1. Thank you so much for joining us today. Tell us about you outside of being a writer. Who closely surrounds you? Who is your support system?

Outside of being a writer, I enjoy spending time with family and close friends. They have and continue to support and encourage me as I strive to achieve my dreams.

2. How did you get into writing?

Although I’ve been writing since I was in elementary school, I don’t think I realized that I was a writer until college. Friends and family would ask me to help them write papers, letters, and other written documents. Then one day I read Disappearing Acts by Terri McMillan. I think I read that book in one day. The characters felt like people I knew and they dealt with issues that were real to me. I felt like I could write a story about “real” people, too. So, I went home and started writing my first novel.

3. Who or what inspires you to write?

Life. There are so many facets of life that can be explored and written about from different points of view. I am intrigued by relationships; what makes some successful and others fail. For this reason, I create realistic stories that explore why people react the way they do in various situations. For many of us, life is complicated. But, it is my hope that readers will not only be blessed and entertained by my stories, but that they’ll challenge themselves and open a platform for conversations to take place that will heal and/or bless others.

4. Tell us about your book. How did it come about? What is the concept behind it?

Someone to Love Me is a story about two people who made several bad decisions and have to deal with the consequences of their actions. Jerome Thomas and Taylor Belle were involved in a long-term affair, hurting their spouses and close friends. As readers will see through the lives of the characters, there are consequences to everything we do, good and not so good. The main characters discover that the repercussions of their decision to have an affair, not only affects them and their spouses, but it also affects everything around them– their children, family, friends, jobs, and health.

As a result of Jerome and Taylor’s affair, a child was produced. Sixteen years later, Jerome has to deal with the headstrong and defiant daughter he decided to alienate. There are several questions he has to answer and he discovers that establishing a father-daughter relationship does not come easy.

Taylor, on the other hand, finds it hard to bond with her firstborn because of guilt. She looses control of her daughter and quickly learns that she must release her burden and admit her mistakes in order to maintain a happy and healthy home.

5. When was this book released?

June 2009

6. How many books have you published? Is this your first book? If so, what was the experience like?

Someone to Love Me is my second novel and the sequel to Happily Ever Now (released in 2007). Having the opportunity to touch so many people is extremely rewarding. When I decided to write Christian fiction, it was because I wanted to create stories that would promote healthy conversations, and in some way inspire others. Many readers have shared how my first novel touched their lives, either because they shared a similar experience, or because it encouraged them to communicate better or reflect on how their lives changed as a result. The fellowship that occurred at the numerous book clubs I’ve visited have truly been a blessing. Together, the members of the book clubs and I have laughed, cried, and shared experiences that left us inspired and encouraged. It feels great to be a part of such a wonderful ministry.
7. What’s next for you?

I am in the finishing stages of my third novel, Be Careful What You Pray For (tentatively scheduled to release in November 2010). I am also working on a play for my first novel, Happily Ever Now.

8. Last but certainly not least, what advice would you give an up and coming author?

Never give up! No many how many query letters you send without a favorable reply, or how many doors seem to close, continue to write and stay connected with the literary community. Being a part of a writing community very beneficial. You become exposed to so many events and opportunities that might otherwise go unnoticed. You also meet different people who may be able to help you along the way. On one of my websites, I list ten great tips for new and aspiring writers in a little more detail. You can visit: http://book.nicolerouse.com/literary-matters/ for more information.

When I decided I wanted to write books, I did a lot of research. I looked for all the publishing companies that published books in my genre. I volunteered at various nonprofit organizations and local newspapers to strengthen my writing skills and gain experience. I participated in writing workshops and organizations. I also took a few college-level writing courses. All of these things have helped me during my journey. The experience and the people I interacted with along the way have all deposited something into my writing and helped to open doors that had previously been closed.

Thanks for doing the interview. We wish you much success with your book!

About the author

Nicole S. Rouse developed a passion for writing at a young age. Nicole graduated from Temple University, with a Bachelor of Science in Early and Elementary Education. As a classroom teacher, Nicole took every opportunity to incorporate her appreciation of various forms of writing into the curriculum. She became a member of the Northern Virginia Writing Project, where she promoted and encouraged writing in mathematics.

Nicole was a founding member of a literacy team that created plays for students to perform and developed workshops for parents to help their children excel. Happily Ever Now (Urban Christian, 2007) is her debut novel and has ranked consistently on the Top 25 Christian Independent Publishers Best Sellers list.

Happily Ever Now received the EDC Creations 2008 Best Book Award. Her sophomore novel, Someone to Love Me (Urban Christian) was picked up by the Black Expressions Book Club® before its June 2009 release date.

About the Book

“What’s done in the dark comes to light eventually,” says the pastor of First Baptist Church in Chicago. Those words enter Jerome Thomas’ spirit and release bittersweet memories of his past; memories he worked hard to suppress for the sake of his family. In the early years of his marriage to Renee, Jerome made several mistakes. He neglected his family, struggled with bouts of alcoholism, and wasted money. But the one mistake he regrets the most was cheating on his wife with Taylor.

Every morning before she opens her eyes, Taylor Belle says a quick prayer for forgiveness. The guilt of the affair she had with Jerome and the lives of the people she hurt weigh heavy on her heart. Several years have passed since the affair, but there is still unfinished business between them. As life becomes more complicated, Taylor knows that she needs to settle things with Jerome before God will lift the burden on her heart.

Although Jerome and Taylor now live in different states, they share a secret that could potentially destroy their families. What will happen when the actions of their last intimate encounter catch up with them?

Once the truth is exposed, Jerome and Taylor are alienated by their loved ones and are forced to rely on faith and the power of God’s love to repair the sins of the past. Will God mend old wounds and restore the love and peace they once knew? Or, are Jerome and Taylor destined to live in sorrow because of the shame of their past?