FAQs
1. What is the most important part of writing to you?
Character creation. I’ve always had the main characters in my head before I begin writing, but I always make up an in-depth profile on each character. This helps me to develop a “history” and knowing everything from their favorite foods and music to what kind of car they drive. Then I make start an outline of the story as far as I know it at that point. Of course the story always takes on a life of it’s own, but the outline helps me stay on track as far as where I want it to go in general.
2. Do you listen to music when you write?
Always! I can’t work without it. See “Seducing the Muse” in the
3. Are there any authors who inspire you?
Eric Jerome Dickey is one of my favorites. I love his earthy, realistic African-American characters. Pearl Cleage is another for the same reason.
Alicia Valdez-Rodriguez writes vivid Latina characters. Her first book, “The Dirty Girls Social Club” was amazing. I’m getting ready to read it a second time.
James Patterson fascinates me as an author who consistently comes up with gripping stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Also, I’m awed by the fact that as Caucasian writer he has created a series featuring an authentic African-American protagonist – Alex Cross who never fails to be true to life in his actions, relationships with family, friends and lovers.
Nora Roberts is the most prolific author in America, coming in second to J. K. Rowling. She’s written over 200 books in twenty years! I want to be like her when I grow up.
4. What else inspires you?
Hearing real-life stories of people who’ve overcome extraordinary obstacles. I guess that’s why I love “underdog” movies like Rocky, The Longest Yard, Dirty Dancing, and Pitch Black. I always route for the down-trodden guy/girl.
Also I love hearing about the generosity of others. I always cry during Extreme Makeover –Home Edition and Oprah’s Angel Network shows.
5. Are there any people who inspire you in general?
Sen. Barak Obama
Oprah Winfrey
My Pastor, Pastor Creflo A. Dollar, Jr.
Bishop T. D. Jakes
6. Your writing is difficult to categorize. What category
would you put your stories in or do you feel that they
even need a category?
According to industry rules, what I write isn’t considered traditional romance nor does it fit into the inspirational category. I guess it's women’s fiction.
7. How does your family feel about you being a writer?
My husbands says he’s happy to see me doing what I enjoy.
8. Why do you write under a pseudonym?
Chicki is my nickname, and I think it’s a little more memorable than Denise Jones.
9. Are there are must-haves in your writing environment?
A good chair that supports my back and good lighting are necessities.
Having good music playing is as important to me as having air. See “Seducing the Muse” in the Writer’s Corner.
10. What is your ultimate vision as a writer?
To develop a following of readers who love my books, so I can write full-time for the rest of my life.
11. How do you advise aspiring authors to handle rejection from publishers?
See link in main menu “Dealing with Rejection”
12. They say that there is a true piece of the author in everything they write, is this true for you as well?
Yes. I always end up including a personal anecdote as a part of my heroine’s story.
For example, in “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing,” my heroine, Dani Reynolds has fond memories of day trips to the Jersey shore with her family as a child.
In “Reasons,” Jan Davis recalls her experiences and feelings about moving to Atlanta from
New York.
13. When you aren’t writing what is your favorite pastime?
Reading, watching movies, going out to eat, church.
14. What is your pet peeve as a writer?
I have several, two of which are:
a) People who, when they find out I write relationship stories, brush it off as “trash"
or "silly romance.” Other than a relationship with God, I believe the most important
and powerful relationship on this earth is the one between a man and a woman.
b) Christians who scoff at fiction. Some seem to feel if I don’t write about “Christian issues,” then my writing is frivolous. What they don’t realize is that I deal with the issues – infidelity, family conflict, living holy as a single person, etc., from a Christian perspective through my characters.
15. What is your favorite TV show, and if you could guest star on one show and place your book on the coffee table which one would you choose? And why?
Run's House, Cane, Dirty Sexy Money, Grey’s Anatomy. and Brothers and Sisters are my favorite shows. As far as being a guest star, I would choose The Oprah Winfrey Show hands down . . . do I have to explain that one?
16. What inspires your book titles?
Old school songs – my music!
17. Do you have any addictions?
Good – quiet time reading my Bible and prayer every morning before I start my day.
Bad – carbohydrates
18. If you could become one of your characters from any of your stories, which one
would you choose, and what would be wearing when you became them?
Dani Reynolds from “Have You Seen Her?” standing at the base of a waterfall in Bali wearing her wedding gown.
19. What is your favorite quote?
That changes regularly. A few of them are:
"The difference between fiction and reality? Fiction has to make sense." -- Tom Clancy, author
“Age only matters if you’re a cheese.” - Helen Hayes, actress
“You have to live plan A on any level. Make it a lower case "a" if you have to, but live your plan A. Anything else belittles the importance of life." - Vin Diesel
“Don’t get to the top of the ladder only to find it against the wrong building.” - Max Lucado, author
“Somehow you’ll escape all that waiting and staying. You’ll find the bright place where Boom Bands are playing.” - from “Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss
“I had the attitude that if the book I was working on didn’t sell, then I would just write another one. And I wasn’t going to stop until I had one published.” – Harlan Coben, mystery writer
“I am a marvelous housekeeper. Every time I leave a man, I keep his house.” - Zsa Zsa Gabor
“Don’t indulge your ego at the expense of your soul.” – The Message Bible, I Peter 2
What are your favorite songs:
Favorite Love Songs: I Only Have Eyes for You – The
Flamingos
Here and Now – Luther Vandross
Favorite Dance Songs: (in chronological order):
Cool Jerk – The Capitols
Sex Machine – James Brown
Delirious – Prince
Kiss - Prince
Another Part of Me – Michael Jackson
In the Club – 50 Cent (don't laugh!)
Favorite Gospel Songs (in chronological order):
Changed – Tramaine Hawkins
Church Medley – Donnie McClurkin
The Only Way – Yolanda Adams
I Know the Truth – Shirley Caesar
& Tonex
Nobody But the Lord - Alvin Darling Ensemble
What is your favorite scripture?
“Blessed is she who has believed, for there shall be a fulfillment of those things
which were told her from the Lord." - Luke 1.45
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