FEATURED AUTHOR: April Alisa Marquette

A native New Yorker, now residing in Georgia, April Alisa Marquette was delighted with the Creative Writing and Literature electives offered in college.

Having penned more than a dozen novels, she is committed to the creation of beautifully detailed sagas depicting sexy, savvy, multi-cultural women.

It is her endeavor to continue to create endearing tales that readers will never want to end.



Exodus:

Sultry Aqua wants to get married. Supper Club owner Dyson does not. He proposes however—that she should fill in for his club’s absentee hostess. Aqua does, and meets dashing business owner Noel, who invites her to accompany him to several coastal isles.

Despite dire warnings not to go the sexy pair make the island-hopping trek. Strange things begin to happen. On the little known Miraunga Isle, Aqua begins to sleepwalk. At night she glides through the bayou, and alligator filled swamps. During the day, she drifts down hallways dusty with disuse, and floats along on forbidden floors. She also takes refuge in a centuries-old cemetery, because she’s become privy to disturbing things. Believing she’s witnessed a murder, she desperately needs answers. However, her inquiries have caused all hell to break loose. Someone or something desires to take Aqua’s life.

Bewildered and out of options, dashing Noel summons the High Priestess from a neighboring isle. As he and Aqua nervously wait, they can only wonder. Will the priestess arrive...before it’s too late?

What would you like readers to take away from your book?

I'd like readers to take away a sense of excitement. I want them to eagerly turn pages because, like one woman told me, a reader gets so engrossed that they just have to know what will happen next!

Why did you choose to write this book?

Actually, I did not choose to write this particular type of book. It started out as something altogether different. However, it kept winding its way around to being a thrilling mystery. After a while I just had to let the characters lead. I had to simply write what they were imparting.

What did you learn while writing this book?

I learned a host of things, some Latin, and a bit about the origins of photography. I learned extensively about the American Golden Isles, and about paranormal and spiritual energy. Although I'd previously thought I knew African-American history, I learned more, and about the U.S. low country Gullah people who have preserved an enormous amount of African history.

What was your favorite scene/chapter from the book?

My favorite scene in the book happens when Noel, the luscious love interest happens to be racing through the abyssmal murky swamp. His clothing is being torn, he's being scratched, clawed and clutched at. I have been told that when his heart is furiously pumping, and his lungs feel on fire, it is almost as if the reader experiences it as well.

What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?

I would like non-writers to understand that writing is a solitary activity. It requires a good amount of time. A serious writer does not like trivial interruptions, to perhaps 'come out & play.'

What is the best lesson you have learned from another writer?

The best thing I have learned from another writer is to be brutally honest. I was told that a reader cannot emotionally connect with a writer who withholds emotion. Therefore I attempt to feel, to dig deep, and convey that feeling to my readers.

What is the toughest test you've faced as a writer?

The toughest test I faced as a young writer, was disappointment. When I began, I received a lot of 'no we're not looking for that right now' from agents and publishing houses. They would also ask if I could write like whatever author was hot right then. Because I was unwilling to compromise, in that regard, I left many a meeting empty-handed.

What is something readers would be surprised you do?

Readers may be surprised to find that I roller skate, not rollerblade. I'm not that good, not that advanced, yet. I can admit it. I'm not the best, but at least I can stand up. I don't hit the floor as often as I used to. :)

How do you reach new readers?

I reach new readers through networking, different websites, book signings, interviews, like this one, thank you by the way-- However I also like good old fashioned word of mouth too, one reader telling another how much they loved my book(s)!

If you could have dinner with 3 authors to talk with about their writing (living or deceased) who would you invite and why?

The three authors I would love to dine with, and why, are: Maya Angelou, she has lived through many a tumultuous thing. These things she's candidly written about, and despite adversity, yet she possesses grace and dignity. Over a long lunch I'd love to speak with Nora Roberts. She writes like a house on fire. Her prose is quick and snappy, and in addition to giving great story, she gives great imagery. I'd also love to dine with Rosamunde Pilcher, because she takes her readers to whatever place and space she wants them to be in. Reading her, to me, is like sitting comfortably with a longtime friend.

Can you give us one do and one don’t for those aspiring to be a writer?

One 'do' and 'don't' for aspiring writers, do hone your craft--take classes, get critiqued by someone reputable if possible, study successful authors that you like. Don't take no for an answer.

How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)

I have a contact page on my website: www.aprilalisamarquette.com. I love to get feedback from readers. Sometimes they really make me laugh. Other times they make me think. I love the interaction.

Our theme for this month is The Business Of Writing. What are three things you wished you’d known earlier that might have saved you some time/frustration in this business?

Three things I wish I'd known earlier about the business of writing is that a reputable editor is a must. Also, many times writing involves much more than writing alone, i.e. often a writer will need to publicize their own work. Last but not least, it takes many re-writes, for some, to get a story right.

Can you give us a sneak peek of your next book?

A sneak peak - I'm working on Affinity, which happens to be the sequel to Exodus. Its gives readers an in-depth look at the Priestess who is seen in Exodus. View her loves and life on a fictional isle, after she has disappeared. Find out if she drowned, was kidnapped, or was supernaturally 'taken.' See how her disappearance affects the men who loved her. And for the traditionally romantic, I am wrapping up an exhilarating as well as frustrating love story called Turnabout. In it, watch sexy business woman Abigail go round and round with a superfine, tall, rich, pop music producer. Then fall in lust all over again with the sexy, lovable, Beau. Meet up with him once more in Iniquities, the third book in the Cohort Trilogy. Become a voyeur, a fly on the wall. Look into the actor's escapades with men, and women. Understand, if it was done in the dark...it'll surely come to the light!

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