Humble Interview by Nicole M. Stevenson
It is a true pleasure to introduce Donna Hill who is an established yet humble woman. Three of her novels have been transformed into movies for t.v. Donna Hill is the first recipient of the Trailblazer Award (2002) for her pioneering work in the literary industry for authors and readers. She is doing so much more and has received more credit for her works.
Donna how many books have you written?To date I have written over forty books which include both full-length novels and novellas. I’ve also edited three anthologies, in addition to co-writing an independent film which was produced.
Have you ever gotten writer's block?I wouldn’t exactly say writer’s block. To me that means you are totally stumped, unable to write or get your thoughts down. When I don’t write it is more by choice than anything else. I find that if you plan well, get the concepts, the outline, character sketches and scenes down before you start writing, the possibility of you running into a blank wall is reduced exponentially. Sometimes all it takes to break the cycle of not being able to write is to walk away from it, do something physical and let your mind roam. Another remedy is to revisit your work, make adjustments, fill in blanks.
Can you share with us an excerpt from Getting Hers?Sneak Peek at Getting Hers
Prologue--Fate is A Funny Thing
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to put to rest the body of our brother, Troy Benning, husband of Kimberly Sheppard-Benning and a friend to many . . .”
Kim’s alabaster complexion was dutifully shielded behind the black veil that dipped down dramatically from her wide-brimmed black hat. She brought a white handkerchief beneath the veil and dabbed at her dry eyes. “Bastard,” she muttered.
The reverend droned on about what a wonderful man Troy was while an endless stream of grievers marched up to the grave to toss a rose or utter words of sorrow and condolence to Kim.
Kim scanned the crowd from behind her veil hoping to catch a glimpse of Stephanie. Finally she spotted her, with her arm tucked through that of her husband, Malcolm. Kim’s stomach muscles tightened as Stephanie’s green-eyed gaze found Kim’s blue one. Stephanie offered a slow, sad smile before looking away.
On the far side of the proceedings, Tess McDonald desperately wanted a cigarette. Funerals, cops, pre-dawn phone calls, hot sex and situations out of her control always elevated her craving. Casually she looked the crowd over. Nothing particularly unusual, except that someone in attendance murdered Troy Benning.
From the opposite side of the hole, beneath the shadow of a spanning oak, Nicole Perez murmured “Amen,” along with the mourners. “And good riddance,” she added under her breath. Nicole clasped her gloved hands together and licked her blood red lips. From behind dark glasses her onyx eyes darted around the throng of mourners then returned to rest on the hole in the ground. She swallowed. With all of the situations that she’d found herself in, even behind bars, she hadn’t been afraid, wary maybe, cautious for sure but never afraid. She put on a good front, she had to. No one could ever find out what really happened—or didn’t. She swallowed hard and tugged in a deep breath. This would all be over soon and the three of them could move on with their lives—whatever that may be.
Two Months Later:
Tess, Nikki and Kim raised their wine glasses in a quiet toast.
"To us," Tess said, as her lids lowered ever so slightly over her honey brown eyes and the curve of her wide mouth spread in a salacious grin, the bold bronze color matching her body-hugging dress to perfection.
The trio clinked their glasses together as the Amtrak Acela Express sped out of New York City en route to Washington, D.C.
Expertly coiffed as usual, Kim’s signature diamond studs sparkled against the light. Kim lowered her head and her voice to a whisper. "I still can't believe it.”
"What's not to believe? They tried to screw us and we fucked them first," Nicole said with a nonchalant flick of her wrist. Her tennis bracelet flashed. “The bastards deserved it.”
Kim flushed crimson. She spoke from between clenched teeth. "Do you always have to talk like that?" Her blue eyes darted around the dining car to see if anyone in earshot was offended. “We can dress you up but we still can’t take you out.”
Nicole grinned and gave Kim a wink. “Be careful my little pretty, the wife is always the first suspect.”
“Nikki--”
Tess stretched her slender hand across the table and covered Kim's pale fingers with her cocoa brown ones. "Relax. You know Nikki is just being Nikki. She loves to see you flustered, and you go for it every time."
Kim cut a look in Nicole's direction. Nicole smirked into her glass.
“Philadelphia 30th Street Station in three minutes,” the conductor announced.
Nicole picked up her purse and rose.
“Both of you be sure to check the classifieds from time to time. It is how we will communicate—should the need ever arise,” Tess said.
Kimberly and Nicole nodded in agreement.
Nicole looked from one woman to the other and for an instant appeared sad. “New city, new life.” She paused, pulled and pulled in a breath of resolve. “Thank you both,” she said barely above a whisper. She turned and walked away.
