Official Apex Reviews Interview: Sammie Ward (7 Days, It's In The Rhythm, In The Name Of Love)
AR: Sammie, we truly appreciate your taking the time to join us for this interview. We're looking forward to learning more about your books.
The action in 7 Days is taut and compelling, and the characters are surprisingly entertaining - including the killer himself. Please share with our readers your experiences in putting the story together.
SW: The concept of 7 Days just came to me one day. I knew I wanted to create a character to write a sequel/series around and I came up with LTC Victor Sexton of the Army CID. I wanted a relentless, strong African-American male that can take charge when he needed to but at the same time also be loving, sensitive, and caring when the situation called for it. He fits the mold. Colonel Sexton's character was easy and fun to write. I just had to create the right supporting cast to help move the story along. That's where his love interest CAPT Dominique Frazier, his partner CAPT Benitez, and the villain, Chatman comes into play. 7 Days is the first of a book series.
AR: How/where did you gain your intricate knowledge of the inner workings of military investigations?
SW: I did fourteen years in the army, so I know the military jargon. As far as the inner working of military investigations, I already knew their role in solving military crimes on/off a military post, therefore I sat down with some members of CID to make it more believable.
AR: Is political intrigue a subject that interests you in general? If so, why?
SW: Politicians has always been intriguing to me. They have a lot of power. I wanted to write about what can happen when that power is abused.
AR: In It's In The Rhythm, Tamara makes a decision in her love life that is not often talked about in the African-American community. Why do you think lesbianism is still such a taboo topic?
SW: I don't think it's as taboo as it once was. More families are talking about it, as it's becoming more open in society. What I mean by that is, people are more open about their sexual preference, you see it on television, there are the debates going on about gay marriages, that makes it hard not to talk about it. In Tamara's case, she's the daughter of a preacher. A man who stands up in front of his congregation and preaches against alternative lifestyle, and to have his daughter leave her husband for a woman was hard for the family to deal with. It caused them to question their belief and faith on how to deal with it.
AR: Regarding Imani and Mia, why do you think women scorned often become so fanatic in pursuing the men who snub them?
SW: Mia Dallas was a woman use to getting who/what she wanted, period. It was hard for her to accept that Derrick Rawlings was in love with another woman, especially a woman that she felt was beneath her in social standings.
AR: In" In The Name Of Love", why didn't Derrick's father just tell him about exactly why Mia was so relentless in pursuing him?
SW: Albert Rawlings is a proud, stubborn man. Image means everything to him. It was difficult for him to admit that he was involved in wrong doing, and in the end he lost what meant the most to him, family.
AR: Your versatility as a writer is remarkable. You go from writing about political intrigue to murder mysteries to hidden family secrets with relative ease. How did you develop such a skill?
SW: (Chuckle) I don't know. It's just the way my mind runs. I never looked at is as being different. I write what I feel, whether its romance, intrigue, inspirational etc, etc.
AR: Your sex scenes are very arousing, but without being overly graphic or raunchy. Is it difficult for you to write those scenes so tastefully?
SW: Thank You. It's not difficult for me. I purposely write love scenes to be sensual and stimulating. I believe you can get the point across without being graphic or raunchy.
AR: What has your experience in the publishing world been like?
SW: So far so good. No big complaints. At the moments my novels are published through my publishing company, Lady Leo Publishing. Therefore, I'm doing things on my own terms and loving what I love do.
AR: Any advice for aspiring authors looking to emulate your success?
SW: Don't give up. Write everyday. Continue to learn the craft of writing and develop your own style. Above all else, learn the business side of writing----that's very important.
AR: What's next for you?
SW: Look for my next novel, Lace&Honor. It will be released sometime in 2008. It tells the story of three women/friends assigned to an army unit. The novel will chronicles the women as the deal life, the military ups and downs while on the verge of facing deployment to war.
AR: Thanks again, Sammie, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!
SW: Thank you, Apex, for having me. It's been a blast.
To learn more about Sammie Ward and read excerpts from her novels visit her website at: Click here
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