INTERVIEW WITH RONICA BLACK

September Newsletter 2005

By Connie Ward, BSB Publicist/Author Liaison

What made you decide to become a fiction writer?

I’ve always been a daydreamer and have had many a fantasy, mainly because I wasn’t aware of the books out there about women who love other women. So I would dream up my own stories. One day, I just decided to try and write one down, and I loved it. The freedom and high of creativity was incredible so I kept on, moving from short stories on to longer works.

What type of stories do you write and why?

I write whatever moves me and drives me at the time. I used to concentrate only on romance, i.e. my short stories, but I have quickly evolved to mysteries/thrillers. Whatever I write, I try to keep it as close to reality as I can with the positive experiences of life as well as the negative. I like my characters edgy, real, and gritty.

What does/do your family/friends think about your writing?

Well, let’s see. My friends are excited for me and think it’s wonderful. My sisters support me fully. One of them is a little wary of the love scenes, while the other literally learns from them! She thinks they’re hot.

Where do you get your ideas?

Everywhere! But basically just from living life and observing people. Sometimes the ideas just come out of the blue, and it’s so exciting, I have to rush to write them down before they’re gone. I’ve got little pieces of paper everywhere with fleeting thoughts and ideas.

How do you write? Do you plan everything out or just write?

Most of the time I just start writing and let it develop on its own. Even if I do make an outline, I find that the story still evolves, sometimes away from what I had previously planned.

How much of yourself and the people you know are in your writing?

Quite a bit, actually. It may not be someone I know really well or even know at all, but I pick up on their behavior, appearance, etc. I love to take things and spin off of them. As for how much of myself is in my work, a whole heck of a lot. With every single character, I ask myself what would I do, how would I feel if I was her/him.

Which lesbian authors inspired you most?

Claire McNab, Katherine V. Forrest, Lori King, Radclyffe, Lori L. Lake, Jane Fletcher, Vada Foster, B.L. Miller, and many more.

Do you have any suggestions for new writers?

Just go for it. If you want to write, just get it down without stressing over the small stuff. There’s plenty of time for perfecting it later. Don’t be afraid to try and don’t give up.

When you’re not writing, what do you do for fun?

I love to draw, paint, create with my hands, as well as read and watch movies. I also enjoy playing racquetball and basketball or doing anything outdoors. My family is very important to me, and I spend a great deal of time with my nephews and god-children. They remind me just how beautiful life is. They keep me fighting the good fight.