GlossMagazineOnline: Tell us how you got started writing.
Connie Briscoe: I’ve always enjoyed writing and I’m good at it. I had the urge to write a novel for years. I would take a stab at various projects—novels, short stories—and then put them aside. I finally decided to take the plunge and go all the way because I realized that the urge wasn’t going to go away, and I figured that I had nothing to lose, except maybe some pride, if I failed. But there was so much to gain if I succeeded. I also found a literary agent early on who believed in me and who was very encouraging.
GMO: Who are some of your literary inspirations?
Connie: Zora Neale Hurston, Terry McMillan and many more.
GMO: I read that despite your hearing impairment, you decided to persevere and pursue your dream of writing. Do you think that most people who may have a challenge in some way let that get in the way of pursuing their passion? How do you advise pushing past that challenge?
Connie: Actually I think it’s often the opposite. I’ve seen many cases where people who are challenged, especially early in life, overcome and go on to achieve great things. Pick someone who has been very successful and look into his or her background. You’ll often find adversity, whether it’s physical impairment, family issues, emotional problems, whatever. Challenges often make us stronger.
GMO: Your work focuses a lot on what African American women go through in life, be it at work, in a relationship or with family. How do you gain inspiration for your novels?
Connie: I’m inspired by the life around me—the people, places, events. I’m especially interested in women who face and overcome personal challenges, whether related to romance, family, self-esteem or something else. I’m definitely an observer of life. I take in the surroundings, let them simmer inside me, and then release them on the pages of my novels.
GMO: Were you surprised when Sisters & Lovers sold as well as it did?
Connie: I was stunned. I never dreamed I could sell more than half a million copies of a novel. You don’t prepare for something like that. At least I didn’t because I wasn’t expecting it. All you can do is accept it and adapt. And believe me, that isn’t hard to do.
GMO: How did the story of Lenora Stone in Money Can’t Buy Love come about?
Connie: Again, I took a broad look at life around me. I thought about the current tough economic climate and asked myself: What might an insecure woman do—and many of us are insecure at times or in certain situations—if she suddenly won millions of dollars and met the man of her dreams? Would she smarten up, gain more confidence and go on to live a good life? Or would she squander it all?
GMO: On a different note, how do you feel about the current state of print and books today, with e-books outselling print? Is that something you consider when writing?
Connie: I believe we’re going through a seismic shift similar to the invention of the printing press. Would I have preferred that things stay the same? Yes and no. I see advantages and disadvantages to both the past way of publishing books and what we’re moving toward—whatever that will be, because we’re not done transitioning yet. One thing I know for sure about all of this, though, is that you cannot stop progress. Whether we like it or not, this business has changed forever.
GMO: What advice do you have for aspiring authors?
Connie: If it’s truly your dream, then follow it and don’t give up easily. Educate yourself. Learn about the publishing business and polish your craft by taking classes and reading good books on the subjects. Also, try to be realistic and objective. Do you really have what it takes? Not everyone is cut out for this.
GMO: What are some of your future plans and goals?
Connie: Right now I honestly have no idea. I’m at the thinking stage and for me that’s a fun place to be.
Learn more about Connie at writerrevealed.com or on Facebook at facebook.com/connie.briscoe.
