AN INTERVIEW with STACY-DEANNE


THE ROCK: Who is Stacy-Deanne, tell us something about you?
Stacy: I am a very determined, young lady who despite past obstacles and emotional disadvantages, have used my inner strength to obtain confidence; therefore, allowing me to fulfill my quest as a published author, certified editor, part-time model and landscape photographer. I am also a member of the Author's Guild.

THE ROCK: Where are you from, and currently residing?
Stacy: I'm from H-town, baby! I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. I still live here. But since I have an obsessive dream to live in England, I'm not sure how much longer I'll be in Houston. But Houston will always be my favorite city. My mom taught a few years at Yates High School… Beyonce` Knowles' alma mater by the way. There's a lot of Houston history in me.

THE ROCK: Are there any other writers in the family?
Stacy: Yes. I have an older cousin who writes short stories and poetry. He's also an artist. He hasn't pursued it professionally, but his gift has been an inspiration to me.

THE ROCK: When did you start writing?
Stacy: I started writing professionally in 1997 when I was nineteen. I love telling this story. I never in my life thought about becoming a writer. I'd always been creative with my schoolwork when it came to reports and elaborating ideas but becoming a writer began as a whim. I'd gotten my first computer in ’97, and I started writing this little love story. I didn't take it seriously at all but before I knew it, I had an entire novel. I realized, " Hey I've just written a book! ". I didn't know a thing about the publishing world at the time but decided to try my hand at it. The more I wrote the more I learned nothing in this world made me happier. From that point on, I'd found my calling.

THE ROCK: What prepared you to become an author?
Stacy: I had a very upsetting childhood. I couldn’t bring myself to feel accepted in the world. I experienced deep emotional problems that most of the people close to me still don't know about. Because of this emotional damage, I reevaluated myself and through that gained confidence. Well with that confidence came the need to "Be somebody". My entire life I felt ignored in everything I did. Writing was the one thing that put me in the spotlight for a change. I refused to give it up. I was determined to become published, so I pushed myself as hard as possible until I reached my goal. The end couldn’t have been more satisfying even if the journey had been a little easier.

THE ROCK: What inspired you to become a writer?
Stacy: As I mentioned before just the simple chance to finally prove myself. I've always had this intense need to prove that I was as important as anyone else was. Writing has been the only thing to make me feel that way.

THE ROCK: What inspired you to write your book?
Stacy: I am a fiction writer naturally. For years, I strictly wrote fiction. While working on getting my fiction published, I decided to flip the script. I started a biography series about minority female singers. My first subject was Mya. I was a big fan of her music, and I didn't know a thing about her. It seemed like the media kept talking about the same people, and Mya never seemed to be in the limelight. Since I loved her music, I kept up with her projects over the years. I can't tell you how amazed I was when I learned about her life. I just thought she was a talented performer. I had no idea she worked for charities and spent her time promoting the self-image of young girls. I began writing about her and though the book was considered a biography, I consider it a study. From there, I wrote the Jennifer Lopez biography then Ashanti's. In 2004, after I completed the Ashanti book, I learned that my publisher put a sample of my work with other authors. So Divas of the New Millennium was born.

THE ROCK: Tell us about your newest creation. What is the premise?
Stacy: Divas of the New Millennium, which features Alicia Keys, Ashanti, Beyonce` Knowles, Destiny's Child, Jennifer Lopez and Mya is a compilation music book that gives you a quick glance into today's most powerful female singers. All have broken records, set trends, and made history. The book brings these exciting individuals together beautifully. It shows that though they may be very different from each other, the road to success was equally challenging for all of them.

THE ROCK: Any publishing contracts in the working?
Stacy: Yes. My publisher has accepted my latest fiction, a Latino love story. We will be discussing future plans with that very soon. It's also speculation that a movie deal may come out of this though I don't want to speak too soon about it. I am very excited about the possibilities the novel will bring me. I am also working on another biography that my publisher is very interested in.

THE ROCK: Have you ever self-published? Why or why not?
Stacy: No, I never did. I found the risk outweighed the goals. I don't believe fiction can be successful through self-publishing. Fiction needs to be promoted and offered on the widest scale possible and with self-publishing, a fiction author can't do that. It's different if the author uses a print-on-demand company to help them self-publish, because they can get their books availablefor order at many bookstores. As a whole, I never felt this route was for me. I put in enough work writing my books. I didn't want to become the only person to sell them in the long run.

