It’s A Book Thing Presents: An Interview with R. Lanier Clemons, author of Five Minutes

Author’s Bio: Born in Vermilion Parish, Louisiana, R. Lanier Clemons spent her early years moving from one Air Force base to another. It was her father, a career Air Force Sergeant, who instilled in her the love of books.

In college, she majored in Journalism and received her B.A. from Howard University. That degree helped her land a job as Managing Editor of an employee newspaper for the largest telecommunications company in the Washington DC area. As a horse owner and competitor for 30 years, she finds writing and riding very similar activities. Both require skill, perseverance and practice in order to continue to grow and excel at each craft.

One day, she decided to sit down and write the kind of book she wanted to read. While admiring female amateur sleuths like Kinsey Millhone and Tamara Hayle, she felt the mystery world needed someone else. The world needed a Jonelle Sweet.

DL: What inspired you to write your book?

RLC: As an avid reader I realized early on that there weren't enough characters who looked like me. I set out to remedy that fact by writing my first Jonelle Sweet mystery in 2015, entitled Burial Plot.

DL: Describe your writing process? Do you use an outline or let it flow organically?

RLC: I'm retired so my time is very flexible. I write for 2-3 hours in the morning, take a break to ride my horse Ramsey, then write again sometime in the early evening for another 3-4 hours. I write a road map (don't like the word "outline") of the book. First, I free associate longhand using a pencil and lined notebook and let the ideas sit for a while before putting everything into the computer and printing it out to guide me along.

DL: What do you think makes a good story?

RLC: For me, characters are the focal point of any good story. If I can relate to the character, I am willing to forgive a few plot errors here and there.

DL: Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?

RLC: My dad loved to read and we had books all over the place. The first book I read that resonated was James Baldwin's, Go Tell It On The Mountain. I also read Hemingway's, Old Man And The Sea. As an adult I enjoy Walter Moseley's Easy Rawlings character as well as female protagonists Kinsey Milhone by Sue Grafton and Anna Pigeon from Nevada Barr.

DL: If you were hosting a dinner party which three authors would be your dream guests and why?

RLC: Toni Morrison, Neil Gaiman and Michael Connelly. All three have vastly different styles yet I am in awe of their ability to tell great stories.

DL: What are the keys to success in marketing your book(s)?

RLC: Haven't found the marketing key yet. I've done ads, giveaways and participated in book fairs. Maybe I'm too old school, but I don't think you can beat word of mouth.

DL: What tips would you give to aspiring writers?

RLC: Be realistic. Writing is hard work and perseverance is key. If you're not willing to commit time, effort and blood, sweat and tears, being an author is not for you.

DL: How about sharing an excerpt from Five Minutes.

RLC: Here you go:

“I’ve got a photo of Lark here in my purse.” Jonelle dug around and pulled out the picture she photocopied. “Take this and show it around and I’ll get posters made. You know as well as I do that most kids that age are usually seen with their mothers. A man might stand out.” She handed the picture to Luther who shoved it in his pocket. She wanted to tell him to be careful with it but knew he didn’t want anyone telling him what to do.

He moved to go and then turned slowly around. “Hate to bring this up, but you thought about the, uh, other thing, right?”

“What other thing?”

“The possibility that she ain’t alive.”

DL: What’s on the horizon for you?

RLC: I'm currently working on a standalone YA with the working title "The Gollywobbles." The protagonist, Robbie Robinette, runs away from home in Chicago in January 1920 and tricks his way to becoming a sleeping car porter on a train bound for New Orleans. The title refers to the strange people he deals with while working in the sixth car.

Also, in the back of my mind are ideas for my fifth Jonelle Sweet mystery.

DL: Where can readers learn more about you and your book(s)? 

RLC: They can find out more here:

·         Website: www.rlanierclemons.com

·         Twitter: @rlanierclemons

·         Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/588410461310168/

·         Book Buy Links: All books in the Jonelle Sweet mystery series can be purchased at Amazon.com.

DL: It’s been a pleasure having you here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to know you and your work.

RLC: Thanks so much for this opportunity to talk about my work!