On the ‘Net With Author Gwyneth Bolton
By APOOO • Mar 9th, 2009 • Category: Author of the Week •
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In 140 words or less, tell us a little about you.
I’m a wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a college professor, and an award-winning author of steamy romance. I’m also a book junkie, a hip-hop head, an extroverted-introvert, a chick-flick lover, a fan of the show HEROES, and a secret ABC Soap lover. I don’t like to cook, even though I’m pretty good at it and I’m addicted to the Food Network…go figure. The academic me would love to be bell hooks when she grows up. The romance writer me would love to be Brenda Jackson.
In 140 words or less, tell us why your book would make a great addition to our personal library.
I’M GONNA MAKE YOU LOVE ME should be in everyone’s library because it won multiple Emma Awards the first year it was released in trade paperback. It won the Emma Award for Book of the Year, Favorite Hero and Favorite Heroine. And don’t you all secretly want to read it to see how an author’s first novel could win all those awards? Don’t you want to see if you agree that it really is award-worthy? I know you do. So go ahead, purchase it for your home library. Plus it has a hot new cover to go with that wonderful award-winning prose!
Regarding 2009…
What are your writing goals?
I want to get back to some of my academic writing in 2009. I want to finish my book on black women’s book clubs and reading groups and secure a contract for it with an academic press. Since I was recently elected to serve in the officer’s rotation for my academic professional organization, I’m feeling the need to go back to my “real” life and leave romance for a little while… We’ll see if I’m still able to do both.
What are your reading goals?
I want to continue to steal time to read because reading gives me so much joy. I can’t tell you what it means to me to just take the time to get lost in a book that someone else has written. I love to read. If given the choice I’d sit and read all day every day.
Name one thing you would like to do differently this year.
I’d like to manage my time better. With so much to do and so little time in the day to get it all done, I’d love to be a little more savvy about how I make use of my time. So, here’s to multi-tasking, moving, shaking, and working it in the ‘09!
Name one person (who you don’t normally see) that you would like to see or be in contact with more often this year.
I’d like to be in contact with my long-time friends from high school and college that I don’t see a much as I used to. When I was younger I would go home to visit and spend all my time hanging out with friends, partying and having fun. As we all got older, married and started having families, the partying ended. And I felt like my visits home needed to be spent with my mom, sisters and nieces. Now, I’d like to be able to set aside some time during visits to at least have dinner with an old friend or two. So, my best friend from high school, Lily, and my best friends from college, Antoinette and Kimmie, would be the people I’d like to reconnect with in 2009.
How did you celebrate President-Elect Barack Obama’s inauguration?
Very much like I celebrated his election… I was so overcome with joy that I laughed and broke out dancing for no reason. I’d be walking through the house or through my office at work and I’d just break into a little two-step just because. I have to say these moments were probably the most exuberant expressions of joy for joy’s sake that I have ever experienced. Some people cried and I can totally see why. It was a moving moment. But I didn’t cry. I laughed and danced and had fits of pure unadulterated joy.
What was the last nice thing you said to someone?
I try to say nice things to people all the time. My motto is: it doesn’t hurt to be nice to folks. So, I have no problem telling another sista she looks fierce or telling another author that her book was awesome. I’m all for spreading positive energy into the universe. I try to make this a daily thing.
What was the last nice thing someone said to you?
I got so much love and positive feedback about the Hightower Honors series that I am still walking on cloud nine because of the positive responses. I just got a note today from a reader who liked the way I wrote about that family of fine, sexy, honorable men. Those kinds of e-mails are always nice!
What’s the nicest thing a reader has ever said to you about your book?
It’s always nice when readers take the time to let you know that they enjoyed your book. So that’s the ultimate to me. When they take the time to e-mail me, it makes my day. It could be as simple a “girl, I loved your latest book” to a blow-by-blow break down of each and everything they liked about the story. For me, just the fact that they took the time to reach out is the nicest thing of all.
What’s your favorite saying/quote?
“I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.” Fannie Lou Hamer
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I’m Gonna Make You Love Me is one of the next books on my reading list. I have a thing for ABC soaps as well; I used to be a Food Network junkie. I haven’t been for a while though.
Great interview.
Jennifer C´s last blog post..Worth More Than a Penny
I think the Food Network is just addictive. My 4 year old is addicted. I have this book on my list to get. Can’t wait to get my hands on that last Hightower book. Those Jersey boys just make my day.
