Please give the readers a brief bio on you the person and the writer.
I recently graduated from St. Leo University with a BA in Sociology and a minor in Psychology. My first two novels, Honor’s Destiny and Sweetest Taboo will be published in March and November 2005, respectively. A romantic at heart, I married my childhood sweetheart and we currently reside in Virginia with our three beautiful children.
Tell us about your current book?
Destiny’s Honor kicks off a sister trilogy. It’s not only a love story but a coming of age story. Honor was a shy, chubby teen, living in the shadows of her two beautiful sisters. Alternately ignored or babied by her family, depending on the needs of her sisters, she finds a destructive outlet for her pain. By the time she meets her hero, the consequences are set. Can they overcome them together and find their happy ending? That’s the ultimate question.
Early reviews are favorable. Award Winning Author B. J. Daniels says:
"I fell in love with Nic -- but then who wouldn't?"
"Honor's Destiny is multilayered with true-to-life characters and an emotionally moving story."
"A great first book that should delight readers!"
I received a 5 star review from CataRomance!
Gifted Yolonda Greggs reveals a loving romance, real characters with human frailties and an insightful view of a crippling disorder in her first novel HONOR’S DESTINY
What would you like your readers to take away from your book?
To be yourself. That the black man is a beautiful, romantic creation of God’s who loves deeply and is deserving of the black woman’s love and respect.
What is your favorite scene from your book?
When Nic is preparing a surprise dinner for Honor and she enters the room and he is overwhelmed by his feelings for her. It is a very romantic evening, made even more so because they don’t make love.
Tell us about your journey to publication?
My journey to publication was off and on, mostly off. I first stumbled into the publishing world by calling Silhouette books and asking for information on getting published. I was told I needed “guidelines”. I began to submit, received several “good rejections” though I didn’t know they were good rejections. My oldest son was diagnosed with cancer and around this time I joined a writing group and heard about all these “rules” that really stifled my creativity so I stopped writing for about four years. Slowly I began to write, but I didn’t submit anything. Then I began to submit and received several “bad rejections” because I couldn’t get that stuff out of my head. I stopped again and went back to college. I graduated in June 2003 and I told myself if I didn’t get published by the end of the year, I’d go into social work. I submitted a partial to BET Books and got the call several months later. It’s been an exhilarating ride ever since.
What are the joys and sorrows of writing?
The joy of writing is being able to touch other people with my words. There are no sorrows. I enjoy ever aspect of the writing experience.
Is being a published writer what you thought it would be like?
I didn’t have any expectations. If I ruled the world, I’d do one or two things differently in the publishing industry but overall, I’ve found people to be generous and supportive with their time and expertise. My editor has been patient. My writing group is support. My family and friends are encouraging. Complete strangers have been as excited as me about my being published. :-) I haven’t tried to get an agent but it seems to be as difficult for published authors as unpublished, which is puzzling.
Do you have any marketing tips that work?
Don’t spend a lot of money. I probably spent more than I needed to with Honor’s Destiny. With Sweetest Taboo, I’m limiting myself to bookmarks.
What is something readers would be surprised you do?
I have no idea. Sorry!
Do you have any advice for those aspiring romance writers?
Be careful who you seek advice from. Once you’ve chosen someone you trust, be sure not to dismiss their comments too quickly. Usually what is most painful to hear is true.
What books, newsletters, articles or websites are helpful to you?
I read the Bible. I find that if I start my day by reading the Word of God, my day goes smoother and so does my writing.
What is the latest page-turner you've read?
The Center of Winter by Marya Hornbacher.
Our theme for this issue is Resources On The Net. What resources on the net have been helpful in your writing?
I do most of my research on the internet, so it would be impossible to list the links here. I find my character names on the Net. The meanings behind names are very important to me, especially if they’re African or Biblical names.
How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)]
I can be contacted through my website at http://www.yolondagreggs.com or by email at yolonda@yolondagreggs.com
Can you us give us a sneak peek of your next book?
Sweetest Taboo is the next book in the trilogy. It's been nine years since Cai McIntyre's daughter was kidnapped from her and she's mad about it. Nicknamed Bounty Hunter with a Vengeance for her by-any-means-necessary approach to child-finding, she's determined to locate her baby girl. And whoever has her better watch out! Even if that includes the dark handsome stranger waiting at destiny's door. Cai and Chris’ story was so much fun to write. Their energy practically leaps off the pages!