Hello Brenda! Thank you so much for allowing me to interview you on All the Buzz! You’ve been one of my favorite authors for years, so it is my pleasure and honor to “chat” with you.
First, congratulations on having your 66th book published! That is an awesome accomplishment. When you first started writing, did you think you would ever write so many books and have such a loyal following?
No, I never thought I’d write so many books. Getting the first one out there was a major challenge and I wouldn’t think about going beyond at least the first five. I had those planned out. They would be the Madaris Series and would feature – Justin, Dex, Clay, Uncle Jake and Christy. The other 10 were the result of readers writing in after falling for a secondary character and convincing me that they should have a story.
Once I saw I could write and juggle the demands of a full time job, writing became a way to relax for me and before I realized it, there were many more stories inside of me to share.
What has been the best and the worst experience you’ve had on your literary journey?
My readers have by far been the best experience for me. They are truly awesome. Any worst experience with God’s help was turned into a positive for me.
How long does it take you to write a novel?
It depends on the novel I’m writing. With a Silhouette Desire, probably 3 – 4 weeks. I need a longer writing time for Kimani books since they have more pages. Since the story is usually already mapped out in my mind, all I do is sit at the computer and write it.
Have you always wanted to be a writer?
No. I always wanted to be a part of Corporate America and I was for 37 years. I thought of writing as my fun time. I am blessed in that now that I’ve retired, all the things I learned while in Corporate America I can bring into my writing business now that I do think of my writing as a business. Of course, customer service is number 1 in my book!
How did you get started writing?
As a way to relax. I enjoy reading love stories. I believe in romance and still wear the going-stead ring my husband gave me when I was 14. I believe in happy endings and have always loved penning those types of stories.
Do you remember the very first story you ever wrote? What age were you when you wrote it? Was it romance even then?
Yes, I was 13 years old and it was a romance. It was written on 31 sheets of notebook paper, front and back. The title was It Takes Two (after Marvin Gaye and Kim Weston’s song). My hero name was Johnny and my heroine was Valerie. It was a black version of Gigit and Moondoogie.
Since romance novels have a pretty set formula that they follow, how difficult do you find it to continue to write stories that will make loyal romance readers overlook that aspect of the book?
The only formula that’s always tried and true with me is the happy ending. It’s not hard to stay within the various guidelines. My Silhouette Desires call for an Alpha hero and I love writing about take-charge men. One thing I learned from Corporate America is knowing how to be flexible and dealing with change.
Several romance authors have ventured into writing in other genres such as mystery, etc. Have you ever considered taking that step also?
Yes. I plan on writing a Romantic Suspense when I get around to doing the spin off from my book Ties That Bind that will feature Randi Fuller. She has a very special gift and I intend for her to use it. I also intend to write a YA featuring the kids from my popular family series – Madarises, Steeles, Westmorelands etc.
If you could pass on one tidbit of knowledge to both your fans and aspiring writers, what would it be?
Write from your heart.
Now to get a little personal. 
What are three things your fans don’t know about you?
Don’t know. My life is pretty much an open book. What you see is what you get. I love writing. I love communicating with my readers and I love God, my family and friends.
Thank you again for taking time out of your busy schedule to “chat” with me on All the Buzz. It has been a pleasure and I wish you continued success in all that you do.
You are welcome.
Visit Brenda online at:
Website – http://www.brendajackson.net
MySpace – http://www.myspace.com/authorbrendajackson
Purchase your copy of Intimate Seduction here:
About Renee Williams
Renee, I enjoyed the interview.
Brenda is one of my favorite romance authors. It was interesting to know why she chose to add the secondary character’s books because Fire and Desire is one of her best. I love the Madaris Series and have never read anything she’s written and didn’t enjoy it…. I think her happy endings and descriptive love scenes are one of the reasons why I love her stories so much.
I love Brenda Jackson and her novels. I just went to Borders this morning and purchased Intimate Seduction and Taste of Passion. I enjoyed a booksigning last year at BAM here in Jacksonville and she is a wonderful person with a great personality.
I like all who read your books think they are ALL GREAT? You are my favorite author, Mrs Brenda Jackson. I have all but one of your book. And I hope to get that one one day.
Great interview Renee, you can feel Brenda’s smile in her words.
Renee I enjoyed reading the interview you did with the best romance author of ALL time. Mrs. Jackson deserves the recognition hands down. Congrats on your 66th book…I can’t wait to read it. Keep up the good work Mrs. Jackson.
Renee I enjoyed the interview with my favorite author of all times I love Brenda Jackson
Thank you all for stopping by and reading this interview. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Brenda is one of my all-time favorite authors also, so it was a pleasure to interview her.