashion model–turned–gym owner, and the heroine Tyler is a full-figured barber who goes into the hero’s gym only to catch the brunt of his bad day; and an apology later, a friendship and the possibility of something more blooms. On the surface, it’s about that saying “Beauty is only skin deep,” but it goes beyond that. This novel delves into love—not just of others, but of oneself; about how no matter how much you love someone, you cannot love that someone for him- or herself. It’s about how sometimes you really need that second chance to make a first impression; that the beauty on the within will always, always, enhance the beauty without.
This story literally woke me up in the middle of the night and plopped, in its basic entirety, into my head. That had never happened to me before; and yet it still took me over a year to finish it! However, there are twists and turns that surprised even me, so I hope the reader will be excited to go on the journey with these characters.
Dyanne: I love hearing other authors tell how their characters take over their lives and pop up anytime anyplace. Savannah, I know that a lot of self published authors have stated they do not want to be published with a traditional publisher. What are your feelings on this?
Savannah: I honestly don’t blame writers who would want to continue self-publishing and not try for a traditional publisher. The responsibility is all on them, but so are all the benefits. They keep most of the royalties, and who better to care for your book than you? You did all the work, but it seems you get a sliver of the rewards, for many, that just doesn’t seem fair. On the other hand, traditional publishers provide access to a wider market, and the industry takes traditionally published authors more seriously. For me, I’m doing both—I’m trying to get into a traditional publisher, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to wait for a yes from one. I said yes to myself, and while I have modest sales, I have readers who believe so much in me and my work, and I am so, so, thankful for them. I think it’s important for authors to utilize all the options available to them. What will be a risky endeavor for a traditional publisher will not be so for a self-publisher. If an author is willing to take the hit, then why shouldn’t she put out a story in which she believes, even if a traditional publisher doesn’t—even if she has a traditional publisher at the time. When I’m blessed to get that book deal, I’m not going to not self-publish if I have a manuscript that doesn’t fit. I shouldn’t cut off my nose to spite my face and all those wonderful adages! lol
Dyanne: There has been a real trend of late toward epubs. A market that was once frowned on has now received a sort of seal of approval from Romance Writers of America. Some of the largest publishers of romance (Harlequin) and other presses are heeding the call for books in “E” format. What do you think about this?
Savannah: I wholeheartedly approve. I read on the computer just as much as I read in print; and also—impulse buying! To have something immediately downloadable to read for, usually, less than what the print book costs—I’m there (as my hard drive can attest!). Also, so many people are electronically connected now, to have something they can read on the train or on the place and take up less space than a suitcase full of books is a very huge plus. It’s still a growing market, which means e-pubs are able to take more risks than not and sometimes are better at targeting their slice of the market. What I don’t appreciate is thinking e-pubs are “second tier” to traditional publishers. There is so much talent among e-pub writers, and if an e-pub is more willing to take a chance on untried writers, then I’m all for it.
Dyanne: Since you have several books out would you give the aspiring writers out there the real truth involved in taking on such a major project. I want you to tell them of the pitfalls, the money and then the joys.
Savannah: The most important thing to realize, for me, is writing takes time, and it also takes a certain amount of thick skin. First, you actually have to see a story from beginning to end, and one can get impatient and frustrated if the writing doesn’t go the way you planned. I say don’t be scared to take a break, but also don’t let that break be an infinite one! Find inspiration someplace new or from someone new. And trust in the characters—forcing them to do something usually doesn’t work in the author’s favor! Secondly, rarely do authors get agents/book deals right out the gate; and if you know people who do, that doesn’t mean you are any less of a good writer. Rejection is the name of the game. Sometimes it can feel very one step forward, two steps back, but it requires an author to stick with it and don’t let the “nos” convince you there will never be a yes.
You also have to promote yourself. If you are shy, like I am, this will force you to stretch your boundaries. And it’s not enough for you to promote your book; you have to promote yourself. You have to believe in yourself before anyone will be interested in your book. It seems readers are just as interested in the authors as they are in the novels, and that was something I didn’t realize until I started doing promotions. You’ll have to make yourself accessible, which is a real flip when you’ve spent the majority of your time in semi (or full) seclusion trying to string together 50K+ words. This, of course, will cost some money—conferences, advertising, sending out books for reviews just to name a few. You have to be prepared to operate at a loss on occasion, and only the really lucky can write full time. Unfortunately, I’m not one of those yet, but that is a goal of mine. Also, it requires not only budgeting your finances, but budgeting your time. It’s not all about writing—it’s about finding time to actually do these promotions; do these interviews; take time to travel. You have to remember it is a business, which means sometimes you have to think markets as well as craft. I think it’s good to have several manuscripts in the tank. This year alone I finished five stories—one of which I started while at Romance Slam Jam—and two of which are over 90K+ words! Being Plumville might have been the first novel I finished and released, but it was not the first novel I started. In fact, I have five completed manuscripts waiting in line and far too many other works in progress to think about!
The joys are meeting people, even if you’re shy. To have someone come up to you and appreciate your hard work is really, really wonderful. Also, to learn from people who have been doing this longer than you is also a fantastic thing. I try to be like a sponge and listen. But what I’m starting to be more comfortable with is that I do have something worthwhile to say. I might be young; I might not be “industry” successful; I might not be well known; but I have something to contribute to the discussion, and people recognize and respond to that. And I didn’t come to that realization on my own—it took readers and even fellow authors to make me realize that I do, and I’m so grateful, because only boosts up your self-confidence and makes you a better salesperson for yourself and your work.
