1. How does an author get a book series? Do you have to submit a different book proposal?
When I submitted the proposal for Love Worth Fighting For or Love In New Orleans as it was called, I told Chandra that I was working on the other books. I don't think it mattered to her that it was a series--she treated it like a single submission. I think it depends on the publishing house more than anything else, but with BET it didn't seem to matter.
2. When you build your book do you think of a series first or does your editor come back to you with an offer?
Chandra came back to me with an offer for a two-book deal. Unfortunately, she left before working with me on the editorial for the first book. When Demetria came onboard, she knew that I was considering a four-book series. After the two books were complete, she called me about the second two and I sent in the information about them. It was funny because she had written all these little notes on the ms, and at one point, she said how much she liked Rod and Helene from Worth the Wait. and hoped the next story was about them--and of course it is...
Rod and Helene's story will be showcased in the next book and they are one HOT, crazy couple. I had the best time writing about them. So far they are my favorite in the series.
3. Do you plan on writing any more book series?
Yes, I have the first story written about three sisters already. I am hoping to have the trilogy completed by the end of the year. I've been toying for a couple of years with some other ideas too.
4. Do you have a deal to add more books to your current series?
Not at this time, but I do hope that will change soon.
5. Where did you get the idea to write about this topic?
I have always been enamored of government agencies whether it was the CIA, FBI, or NSA. My younger sister works for the FBI so, she has been a great resource. I get my ideas from everything--people, places, events. I knew for LOVE WORTH FIGHTING FOR, that I wanted the story to take place in New Orleans even before I had figured out the characters and subplot. For WORTH THE WAIT, I talked over the Russian Mafia with my sister prior to writing. Also, since her major was Russian and French, she is a great person to bounce ideas off of for plot strategies.
