Intimate Conversation with Trice Hickman
Hosted by Ella Curry, founder Black Pearls Magazine
Hosted by Ella Curry, founder Black Pearls Magazine
Trice Hickman is an award winning, bestselling author of contemporary fiction. Her love of reading and words led her to become a writer. Determined to have her voice heard, Trice self-published three novels before signing a book deal with Kensington (Dafina Books), who will re-release her original works. Trice is currently writing her next novel, and in her spare time she enjoys cooking, reading, home improvement projects, and traveling.
BPM: Tell us about your passion for writing. What drives you?
My passion for writing stems from my love of the written word. I love how words, when thoughtfully constructed, can have a profound impact on its reader. I write because it gives me joy! Writing is something you have to love because even when you're good at it, it doesn't always come easy. If you love it, you will continue to do it. Writing is a practice in patience, and writing is re-writing. I'm driven by my desire to be the best "me" that I can be. I continually strive to improve myself as I learn how to appreciate my achievements and grow from my mistakes. I hope that my book can impact readers in a meaningful way.
After reading my books, it is my hope that the story will resonate in such a way that makes the reader think about social issues they've never thought about before, discover a new word they've never heard of, or simply receive hours of enjoyable entertainment. That, to me, is be worth the journey of writing.
BPM: Do you insert your own characteristics in your writing?
I believe that every author imparts a small piece of themselves into the stories we write. That's why writing is such a deeply personal endeavor. However, my characters are not like me. I try to stay away from writing about my life and the lives of people whom I know. Many of my characters have challenges, experiences, and motivations that lead them down roads I would never venture to travel. But, that is the sublime beauty of writing fiction. You can create a world and people within it, who push limits.
BPM: Are writers playing important roles in today’s literary world?
Writers are important in today's world because we create works of art that will stand the test of time. A poem or book can be read over and over again, for both learning and entertainment. In an age of instant gratification and passing fads, writers produce works that will be around long after a picture fades or a game is over because words never die. Words live and breathe. It is important that writers have the opportunity to publish their work because reading is critical. Reading broadens the mind and expands the vocabulary. It educates us, and writers are the catalyst.
BPM: Introduce us to your latest release, Looking for Trouble and the main characters.
In my latest book, Looking for Trouble, readers will find out that, "Some dreams will test your head and your heart..."
John Small may be a successful Wall Street banker, but at heart he's a country boy from the sleepy town of Nedine, South Carolina. John wants to open Nedine's first black-owned bank. But big dreams can bring big problems and John's snooty New York City girlfriend is just the beginning. John is about to learn some hard truths about money, power, love, and loyalty. And when his future, and his family's legacy, is in danger, help will come from where he least expects it...
Alexandria Thornton is a hard-working corporate attorney by day, but she s passionately pursuing her dream as a spoken word artist by night. Frustrated with her career and her lackluster love life, Alexandria s ready to throw in the towel on both that is, until a man from her past reenters her life and changes everything. But her newfound happiness is short-lived when old lovers, lingering secrets, and hidden desires threaten to end it all...
BPM: Who do you want to reach with your body of work?
First and foremost, I want readers to enjoy the book and be glad they took the journey with the characters. I want to reach women who are at a crossroads in their life; who are either unsure about how to pursue their dreams and make them a reality, or who have given up on finding that special someone who can help them as they journey to get there. I believe my stories will resonate with women from many walks of life because like the main character, today’s working woman faces similar challenges and struggles—balancing career and family, pursuing their dreams, and navigating relationship woes. Ultimately, I hope this story will leave them encouraged and inspired.
BPM: What do you want to accomplish with each published book?
My novels have explored topics such as race, interracial dating, class stratification, family dysfunction, skin-color bias, parenting skills, and May/December romances. It is my goal to have a meaningful impact on the readers of my work, and it is my hope that they will look at social issues through a different lens after reading my books.
BPM: Share with us one piece of advice for the new author.
Don’t give up. No matter how hard it seems, no matter how many times you think you’ve failed, and no matter how many times you’ve been told no, you have to keep pushing forward. What you must remember is that behind every no there is a yes! You have to keep going until you find your yes!
BPM: One of your newsletters shared that you offer authors coaching sessions. Tell us more about the program. Who should sign up for a session?
Yes, I decided to start offering coaching sessions because of the abundance of emails I receive from aspiring authors who are seeking advice about everything from how to write and publish a book to how to sell and promote it. This is a very competitive and ever changing business, so you really have to know what you’re doing in order to navigate the waters at a pace that’s right for you and your project.
I offer 60 minute coaching sessions that are individually designed to assist the client with their specific needs based on a questionnaire I send to them prior to the session (this allows me know in advance what their needs are, and in turn, that understanding will help facilitate an efficient use of our time). I welcome anyone who is serious about establishing a literary career to visit the Writer’s Corner section of my website. I’ve also included information about things that aspiring writers need to know about writing and publishing.
BPM: Finish this sentence- "My writing offers the following legacy to future readers..."
My writing offers a legacy to future readers of determination and service to others. I humbly say this because it's not just my words that will hopefully impact future readers, it is my actions. After I completed my first manuscript, I was turned down by every agent and every publisher I had submitted my story to. But I didn't give up on my dream of becoming a publishing author. I went on to publish three books on my own, win several literary awards, make several bestsellers lists, and was eventually offered a book deal from a major publisher. I had faith, and an unflappable belief that I could do anything I set my mind to.
And while achieving my goals, I've given back to those in need. I’ve donated money to various charities from the proceeds earned from each book I’ve published. I believe that it's important to help others and share the blessings we receive. It will always come back to you. If I'm able to leave readers the legacy of determination and service, I will be a very happy woman!
BPM: Share with us your latest news or upcoming book releases.
I'd be happy to! I'm currently writing my 6th book which will release spring 2014. I have storylines written for 7 additional books. I'm also working on a few web based projects that will be available in a few months (more to come on that soon!). As mentioned earlier, I'm also offering coaching sessions for aspiring writers that will guide them through the often complicated process of writing, publishing, promoting, and selling their own book.
BPM: Give us the link to purchase your next book. How can our readers reach you online?
Thank you so much for asking! I love hearing from readers and I encourage them to visit my web site at www.tricehickman.com, where they can learn more about me, my books, and my literary journey.
Looking for Trouble by Trice Hickman (Oct 29, 2013)
Available wherever books are sold!
Link: http://amzn.com/0758287232
Trice Hickman, Author and Public Speaker
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