Black Authors Network Literary Talk Show  

Show Notes

• Archived Blog Post

  Date / Time: 1/30/2008 6:05 AM UTC

  Literary Cafe: MARISSA MONTEILH
  

  MARISSA MONTEILH – Interview

  
  

  
  Tell us a little bit about yourself?
   
  Marissa: I am a woman who has had many careers as I have strived to evolve and pursue a profession that I loved. And after many years of working in corporate America, and then working as an actress and television broadcaster, I’ve found my niche as an author. I love what I do. Writing is my passion. I love the challenge to be disciplined and meet deadlines, and the opportunity to create stories that flow and unfold and surprise even me. I also love the fact that I get the opportunity to meet and communicate with the very readers who make my job possible.
   
  Give us a synopsis of your best-selling book thus far, Hot Boyz?
   
  Marissa: Hot Boyz is the story of three well-to-do brothers who experience life's ups and downs while living in an upscale neighborhood in Los Angeles called Ladera Heights, also known as the Black Beverly Hills. It is a story about three good black men (imagine that) who have money and fame, yet have just as many problems as anyone else, if not more. They deal with aging parents, rambunctious teenagers, sibling rivalry, racism, and more. It’s a family drama that will make you think and possibly make you cry.   
   
  What is your writing process?  Chapter by chapter?  Index Cards?  Outline?
   
  Marissa: I have tried outlines, but my stories change so drastically once I get into them, that they turn out differently from my original sketch. I prefer to write a single line sentence at the start of each chapter. I then work diligently to write that chapter as a scene. I strive to write a chapter each time I sit down, even though I might not sit down to write everyday. If I’m not in the mood to write that particular scene that day, I scan forward and pick another scene that moves me. I do not force it. I've learned that writer's block means I need to take a breather and come back later.
   
  Who are your favorite authors?  Poets?
   
  Marissa: I love both Victoria Christopher Murray and Eric Jerome Dickey. I believe they have the craft of writing down in a way that many strive for. I also enjoy reading Mary B. Morrison and R.M. Johnson. I’ve learned a lot from BeBe Moore Campbell’s writing, as she was an excellent storyteller.
   
  What books are you currently reading?
   
  Marissa: I’m not reading right now since I’m writing. I’ll pick up a title in a month or so. Probably Kim Roby’s latest.
   
  Are you going on a book tour?
   
  Marissa: Yes. The dates and locations are listed on my website at www.marissamonteilh.com
   
  What inspires you to write?
   
  Marissa: I’m inspired by an issue that intrigues me (usually while watching the news or some talk show like Montel Williams) and I imagine how certain characters would react to that issue. Like recently, I wrote a book about a woman who has a makeover, yet everything goes haywire in her life afterwards. I listen to the stories that people tell, and I watch people. I have a vivid imagination and a very creative spirit, which I consider to be part of my gift. I have a passion for telling controversial stories in a fictional way.
   
  Give us a sneak peek into your next book?
   
  Marissa: The title of my next book is Something He Can Feel, which is about spousal abuse at the hands of a wife. I decided to flip the script on relationship violence. Something He Can Feel was my most challenging story to date and I am very proud of it. Marina is hot blooded and hot headed. I think we all know someone like her.
   
  Do you mentor any aspiring authors?
   
  Marissa: Yes, I've mentored authors in the past, though I am not right now. Mainly I answer their questions, give tips and advice, and sometimes I read their works. I do not proofread but I will offer some suggestions when I’m not at deadline. I've written many blurbs for authors as well. I try to be available, just as many authors made themselves available for me.
   
  What made you decide to write in this genre?
   
  Marissa: I love contemporary stories that mirror life as it relates to love and family and careers. Life is dramatic and rewarding yet so very challenging. I usually add church scenes or therapy scenes to possibly generate growth, yet I throw in lots of friction along the way, just see how the characters will react. Originally, my books were categorized as romance, but the category quickly changed to mainstream or contemporary. My stories are not necessarily happy ever after, and I might have the wife sleeping with the neighbor, or the pastor impregnating the sister-in-law. The plots are non-traditional yet real.

   

  What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
   
  Marissa: I'm also a big proponent of self-publishing as it served as a valuable vehicle toward my mainstream contract, so I say if you really want to get your book out there and you have not yet landed a book deal, check out the self- publishing avenues. It’s hard work but it would prove extremely beneficial.

   

  The greatest advice is to be persistent and don't give up. Speak positively and consider each rejection as a sign of action in progress.  The publishing world has changed since 2000, and the deals are not being made as often as they were, but stay focused and optimistic, especially if you love what you do. Don’t let the negativity of others serve as your destiny. Be your own architect and be proactive. God reacts in direct response to your energies. Don't be lazy and don't speak in terms of what won't work, what you can't do, and what you might try. Just do it.

   

  And study the craft. Learn how to write. And most of all – sit down and write, write, write!
   
  What was your road to becoming published?
   
  Marissa: After writing my manuscript for May December Souls in 1998, I met Michael Baisden who encouraged me to buy The Self-Publishing Manual by Dan Poynter. I did. Ten months later, I had 3000 bound books delivered to my door. I self-published May December Souls in 2000 - submitted a package to a few agents - signed with an agent two moths later and signed with HarperCollins thirty days later. It all came to be once I was able to prove that my books were selling, I’d printed 6,000 books in three months and they were gone. My books were with all of the wholesalers and distributors, the bookstores and online sellers. I was able to prove that there was a market for my book and that people wanted to read my story.

   

  As a full-time writer, we know you do much more than just write. What are some of the other responsibilities that you have to oversee in terms of your career?

   

  Marissa:  Some of my other responsibilities include marketing and promoting (which is a daily job), scheduling events and online/phone interviews, communicating with my publisher and publicist, responding to readers (even more-so now with MySpace), writing articles, doing research for the next book, and working with my manager as far as submitting my works in all medias. I wear many hats.

   

  Now that you look back and you’re on your sixth novel, what are some key things you’d like to share in terms of being in the publishing industry and how to keep your head above water?

   

  Marissa: The best way to keep ones head above water is to first of all, be humble and know that you must crawl before you walk, walk before you run, etc. Some new authors want a Terry McMillan-type success right off the bat. I'd say that patience is indeed the best virtue. Also, I've leaned to keep an open mind when others are making decisions that are for the best. Mind you, I said for the best. After having complete control as a self-published author, that was a big lesson for me after signing with a mainstream publisher. You must be open to major story edits (deletes and changes), cover design concepts, timing and marketing strategies, title changes, etc. But take it from me - weigh the issues and pick your battles. Stick to your guns when necessary, and find a trusted author friend who you can bounce things off of, just to keep your sanity. And do the same in return. Most authors go through the same types of challenges, but the rewards can be great.

   

  What is the best part about being published:
   
  Marissa:  The best part about being published by a mainstream publisher is that I have more time to write than I did when I was self-published. Also, the mainstream publishers can distribute more books. But, I’m also finding that the non-traditional publishers work even harder to get the word out and their quality is just as good. We’ve come a long way and we have more options nowadays. There are some savvy and talented folks who are publishing books and their authors are making lists that many traditional N.Y. publishers’ authors are not. Amazing!

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