Ssshhh… I have a secret. I am a hopeless, helpless, completely unrepentant romantic. I know, I talk a good game, but the truth of the matter is candle light, soft music, and a strong man with a gentle touch will win me over every time. Now that you know my secret I’ll let you in on my guilty pleasure.
Historical Romance Novels
Yep, me and HRN’s go way back. As a teen I read them because they made me feel grown up. As a woman I read them because they are an escape. I know the world of dark and formidable heroes with strong willed and innocent maidens is fantasy, but they make for a fun ride. That ability to create a world of fantasy is the reason I chose this month’s featured writer.
In the world of Johanna Lindsey and Virginia Henley there is not much room for the lives and loves of African Americans. While each of these women has the ability to pen a good story, for a person of color, each time I read their work — something was missing. Then, in 2000 I was introduced to this months featured writer. While in Washington, DC I picked up a book to read by the pool and on the cover were people of color. When I read the back I immediately decided that this book would be the perfect relaxation tool. It was then that I was transported into the world of Grayson Grove and Dr. Vivieca Lancaster. This is when I fell in love with the stories told by
Beverly Jenkins
Her creativity and love for writing shows in each story. She features men and women from the full spectrum of African American culture during the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Each story is interwoven with characters that are not only romantic icons, but also interesting and full of history in their own right. There are stories centered on female outlaws who rob banks, trains and gamble the whole while stealing your heart. There are also stories of women who are not only black, but well educated and looking for a place in life that allows them more options than apron strings and babies. Proving that being intelligent and black is not the antithesis of being loved.
Ms. Jenkins’ has created a myriad of families from every socio economic background. She has successfully drawn her readers into the world of the aristocracy of the Louisiana Creoles, shown us the history of the Gullah people in the Carolinas. We meet the rough and tumble frontier men who keep the peace and the law in the open ranges of Kansas, and we learn about the rugged Black Seminoles and their tumultuous history. Ms. Jenkins shows us the struggle of the freed man and the need for justice for those born free. She teaches us little known history facts surrounding the civil war and many lesser known events in black history. And she does all this with a wicked sense of humor and just enough sexy to make even a modern day woman of the world blush.
Ms. Jenkins has written 16 books, each with a storyline intertwines characters from other books allowing for an easy flow between books and a real feel for the characters, their lives and the times in which they lived. Of these 16 books I have read most of them and I get a good laugh with each read. Her sense of humor is infectious, especially if the book involves the “Terrible Twins” Neil July and Two Shafts. These two outlaws are not only the best outlaws written in romantic fiction, but they are also two men I would love to see portrayed on the big screen. These stories are just enough to take you away after a stressful day and send you off to sleep with a smile on your face.
I know HRN’s are not everyone’s cup of tea, but they are my favorite guilty pleasure. Life is serious enough. My daydreams should be filled with fun and laughter!
The Interview
1. Historical romance is a genre that is usually dominated by white women. What was your inspiration behind creating an African American segment of this genre?
I’ve always been an avid reader. I read everything growing up and still do, but I wrote Nightsong for me because there were no historicals featuring women who looked like me in a prominent role. Oddly enough I wasn’t writing the story for publication – just for me.
2. As a true fan of historical romances I love that each story is interwoven with tidbits of information from real life history. Often times I find things out from reading your books that I didn’t know about black history in specific. What kind of resources do you use to find these little known black history facts?
I use scholar generated sources from myriad historians. Eric Foner, Benjamin Quarles, Dorothy Sterling, William Loren Katz, Nell Painter etc. The Journal of Negro History is also a very valuable resource.
3. In this day and age we see a perpetuation of stereotypes within the black community. In reference to our relationships with one another, the media, music industry, and to a certain extent the new “urban” genres of black fiction we see a trend towards the highly sexed and promiscuous female and the thugged out, under achieving, criminal minded, oversexed male. What is your opinion on how we can counteract or balance these stereotypes with a more accurate portrayal of Black love and African American relationships?
I make my statement by not purchasing, viewing or giving credence to anything I personally consider demeaning to the race. I try and add balance via my writing and by embracing anyone who is doing the same with their Work be it film, music, lectures etc
4. Your stories tend to portray women as strong individuals within themselves prior to meeting the man of their dreams. Each woman, be she a professional, entrepreneur, bohemian, or a homemaker brings to the table certain qualities that make her stand out from the crowd while creating a sense that her brand of living is threatening to all but that one perfect man. I find it interesting that these women, though obviously capable, also want that one man who will appreciate them as is. What is your view on feminism and its place in male/female relationships?
Feminism. Loaded word sometimes. Let’s just say, I embrace strong women and strong supportive men. With that combination you can’t go wrong.
5. What can we expect from you in the future?
For the future, look for a reissue of my two young adult historicals: Belle and Josephine by Harlequin in Feb 09. Also in Feb will be the release of my first mainstream which features the modern day residents of my historical town Henry Adams. It is titled: Bring on the Blessings. 09 will also see a brand new edition of my first Avon historical Nightsong, and a new, so far untitled historical set in the days of the American Revolution. In the fall of 09 I’ll be throwing another BJ PJ Party for my fans.
