Author Bio:
Shortly after graduating from USC with a degree in journalism, Alretha soon realized her interest in her major was not heartfelt. Instead of writing news stories, she wanted to write plays and books. Several years later, her church gave her an outlet to fulfill her writing desires through their Liturgical Fine Arts Department wherein Alretha penned twelve theatre pieces—the community response was overwhelming.
This led to plays outside of the church, including Alretha’s “One, Woman Two Lives,” starring Kellita Smith (The Bernie Mac Show), directed by four-time NAACP Image Award Best Director recipient, Denise Dowse. The production garnered rave reviews from critics and audiences.
In between plays, Alretha’s first novel, “Daughter Denied,” was launched in 2008 and in 2011, Alretha launched “Dancing Her Dreams Away.” Her third novel, “Married in the Nick of Nine,” spawned a four-book series that has been acquired by Soul Mate Publishing. “Married in the Nick of Nine,” was released July 2, 2014.
What inspires you to write?
I knew I wanted to be a writer as early as the fifth grade. My teacher had us write a short story and she chose to read mine aloud to the class. I was blown away watching my fellow students react to my story. I knew in that moment that I wanted to be a writer. Writing comes easily to me. Stories seem to take birth from within and work their way out of my heart and soul. Every six to eight months I get this writing itch. It’s like there’s a story inside me that needs to come out. Sometimes I think I’m a vessel for other people’s past lives or maybe even my own.
Tell us about your writing process.
Once I get a story idea, I come up with the title. It seems as if I have to have a title to start my process. Once that’s in place, I do a skeleton outline of the story and what the protagonist is after. Then I do extensive character development. After that, I create a detailed outline that includes plot points and twists. I always know my ending. Then I begin writing. I stop and edit along the way. By the time I have the first completed draft; it’s in pretty good shape. Then I continue reading and editing. I put the manuscript away for three to five days and come back to it with fresh eyes. When I finally have a decent draft I let my beta readers spend some time with the manuscript. I meet with them, listen to them, and make changes if I deem their suggestions are right for the story. It usually takes me an average of six months to complete an eighty-thousand-word novel.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
My characters talk to me all the time. I can be in the middle of eating, driving, or doing a chore, and I’ll have to stop, grab a pen, and write down the new idea.
What advice would you give other writers?
Write what you love and never give up.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
I always wanted a publishing deal, but wasn’t able to land one when I wrote my first novel in 1999. It actually took me fifteen years to land an agent and a deal. Prior to that I self-published. This past January I landed a four-book deal with Soul Mate Publishing. “Married in the Nick of Nine,” is the first book in the series. The industry is changing and more and more people are self-publishing, including established writers. If you’re not able to land an agent and a deal, don’t let that stop you from introducing the world to your work. There are so many resources online for indie writers now.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
I believe eventually all books will be electronic and that there will no longer be any brick and mortar bookstores. At one point I thought I’d never be able to read an ebook, I was so attached to actually holding a book in my hand, but when I got an android phone I started downloading books and now I love it.
What do you use?
Professional Editor, Professional Cover Designer, Beta Readers
What genres do you write?
Women’s Fiction, Contemporary Romance
What formats are your books in?
Both eBook and Print
Website(s)
Alretha Thomas Home Page Link
Link to Author Page on other site
Your Social Media Links
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2003288.Alretha_Thomas
https://www.facebook.com/alretha.thomas
https://twitter.com/AlrethaThomas
http://www.pinterest.com/marriedinnine/
