| "The
Interview with Barbara Joe Williams"
Amani
Publishing
THE
ROCK:
Who is Barbara Williams, and tell us
something about you?
Williams: I'm a self-published author with
two novels
titled, "Forgive Us This Day" and "Dancing with
Temptation." My third release will be available in
October titled, "Falling for Lies." I started Amani
Publishing two years ago to promote my first
book, and I haven't stopped. I've also published books
for three other authors so far. I'm a former high
school teacher and guidance counselor so I consider
myself to be a motivational teacher now.
THE
ROCK:
Where are you from and currently residing?
Williams: I was born and raised in Rosston,
Arkansas.
However, I've lived in Tallahassee, Florida with my
husband for over twenty years.
THE
ROCK:
Are there any other writers in the family?
Williams: No. I'm the only one that I know
of, but I'm
encouraging other family members to write.
THE
ROCK:
When did you start writing?
Williams: I've always wanted to write a
book. However,
I didn't get the courage to pen my first novel until
late 2003. At that time, I didn't have any intentions
of publishing my book. It was just a challenge
to myself. But once the project was completed, I
wanted to share it with my family and friends. They
came back encouraging me to publish the book, and it
just took off from there.
THE
ROCK:
What prepared you to become an author?
Williams: I think that being an avid reader
prepared
me for writing along with my educational background.
THE
ROCK:
What inspired you to become a writer?
Williams: Well, after reading so many romance
novels
over the course of my life, I just felt like it was
time for me to give it a try.
THE
ROCK:
What
inspired you to write your book?
Williams: I'd been looking for a romance
novel
focusing on a married couple that was having troubles
that they could overcome. After searching the
bookstores, I realized that we didn't have alot of
romance stories focusing on African-American married
couples and decided to take that charge.
THE
ROCK:
Tell us about your newest creation. What is
the premise?
Williams: My newest creation will be released
October
1st, and it's titled "Falling for Lies." It's the
story of a female Baptist minister, Karema Wright, who
falls in love with a deacon in the church. But is she
really falling in love with the man or simply falling
for his lies? This story shows that no woman is
exempt from falling in love with the wrong man, even a
woman of the cloth.
THE
ROCK:
Any publishing contracts in the working?
Williams: Right now, I'm talking with two
separate
agents. So, I'm not sure what's going to happen.
However, I'm very happy being a self-published author
and helping other aspiring writers fulfill their
dreams. I also have two non-fiction books to be
released in the next two years. The first one is
titled, "How I Met My Sweetheart." It's actually
going to be an anthology with a total of eighteen
authors showcased. And the other project will be
released in February 2008 titled, "Moving the
Furniture: 52 Ways to Keep Your Marriage Fresh." So
I'm keeping myself very busy.
THE
ROCK:
Have you ever self-published? Why or why
not?
Williams: Yes, I decided to self-publish
because I was
trying the traditional route, but it was moving too
slow for me. So I did some major research and
self-published my first book in the fall of 2004.
THE
ROCK:
What are "traditional publishers" looking for?
Williams: I'm not sure. Hopefully, I'll
find out soon
though.
THE
ROCK:
If you were a publisher, what would be your
niche? Why?
Williams: My niche is romance novels because
that's
what I've always loved to read. While I read some of
everything on the market, romance is still my favorite
topic when it comes to reading.
THE
ROCK:
For an author, is having a publishing
contract with a "traditional publisher" important
professionally? Why?
Williams: Yes, I think it's important professionally
because it really validates you as an author. However,
I don't believe that it's necessary to be a successful
writer. But to me, it would definitely be the icing
on the cake.
THE
ROCK:
What are some of your professional
achievements?
Williams: My professional achievements
would include
being "Teacher of the Month" and being nominated for
"Teacher of the Year." As an author and a publisher,
my achievements would include publishing three books
for myself and three for other local authors.
THE
ROCK:
What are some of your personal achievements?
Williams: My greatest personal achievement
would be my
twenty-five year marriage and having a six-year-old
daughter.
THE
ROCK:
Who are some of your favorite authors?
Williams: Brenda Jackson, Reshonda Tate-Billingsley,
Marilynn Griffith, Victoria Christopher Murray, Kendra
Norman Bellamy, Kimberla Lawson Roby, Francis Ray, and
Terri McMillan.
THE
ROCK:
Where do you want to be in five years?
Williams: When I started Amani Publishing
in 2004, it
was my goal to publish five books in five years. Now
it's my goal to keep publishing until my daughter
turns old enough to take over the business.
THE
ROCK:
Well done, Ms. Adams. Where can readers find you?
Williams: www.Amanipublishing.net
www.Barbarajoewilliams.com,
or
www.Barbarajoe.blogspot.com
THE
ROCK:
Thank you Ms. Williams, and best wishes in
all of your future endeavors.
Williams: Thank you for giving me an opportunity
to
reach your audience. I have truly enjoyed this
interview.
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