This month we had the opportunity to speak with North Carolina author Trice Hickman. I had the pleasure of meeting Trice back in 2009 at the Black Book Clubs Rock Awards in MD, and I must say that she’s one my favorite authors!

TR: Please tell the readers who Trice Hickman is.

Trice: Well, first let me say thank you so much for this opportunity to sit down and chat with REVIEW magazine!! Who am I? Even though I live in Washington, DC, I’m a Southern girl through and through! I was born and raised on the eastern coast of North Carolina. I’ve loved reading and writing for as long as I can remember, so it’s no wonder I eventually became a published author. When I’m not reading a book or writing one of my own, I love traveling, cooking, doing home improvement projects and decorating…and of course, my favorite of all pastimes…shopping!

TR: What can you tell our reader’s about how you started writing? How long have you been writing?

Trice: My writing journey has been an interesting one. I suffered from what is commonly known as “writer’s block” for nearly twenty years before I wrote my first novel. Then, one day I sat in front of my computer and just started writing all the things that had been in my head for so many years. I didn’t have a beginning, middle, or end to the story, I just began writing what came to me. Slowly, I was able to construct a story as my characters came to life. I listened closely to them as I told their stories that eventually became a book. I’ve been writing ever since!

TR: Do you write full-time?

Trice: Yes, I’ve been writing full-time since 2007, when I formed my publishing company, Platinum Books, and published Unexpected Interruptions, my debut novel. I’m a full-time writer and publisher…so it’s a true JOB!

TR: When do you write and how long do you sit down at your computer?

Trice: I love writing at night when it’s quiet. My characters reveal things to me in the darkness. I do most of my “publishing business” work during the day. However, my schedule is getting busier and busier, so I write whenever I can now.

TR: OK, so please in 100 words or less tell readers about your latest release “Playing the Hand You’re Dealt”.

Trice:: Emily Snow and Samantha Baldwin are best friends who happen to be complete opposites. Emily’s a “good girl” who plays by the rules and does all the right things. Samantha’s a wild rebel, not necessarily with a cause, who does whatever she wants without a second thought. Yet, despite their glaring differences they share an unwavering bond that ties them closer than any two blood sisters could ever be. But their long-standing friendship is tested when Emily acts upon the one thing her heart has always secretly desired…Samantha’s father!

TR: What was the inspiration behind this book?

Trice: Since I was a little girl, I’ve always asked the questions, “why?” and “what if?” When I was thinking about the storyline for this novel I did the same thing. We’ve all heard about the woman whose best friend slept her boyfriend, fiancé, or husband. But, I thought hmmm…what if the man whom your friend betrayed you with wasn’t your “man” but your father? He’s still a man that you love, but in a very different way, and I think that blood makes the situation more complicated.

TR: How long did it take you to complete this novel?

Trice: Let’s see. I wrote this novel in between promoting and touring with my second book (Keeping Secrets & Telling Lies). The majority of it was written during the wonderfully peaceful snow storm last winter. I’d say all-in-all it took about four months to complete.

TR: How many books have you written?

Trice: I’ve written and published three books, and I’m currently writing books number four and five. I also have storylines written for an additional five novels.

TR: Please give the readers brief synopsis of both books.

Trice: Neither books are titled. Book number four is about a young woman who is a celebrated sex and relationship advice columnist for a big city newspaper, but she’s keeping a big secret that she doesn’t want anyone to find out about…she’s really living a sexless existence…that is, until a mysterious stranger comes along and changes her life forever! The fifth book is an edgy boy meets girl story that I think readers will enjoy.

TR: What sets you apart from other writers?

Trice: I think I’ve developed my own distinct sense of style from the book covers I produce to the stories I write. My book covers are unique because I use a gifted photographer and selected models for my covers (my sister for the first two, my good friend for the current book), to create the look and feel that I want for the book. My stories contain social messages about race and class, and I always incorporate multi-ethnic characters into my storylines.

TR: Describe your writing style?

Trice: My writing style…hmmm. I think my style can be described as contemporary fiction mixed with edgy romance and just a touch of prose thrown in. Also, when I’m writing in third person, I write in the omniscient point of view, which was common in pre-modern literature.

TR: Who’s your favorite author(s)?

Trice: Oh, my goodness. I have far too many to name. And at the risk of leaving out anyone, I’ll just say that I love reading across all genres. If a book is well-written, well-paced, and well-though-out, I’ll read it!

TR: What marketing tips can you provide to new authors?

Trice: The best marketing tip that I can give new authors is to know your brand and develop it. If you define your brand it’s easier to market to your target audience and get them to invest in you and your book. It will also enable you to develop your platform. I’m going to start a self-publishing workshop for writers this fall, and this is one of the topics I’ll cover.

TR: What changes (if any) have you seen over the last 5-7 years for African American authors?

Trice: The most significant change I’ve seen is the influx of how many authors are out there, particularly African American authors. The market is literally flooded! Over 1 million books were published in the U.S. last year, and 750,000 of those were produced by small press and/or self-published authors.

TR: Where do you see yourself as a writer five years from now?

Trice: As a writer, I see myself (God willing) still writing and producing thought-provoking, quality fiction that readers and book clubs can enjoy. I hope to also write a book about how to successfully publish your own book on a shoe-string budget.

TR: Are you on any networking sites? If so how can your readers contact you, and on what sites?

Trice: Yes, I’m on Twitter and Facebook. Readers can follow me at www.twitter.com/tricehickman, and stay in touch with me at www.facebook.com/tricehickman.

TR: Trice, we thank you for your time, and wish you all the best. What would you like to leave the readers with?

Trice:Thank you so very much for having me, it’s been my pleasure! Thank you again for this opportunity to reach out to your readers! I’d also like to express my sincere gratitude and thanks to the many readers who support authors by purchasing our books! And, I’d like to give a special shout out to books clubs! Book clubs are the lifeline of an author’s career. You support, promote, encourage, and patronize our work. I think I can speak for all writers across the board when I say THANK YOU!!

Trice Hickman author of Unexpected Interruptions, Keeping Secrets & Telling Lies, and, Playing the Hand You’re Dealt.

Website – http://www.tricehickman.com