Euro-Reviews: Women's Fiction Reviews

Website: www.candicetdow.com
Email: candice@candicetdow.com

Name: Candice Dow

Born: Baltimore, MD
Residence: Maryland and New York.

Education; University of Maryland Eastern Shore (BS) and Johns Hopkins University(MS) Computer Science
History: discovered the desire to write in high school and began a collection of short stories titled "College Bound".
Job: works as a full-time software engineer and adjunct faculty at Morgan State University

Books out: Caught in the Mix (June 2005) and soon Ain't No sunshine

Contract: Kensington Publishing (Davina books)

Favorite Movie: Love & Basketball (what a coincidince as it is my favorite too!!)

Hello Candice,

When did you start thinking about becoming a writer and when? Did you follow writing courses for it?

I’ve been a writer from as far back as I can remember. I began to get serious about it in 1999. I bought a bunch of books on writing and publishing a novel. I took one course at UCLA Extension Program, Fiction Writing I.

Can you tell me the road from coming up with the story to eventually having the books in stores?

It took me five years to really find the discipline. I had the concept for the story for a long time and didn’t think I could actually find time to finish it. Then, I realized that instead of waiting to find time, I needed to make time. I made a work schedule, just as if I was being paid. I would not answer my phone or anything from 9PM – 11PM. Often my writing time extended pass 11, but I committed myself to those two hours a day.

Within two months, Caught in the Mix was finished. Then, I let friends read it. They helped edit it. Finally, after some rewrites, I submitted it to three literary agents. Two rejected it immediately. Subsequently, I decided to do more editing before submitting again. During that period, my agent contacted me and decided to sign me. She shopped the manuscript to three houses and within two months, two of the three wanted to publish it. I accepted a two book deal from Kensington Publishing in August 2004. Caught in the Mix was in stores in June 2005.

How long did it take for you to finish Caught in the Mix?

Two and half months

How did you plan this story? Did you make schemes, write plot lines?

I played the entire story out in my mind while sitting in rush hour traffic. Then, I wrote an outline of chapters, making notes of the major events for each chapter. Also, I profiled the characters. Although not explicitly detailed in the book, I gave them birthdays, middle names, favourite colours, and favourite foods.

Who made the gorgeous cover of the book? Did you have anything to say about what would be on the cover?

Nope. The publisher did the cover. When it was sent to me for my opinion, I was so pleased. I didn’t want anything to change.

What is on your schedule right now?

I’m busy doing book signings and promoting Caught in the Mix. I’ve completed my second novel Ain't No Sunshine. So, I’m working on my third novel.

How are the first reactions to your debut novel?

Most people love it and many wonder if I am Clark.

Are the things that happened in the story or the characters themselves based on real persons?

Some of the characters had the characteristics and personalities of a collection of people close to me. However, the story was primarily imaginary.

What are your favorite authors/books?

I LOVE Eric Jerome Dickey. One of my favorite books is “Tryin' to Sleep in The Bed You Made”, by Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant.

Are you planning to write other books in the future?

Yes. Yes. I love to write. I want to write as many books as my imagination can create.

Do you feel that African-American books receive enough recognition by the public? Enough promotion?

Usually promotion is primarily geared to African Americans. In our community, we get a lot of recognition. However, outside of that, we don’t get enough recognition.

Would you ever consider writing in another genre? If so, what genre(s) would that be?

I’m not sure. I love relationships and I’m so passionate about them, it’s hard to imagine writing another genre.

Any future plans you would like to share with us?

Just write and write until my poor fingers get tired.

Thank you very much Candice, for taking the time to do this interview for me. And for giving me a review copy of your book, which will stay in my heart for a long time because of the heart-breaking plot. To read my review click here!