Interview with Author Connie Briscoe & Giveaway

Connie Briscoe is a New York Times bestselling author. Her first novel, Sisters and Lovers, sold more than 100,000 hardcover copies and about 500,000 copies in paperback. She's had seven novels, one novella, and one nonfiction book published. A Long Way From Home, the story of my ancestors, was nominated for an NAACP Image Award. Her work has appeared on the bestseller lists of the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, Boston Globe, Boston Herald, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly. Her nonfiction title Jewels, a photo-essay book featuring luminaries such as actress Ruby Dee and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, was coauthored with photographer Michael Cunningham. The collection of novellas was coauthored with Lolita Files and Anita Bunkley. Both of these were welcome changes from what she usually writes. Her current novel is titled Money Can't Buy Love available in stores now. She currently lives in Maryland with her family.

=============================================================

Interview

One of my favorite Connie Briscoe books is Big Girls Don't Cry. I can still remember reading it while I was having some mircobraids put in for the first time. It took the stylist a significant time to finish, but I remember thinking I hope she doesn't finish my hair before I finish reading this book. It was that good. What traits do you think a book must have to have that kind of page turner appeal for readers?

I think something has to strike a chord with the reader: a character, the setting, the time period. The reader has to be drawn into the story by the author. And that “something” varies from reader to reader. Fortunately, we have many authors telling many wonderful stories. And thank you for the kind words about Big Girls Don’t Cry.

Your very welcome. How can we as readers help authors gain more recognition, especially with the closing of brick and mortar bookstores?

An author whose books sell well is going to get recognition. So the best thing readers can do is to keep buying the books of authors they enjoy, whether print or electronic. Authors have bills just like everyone else, and selling books is how we earn our living. If you don’t buy, we don’t sell and eventually we stop writing because we have to find another way to earn a living. Borrowing books from friends and the library now and then is fine. Those are great ways to discover new authors. But the next time you see a book by that author that looks interesting, please buy it.

Does fortune come with a heavy price? This is the theme in your latest book, Money Can't Buy Love. How did you come up with this concept?

Fortune can definitely come with a heavy price if you’re not wise about how you manage your fortune. This is true even if you don’t have a fortune and spend your money foolishly. Too many people think money is the ticket to happiness. They think that a new handbag or pair of shoes or car will bring long-lasting happiness. So they buy stuff even when they can’t afford it and then realize that they still aren’t any happier. Why not? Because that’s not what money is really meant for. And that’s what Money Can’t Buy Love is all about.

If you could collaborate with any other author who would it be? And why?

I don’t think collaborating on a novel would work for me. I wouldn’t want to give up that much control of the story. I once collaborated with photographer Michael Cunningham on a photo-essay book called Jewels and I really enjoyed that. But I wrote, he photographed. Perfect.

What projects are you currently working on?

I’m moving into a new house and that’s pretty much taking up all the time I have outside of spreading the word about Money Can’t Buy Love.

I have to do my WWW's. What have you just recently finished reading? What are you currently reading? And what do you plan to read next?

The last book I read was about social networking. I’m currently reading Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones and loving it. I have no idea what I’ll read next.

What's the best advice you've ever received in your literary career?

If you really want something, go after it. But be smart about it. Educate yourself until you know more about it than does the average person.

Thank you so much for taking the time out to do the interview with me. I truly appreciate it and wish you all the best in your literary endeavors. 

You can keep up with Connie Briscoe literary journey on her website: www.conniebriscoe.com and also talk with her on Facebook Chat with Connie Briscoe. And you can also follow Connie Briscoe on Twitter. 

Blessings.

====================================================

Now for the Hill-Briscoe Giveaway...
Talented author, Connie Briscoe, is giving away an autographed copy of her latest novel, Money Can't Buy Love!!! And she will sign it and address it directly to you!

To enter the giveaway of Connie Briscoe's new book, Money Can't Buy Love, you must do two things:


1) Leave a comment below about the interview  
2)Tell us in your opinion can money buy love?

***Don't forget to leave your email address or blog address so I can contact you should you win. You don't have to be a follower, but it would be great if you did so I can do my happy dance  :-)
One winner will be chosen randomly using Random.org. Contest end this Friday, September 23, 2011 at midnight.
Good Luck!


Thanks Ms. Briscoe for the wonderful giveaway!