Promotional Interview with LaConnie Taylor-Jones

Your Name: LaConnie Taylor-Jones

1. Where you are from and where are you now?

I'm a native Memphian and for the last twenty-four years, I've lived in Northern California.

2. How did you get started writing?

The one thing that catapulted me into the writing world was my husband. In the spring of '03, I was in bed reading a novel that was horrible. It was pass midnight and I think my husband was tired of hearing me whine about the book because he said, “Honey, if you can write a better book, do it, but baby, turn out the lights.” I took him up on the challenged and I've never looked back.

3. What do you do when you are not writing?

I'm trying to successfully juggle the responsibilities of wife, mother, and consultant.

4. What would readers like to know about you?

I want readers to know that I take my writing very seriously and will give them nothing less than the very best story I can possibly write.

5. What inspired your first book?

The inspiration for this story came from my experience as a health educator. For the last fifteen years, I've taught health education primarily to African American women in community-based settings. Oftentimes, before I can lecture on the risk factors associated with chronic diseases disproportionally impacting African Americans, I have to deal with the soci-economic deterrents women face. Unfortunately, abusive relationships top the list.

6. How many books have you written?

I've completed two full length novels and I'm just about to wrap up my third.

7. What are the titles of your books and what genres are they?

When I'm With You is the title of my debut novel. My second book, which is scheduled to release April 1st is entitled, When A Man Loves A Woman. We've selected the title for the third book and it's, If I Were Your Woman.

8. How do you decide on that topic or genre?

The romance genre chose me years ago! In fact, I flunked an organic chemistry midterm after staying up all night to read my first romance novel. The topics for my stories come from my experiences as a health educator.

9. How do you manage to keep yourself focused and on track?

I set goals for myself whether personal or professional and use The SMART Goal Setting Technique to keep me on track:

S = Specific
M = Measurable
A = Attainable
R = Realistic
T = Timely

10. Do you write to make money or for the love of writing?

Right now, I definitely do it for the love of writing. However, I'm preparing myself so that I can make a comfortable living from writing.

11. What are some traditional methods of marketing you have used?

My marketing covers a broad spectrum of promotion techniques including: book signings, blog touring, and book club appearances, to name a few. So far, all are working very well.

12. What are some unique methods of marketing you have used?

Virtual touring is a new marketing concept I'm embarking upon and I must admit I'm enjoying it a lot!!

13. Do you sell through a website? If so, what's the address? If not, why not?

No, my book is distributed by Kensington Books so there isn't a need to sell it via my website.

14. Where can people order your books?

Readers can find my book at all of the major bookstores and on-line at Amazon.com, Barnes and Nobles.com, Books-A-Million.com, to name a few.

15. What format are your books - e-book, print, audio etc?

My books are in mass market print.

16. Will you write more books?

Absolutely!!! There are simply too many stories inside of me that need to be told for me NOT to write.

17. What do you have in the works now?

Right now, I have two other Works in Progress that are not connecting stories, so I plan to stay pretty busy in 2008.

18. What does the future hold for you and your books?

I'm truly looking forward to the years ahead!! My greatest desire is to continue to develop dynamic characters and write the stories from my heart.

19. What was the most successful thing you did to promote your books?

Partnering with experienced authors in the romance genre.

20. What was the least successful thing you did to promote your books?

Hmmm, so far, I've done it all and it's been successful!! However, if I try something in the future and it doesn't work, I'll stop back by and share it.

Check out LaConnie's website at http://www.laconnietaylorjones.com/ to see how you can win a $100 gift certificate to Amazon.com!

This interview was done in conjunction with Nikki Leigh. For more information, visit - www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm.