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Interview with Jamise Dames Interview by Diane Domingo
Jamise L. Dames' first novel, the self-published best-seller, Momma's Baby, Daddy's Maybe (Carrington House, 2003), sold thirty thousand copies. It was later picked up and re-released by Atria Books, a division of Simon and Schuster. Jamise is a published songwriter and former recording artist as well as a wife and mother. She holds a BA degree in English and is working toward her graduate degree. Excerpts from her books may be read at her website, www.jamiseldames.com. Her second novel, Pushing Up Daisies, (Atria Books) was published in 2005.
Every writer dreams of having his or her first novel published and becoming a best-seller. This actually happened to you, even before your book was picked up by a major publishing house. What do you think contributed most to that phenomenal success?
Wow, that's a tough one to answer. Other than marketing my work wherever I went, touring endlessly, and having a great publicist, as well as a catchy title, I'd have to say that word of mouth contributed to my success. One would be surprised how much readers can influence what's bought or not.
How has this success affected you?
It's affected me tremendously. Initially, I thought that no one would read my book, and why would they want to? I mean, who was I compared to the others? I was just another new writer amongst thousands of authors who'd already established themselves-- they were on one end of the spectrum; they had a name and a following. I was on the other end of the spectrum; I had neither. But I was clear about what I wanted, and therefore, determined. However, it seems as if my clarity and determination didn't play a role in my success, the process moved too fast. It was [as] if one day I was unknown and unread, and the next-- voilą, I [had] a best-seller on a few lists.
Had you been rejected by other publishers before you self-published? If so, how did you deal with it?
Believe it or not, no, I'd never submitted. Submissions and rejections were not a part of my plan. Especially, after I'd heard all the horror stories. I'd always planned on self-publishing.
When you were self-published, how did you market yourself?
I hired a publicist-- a great publicist. She scheduled an extensive tour, submitted my novel to the right people, marketed me on- and offline, and made sure that I was where I needed to be. Making the right connections are key in any industry. I was booked for radio shows and book clubs, and talked to anyone who'd listen. We also sent out postcards and bookmarks.
Your book has been called a "Black reality" novel. Did you write this specifically with the Black reader in mind, or more as a universal experience?
That's also a tough question. While Momma's Baby, Daddy's Maybe may be thought of as a "Black reality" novel, it's not. The story is universal and doesn't belong to one race. In fact, neither do the main characters. They're biracial (Black and White) just as I am, but my cultural background is different (Black and Native American). I did, however, keep race in mind when I wrote the story because I've yet to find an assortment of novels with mixed characters. But, I'll keep looking.
You're a wife and mother of three, so it must be difficult to find time to write. Do you have a set writing schedule?
Yes, I do. My work schedule isn't much different than anyone else who works a normal 9 to 5 day. After I see my husband and children off to work and school I go to work in my office. I usually work for about eight hours daily, give or take lunch. And at night, after the children are tucked in, I'll squeeze an hour or so in if needed.
What is your favorite part about writing? Your least?
My absolute favorite part is when the characters take on a life of their own. Once that occurs it's as if they write the story themselves. I'm just the vehicle.
My least favorite part... getting stuck, and/or piecing a story back together after the characters take over and the story strays from the outline. That's my least favorite because it's hard to determine when and where the story got off track. The small details are easy to miss.
As you grew up (or presently), what influences had a bearing on your work?
I believe that being an only child influenced my writing. Because I didn't have siblings to talk to, or vent to, I wrote everything down. Instead of having "real" make-believe friends, I created them on paper and wrote about them.
My mother also influenced me, and still does. Today, my children influence me the most because they're still innocent enough to ask why things occur and why people do what they do. Their questions don't allow me to turn a deaf ear to the world, or see things the way that adults are accustomed to seeing. I, like them, am very observant.
When you sit down to begin a new work, how much of it do you already have? (i.e., just an idea, a beginning and ending, or a full plot?)
It all depends on the story. Some I've had in my head for years and know completely; those don't require much planning. Others I sketch out in a makeshift outline that isn't worthy of anyone else's eyes. In all of them, however, there is at least one thing that I don't know in advance. I, too, like to be surprised.
What are you working on now?
I've just completed my third novel (yet to be titled), and I'm working on two more simultaneously. It's a dangerous process, I know, but both stories are fighting to be written first. I'll let you know which one wins.
What would you like your readers to come away with from your books?
The themes. My books all have a message in them, something to learn from, something positive that can be taken from something negative, or vice versa. To me it's not always the story but what's behind the story, or inside of it.
Do you have a favorite writing book?
Sol Stein's On Writing.
Do you have a favorite quote?
"Make it a rule of life never to regret and never to look back. Regret is an appalling waste of energy; you can't build on it; it's only good for wallowing in."
-Katherine Mansfield
Are there writing courses you'd recommend to new writers?
Courses can be iffy. While some may benefit from a workshop, others may not. The same holds true for writers' groups. However, I'll always recommend English and grammar classes, and books on writing.
What advice would you impart to new writers?
One has to study the craft to survive in this business because there are some really great writers out there. Don't just read, but read the works of the good writers as often as you can; that's what one should want to emulate-- good writing, and, of course, write daily.
And never-- I mean never-- let your friends or relatives read your work. If you do, don't listen to what they say because they'll tell you something is great when it's not. Find a reader who'll chop it up and then shred it. You'll not only develop the thick skin that is needed for constructive criticism, but you'll gain a friend that you can trust.
Lastly, never give up.
Diane Domingo is the owner of Bookshelf Editing Services and is also a regular contributor and editor to WritersBreak.com.
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