Author and librarian AlTonya Washington has learned that romance novels are a powerful attraction. The busy mom recently spoke with Magic City Momma about her book, Provocative Attraction.
Tell me about your novel, Provocative Attraction.
Provocative Attraction is Book 3 in the Provocative series I publish through Harlequin’s Kimani romance line. It’s a second-chance-at-love story between our hero Rook Lourdess, a security specialist out of Philadelphia, and our heroine Viva Hail, Rook’s estranged love and now, a well-known actress. When Viva went to pursue her film career, it jeopardized her relationship with Rook. Now, she’s back. They’re still in love, but have no idea how to get back to one another.
Why did you decide to write this story?
Well Attraction is Book 3, and Rook’s earlier introduction in the series caught the attention of a lot of readers who were curious about his storyline. Additionally, the subplot focuses on a money-laundering scheme exposed in the previous story. Viva has information that could prove vital in bringing others to justice, but doing so could endanger her career as well as her life.
Why did you decide to focus on writing romance?
I’ve always been a romance nut. I love to read, but the romance bug took a bite out of me at age 13. Once I read (sneaked to read) my first romance, I was hooked. I also love to write, but never thought about writing as a career until the writing bug (the book writing bug) took a bite out of me years later.
Who is your favorite author and why?
I have lots of people whose work I admire, but my favorite author is Stephen King. I became hooked on his work in high school. When I started writing romance in my twenties, I stopped reading romance because I wanted to craft my own voice. King was about as far away from romance as I could get. Nevertheless, my creative juices continued to flow and my love for King and others who pen dark storylines often play into my work.
What has been the most surprising thing about your writing career?
That I’m still writing! I never thought this would blossom into the kind of passion it has. Writing is not only what I do, it’s who I am. After religion and motherhood, it’s the next most fulfilling thing in my life.
What advice do you have for women interested in pursuing their dreams?
Do it. I’ve had a lot of support, but I’ve also had a lot of doubters. It’s funny how words of doubters often occupy the majority of our thoughts. You won’t know what your dreams can lead you to until you pursue them. There are a lot of folks out there afraid to follow their dreams and they try to instill that fear in others. Following your dreams doesn’t mean you have to shirk your other responsibilities. Following dreams brings richness, a colorful dimension to life that makes it even more worthwhile.
What’s next for AlTonya Washington?
Well I’ve just released a new interracial suspense title Intoxicated under a new pen name Ally Fleming. The feedback has been really amazing, and I’m glad because I had such fun writing it. Next up will be Secrets in Love, a title my readers nominated and got published through Kindle Scout. Then, I plan to close out the year with the first installment of a family saga trilogy that I’m putting the finishing touches on now.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
I never pass on the chance to thank my readers and those who support the efforts of hardworking authors. So…thanks to my readers and thanks to people like you, Chandra, for allowing us to share news of our work.
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To learn more about AlTonya Washington, visit her online, check out her blog, or connect with her on Facebook, Twitter or Goodreads.