Jacqueline Luckett has been writing since 1999 when she took her first creative writing class on a dare, from herself. She attributes her growth as a writer to the Voices of Our Nations (VONA) writing workshops and to the members of her writing group, The Finish Party (featured in O Magazine, November 2007).  Jacqueline is the author of  Searching for Tina Turner  and  Passing Love (releases January 25, 2012).

BPM: How did you initially break into the publishing industry? 
In the middle of finishing my last draft of Searching for Tina Turner, I began to research agents. I divided my list into choices based on what I knew and wanted from an agent, and then I started sending two or three query letters at a time. I contacted about a dozen agents before one said yes, but it took about six months of rejection letters (which I kept). 

Once I got an agent, the second round of submissions began. This is where an agent tries to sell the book to a publishing house. We worked on a list of editors who liked the kind of story I’d written and then the agent pitched the book. There’s nothing a writer can do at this point, except wait to hear from the agent. I wish I could say there was a bidding war for my novel, but there wasn’t. I’ll always remain grateful to my agent (who no longer represents me) and Karen Thomas (an editor at the time) for putting together a book deal with Grand Central Publishing. 

BPM: How has your writing style evolved over the years? What stimulated your growth? 
When I look back at some of my first short stories, I cringe not so much at the writing, but at the craft—or lack of it. But I admire the guts I had to send the stories out. The rejection letters strengthened my determination. Since those days, my style is the same, but my writing has become more polished. I don’t have an MFA, but I’ve taken many workshops and writing classes. I worked hard to learn craft, and that’s an ongoing process. My writing has gotten stronger in the two years since I wrote my first novel. 

The Finish Party, my writing group, has had a great influence on me. I’m blessed to be in this group of eight women who are masters of craft and critique. They’ve been both teachers and avid supporters. We workshop each other’s projects and that process has improved my writing. I admit that there are times when I didn’t like their feedback, but once I returned home, I’d rethink their comments and realize that, nine times out of ten, they’re correct and my writing is all the better because of them.

BPM: What have you realized about yourself since becoming a published author?
Occasionally, I suffer from the old demon of self-doubt. Author Carleen Brice (Orange Mint and Honey) recently asked a group of authors how they fought self-doubt. I was surprised by the responses of the authors, who were all very accomplished. At first, my doubts were about my writing. Now I feel more comfortable about my ability to write and tell a good story.

BPM: What are some of the benefits of being an author that makes it all worthwhile?
Searching for Tina Turner emphasized the importance of self-worth, reinvention and accepting new challenges. I wanted readers to know that life doesn’t end when you get divorced or reach your fifties. I want them to accept the challenges and possibilities offered by these new chapters in life. It took me about two years to write my first novel. Knowing that readers “get” my messages, love my descriptions of settings, and are eager to see what comes next for me, makes all the writing effort worthwhile.

BPM: Do you have any advice for people seeking to publish a book?
It’s still a challenge to get published. Persistence is vital. For the most part, writers need agents to present their work to publishers. Even before you look for an agent, make sure that your story is tight, your craft is on point, and your manuscript is in good shape. If editing isn’t a strong point, find someone to edit for continuity, grammar and typographical errors. 

Research agents who represent authors whose work is similar to yours in style, story and genre, and develop a list. Know an agent’s submission guidelines. Then start sending query letters. Your query letter is as important as your manuscript, so make sure to write a compelling (but short) letter to the agents you choose. If an agent takes the time to offer a few suggestions, consider revising your manuscript and move forward. Agents know what it takes to sell a book in today’s market. Don’t be discouraged by rejection. There are plenty of stories about bestsellers that were rejected multiple times (Harry Potter, for example) before the right agent saw the potential for success.

BPM: If you were not a writer, what would you be? What are you passionate about?
I recall having this conversation with my sister a few years ago. At the time, I felt like my many passions were posts in a pinball machine, and the ball never landed or stuck to one spot. I addressed my concerns about having so many areas of interest in an article for the Huffington Post (February 2010). When my sister suggested I could pursue of all the things I loved but that, for the time being, I needed to focus on one, I felt as if a burden had been lifted from my shoulders.

Besides writing, I love photography, cooking for my friends, and interior design. When I dabble in these little passions, I’m able to expand my creativity. I take hundreds of pictures when I travel. I love to photograph people in the midst of daily life. In many ways the camera invades privacy, so I’m always considerate and polite. I engage potential subjects in conversation and ask permission, but I’ve also been known to sneak a few candid shots every now and then.  View my Flickr Slideshow of Paris , click here.

Design is another form of creativity for me.  Sometimes I work with a friend to stage homes for sale and that helps to satisfy my urge to redecorate. As far as cooking goes, I don’t enjoy cooking for one as much as I do putting together meals for my friends. Fortunately, they love my cooking. I don’t have a specialty, but I’m well-known for my apple pie.  

BPM: Will the digital age or social media usage change the face of publishing?
In discussions about industry trends with my editor and publicist, I’ve learned the answer is probably and more than likely. Publishers are encouraging writers to Tweet and post on Facebook on a regular basis in order to promote their books and build a following. Some editors are checking the number of followers writers have as part of their consideration to take on a new projects. As far as the impact of digital is concerned, I’m of two minds. I prefer the tactile experience of reading. I love to mark up my pages and move back and forth in a story, or reread passages. I’d use an e-reader for research materials. More and more readers are switching to Kindles, Nooks, and IPads to read. Bottom line, for me, format doesn’t matter. It’s just important that people continue to read.

