Interview with Stacy-Deanne Reed, Author of Melody

Today, I am sitting down with Stacy-Deanne Reed author of the award winning novel Melody. Stacy is a fellow Aquarius and like most Aquarians, she is busy doing one thing or another. When she’s not writing books (Melody is her third), she’s blogging, out taking pictures, or planning for a full career as a fashion designer, magazine publisher and a founder to two charitable organizations. So I was delighted when she was able to take a breather and talk with me about writing.

Arwen Taylor: Please tell us a little bit about yourself?

Stacy-Deanne: I’m a mainstream novelist. I write in different genres. I have been writing professionally for twelve years. I started when I was nineteen. I was born and reside in Houston, Texas. I used to be a model and my hobbies include landscape photography. My favorite genre to read is mystery.

Arwen Taylor: What inspired you to write Melody?

Stacy-Deanne: I always wanted to write mysteries and thrillers. The idea of a young woman in trouble came to me and from there the plot, of having a woman go up against a very dangerous man by proving he is not what he seems to be came about. So, there I began my first mystery book.

Buy Melody from Amazon.com

Arwen Taylor: What was it like when you learned that Simon and Schuster picked up “Everlasting“?

Stacy-Deanne: I was very happy. At first I couldn’t believe it. Once you work with different types of publishers you soon realize that the size doesn’t matter really. Some big publishers do not promote as well as some smaller publishers. Being with S&S was a big learning experience and I could see the pros and cons of publishing first hand. I learned a lot and it was good to work with them. I am thankful for the opportunity and even by moving on from the company, I will not forget what I learned when I was there.

Arwen Taylor: Melody has been nominated for several awards and is now being turned into a play. Is there hope for a movie in the future?

Stacy-Deanne: It’s hard to say to be honest. I have put the idea of it out there and have spoken with many film people interested in making movies from “Everlasting” and “Melody” so if it happens, it happens. I believe it might happen but it will probably be years from now. I’m not rushing it.

Arwen Taylor: Do you think the market is wide open for urban novels staring African-American and Latino-American characters?

Stacy-Deanne: The market for minority writers and readers is stronger than the other markets right now. People are loving books with minority characters because for years they didn’t have contemporary fiction that showcased black and Latino characters. It’s something that everyone appreciates and needs. Black and Latino books sell EXTREMELY well once the author has captured a faithful audience. Minority readers are very, very loyal and they tend to support minority authors. That’s a wonderful thing. I think right now that the black market especially is at an all-time high. People mention sales being down for books because of the economy but black publishers and authors are doing very well right now. Readers from all races and backgrounds are showing us a lot of love and I appreciate it. Anyway it’s not about color, it’s the book that matters. Writing is universal and a book should appeal to various people.

Arwen Taylor: Is there another novel in the works that we can expect sometime soon?

Stacy-Deanne: I am always writing something new. My agent already has three new novels she’s trying to sell. I anticipate my next release to be the first installment of a detective series starring the officers from Melody. I’m very excited about this because the officers are very popular with Melody fans.

Arwen Taylor: Any advice for your fellow writers?

Stacy-Deanne: They must remember that the publishing industry is extremely slow. They have to be patient and be able to except criticism. They have to stay determined and do not fall prey to quick fixes. There isn’t an easy way to publication. I recommend all writers get agents to ensure they get the best chance possible with publishers and contracts. They need to develop a thick skin, research the business and perfect their craft. They shouldn’t jump into trying to get an agent until their work is ready.

Thank you, Stacy-Deanne, for sitting down with me at The Plot Cafe. Stacy is very active but you can catch her either at her website or her Myspace page. Her books Melody and Everlasting can be purchased at Amazon, Borders, Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com