Thursday, February 10, 2011

Interview with Author Trice Hickman

 

Trice Hickman
Author of: Unexpected Interruptions
Keeping Secrets & Telling Lies
Playing the Hand You're Dealt

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First of all Trice, I would like to thank you for taking the time out for this interview!  I have loved your writing since the moment I opened your book, Playing the Hand You’re Dealt.    I am so glad that you then sent me Unexpected Interruptions and Keeping Secrets and Telling Lies to read and review.  All three books were 5/5 diamond books!

I also have to thank you for your advice on naming my blog.  My blog was previously called The Books I Read.  I told you I love reading books by black authors and wanted some kind of name to reflect that.  You came up with some great blog names, and I am glad I decided on one of your suggestions: Black Diamonds Book Reviews.  That blog name really stood out and it works out well with having diamonds as ratings.


If you have to describe yourself with one word, what would it be?
Answer: First, I have to start by giving you a big thank you, Cheryl! I appreciate you giving me this opportunity to connect with your blog readers! Well, to answer the question, the one word I would use to describe myself is Effervescent!


How do you come up with the stories and characters?
Answer: I think about the what if’s. I come up with a story line and then think, “what if” the character does this or that? For instance, with my first book, Unexpected Interruptions, I thought about the common story line of a love triangle where one woman has to chose between two men—but then I thought, “what if” one man was black and the other was white. My characters are a product of my vivid imagination. As I develop characters, I create a biography for each one so that I know them individually, inside and out. Doing this helps me to effectively tell their story in their voice and not my own.

What type of research goes into your books?
Answer: I do a combination of internet and good old fashion hands-on research for my books. In Unexpected Interruptions, one of my characters is a surgeon, so I shadowed a physician for one day to see what his typical day at the hospital was like (I got permission from him to do this, of course).  I research my character’s profession, the city they live in, the places/establishments they frequent in the book, the organizations and businesses they are associated with, and anything else that makes their lives become real. It’s important to get the little details right so the characters and their stories are authentic. 

Is there a place you go for inspiration to write?
I love to write in my home office late at night. The comfort of this room inspires me because it gives me a sense of peace and calm, like I’m tucked away from the world in a place all my own. It was originally  an attic (it’s quite roomy ) that we converted a few years ago. Two of the walls are exposed brick, giving it a warm, cozy feel, and I painted the other two walls a soft sage green. It’s comfortable and relaxing. I even decorated with large pillows, and made a small sitting area for those times I want to lounge while I’m working.

What is one food item that you can’t live without?
Answer: Oh, now that’s a really good question! I guess I would have to say potatoes. I love potatoes, and I can eat them any way—baked, fried, mashed, roasted, stewed…you get the picture!

What do you like to do when you aren’t writing (hobbies, etc.)
Answer: I absolutely love cooking! During the holidays or when I’m going to throw a large party, I’ve been known to cook from sun up to sun down. I also love working on home improvement projects. I have a power drill and a tool belt…and I know how to use them!

Are you reading anything right  now?
Answer: Kimberla Lawson Roby’s book, Love, Honor, and Betray, which is excellent! Also, I had started reading Cleopatra: A Life, by Stacy Schiff, a few months ago, but only got a chance to read a few chapters when things got really hectic in my life. I’m going to pick it up again and finish it. It’s a very interesting book.

Do you have any other special talents besides writing?
Answer:  I’m not sure if this is considered a special talent, but I’m pretty good at cooking and decorating, which are two of my hobbies. I love doing both because just as with writing, they require a certain level of creativity, concentration, and patience.

What advice would you give to those aspiring writers out there?
Answer: The first and most important thing is to not give up. This is a tough business, but if you continue to push through you will eventually get your book published. I would also advise any aspiring writer to do their research. There is so much to learn and know about the publishing industry. Being informed helps you to make wiser decisions which can save time and money. I offer coaching sessions for aspiring writers that will teach them what they need to know about everything from writing a book to promoting and selling it. Information can be found on the Writer’s page of my web site (www.tricehickman.com).

What is next for you in 2011?
Answer: Thanks for asking! I’m excited about 2011! My originally self-published novel, Unexpected Interruptions, will be re-released by my new publisher, Kensington (Dafina Books), March 29, 2011. I’m writing my fourth novel, working on an exciting new Internet project with a few other authors (more to come on this soon!), and attending book events each month.

Will you be coming to Michigan for any kind of book tour?
Answer: Oh, I sure hope so! I was in Detroit two summers ago, (my first time!), and I would love to visit again. If there’s a book club, book store, or avid reader and blogger (hint, hint!) in Michigan that would like to host an event for me, I’ll be there with diamond studded bells on!

How can your readers contact you?
Answer: I love connecting with readers and hearing their feedback, so by all means, I encourage them to contact me. My direct email is tricehickman@yahoo.com. They can also find out more about me, my books, and my literary journey by visiting my website at www.tricehickman. They can also become friends with me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tricehickman, follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/tricehickman, or connect with me on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/tricehickman

Trice, 
Thank you so much for this interview!  I learned more about you, and I am glad to know you! - Cheryl



Thank you, Cheryl! The pleasure was completely mine. I appreciate and value all that you do to support and promote authors!  - Trice



You can read another interview with Trice Hickman at my friend Yolanda's blog: yolandalgore.blogspot.com

Disclaimer: Thank you to Trice Hickman for this interview. I was not compensated for my review of her books or this interview. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist. They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel.

© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book Reviews, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

8 comments:

  1. Great interview with my buddy Trice. She's a great person; a great talent; and great for the literary industry.

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  2. Cheryl- that was one of the best author interviews I've read. I really liked getting to know her and I think I will be borrowing her first book from you!!!!!

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  3. It sounds like Trice is very creative - I consider writing, decorating and cooking all to be creative outlets.

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  4. Staci suggested I stop by to say "Hi!"

    Great interview. I love it when authors give us a little slice of life besides just the writing stuff.

    BTW, cooking and decorating are special talents because there are so many that can't do either!

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  5. Thanks again for interviewing me, Cheryl! You're a gem!
    Brian~~Thank you for yor kind words and continued support! You rock!
    Staci~~I hope you will enjoy the book!
    Bermudaonion~~Your name seems familiar...did we meet at BEA several years ago?
    Ti~~Thanks! And yes, you're right, and I'm going to proudly claim cooking and decorating as my special talent!

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  6. Wowwwwwwwwwwww! What an AWESOME interview!!! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)

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  7. Enjoyed getting to know this author.

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  8. Brian - Thank you so much for visiting my blog and checking out my interview with Trice. You are both very talented and I feel lucky that I got to interview both of you! After I interviewed you, it gave me the courage to ask her too. I will have to make this a more regular thing on my blog. I love finding out more about my favorite authors. Thank you also for your great advice on my reviews. I found some other reviewers who have a great style and I plan on changing my style to talk less about the story and more about why I liked it. I am always welcome to suggestions!

    Staci - Thank you so much! I really tried to look around at her other interviews and ask different questions plus I looked at interviews other people did on their blogs and tried to come up with interesting questions. I hope you win her book. I know you will like it!

    bermudaonion - yes she is very creative. Make sure you enter the giveaway for her book. I loved it and I am sure you would too!

    Ti - thanks for stoppping by! Yes, cooking and decorating are special talents!

    Trice - I really enjoyed interviewing you, and I am so glad I asked you to do that! I would love to go to your house sometime and sample your cooking!

    Julie - thanks! Make sure you enter the giveaway!

    Sidne - She is a very interesting person! Make sure you enter the giveaway for her book!

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