Periodically TimBookTu interviews a writer, poet, essayist or other person to get their thoughts, ideas, advice, comments, or whatever they have to say about writing, poetry, publishing, or other topics that may relate to the written word and the African-American experience.

TimBookTu interviews Loure' Bussey, a successful romance novelist who is introducing her fifth novel entitled A Taste Of Love which is published by BET Books. Ms. Bussey, who hails from Brooklyn, New York, has written numerous short stories that have been featured in magazines such as Black Romance and Bronze Thrills. She is presently working on her debut CD with songs that will allow her to display similar creative talents as that shown in her writing. TimBookTu: Ms. Bussey, how are things progressing with your writing career? You are on your fifth novel, would you consider yourself an established writer at this point?

Loure': I feel very blessed that my writing career is progressing like I always dreamed of and prayed for. My fifth and present novel, A Taste Of Love is doing extremely well. Readers are requesting a sequel with one of the male characters, and I'm so grateful they are really involved in the story. Yes, I do consider myself an established writer because I can share my writings with people all over the country and the world and they can enjoy and feel something positive from my work.

TimBookTu: Was writing something you always wanted to do?

Loure': Always. As far back as I can remember I've been in love with books, stories, sentences, words and the power they have to convey our deepest emotions and thoughts.

TimBookTu: Tell us more about your background and work experience. Was there any aspect of your upbringing that you feel prepared you for becoming a writer?

Loure': After studying English and music in college, I worked as a secretary and administrative assistant. In my spare time, I pursued my dream of writing and sold 56 short stories. That built my confidence in writing a novel. Yes, there are things in my upbringing that prepared me to become a writer. The first is that I was brought up to go after what I want in life no matter how hard the journey gets. I was taught that if I give the best of myself, only good can come of it.

Secondly, my teachers always told me that I had a gift for creative expression with the written word. They wholeheartedly encouraged me to pursue writing. That's a great gift you can give a child--encouraging whatever talent they have. As I strived to make my dream happen, I always heard the echoes of my teacher's positive words cheering me on.

Third, I come from a southern family who would love to get together for holidays like the Fourth of July or at a family reunion, and eat, listen to music, joke and tell some stories, real stories. An elderly relative would always tell a story that happened in their lifetime that either made you roll on the floor laughing or made you cry.

TimBookTu: How would you characterize your experience so far with the writing and publishing industry? Any pitfalls or things that aspiring writers should be aware of?

Loure': It's been great. When I sent my first manuscript to Arabesque it was one of the happiest days of my life when the editor called me stating that she wanted to buy my book. It was a particularly important moment because I had sent agents a one page query letter about my book, and they had all sent me rejection letters. I think aspiring writers shouldn't let a rejection letter break your spirit. If you know you have done your best and you feel proud of your work, keep sending it out regardless of rejections. Some books that are now classics were rejected repeatedly before someone realized how exceptional the manuscript was. Consider that you don't know what the person who rejected you based their decision on. Maybe there was something about the work that struck a personal painful chord in them. Maybe they had a bad day. Maybe they just wanted to get everything off of their desk, and didn't even read it. But if you keep sending it out, eventually someone will see its merit.

5)TimBookTu: Was it difficult getting the attention of editors and publishers when you first started? How did you deal with rejection from publishers?

Loure': Agents were the difficult ones. Often you have to go through agents because many publishers only accept agented work. The rejection letters did make me feel bad for a little while. I'm human. And the thing is they never even read the manuscript to evaluate it, only the query letter. However, Arabesque was the first publisher I sent my full length manuscript to and fortunately they accepted it.

TimBookTu: Unlike other genres, the romance novel usually presents a more positive and upscale representation of its main characters. Do you feel this helps to shed light on the diversity in African American culture?

Loure': Yes. Romance novels do show the diversity of our culture, ranging from occupations, hobbies, music, foods, religious faiths, language, clothes and in so many other ways. I enjoy the way African American romances show the beauty of our culture whether the story is taking place in the hood or a sprawling estate. I've written stories about poor characters and loved showing that although they were poor financially, they were rich in character, spirit and integrity. I also enjoy showing how we struggle, work hard and eventually achieve our goals, becoming successful in spirit and in wealth.

TimBookTu: Have you had any writing experience in other genres besides the romance segment? If so, how would you compare those genres to Romance? Do you plan to branch out into other genres?

Loure': I love writing about people in loving relationships and will always pursue that. However, I equally enjoy other types of books and writing them. In addition to working on a new romance, presently I'm working on an inspirational book as well as three mainstream novels.

TimBookTu: With the emergence of more black writers, do you foresee more opportunities for African-American writers to get a foothold in the industry?

Loure': Oh, yes. I think it's a great time for black writers. Just give it your all and go for it! Publishers can see that stories by and about African Americans have a tremendous market. The wonderful success of the Arabesque line, along with authors like Terri McMillian, Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou and Alice Walker greatly prove that. The recognition of all the talent waiting to come through the door, and the profits it can generate will provide more opportunities for African American writers.

TimBookTu: This is a question that I get asked often: "How do I get my book published?" What advice or guidance would you offer to anyone hoping to write a book and get it published?

