Charisma Knight

Imari, when did you launch your writing career?

Imari:  Back in the late eighties.

CK: Where did you submit your first story?

Imari:  I submitted my first story right about that time and I did fairly well with short-stores and articles but it wasn’t until 2006 when I sold my first novel to Star Dust Press.

CK: How do you fit writing into your busy schedule?

Imari:  Most of my writing takes place while I’m on break or lunch at work or during the wee hours of the morning when everyone else is asleep. I don’t go too far without my trusty steno tablets and pens.

Imari:  The pros are of being a published author is the feeling of accomplishment whenever a book goes to print, the meeting of new fans from all around the country, and the fifteen minutes of fame. The cons are the constant promotion, the rejections and the strange looks I get when I tell people that I am a published author, especially when they learn that most of my writing deals with romance or erotica.

CK: Yes, I’ve received a few strange looks myself when I tell folks I write romance and erotica. Who knows, they probably want to write it too. : )

Please, tell us about your most recent release, Bayou Babe. I’ve had my eye on that for a while but have not had the opportunity to read it. I plan to do so this weekend since I have a few extra days off due to the holiday weekend.

Imari:  I got the idea for Bayou Babe while I was doing some research on another book (yet to be published) dealing with voodoo, vampires and supernatural creatures in New Orleans. Halle’s character just popped into my head. She’s one of those women who is a product of her environment and her surroundings and no matter what she does it always ends badly. Halle was raised by her grandmother, a voodoo priestess from Haiti who taught her everything she knew. Just the word voodoo puts fear in people’s heart and they just let their imagination run wild. Add a small backwoods town, a gorgeous man from New York who’s intrigued by far-out news and secrets and you have Bayou Babe.

CK: That sounds like a wonderful read and I’m hooked. Before I leave out of here, I’m buying it and will read later on the Blackberry.

I’m curious to know, what is the high point in an author’s career? Are you content (for now) where you are as an author?

Imari:  I think the high point in an author’s career is when they have accomplished the goals they have set for themselves. I’m content at the moment because a lot of publishers have put their backing behind me and I know they’re not doing it because of who I am. I get reject letters just like everyone else from time to time. I’m still looking for that Harlequin contract. That was my original goal twenty years ago. I often joke about you know you’ve made it when your name gets listed in the LA Times and the NY Times obituaries. But for now I’ll settle for the New York’s best sellers list.

  

CK: Wow, Harlequin. Imari, good luck to you. I know everything will work out for you in that aspect, just keep hanging in there. The moment will arrive when you least expect it to.

What are the greatest rewards of being a multi-published author with so many years of the craft under her belt?

Imari:  Fans are beginning to recognize my name, I think editors and publishers take the time to read my submissions now without sending them automatically to the slush pile because I have proven that I can write and I do have credits and by-lines.

CK: What are your hobbies?

Imari:  When I’m not writing I’m watching anime and movies.

CK: How do you unwind?

Imari:  I lock my bedroom door and settle down with a good book or watch a movie.

Imari:  Strictly from my imagination. Real people are too complicated.

CK: LOL. You have been writing for many years Imari. What advice would you give aspiring authors?

Imari:  The best advice I can give is don’t give up and don’t do it just for the money because very few of us get rich with what we do. Lastly brush on your grammar and spelling. You’ll save yourself hours of editing if you do.

CK: How true. If your writing for the money, it will show in your work. Writing is an accomplishment that warms the heart and soul, especially when readers email you saying how much they enjoyed the book!

Where can you be found on the internet?

Imari:  http://www.imarijade.com/