Lashonda´s last blog post..2009 1st Quarter Reading Challenge – Week 7 Update and my project
It’s on my list..
I have all of the Hightower books so far, and they will be joining me for Spring Break! I am going to spend a few days in Las Vegas, and I’ll indulge then! Great interview, Gwyneth, and I’m looking forward to anything else that you produce! I love your work!
Thanks for having me on the blog, Yasmin and APOOO. I appreciate it. APOOO rocks!
Jennifer, I hope you enjoy it. It was my first novel. So it will always be near and dear to my heart.
Lashonda, I’m so glad I’m not the only one addicted to the Food Network. LOL.
Cilla, I hope you like it, sis. I know you’ll let me know!
Jessica, Vegas and the Hightowers… now that seems like fun! LOL. Be sure to let me know what you think of those guys.
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Gwyneth, you’re books have given me hours and hours of reading pleasure. Keep thrilling the masses!
Patricia
Great interview Gwyneth & Yasmin!
Okay, Ms. Gwyneth the next time I see you I’m going to yank a piece of hair or clip a finger nail to get your DNA to make a clone of you! If you have to step away from giving us great stories, please don’t stay away too long. Good luck getting a contract with an academic press. I have no doubt you’ll get one because you’re just that bad! I would love to read your academic writings as well.
I’m Gonna Make You Love Me was an awesome read! Loved it…couldn’t put it down.
Hi Gwyneth! *waving hi from another CNYRW’er* It was great to learn more about you! I need to start reading your books already! Sounds like maybe I should start with the Hightower series… Hope you have a great ‘09!
Carolynn´s last blog post..Would You Write For Free?
Gwyneth, we have this in common: I’m also a book junkie, a hip-hop head, an extroverted-introvert
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again–I just love those Hightower men.
Shelia´s last blog post..How is Your Attitude?
I love that new cover of I’M GONNA MAKE YOU LOVE ME, Gwyneth, and I’m happy to inform you that the book is available in stores up here in the sticks! I hope you’re able to continue your romance writing while pursuing your academic goals. Your absence would make for a king-size vaccuum in the romance world, so manage that time, girl!
You’ve sent great postive words and affirmations into the universe and I’m confident they will come true. You’ve got great role models for your inspiration. But I’m sure you will also chart your own course and blaze a trail in nonfiction and fiction.
Much love
Michelle
Hello Gwyneth:
Enjoyed the interview. I’m looking forward to the next Hightower book. Have you done anything with that aunt yet? Anyway, thanks for sharing your wisdom with us and best wishes with your new venture.
Iris B.
Great interview. I loved the questions and the answers. The true you shine in all your words, Gwen.
Holly´s last blog post..Location,Location,Location–Guest Blogger Amber Leigh Williams
I am looking forward to your ‘other’ writing…you write it, I will read it…
Bless YOU!
angelia
Angelia´s last blog post..Why Not Me?
Gwen,
You (and your books) are awesome! But you forgot to add that you are a friend and a mentor to other writers. : )
I love what you said about being lost in a book and how reading is a joy. I totally agree!
And the Hightowers are beyond cool.
Cactus
Hi from another Food Network fan who doesn’t like to cook!
I rarely save books, but I totally agree that I’m Gonna Make You Love Me is a keeper! Love the new cover.
Thanks, Patricia, Victoria, Carolynn, Shelia, Bettye, Michelle, Iris, Holly, Angelia, Cactus Chris and Phyllis! You ladies rock! Thanks so much for checking out the interview. I’m in San Francisco this week attending a work-related conference. So I haven’t had time to check back as often as I would like. I’m busy as all get out, but it’s nice to be in California…
much love and peace,
Gwyneth
Gwen, great interview. Don’t leave the romance genre for long; your writing would surely be missed. I know you can write more than one thing at a time. Not only are you a good writer but a joy to know. You have made all my Slam Jam experience enjoyable.
Hi Gwyneth -
As you well know I am looking forward to reading Patrick’s story and have so far enjoyed the Hightower men.
I have I’m Gonna Make You Love Me and need to find time to read (maybe when the college basketball season is over)
While personally I would love to be writing romance books, I understand your need to get back to your academic writing.
Thanks Lareeta and Beverly!
I just finished Law of Desire and was it hot. Loved it.
Dera Williams´s last blog post..Literature for Women’s History Month
I’m glad you like it, Dera. Lawrence is my favorite Hightower so far. LOL.