BPM: How much does “word of mouth” play into the success of your book? What grassroots strategies have you used to spread the word about your book? 
“Word of mouth” is important. It informs people, but it should also encourage people to buy and pre-order now (you can do this online and at your local bookstore). Just as we’ve discussed the effect of digital publishing and social media, the way to spread the word is different. If readers like my books, say so and why on Facebook, Goodreads etc.. 

Tweet about the book using hashtags such as #Paris, #travel, #jazz, #women’s fiction, #world war II, #readers and any other topics you think of after you’ve read the books. I’ve done contests and giveaways. I’ve donated books to silent auctions at charities along with a visit to a book club meeting. That’s my grassroots strategy. Any other ideas are welcome.

BPM: Introduce us to your book, Passing Love  and the main characters. Do you have any favorites? What genre is the book? On Kindle or Nook? 
I’m so excited about PASSING LOVE. I love the all the characters, and I love the setting—Paris, it’s one of my favorite places in the world. In PASSING LOVE the reader follows the story of two women who go to Paris believing that that city will change their lives. From the start, I knew the story would be about two women, one in the present and the other in the past. 

Nicole is the character in the present who’s discontent with her ordinary life and her married boyfriend. She’s not a timid woman, just a procrastinator who has always wanted to go to Paris. With the encouragement of a friend, she finally makes up her mind to go. 

Ruby’s story is told in the past and post World War II Paris when Black Americans were drawn to that city for the racial freedom they couldn’t find in the United States. Ruby is the complete opposite of Nicole. Ruby is gutsy and can’t wait to leave her tiny southern hometown and see the world. She’s a risk-taker daredevil, and she’s my favorite because she does whatever it takes to make her life an adventure. Unfortunately, she steps on people in the process. 

My goal was to make Paris come alive and to share history and details about the city. I want my readers to become impatient and as excited about Paris as Ruby and Nicole are. Some might define PASSING LOVE as women’s fiction, and while it definitely is a story about women, there’s history and a story that’s not just for female readers. PASSING LOVE will be available to readers in all formats: electronic and trade paperback. The Audio version releases in March, 2012.

Passing Love will be available online and at major and independent bookstores everywhere. We encourage readers to ask a bookstore to order copies of Passing Love  if they cannot find it in their local store. Preorders are available now.

BPM: Who do you want to reach with your book and the message enclosed?
When I read, I love books that are good stories that suspend reality, challenge my imagination and make me think. As a writer that’s what I’ve tried to accomplish in PASSING LOVE and those are the readers that I’m trying to reach. Both Ruby and Nicole learn is that no matter how much we plan and scheme to organize our lives, they can still be unpredictable. How we manage that unpredictability is what differentiates us humans from one another. Perceptions and reality also come into play as the two women begin to understand what it means to live an ordinary life. Does one settle or accept?

BPM: Share with us your latest news  or upcoming book releases. How may our readers follow you online? 
I’m still trying to figure that out for myself. I’ve written a play that I’ll try to get produced. I’m working on idea for my third novel and I’d love to have more speaking engagements. 
Heidi Durrow (The Girl Who Fell From the Sky), Tayari Jones (Silver Sparrow) and Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant (Uptown, Tryin’ to Sleep in the Bed You Made) have written wonderful blurbs that will appear on the cover of PASSING LOVE. 

Also, PASSING LOVE, has been selected as a featured novel for Black Expressions Book club, January, 2012! 

I’m easy to find at:  www.jacquelineluckett.com.  Readers can check out and comment on my blog and sign up for my newsletter.   “LIKE” me on my Facebook fan page  and follow me on Twitter @jackieluckett 

You have a chance to win a copy of Searching for Tina Turner by Jacqueline E. Luckett.

If you’re already signed up to my mailing list, I just need you to LEAVE A COMMENT on this blog post.

If you’re NOT on my mailing list, to enter, just sign up AND leave a comment on this post to let me know you’re interested in the ON THE LINE contest. To sign up, click or paste the following link: http://www.feedblitz.com/f/?Sub=498262

All entries must be in between now and 11:59 p.m est 12/20/09.

Several winners will be chosen at random.

ABOUT THE BOOK
On the surface, Lena Spencer appears to have it all. She and her wealthy husband Randall have two wonderful children, and they live a life of luxury. In reality, however, Lena finds that happiness is elusive. Randall is emotionally distant, her son has developed a drug habit, and her daughter is disgusted by her mother’s “overbearing behavior.” When Randall decides that he’s had enough of marriage counseling, he offers his wife an ultimatum: “Be grateful for all I’ve done for you or leave.” Lena, realizing that money can’t solve her problems and that her husband is no longer the man she married, decides to choose the latter.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jacqueline Luckett is a former sales representative for Xerox. After leaving the corporate world, Jacqueline took a creative writing class on a dare (from herself) and began writing short stories and poetry and never looked back. Jacqueline loves living in Oakland, but travels frequently to nurture her passion for photography and learning to cook exotic foods. She is currently hard at work on her next novel.

Contest open to US residents only. Contest ends at 11:59 p.m. December 20, 2009. Void where prohibited by law. The winners will be notified via email. If the winner hasn’t responded within 48 hours of the initial email with their shipping address, the next name pulled will be the winner.