Inside a Writer's World - Meet Author Danette Majette
Hosted by Ella Curry, of Black Pearls Magazine
Danette Majette was born in Long Branch, New Jersey, and moved to Norfolk, Virginia when she was five. After graduating from high school and going into the U.S. Marine Corps, Danette's love for fashion led her to Nordstrom where she worked as a manager. It was there that she was advised be a friend and co-worker to write her first novel "I Shoulda Seen It Comin' which debuted in 2005. She followed this success two years later with her second novel 'Deep" which successfully made the Essence Magazine bestseller list in 2008. She released her third novel "Good Girl Gone Bad' in April 2010.
After living in the Washington D.C. area for ten years, Danette moved to the Raleigh, N.C. area with her two children, Bryan Majette and Marketa Salley. Marketa is a featured author in LCB'S Teenage Bluez. A series of urban short stories written for and by teens. Her fourth novel 'Bitter' is set to be released in February 2011.
Listen to the 2011 LCB Book Launch Party, here: http://bit.ly/h4Z3KJ
BPM: Finish this sentence: I am Powerful because...
I am Powerful because...I have proven that you can take negative experiences in life and turn them into positive ones.
BPM: How has your experience been as a female author writing Urban Literature?
It has been great. I've learned a lot, experienced a great deal, and continue to grind everyday.
BPM: What is the most surprising thing you have learned while publishing books?
I think a lot of people come into this business as I did thinking it's a piece of cake but it really isn't. From the creative aspect to the revising and marketing of the book requires dedication and perseverance. It's even difficult at times. Of course, at the end of the day it's worth it.
BPM: What would you say has been your most significant achievement as a writer?
My second book "Deep" made the Essence Magazine Best Seller List in March 2008. It was a great honor.
BPM: Danette please introduce us to your new book, Bitter.
Reese Kennedy, is a controversial radio talk-show host who was on top of the world when she was married and living the glamorous life. That is until her husband Eric, a former NBA player, leaves for her for a much younger woman. After a nasty divorce, Reese takes her frustration out on every man by bashing them on her show and soon becomes the most hated woman in Dallas. Just when Reese thinks she s completely fed up with men, a handsome and charismatic investor named Xavier walks into her life. Trying her best to adjust to love again, Reese finally puts her guards down until she suddenly finds herself on death s door. The phrase keep your enemies close will take on a new meaning when an awful truth is revealed and Reese quickly learns that she s not the only one who s bitter.
BPM: Danette what are some of the topics that you focused on in Bitter?
1. Baby Momma Drama: A lot of people go through this. There are women who just refuse to let go of an ex-husband or spouse they have a child with. Especially if they've moved on with someone else and the person is the reason for the break-up with the ex. They seem to become even more enraged if the child likes the other woman. In an effort to get back at the men, some women use the child as a bargaining chip, show up at the ex's house screaming and cussing, and often start fights with the other woman and all for what. Its ridiculous but it's very common. How do you deal with this? And how does it affect the child?
2. Stalkers: There are a lot of sick people in the world. Stalkers are in that group. There are many reasons why people stalk someone but in my book Reese is being stalked by someone who has a vendetta against her. The person is resentful and gets even more motivated to stalk her when he or she sees how frighten and stressed Reese becomes.
3. Putting your trust in the wrong person: It so hard to know who you should trust and who you shouldn't trust these days. People come off so sweet and loving but you soon find out that the person is the total opposite of what you thought they were. Let's face it...some people are good actors. Then throw in the mix you trusted someone who caused irreparable damage to you or your family members. You feel betrayed because you trusted someone who you later find out isn't who or what they said they were and in some accounts turned out to be the devil in disguise. You then feel guilty for allowing this person into your circle because you not only put yourself at risk you also put your family and friends in harms way.
BPM: What makes your books stand out and would entice a reader pick it up?
I think my covers and the title of the books will peak the reader's curiosity and entice them to pick my book up. Society has shown us that drama sells, therefore everyone wants to know the story behind what made these good women turn bad. Believe me...it's a crazy ride!
BPM: Should every Urban Lit book be a "cautionary" tale of sorts? Should they have a moral or message?
Not necessarily...it depends on the author's intent. I can't speak for other authors, but I like to send a message in my books. I want to not only entertain my readers but give them information that may help them if they're in the same situation as one of my characters. Although we read novels for enjoyment there are many teachable moments.
BPM: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your books?
I'd like for my readers to walk away with a sense of compassion for another woman's issues. So many of us like to judge, yet we don't realize we could be the one in that situation. In addition, use Good Girl Gone Bad as a precautionary tale. These ladies found a solution to their problem...just not a legal one. Beware and most definitely...do not follow in their footsteps.
BPM: What advice would you give a new writer?
Start by taking some creative writing classes. Also they should read different styles of writing from other authors then craft their own style.
BPM: What would you change about the publishing business and why?
I would increase the amount shelf space for African-American titles. There are so many books out there that when your book hits the shelves it's got to sell like crazy or be replaced within a month or two by the next hot, new book.
Purchase Bitter by Danette Majette
ISBN-10: 1934230278
http://www.amazon.com/Bitter-Danette-Majette/dp/1934230278
