I listen to music that the characters and the story dictate. For this story there was a lot of Blake Shelton and Al Green.

Vallory Vance – 10 October 2013

The Back Flap

Amber Grayson, a conservative executive, found true love with fiancé, Kevin Miller. He infused her life with a sense of adventure and challenged her thoughts about appropriate bedroom behavior. After such a steamy affair, Amber was expecting nothing less during their engagement.

Even with the rushed timetable for the wedding combined with the stress of merging their households and finances, Amber is excited to begin a family with the man of her dreams. However, the beginning of forever is more difficult than either Amber or Kevin thought.

Locked in a battle of wills, Amber and Kevin find their commitment to each other and their future tested. Is this the beginning of their lives together or the end?

About the book

What is the book about?

The Beginning of Forever is the continuation of a novella entitled, In the Moment, published in early 2012. It begins a few months before the somewhat uptight executive, Amber Grayson, is supposed to marry the free-spirited love of her life, Kevin Miller.

These two are wildly different but bonded over a shared love of cooking, old movies and an undeniable attraction to each other. During the course of the novel, they’ll have to decide if this is enough for a lasting marriage.

As one reviewer commented, this is “…not a typical romance” there are no “…young girls and billionaires.” Amber has a tough exterior honed from years of being the boss and is a just shy of turning forty. Kevin is used to getting his way, whether within his family as the ‘golden boy’ or as the owner of a renovation company.

The sparks fly between these two…and that’s not always a good thing.

When did you start writing the book?

I started the outline over the Thanksgiving Holiday in 2012. I remember it because as I was making the cornbread dressing, I had the initial idea about what the couple would be doing for the holiday. I envisioned a clash between Kevin’s Southern idea of Thanksgiving and Amber’s Western one. I couldn’t wait to finish my stuffing and start writing!

How long did it take you to write it?

It took two months to write the first draft. After that were rewrites and submissions to my critique group and beta readers before submitting to a small press for consideration. Then there were more rewrites upon acceptance. All in all, the book took ten months from idea to published product.

Where did you get the idea from?

The original idea of Amber and Kevin came from a writing exercise. I wanted to show a couple already involved in a relationship having an amorous afternoon. One that their neighbors probably wouldn’t have guessed would be occurring. That flash fiction piece, Rainy Day Surprise, garnered an enormous response and encouraged me to write more.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

It’s funny. I struggled more with balance for Amber than Kevin. I needed to show that she was a shrewd business woman at work, but also that she was a caring, lovable woman at home.

What came easily?

Terrible to say, but the arguments came easy. As a wife of nearly twenty years, I know that the ones we love have the ammunition to blast us into either Heaven or Hell.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

Amber Grayson is actually based on two former managers of mine. I saw these two women as hard-nosed, unfeeling corporate mouthpieces. Almost robotic.  That was until I glimpsed them with their significant others. It was then that I realized they were just doing their jobs and when the workday was over…Well, there was dancing to be done, kisses to be had and all sorts of other things.

The remainder of the book’s characters are a mixture of fiction and real-life encounters.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

I write in the niche genre of Romance known as Interracial Romance. In these works, you’ll find a heroine and hero of different races.

The writers who influence me are Kassanna, Deneice Tarbox, Dahlia DeWinters, Dez Burke, Jamallah Bergman and Yvette Hines. These women continue to produce quality products with believable story lines whether they are writing contemporary or paranormal or erotica. They are my inspiration to keep writing in this genre.

Do you have a target reader?

I don’t take myself seriously. I know that I haven’t penned the Great American Novel. My idea is to share stories of love and commitment. If you’re interested in that, then you are my targeted reader!

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

I start with an idea, usually the ending of a story. The two main characters are there and this is their final resolution. From that point, I work backward in outline form (yes, the high school outline). From there, I move forward and begin to write.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

My outlines are more like full chapters. I can tell you that the original outline for The Beginning of Forever was about 13,000 words (almost as many words as the first novella).

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I try to censure myself and just let the words flow, but I do edit as I go.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

I listen to music that the characters and the story dictate. For this story there was a lot of Blake Shelton and Al Green.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

I didn’t submit to an agent. I enjoy indie publishing.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

I began as an indie author using Smashwords because I turned forty and wanted to live the dream of being a published author. Basically, I didn’t have the time to wait for a traditional publishing house to deem me worthy of publication. It’s a decision, I have not regretted. The feedback that I’ve received, whether good or bad, has made me a better writer.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

This awesome cover is professionally done by Mina Carter courtesy of Amira Press.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I’m honing my marketing plan – making sure that the organizations that I contact can get my book into the hands of readers. This is an on-going process. Once I find the magical answer, I’ll let you all know.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Understand self-publishing is a journey. Gather lots of fluids, an eco-friendly backpack and friends ready to call 911 if you’ve been missing for more than 24 hours. From horrendous reviews to editorial decisions, this isn’t an easy path.

But it has its rewards. A single email from a fan can make your year!

About You

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Jackson, Mississippi.

Where do you live now?

I now live in a suburb of Dallas, Texas.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I’m average – working mom to three and wife to one.

What are you working on now?

I’m completing a Christmas novella and continuing The Rose Gold Collection. In 2014 I hope to publish three works!

End of Interview:

For more, visit Vallory’s blog.

Get your copy of The Beginning of Forever from Amazon US, Amazon UK, or Barnes & Noble.