Brenda Hampton Interview

1) How long have you been writing?

I've been writing for many, many years. I started keeping journals at the age of eleven, but I didn't recognize my gift until five years ago.

2) You started out as a self-published writer, was that hard?

Starting out as a new writer, self-publishing/POD publishing was quite a challenge for me. I started off by querying many literary agents, only to receive one rejection letter after another. No doubt, those rejection letters were devastating, but they also encouraged me to work harder at what I was determined to accomplish. I searched the Internet for a publisher and somehow stumbled upon a well-known POD publisher. I thought they were the answer to my prayers, but I soon found out that through the lack of educating myself, my challenges were just beginning. I dropped money like crazy, in hopes that my investment would soon pay off. If my royalty check for $11.95 didn't wake me up, my receiving a check that bounced from another publisher I decided to trust with my literary works surely did. At that point, I wanted to give up, but I couldn't. I decided to start all over and educate myself first about the publishing industry. Through reading books about publishing, Internet research about the business, attending seminars given by POD publishers,! and through my own experiences, I learned vital information. That became my motivation to create VOICES, in hopes that I can help aspiring writers avoid the pitfalls and obstacles that I faced. Through it all, I feel victorious. I have a three-book deal contract with Black Pearl Books, Inc., a publisher who takes good care of me, and I have two of my titles published through VOICES.

3) How long does it take to write a book?

Normally, I can write a novel within a few weeks. Writing the story has never been difficult for me, rather the editing process is what takes up the most time. Before I send my manuscript to my editor, my publisher, or to my critique readers, I try to polish it as best as I can. The polishing process can sometimes take another month or possibly two.

4) What has changed since you've become a best selling author?

Other than having the title, sales have increased a bit more. I haven't noticed an astronomical increase in sales, but anytime book sales go up, that's certainly a good thing. To me, being a best selling author is another move towards growing in this business. Its a personal glory that, most of the time, doesn't mean much to anyone but the author and publisher.

5) What has surprised you most as an author?

What has been the most surprising to me is how hard it is to sell books. When starting out as a writer, I seriously thought that selling my book would be a simple process. I hadn't a clue as to what I was about to embark upon. Not only is selling difficult, but learning how to market your book to the appropriate audience is even a bigger task. Whenever people tell me they want to become a writer, I always let them know that it is not as easy as they think. I once heard that being a successful writer means having homework everyday, for the rest of your life. I wholeheartedly agree!!

6) How many books have you written?

So far, I've written nine books: Twos Enough Threes A Crowd, My Way Or No Way, Change Don't Always Come, SLICK, Naughty by Nature, How Can I Be Down?, and No Justice No Peace are already published. The Dirty Truth, an erotic mystery and Tomorrow Never Dies, my Memoir are future titles.

7) ! Where can authors purchase your books?

My books are available wherever books are sold. However, depending on the location of the store, African American titles might be limited. If so, a reader can always go to the counter and order a copy.

8) Tell us about Brenda Hampton

Aside from being a successful business woman, Brenda Hampton is a down to earth, funny, caring, approachable, inspirational, and realistic woman. I love my family, and my children and husband mean the world to me. They continue to be my motivation for moving forward, along with the many loving readers who embrace and enjoy my literary works. I often ask God why He continues to bless me with such a wonderful life, but I know its because of the caring and loving woman He created. I wouldn't want to walk in anybody else's shoes, because the! ones that He made for me fits perfectly.