THE ROCK: What are "traditional publishers" looking for?
Stacy: Well, they are always looking for that next big hit. I think the Harry Potter thing is fading and the public seems to be getting back to adult-oriented works. Publishers are always looking for easy sales such as celebrity biographies, autobiographies, political books, and fiction that can hit an audience uniquely. Black erotica is also making a big splash thanks to authors like Zane. Chick-lit and teen books are attracting a healthy audience these days, too. Traditional publishers are especially looking for more Black and Hispanic writers these days. Minority authors are rising higher than ever and finally big- time publishers are beginning to notice. Almost every day, I hear of a new Minority author who is signed to Random House or Simon and Schuster for a first book. Women authors are a big attraction to publishers these days. For years, women authors have been on the top of the list when it came to selling fiction. Publishers have finally realized this and are paying more attention to the ladies in the industry.

THE ROCK: If you were a publisher, what would be your niche?
Stacy: I would target writers who write books for all audiences. I believe all writers should venture out. My books fit everyone. I have written books about all different kinds of characters from different backgrounds, etc. Minority writers shouldn't box themselves in. Writing for all cultures of society is the key. I would specifically look for weird, humor pieces with a little action in them. I'd want something different from everyone else when it came to picking authors for my company. They'd really have to blow my mind because I've seen it all. I'd want something quirky and daring like a John Waters’ film in book form. Something that would result in a cult following. But most of all, they'd have to have talent and determination. They'd have to have guts to follow their own instincts and not try to imitate other writers. They'd also have to have good manners. I wouldn't work with anyone rude. But as long as they are good-looking, I'll work with them regardless. (Laughing ). No, I'm just kidding!

THE ROCK: For an author, is having a publishing contract with a "traditional publisher" important professionally?
Stacy: Yes. Traditional publishing brings an author tons more exposure than self-publishing or print-on-demand publishing in most cases. There are some exceptions but few. Traditional publishing is what you need if you want to have a long career in writing. Traditional publishers have a huge stock in your book, so they do all they can to help sell it. They get your book out in numbers of thousands. They get authors into national and international magazines, book clubs, festivals, your books in libraries, etc. These are things self-published authors get shut out of a lot of times. It may not be fair, but it's the world. The world takes a traditional author seriously. People feel that once you were picked from the slush pile you must have some talent. There are a lot of talented self-published authors that should benefit from their work, but most of them don't get the chance.

THE ROCK: What are some of your professional and personal achievements?
Stacy: Becoming a published author would be my top professional achievement. Personal achievements include accepting myself, which allowed me to try things I wouldn't have dared to before. I've done things I never thought I'd do like modeling. Another favorite personal achievement is being a landscape photographer. I have a collection of photos I've done in Houston and other parts of Texas. I plan to publish a book of my photos in the future.

THE ROCK: Who are some of your favorite authors?
Stacy: Kay Hooper is my favorite writer of mysteries and thrillers. I find her books are always a step ahead of others in her genre. I've had the pleasure of corresponding with Kay through email, and it helped me get a closer look at the author behind the stories. Linda Howard is another one of my favorites because she showed me that romance novels aren't all stereotypically sappy like I thought they were (laughing). I used to hate reading romance, until I read one of Linda's books.

THE ROCK: Where do you want to be in five years?
Stacy: Hopefully traveling exotic lands and enjoying life as a successful writer. I hope to have my magazine and clothing label off the ground. Perhaps I'll release a rock album with me singing lead and playing the electric guitar. That's been another dream of mine… and possibly signing a contract for my own talk show (laughing). Let's keep our fingers crossed!

THE ROCK: Where can readers find you?
Stacy: They can find me at my official website: http://www.stacy-deanne.net. There they can browse around, learn more about me and view samples of my photography. They can contact me through my email address or PO Box address. I vow to answer everyone who contacts me though it may take me a little time. But make no mistake. I'm one author who makes fanmail and reader correspondence a top priority. Readers can order Divas of the New Millennium from my publisher June 1, 2005. Just check the website. The book will be released in stores later in June. Readers can check their favorite stores for specific release dates.
To order Divas of the New Millennium: http://www.amberbooks.com
Thanks so much for the interview. I enjoyed sharing with THE ROCK readers.

THE ROCK: Thank you, Stacy. Peace and Blessings.

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