Dyanne: You’ve said something that most people don’t believe, but most writers are shy and very private people who choose very public careers. One day one of us will have to examine that and the reasons behind it.
On marketing, Savannah, what methods do you use to get the word out on your Work?
Savannah: I send an e-mail blast to my family and friends primarily, and then I put out the word on my Web site, my blog, and my Google Group. Then I go to the boards that I frequent often and let them know. I try to do advertising on online book clubs and bookstores, and I ask for reviews. I’ve also done Internet radio, traditional radio, and I’ve had a write-up in the newspaper. I also attend conferences and do book fairs.
Dyanne: Do you belong to any critique groups?
Savannah: I belong to RICH Writers.
Dyanne: Do you find them helpful or as the saying goes, half and half?
Savannah: I do find the group helpful. I’ve met various authors who have different ways of writing, which means I’ve learned what kind of writer I am (not just in terms of genre) and also what kind of reader I am—things that might be critical to me aren’t necessarily critical to the author. Also, I discovered I’m more of an editing crit partner, which means it was important to me to find authors with whom I could work and vice versa. I appreciate it very much, and I encourage writers to find those partners who won’t be “yes” partners, but partner who make you do your best.
Dyanne: Are there any internet groups that offer you support and if so how and what are the names?
Savannah: I stay on Interracial and Multicultural Romance Readers (IMRR) and The Sweetest Taboo (TST). In fact, the founder of TST recruited me to join, and I didn’t make a post for months after I joined! I have a tendency to lurk, get the feel of the board before I make my presence known, but I’m going to start being more assertive. I’ve joined/become active in various other boards including Romance Divas, and I’m a part of various author loops such as Beverly Jenkins, Jeanie Johnson and Jayha Leigh, Aliyah Burke, and Shara Azod, just to name a few. And of course, I can’t forget my own Google Group, The Spinners Yarn. The folks there are so great to me! *hugs them*
Dyanne: At your age I hope you have other things in your life that give you joy besides writing, because we both know that brings joy and pain. I want to hear of the things that bring you only joy.
Savannah: Oh, um, hard question! I’ll admit I’ve been superfocused on the writing thing, but I do enjoy singing. In fact, a few weeks ago I went with a small subset of a choir I used to belong to, Kuumba Singers of Harvard College, and sang at a wedding. I hadn’t sung in any seriousness for about two years, so I was glad to be a part of it.
I also love to travel. One thing I really enjoy about being a writer is going to various conferences and meeting people—even if I am shy! To be surrounded by people who are in the same field as I and who can appreciate it emboldens me, because writing can be a pretty solitary life.
Dyanne: So that means we will be hearing you sing at the next Romance Slam Jam. Good. (smile) Savannah, are there any questions that you’d like to answer that I didn’t ask? Feel free to do so now.
Savannah: I’m still learning, and I don’t think one ever stops learning. It’s taken me almost two years to figure out that I don’t write romance in the traditional sense, or what agents and publishers would call “romance.” Although, I still don’t understand fully what that means in that I ultimately write love stories. I write about the struggles a man and a woman have to get together; but I also delve into the struggles a woman especially goes through in order to accept the love her hero wants to provide—and the man’s journey also. A very nice agent during a pitch said I was writing more along the vein of women’s fiction, and the light bulb went off in my head. Many of the manuscripts I’ve been submitting do not neatly fit Romance genre even though at the heart of most of them, I’m writing about love; but I also think genres, in many ways, hurt more than they help. It makes people dismiss a book because it’s called Mystery or it’s called Romance or it’s called Chick Lit, when ultimately, people just want a good book to read.
The biggest surprise I’ve experienced is that men and boys are enjoying my writing! One of my biggest sales was to a white man sitting next to me on the plane when I was coming back to Boston from having my very first book signing in Columbia, SC. I’d had my copy of Being Plumville in my hand, and he started asking me about it. I let him look at it; he flipped to the middle and read a couple of paragraphs; and then he gave me $50 to purchase it! Also, my younger sister’s male friends tell me how much they loved Being Plumville; and when I went back to my alma mater, the majority of the students in my discussion group were male! They’d actually read the book and enjoyed it, speaking about how the characters related to them and their own experiences and families even though the story is set forty years in the past. One of the students who had read another selection on the Reading List—a white male freshman—said he’d have to get a copy to read!
I’m constantly surprised by the reception I receive. I’m getting nothing but well-wishes, and sometimes other people dream bigger for me than I do! The fact authors who have already made it, and made it very well, have such high expectations for me is humbling and very much appreciated. I took a big gamble self-publishing, and even now it’s not greeted with the same respect as traditional publishing or e-publishing industry-wide. But the reader response I have been getting has definitely made the gamble worth it.
Dyanne: Savannah, it was a real pleasure doing this interview with you. Thank you. Where can your fans reach you?
I thank you for interviewing me! You asked excellent questions that made me really think! Readers can reach me at my Web site: http://www.sjfbooks.com; my blog: http://bana05.blogspot.com; my Google Group: http://groups.google.com/group/thespinnersyarn; and MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/bana05. They can also e-mail me at sfrierson@sjfbooks.com or send me snail mail to 519 Somerville Avenue, #167, Somerville, MA 02143. I love getting mail and connecting with readers, and I hope to do so more in the future!
