Kimberla Lawson Roby

Introduces new book

LOVES AND LIES

  By Lucinda Dunn, Editor-in-chief 

New York Times Best Selling Author, Kimberla Lawson Roby has written nine novels which include, LOVE AND LIES, CHANGING FACES, THE BEST KEPT SECRET,TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING, A TASTE OF REALITY, IT’S A THIN LINE, CASTING THE FIRST STONE, HERE AND NOW, and her debut title, BEHIND CLOSED DOORS.

Mrs. Roby has won numerous awards and accolades for her work. Her novels have frequented numerous best seller lists, including The New York Times and those in Essence Magazine, Emerge Magazine, Upscale Magazine, Barnes and Noble, Amazon.com, and Wal-Mart to name a few. The list is endless. Her books deal with real issues that real people face, ranging from social status, gambling addiction, infidelity, single motherhood, infertility, sibling rivalry, corruption within the church, domestic violence, female illness, damaging secrets, and others.  I have read several of  Mrs. Roby’s books with the wonderful book club that I am affiliated. We have enjoyed all of her books, and I knew that others have too. So, I asked you, the readers, to send me your questions for Mrs. Roby. 

 Let’s take a look……..  

Runway: When did you know that you wanted to be a writer? Was there something in particular that got you interested in writing?

Actually, writing was not a life-long dream of mine.  I’d been told as early as elementary school by teachers and even by professors in college that I should consider a career in writing but I still chose to major in business and then worked in the areas of marketing and finance.  I didn’t write my first novel until 1995, and that was only after I started to feel that I was supposed to be doing something else.  I was looking for something to do that I would enjoy, even if I weren’t being paid for it and I realized writing was it. 

Runway: How difficult was it to get your first book published? How did you go about it?

Very.  I received tons of rejection letters from literary agents and then from editors at publishing houses and at that point, I have to say I was sort of dis-couraged and was debating whether I should maybe move on to something else.  But my mom kept insisting I shouldn’t give up, and my husband suggested I use my business background to self-publish.  So, I started a company called Lenox Press and ended up selling 10,000 the first six months.  Then, based on the rate of sales, I found an agent to represent me and she sold my second novel based on a 9-page synopsis.  

Gloria:   I am well aware that your books are fiction but are they loosely based on people that you know or have known.

I never base my stories on any particular real-life person but I do try to write about real-life issues that anyone can experience.  I’m inspired by what other people say and do, and I’m always playing what I call “the what-if game.”  I can see or hear one thing but my imagination takes every scenario to a totally different place. 

 Lisa:      Who is/are your favorite authors?

Bebe Moore Campbell, Terry McMillan, Victoria Christopher Murray, Barbara Delinsky and so many more. 

Derrick: What author do you think has influenced you the most?

Terry McMillan because it was her writing that opened so many doors for contemporary stories by African-American authors. 

Daphne: Since it appears that you have closed the storyline on Curtis Black, Do you plan on bring Matthew or Alisha into any of your future books? 

Actually, there will be at least one more Curtis Black story.  I just finished it last month and it will be released in January 2008.  The title is SIN NO MORE. 

Daphne: In your books you give reality checks for women that would make them count their blessing or make a change.  Would you ever consider writing for teen girls?  Ages 13 +

Maybe at some point.  I’m not sure when but I am interested in writing for teens.  

Daphne: The story introduced a new character Janine.  What gave you the inspiration for her story?  

 I’ve always been interested in the idea that some women, no matter how intelligent and decent, still end up with men who don’t mean them any good.  I wanted to show what happens when women want to believe that a man will change once he’s living with or marries her. 

Runway: Besides writing, what else do you like to do? 

 I love spending time with my husband, shopping Downtown Chicago (which is about 90 miles from where we live) and eating at great restaurants.  I’m also a Lifetime member and spokesperson for Weight Watchers. So I am extremely passionate about the program, as well as the importance of eating more healthily and exercising.   

Runway: Thank you for your time Mrs. Roby. Continued Success….