PageOneLit.com: Where did you grow up and was reading and writing a part of your life? Who were your earliest influences and why?

Sammie Ward: I grew up in North Little Rock, Arkansas. I love to read. I was never a writer. Matter-of-fact, I didn't like to write. I never had any intentions of being a writer.

PageOneLit.com: Why do you write?

Sammie Ward:  I stumbled upon being a writer. I grew up reading Harlequin and Silhouette romances and always felt I could write a novel myself but never thought about it seriously. In 1996 while out of work and a lot of time on my hands, I begin to work on my first novel. The novel was, In The Name of Love. I discovered I love to write. I am a writer. I have a lot of stories to tell and love to tell them. It's a cool job to have and I am enjoying myself.
 

PageOneLit.com: You are a seasoned author with many titles (Seven Days, Love to Behold, In the Name of Love, Sweet Island Temptation, Weekend Escapade, What Are Girlfriends For?) How is your new book 'It's in the Rhythm' different or the same in style and genre?


Sammie Ward:  It's in the Rhythm is different because it's a Inspirational/Romance. Inspiration is a genre I always was interest in writing. The book has a hint of romance because I love writing romance. The reviews have been good for "It's in the Rhythm," so it's a genre I will remain in awhile.



PageOneLit.com:  In 20 words or less tell us about 'It's in the Rhythm' - Where did the plot concept come from?

Sammie Ward:  The plot came from being raised in a religious family and love listening to secular music but mom wouldn't allow it.



PageOneLit.com: Talk/discuss your main character in 'It's in the Rhythm,' Garrett Martindale.

Sammie Ward: Garrett Martindale is the son of Baptist preacher who grew up singing in his father's choir. The choir was very successful. But Garrett's dream is to sing secular music. Garrett eventually leaves his father's choir and the woman he is secretively in love with behind. He lands at the top of the R&B music charts, has a high fashion model girlfriend, and everything money can buy, but he's not happy.

He travels home for a relaxing two weeks, but the trip home is far from relaxing. His father is determined for him to return to his gospel roots, his sister is keeping a secret from the family, and the woman he loves becomes engaged to another man. He has to find a way to keep everything in perspective.

PageOneLit.com: You are a versatile writer in fiction & nonfiction. You have has sold over forty short stories to various confession magazines. Do prefer the novel or writing stories?

Sammie Ward: I don't have a preference. I just enjoy writing stories. When I come up with a story line, the characters/plot often will determine whether it will be a short story or novel.

PageOneLit.com: 'It's in the Rhythm' is 'well paced' as one reviewer wrote -- Which part of the writing process do you have the most difficulty -- Plot or Character?

Sammie Ward: Majority of the time it's the characters that I have a problem with. It can be a difficult task to create characters that help move the story/plot along and compliment the other characters ( whether they are friend or foe).

PageOneLit.com:  What do you hope readers walk away with after reading 'It's in the Rhythm'?

Sammie Ward: Know matter what we are taught by our parents it's ok to find our own way in life. Sometimes it's what we need to do to find out who we are. Because at the end of the day, we come to realize that our parents were right. After all, wisdom does come with age.



PageOneLit.com: 'It's in the Rhythm' would make a great film -- Anything in the works? Who in Hollywood would you select to play your characters?

Sammie Ward:  For one of my books to be on the big or small screen will be a dream come true for me. So far nothing is in the works. But if so, I would love for singer, Carl Thomas to play the lead. Garrett is a singer with an awesome voice. Carl has a smooth, silky, voice, yet very powerful, and I believe he can pull it off. For the heroine, I'm a great fan of Lark Voorhies. She's beautiful and talented, she would make a great Trinity Blake.



PageOneLit.com: How has your life changed since becoming a published writer?

Sammie Ward: My life is basically still the same. Laid back and low key. I hope it stays that way.

PageOneLit.com: What's next?

Sammie Ward:  After self-publishing four books through my own publishing company, Lady Leo Publishing, I now have an agent. She read, It's in the Rhythm and loved it. We will see how things go. Also I just completed my fifth novel, Lace&Honor. I hope to do more interviews and some book signings this summer.

PageOneLit.com: What was the last book you read?

Sammie Ward: The last book I read was Dancer's Paradise by Terry B.

PageOneLit.com: Do you have any hobbies? What are they? How do they enhance your writing?

Sammie Ward:  I enjoy listening to music, taking in concerts....things along that line. I also enjoy watching old black and white movies. Anything that has to do with the arts. Events that help get your creative juices going. You may come up with characters, plot, and a good story of your own.