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About
the Author
Roxann Latimer is a writer, poet, journalist, artist, and
entrepreneur. A native of California Roxann's writing began
at an early age. "I can remember writing and illustrating
my own stories when I was five years old. My mother is an
avid reader and passed on the joy of reading to me. I read
fiction, non fiction, history, mysteries, romance." Speaking
of romance, Roxann will admit to reading romance novels since
the age of twelve. "Romance readers share their books
with friends and family. My favorite authors are Terry McMillian,
Eric Jerome Dickey and E. Lynn Harris, but I cut my teeth
on Jerome Robbins, Jackie Collins, Judith Krantz to Danielle
Steele. Today I read a little bit of every body. I love James
Baldwin, I think he was a master story teller. Toni Morrison
moves me like Zora Neale Hurston. And my favorite poets are
Niki Giovanni and Maya Angelou. Roxann works as an Executive
Producer for a small television production company, airing
several shows on public access television. She is currently
working on her next novel.
Today
we are at the legendary House of Blues on Sunset Strip in
Hollywood. It is a typical California day, warm/hot and breezy
with a beautiful sunny blue sky. Inside the HOB, is a Talent
showcase being filmed by Ace TV, a company owned by Roxann
Latimer and her partner Martine Martin. Martine also acts
as publicist for Roxann as they promote and market, YOU NEVER
KNOW. Roxann is seated in the VIP section monitoring the production
as Martine supervises and directs the showcase. With a mother
love spirit, Roxann smiles and laughs a lot...she took time
out to discuss her debut novel.
N2N:
So how do you juggle all your hats? Producer, artist, writer?
ROXANN:
It took me two years to write the book. Martine helped me
on several chapters especially the Lady and the Ruffneck.
We laugh and say we took time away from our men. My husband,
in Africa and Martine's man was in New York. We spent the
time we'd spend with them writing. (laughs) You know, positive
energy used constructively.
N2N:
Okay now...well it seems to have paid off, but why this book?
What motivated this book?
ROXANN:
In every character is someone I have known. No before you
ask the story is completely fictional, but the characters
are drawn from people I have known. Compilations of sistahfriends...just
the story is a tale but it is real to many of the women who
have read it. Many women can relate to the characters because
we have been in love and been hurt or thank god experienced
wonderful relationships with some good brothas. Apart of the
reason I wrote this story is because I was blessed to experience
a youth where my parents , grandparents, aunts and uncles
and cousins lived thru beautiful marriages and still do. We
always hear how Black men ain't nothing but dawgs, well I
know many men who work and take care of their families and
are married to loving supporting sistahs. Not to say they
don't have problems...but I get so tired of the Black family
always portrayed so negatively.
N2N:
Martine Martin is a vivacious and spirited sistah. I was able
to catch her for a few moments between directing the talent
and the cameraman during the production.
MARTINE:
We are at work on the Book Launch Party and several book signing
tours as well as television and radio promotions. I fell in
love with the characters like they were my best friends. I've
known Roxann for a long time and didn't realize she could
write so well. While I may be prejudiced I know a good book
when I read one!
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