Skip to main content

It’s A Book Thing Presents: An Interview with Denise Giddings, author of Contradictions

Author’s Bio:  Denise Giddings was born in Illinois and currently resides in Texas. She enjoys reading, writing, coffee, and hanging out with friends. She is a business major who is using writing to tap into her creative side.

 

Her debut novel, Boomerang, has garnered rave reviews and established her as an author to watch and read. Writing both romantic suspense and contemporary romance, Denise is following Boomerang with a series.

 

The first book in The Girlfriend Series, Contradictions, sizzles with steam, romance, and suspense. The series follows three girlfriends as they grapple with the ups and downs of life and love. Book II in the series will debut at the end of 2022. Aptly titled, Just Sex, leaves little to the imagination! Book III of the series, The Affair, will answer the question, can love conquer all, including infidelity?

 

Denise writes books with a happy-ever-after that leave you smiling and thinking about the characters long after you have completed the book.

 

Deliah Lawrence: What inspired you to write your book?


Denise Giddings: I wrote this book because I wanted to explore the relationship between girlfriends, in a romantic suspense, that love and support each other while grappling with the ups and downs of love and life.

 

DL: What is your writing process?


DG: I typically will explore a story idea from beginning to end, in my head. Then I will complete a detailed outline of the main points of the story. I then write the chapters that are most interesting first, followed by filling in the gaps. I write early morning and weekends.

 

DL: What do you think makes a good story?


DG: In my opinion, a good story has a great plot, a hero/heroine, and an antagonist that you love to hate. I also like believable characters that have flaws and a variety of tropes that keep things interesting.

 

DL: What were some of the challenges when writing this book?


DG: I was challenged in writing this book by the fact that it is my second book. I wanted to write a believable story that was better than my first story. I also wanted to ensure that I was true to the personality of each of the girlfriends.

 

DL: What was the best writing advice you’ve ever been given?

DG: The best advice that has been given about writing is simply, write. My mom was my biggest cheerleader and encouraged me to pursue my dream of being a published author. 

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


DG: This is a difficult question and one that I have to take a little liberty with and give you four individuals:

  • Emily Bronte – I’m intrigued about her ability to write about passion and love when she never experienced either.
  • William Shakespeare – I’d like to know more about his inspiration, creative process, and his own love/marriage.
  • Myron Golden – An oddity I know, but I am impressed with his ability to understand and interpret the Bible in such an enlightening and practical way for life and business.
  • Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – I would like to know what motivated him to risk his life and that of his family to fight for freedom and equal rights. I’d also like to know what he would think of the world today. 

DL: What tips would you give to aspiring writers? 

DG: I would tell all aspiring authors to write your stories and don’t worry about perfection. Do your best, learn your craft, and be true to yourself and your characters.

 

DL: Would you like to share an excerpt from Contradictions?


DG: Yes. See below:

 

“I really had a good time.  Thank you for spending your free time with me,” she said as she awkwardly extended her hand for him to shake.

“Thank you.  I enjoyed your company and getting to know you better.”

He said this as he ignored her extended hand and stepped closer to her.  Once again, she felt the uneasiness in her stomach.  With one effortless move, he pulled her to him with his right hand and placed his left hand behind her head, as he guided her to his lips.  He thrusted his tongue into her mouth.  Without hesitation, she responded to his kiss.  It was full of hunger and passion; unlike any she had experienced before.  He sucked her tongue as he held her close.  She heard a moan escape her lips, or perhaps it was her imagination.  She didn’t know.  The kiss lasted much longer than it should have.  When Michael pulled away, Yvette remained motionless, unable to explain what had just happened.  He released his grip on her waist.  She opened her eyes and just stared at him.  He cupped her face with both his hands and looked into her pupils.

“Peter was wrong.  You are full of passion.  He just didn’t know how to access it.”

He brushed her lips, gently with his, and whispered in her ear, “Sweet dreams, Thompson,” and left.

 

DL: What new projects are you currently working on?


DG: My next stand-alone romantic suspense novel is Secrets. It will debut later in September 2022. At the end of November 2022, I will release the second book in the Girlfriend Series, Just Sex. The third book in this series, The Affair, will debut in the first quarter of 2023.

 

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


DG: Readers can learn more here:

DL: Thanks so much for being here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to know you and your work.


DG: Thanks for having me!






Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Interview with Jacqueline Seewald, Author of THE INHERITANCE

Author’s Bio: Multiple award-winning author, Jacqueline Seewald, has taught creative, expository and technical writing at Rutgers University as well as high school English. She also worked as both an academic librarian and an educational media specialist. Sixteen of her books of fiction have previously been published to critical praise including books for adults, teens and children. Her short stories, poems, essays, reviews and articles have appeared in hundreds of diverse publications and numerous anthologies. What inspired you to write your book? I enjoy writing romantic mystery fiction. The idea for this particular novel just seemed to evolve organically from my imagination. Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult? I would have to say reading the Bible was influential. As far as regular books go, I’m a big fan of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Is this your first book? How long did it take to start and...
20 comments
Read more

It’s A Book Thing Presents: An Interview with Debbie Stokes, author of The Stranger He Knew

Author’s Bio: Debbie Stokes was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. She has always had a desire to be a published author of a fiction novel, but fear stopped her. She often shares how her story ideas come to her in her dreams, and how she jumps up to write them down. Finally, one day, she pushed past her fear and allowed her vision to come to past. She is now a published author, and The Stranger He Knew is her first book.  Debbie is a former CEO, blogger, and interviewer for her previous women's empowerment blog called, 3 Women Voices, where she shared empowering stories of how people overcame odds to live their best lives. She is also a former contributing writer for FEMI Magazine, a cultural lifestyle magazine, where she interviewed and shared people’s stories.  When not writing, she enjoys singing, dancing, inspiring others, and spending time with family.  Deliah Lawrence: What inspired you to write your book? Debbie Stokes: That is a funny story. One d...
10 comments
Read more

National Poetry Month’s Feature: Poet Jahi Trotter

Poet’s Bio: Jahi Minkah Trotter was born in Atlanta, GA, and moved to Alabama when he was six years old. He has been writing poetry since he was 11 years old. He has written two poetry books: It Was Already Written (2016) and Adapting To Life: Poems and Quotes by Jahi Minkah Trotter (2020). He developed a love for filmmaking while receiving his bachelor's degree in social science. Jahi decided to continue his quest for filmmaking at Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta, GA.   During his final two years at SCAD, Jahi was encouraged by his professors to go into acting while continuing to work behind the camera as well. This was a crucial time for Jahi. He lost his father in 2019 a month before taking an elective acting class that lead him into acting. He lost his mother in 2021 and continues to act and create films, including his thesis film "The Last Job," in which he acted and starred in. Jahi graduated with a master's degree in film and television from S...
2 comments
Read more