Loure': I would say that you should first try to write your best work possible. At the same time, read books on writing to help polish what you have done. Then you should consult the Literary Market Place or the Writer's Market at the library or bookstore, and see who is accepting your type of work. Many publishers only accept work that is represented by an agent. However, there are others that simply want you to send your manuscript to them. If you need to get an agent, that information is listed in those books I mentioned above. Agents usually ask for a query letter, usually a one page letter telling about yourself and your book. My publisher BET/Arabesque accepts your manuscript without an agent. However, consult the submission guidelines before submitting. They may only want the first three chapters and a synopsis. Check the site at http://www.arabesquebooks.com. To aspiring writers I would also say read a good book that is the type of book you want to write. That way you can analyze what the author did to make the book so spectacular.

Another important thing is to keep a positive outlook when you are rejected. Don't let someone who rejects your work, a stranger, break your spirit or make you doubt your gift. If you feel the desire to write deep in your heart, don't give someone the power to take your dream away. Eventually you will get published if you are persistent and putting forth your best work. Many writers are even successfully self-publishing. They do it because they are entrepreneurial and want control of their creation, or as a means to get the attention of a major publisher. It's something to consider.

TimBookTu: What role has the internet played in helping with sales of your books? Do you feel that as more people become comfortable with making purchase online, that this will increase the sales of your books and books by other African American writers?

Loure': The internet has been great. I'm so grateful that there are many online bookstores selling my books. Equally important, there are opportunities like this one, to share information with aspiring writers. Yes, I do feel people will become more comfortable with the internet and with purchasing online.

TimBookTu: What has been your experience with Arabesque and especially since their acquisition by BET? Do you feel the ownership by BET will allow greater exposure for black writers in this genre?

Loure': Arabesque has been great! They've done a great job. When my first book Nightfall came out and no one knew of my work, it sold out shortly after its release and went into a reprint. I believe that happened because good promotion and distribution factors were in place. BET's acquisition has been fantastic! Last year I made my first television appearance on BET's Buy The Book. BET is also making movies of the Arabesque novels.

TimBookTu: The romance market seems to be dominated by and geared toward females. Are there any male romance writers, especially black males, and do you envision a time when romantic novels will have greater appeal to men?

Loure': I don't believe there are any male writers for Arabesque, but I'm sure they would welcome men. I would love to read a romance written by a man, just to see how men think and view relationships. Men are going to start reading these books because I believe they are also intrigued by what women think. They will see that it's a great way to learn about women and see what they are seeking in a loving union.

TimBookTu: If more male authors were to enter the romance field, do you think they would appeal to women as well as men?

Loure': Oh, yes. I think women readers would flock to the bookstores to purchase a romance written by a man. We want to see their sensitivity, vulnerability, and just their thoughts when they are in love. I know they are going to appeal to men more and more. Lately, a lot of readers have been telling me that they have fun by reading the novels with their spouse or loved one.

TimBookTu: You are also pursuing a career in music and songwriting, tell me more about that? Has your affiliation with BET offered any connections or breaks that would aid in this pursuit?

Loure': Yes, I'm also a singer/songwriter who is recording a 12 song CD based on my novels. I thought it would be an exciting project that people might enjoy. I'm as passionate about music as I am about writing. I think it all comes from that same creative place inside me. It's also a way to introduce reading to some who might otherwise be disinterested in it. BET has been wonderful. When I was on the show Buy The Book I was interviewed about a novel I wrote called Love So True. I wrote a song based on that book with the same title and they played it during my segment. I'm working on some other projects with the combination of books and music that I will update you on in the coming months.

TimBookTu: You have also written a screenplay. Are you pursuing a career in that direction too?

Loure': Yes. Screenwriting is something that I've become interested in because I love watching great movies, and have always wanted to be part of the movie making process. I'm working toward goals in that direction and I encourage other writers and screenwriters to be part of the creative and business end of film making. That's the best way to ensure that we see the type of films that we want to see.

TimBookTu: Since TimBookTu primarily features up-and-coming writers and poets, do you feel the editors and publishers will tap this site as a resource for potential writers? What has been your impression of some of the writers on this site?

Loure': Definitely! The word is spreading about your wonderful site. I found out about it from my friend, poet Lori Johnson, whose beautiful poetry was featured on this site. When something is good, people gravitate toward it. TimBookTu is not only visually exciting, but also full of meaningful, thought-provoking, and spiritually uplifting content. The writers on this site are outstanding! You feel their passion, their pain and their love from their creative expression. Editors and publishers will be coming to this site as a talent showcase that features writers that we will be lauding for years to come. I always tell others about TimBookTu and will promote it in any way I can.

TimBookTu: Are there any book signings, appearances or other events that you will be participating in that you would like to mention?

Loure': I'm scheduling events, some of which will feature a combination of my books and music. I will let you know about them as soon as they are finalized. They will also be listed at the BET/Arabesque website under author appearances.

You can purchase Ms. Bussey's latest novel, A Taste of Love, online at the Ajani Bookstore.

You can read past interviews by TimBookTu with some fascinating and talented people in the TimBookTu Interview Archives.