Author: Imari Jade - http://www.imarijade.com

by: Tammie King

Date: 9/2009

Hello Imari,

Thanks for joining me today on Night Owl Romance.

Tammie King of NOR: To get us started can you please start by telling us a little about what you are working on or have coming out?

Imari Jade: My current novel "Oasis," was released on September 12, 2009 by Sugar and Spice Press. It's a erotic romance set in Africa.

Tammie King of NOR: Could you please tell us a little about yourself?

Imari Jade: During the day I work as a financial analyst. I have three grown sons and 6 grandchildren who make my life pretty interesting. I like to read paranormal romance, especially those featuring vampires. When I'm not working, reading or running behind kids I like to watch anime. Collecting it is one of my hobbies. I got hooked a couple of years ago and love the romantic ones.

Tammie King of NOR: If you could be one of the characters from this book – Who would you be? And why?

Imari Jade: I can see myself as Charisma in the book "Oasis". We have a lot in common. I think I gave her my attitude. She's pretty spunky and she prefers love to material things.

Tammie King of NOR: Who or what influenced you when you wrote this book? Did you have a CD, Songs, environment, etc?

Imari Jade: Well actually I was working on another book "In Love with a Dark Stranger," that will be released from Midnight Showcase in July 2010 when the idea came to mind. I've always had this thing for princes, deserts and hot sex.

Tammie King of NOR: Can you please give us a sneak peek into the book?

Imari Jade: Yes, Oasis is about a young woman named Charisma Romaine. She has traveled to Africa to finish her photojournalism thesis and she's staying her aunt and uncle who are ambassadors to Africa. While in the desert she meets an African male traveling by camelback. The two of them get into an argument. She thinks he's too arrogant, but loves to look into his sexy brown eyes. Later that evening the two of them meet at a party given by her aunt. She recognizes him from his voice and finally gets a good look at him and learns that his name is Shakir and he's a Nubian prince. Throughout the story Charisma battles with her growing feelings for Shakir even though she is in a relationship with her uncle's aid. Her aunt wants her to marry the man because he has a chance of someday being President of the United States. Charisma doesn't care about being First Lady because she would rather have a man's love than become his political partner.

Tammie King of NOR: Please tell us what you have planned next?

Imari Jade: Carnal Desire is planning to re-release "Death Takes a Holiday," and Midnight Showcase is featuring my novella "Unwrapped Gifts" in their Holiday digest. I'm currently working on the sequel to "Death Takes a Holiday," and two un-titled vampire books.

Tammie King of NOR: What kind of research did you do for this book? Did you enjoy the research process?

Imari Jade: I did a lot of my research on the Internet. I did enjoy the process and I learned a lot about Africa and its traditions.

Tammie King of NOR: What would you like to tell your readers?

Imari Jade: I'd like to tell my readers that I appreciate all their support and mail. Also, that I have a new website and blog and hope they visit soon.

Tammie King of NOR: Do you belong to a critique group? If so, how does this help or hinder you?

Imari Jade: Just one. South East Louisiana Writers hosted by my friend Trent Kinsey who is an ex-Marine and horror/science fiction author. We work together during the day and converse in the evenings. I don't think the critique group has hurt. I value opinions.

Tammie King of NOR: Can you please give us a sneak peek at any of your upcoming books?

Imari Jade: Let's see, "Death Takes a Holiday" is a paranormal romance about the Grim Reaper finding love. "Unwrapped Gifts" is another paranomal romance, a diffent twist to "A Christmas Carol." "In Love with a Dark Stranger," which I think is by far my funniest and sexiest manuscript about a female American archeologist, an Egyptian bandit and an Egyptian prince. It features hot shieks of the desert who go to any length to get the women they love.

Tammie King of NOR: What would be the best way for readers contact you? Do you have a website? Email address? MySpace site? Blog? Message Board? Group?

Imari Jade: http://www.imarijade.com I'm on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter. I have a blog and a newsletter. All can be accessed through my new website. I'm also at Bebo.com and GoodReads.com My email address is imari@imarijade.com or imarijade@yahoo.com I can also be reached through several romance groups on Yahoo.

Tammie King of NOR: When did you first decide to submit your work? Please, tell us what or who encouraged you to take this big step?

Imari Jade: I knew some of the writers at Sugar and Spice Press. I liked what I saw when I went to the website, got the guidelines and designed and submitted another story to them entitled "Body Heat" for their Unihibited series. "Body Heat" was received so well that I sent them "Oasis," which they accepted.

Tammie King of NOR: What was your first published work and when was it published?

Imari Jade: Ooh, that was a long time ago. My first published work was a novella entitled "A Rose by Any Other Name," and it was published by Midnight Showcase. That was followed up by "A Christmas to Remember," published by Star Dust Press.

Tammie King of NOR: What is the best and worst advice you have ever received?

Imari Jade: The worst advice was, write within your own back yard.

The best advice was, never give up.

Tammie King of NOR: Do you outline your books or just start writing?

Imari Jade: A little of both. Sometimes I just start writing and everything falls into place. I don't think I do well with outlining. I get bored fast and I want to just jump into writing. Sometimes I do a complete outline and drift away from it when my characters take over control of what they want to do or say. I find it best to think of an explosive beginning and figure out the ending. The middle comes last.

Tammie King of NOR: Who is your perfect hero? And why?

Imari Jade: Of course everyone knows that I'm in love with Superman, but lately I've been having the hots for Eric on the series "True Blood." He's not a typical hero since he's a mean, arrogant and conceited vampire, but I'd like him in my corner if I'm ever in danger.

Tammie King of NOR: Is there a genre of book you would like to write but haven't yet?

Imari Jade: I'd like to do a mystery.

Tammie King of NOR: Is there anything else you would like to share with readers?

Imari Jade: I welcome comments and critiques and I love getting email.

Thank you for this opportunity!/strong>