“I should be getting back to my car,” Kimberly muttered, before polishing off the last of her drink. She stood. “I’m sure we won’t be seeing each other again.”
Tess nodded. “You never know,” she said slowly.
“Take care of yourself, Tess.”
“You do the same, Kim.” She smiled as Kim walked away.
Alone now, Tess leaned back against the blue leather headrest and watched the landscape sweep past the window. She crossed her legs beneath the table and took a thoughtful sip from her glass of wine.
Over the past few months they'd gone from virtual strangers and wary adversaries to partners in crime--so to speak—revealing and acting upon their deepest secrets, their darkest fears. It had been risky. They’d put their families, their money, themselves in jeopardy. It had taken all of their connections, wits, and determination, but mostly the unholy pact they made to get as far as they did. Had is all been worth the sleepless nights? Only time would tell.
Under normal circumstances they would have never met in a million years—she a black high-priced Madame who ran the biggest escort service on the East coast, Nicole a Latina beauty boasting a mouth like a long shoreman, with a penchant for guns and fast cars, and Kim a white, married business tycoon who was in love with the wife of a congressman. But fate, the stars, and the mutual goal of retribution brought them together one blistering afternoon in June--the hottest June day on record...
Where did you come up with the idea for this book?I’ve always loved mysteries ever since I was a teenager and cut my teeth on Agatha Christie. Even in many of my romances there is a suspense or mystery element woven into the love story. But for the first time, I didn’t concern myself with the male/female relationship but on the murders! I was inspired to write Getting Hers after remembering seeing the movie “Strangers On A Train,” the thriller by Alfred Hitchcock. The premise of the story intrigued me; complete strangers committing a murder for the other. In Hitchcock’s version one was reluctant and refused. In my version, all of them agree. But the twist is none of my trio know who the other will murder.
The title is catchy; did you have a hard time coming up with it?Well, the title Getting Hers is truly tied to the whole theme of the novel, getting what is due you.
In one word can you sum up Donna Hill?Busy! LOL
Is it difficult writing with three characters having their own voice?No, I didn’t find it difficult at all. As I mentioned earlier if you set up your groundwork, specifically your characters before you write the book, you “know” who they are. They should have very distinct personalities and voices. That is what I tried to do with Getting Hers. In addition, each of my women are of different nationalities.
Did this story in any way relate to someone you knew?Oh gee, I sure hope not! LOL
Can you tell us about Diva Inc.?Divas Inc. was my first chick-lit with a very comedic twist. I took the fairytale of Cinderella and the notion of the grass being greener on the other side and came up with Margaret Drew my protagonist in Divas Inc. Although it is a comedy it is a story of self-discovery. Margaret was searching for something outside of herself that she had within all along. But it took her turning her life upside down to discover that special part of herself. The novel actually became the catalyst for the organization of the same name, The Divas Incorporated Society, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to uplifting and empowering women and girls through a variety of support and resources.
How did Sisterfriends come to be?Sisterfriends is a bookclub that I facilitate at the Queens Library in New York. It began about 3 years ago in partnership with the Charlotte Meckelenburg Library in Charlotte, NC., and that was spear-headed by my good friend LaToya McLean. We meet monthly, discuss literature, host author visits, support literary events, and periodically do video-teleconferencing to share in real time a visit of an author with another library.
Does being known as a trailblazer put pressure on you to want to continue to produce extraordinary works?I don’t know about extraordinary. I do know that I want to continue to stretch. To use my abilities to continue to write the best books that I can. I want to explore other genres, and let my writing take me where it may. Most of all I want to be in a position to help other writers from giving them a name to call to working with them on a novel, getting them in front of an audience—whatever it takes.
Is there any other genre that you are thinking about getting into?Hmmm. Well, I’ve done romance, erotica, mainstream, comedic, chick lit and now mystery. For the time being I think I’ll just keep moving back and forth with these.
What do you do in your free time?Listen to music mostly or zone out on the TV. Dinner with my guy or with friends. Movies, stuff like that.
I want to let you know that you along with others have inspired me to write and to work towards success...can you leave words of encouragement for others that are just getting in touch with their creativity?The main thing is, if you believe it, you can achieve it. Surround yourself with inspiring and positive people. And that may mean kicking some folks to the curb if they do not have your best interests at heart. Hone your craft. Study the art of writing. Take a class if you need to. And always remember that your work is a reflection of you and will remain long after you are gone. Be remembered well.
Check out more about Donna at her
website!
Have you been having trouble getting into a relaxing mood? Have you reached the point where a bubble bath and back rub just won't do?
