In 2007, this bestselling author signed with Hollygrove Publishing joining the literary team headed by national bestselling author, Brian W. Smith releasing It’s Morning: Torn Lovers and Their Stories (2008) is her second book, comprised of two novellas and one short story The long-awaited Broken Appointments, and sequel to Black Beauty, will be Ms. Flowers’ third work of fiction. Being released February 2011 In the interim, this eager writer is having great success with her first try at non fiction. I Wouldn’t Mind Having a Husband, I Just Don’t Want to Be Somebody’s Wife: The Single Woman’s Guide to Self-fulfillment is a self help e-book designed for single-never-been-married women who are egregiously seeking a husband.
Elaine Flowers is a divorcee of 20 years with 2 adult children. She is a full time writer and discussion leader It is her desire to create a dense body of work for those who enjoy her writings.
How did you start out your writing career?
Years ago my best friend and I would swap books, as we were both avid readers. One day she said to me, why don’t you write a book. I’m sure you could do a better job than some of the ones we’re spending our money on. I wasn’t presumptuous enough to think I could do just that, but I accepted the challenge. When we were young girls I would write stories, but never actually finishing any of them. So I got started, not immediately, but I was determined to complete something. During the time I was writing Black Beauty things in my life changed. I retired as a hairstylist and sold my salon and that’s when I decided to see about actually turning my manuscript into a published book. And here I am.
What did you learn while writing this book?
Working on Broken Appointments, which is my third work of fiction, has taught me that in just these few years between books that the industry is constantly changing. The way to market and promote books is different than before. So, instead of applying what I’ve learned, I have LEARNED that I have to learn new things.
What did you hope to accomplish with this book?
This novel is written differently than my others. There are five protagonists and it was a difficult juggling act to maintain everyone’s voice and personality. But, I accomplished it.
Which character did you have the most fun writing about?
I love writing about complicated people and in this book, Glory is very complex—almost baffling.
What has surprised you most about becoming a published author?
I independently published my first book in 2004 and I was unprepared for how difficult it would be to put together a book—especially when you care about producing a good product. After each book, I have asked myself, why are you putting yourself through this grief? And then the next thing I know, I’m on to the next project.
What aspect of writing do you love the best, and which do you hate the most?
I love creating the story in its initial stages—when the characters are speaking to me. That’s when it’s most fun. I think part of the reason it is fun at first because it only belongs to me. No one else, editors and the like have been introduced to the people in my world of make believe.
The part I hate is the oh-so-necessary editing of the story. This is when everything is technical and mechanical, and not fun and endearing. It all has to make sense to a potential reader and when you’re writing you just can’t see how the story may not flow until an editor points it out.
What are three things you wish you’d known before you reached where you are now?
I can’t think of anything, but if I had one regret that would be that I didn’t start writing professionally earlier.
Can you give us one do and one don’t for those aspiring to be a writer?
DO lots of reading, especially reading the kinds of things you want to write.
DON’T adopt other people’s ideas of what success looks like. Come up with your own definition.
What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?
I wish non-writers understood how important it is for them to support the author whose works they enjoy in order for that author to continue to give them more.
If you could be a character from any book you've read, who would you be?
Janie Mae in, Their Eyes Were Watching God, just so I could change the ending into a happier one.
When you're not writing, what do you like to do in your spare time?
Read, or spend time with my son and/or daughter when the opportunities arise.
What do you do to interact with your readers?
One of my favorite things to do is to attend book club meetings when I’m invited to join in their discussion of one of my books. I love this!
Our theme for this month is Writing the book, what advice do you have for staying motivated to complete the book?
You must find quiet and alone time in order to get your writing done. I have found that when my life is busy, whether mentally or physically, it is difficult for me to make any real progress on my work.
Oprah always asks, What do you know for sure?
I know a lot of things for sure, but in the spirit of this interview I will say that what I know for sure who I am—and who I am is a writer.
Can you give us a sneak peek of your next book?
Call me superstitious but in order to avoid any unnecessary delays I do my best not to talk about what’s next until it’s a sure thing.
How can readers get in contact with you? www.facebook.com/authorelaineflowers, www.twitter.com/eeflowers, http://www.booksbyelaineflowers.com/, Elaine_flowers@yahoo.com
BROKEN APPOINTMENTS
Meet the Parkers
A woman’s heart holds many secrets and Joyce Parker can attest to that. She raised all of her children alone working at the beauty salon attached to the back of the house her father left her, and taught them everything there is to know about the business. Can her deepest secret be kept? Have the choices she made created the dysfunction in the family?
Wendell, a recovering womanizer, has always been the go-to man in the family. He’s changed his ways, but is it enough to repair the damage with the only woman he’s ever loved—Naomi?
Glory has seen her brother go through women like a stylist goes through hair spray. And if every man operates like Wendell, none of them can be trusted. So, if you can’t beat ’em—join ’em.
Sanita, affectionately called Sweetie, is a magnet for men with issues. Either they’re verbally abusing her or physically abusing her…until Ricardo. Ricardo treats her like a princess—and then his hustler’s withdrawal sets in. Can she help him through his addiction to making fast money?
Overworked, overweight, and overwhelmed, Frannie is ‘happily’ married and raising three children. She has the life that everyone in the family sees as ideal—too bad she doesn’t agree.
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