Now let's talk about your release this month...where did you get the idea for Christmas Diamonds?
The idea for CHRISTMAS DIAMONDS came into my head from a blues Christmas song that I grew up listening to my Dad play all the time. It was called, "Merry Christmas, Baby," by Charles Brown. At one point he sings, "Give me a diamond ring for Christmas, and I'll be living in paradise."
That phrase has stuck with me through the years. And so when trying to come up with a theme for my holiday novel, I thought to myself: "Wouldn't that be cool to have my protagonist fall for a dashing diamond jeweler?"
Thus, CHRISTMAS DIAMONDS was born.
Tell us about the Chase McCord. What makes him different from your other heroes? Are there any similarities - characteristics you like for all your heroes to have?
Chased McCord is definitely a ladies' man: cool, calm, collected, handsome, sexy, romantic, fit, funny, and the owner of a string of diamond stores.
How he differs from my other heroes is that he knows precisely what --or should I say who -- he wants and does not mind playing on his strengths and wealth to get it--or the lady.
As for similarities between my heroes, what they have in common is sheer masculinity, gripping sexuality, thorough attention to the woman's needs in and out of bed, and a willingness to go the extra mile at end of the day to capture the heroine's heart and soul.
Tell us about the Paula Devine. What characteristics does she have that makes her unique? Why is she the absolute perfect woman for Chase?
Paula Devine is the quintessential 21st century woman: gorgeous, successful (as an interior decorator), intellectual, self-confident, romantic, sexy, and unwilling to settle for less while still believing in happily ever after with her knight in shining armor.
Her unique characteristics include an attention to detail, a willingness to try new things in and out of bed in pleasing her man, unwilling to give up on childhood fantasies as she tackles the ups and downs of adult life, and an undying devotion to her grandmother who raised Paula.
She is the absolute perfect woman for Chase because she gets him in ways no one has before. And he gets her too, tapping into her heart and soul, making Paula believe that dreams really can come true in the face of reality. They are also a perfect match in bed, bringing each to new heights of ecstasy, keeping their romance on track to give way to all consuming passion and undivided love.
What was your favorite scene to write?
My favorite scene in CHRISTMAS DIAMONDS had to be when the heroine and hero traveled to the Diamond Capital of the World of Antwerp, Belgium for a romance filled getaway. It was a lot fun to bring these characters to such a wonderful setting that is generally outside of African-Americans element. I think it is great to have my heroes and heroines travel the world to discover new and romantic paradises beyond the norm, that in turn my readers can get to enjoy as well, and perhaps travel to visit someday.
What was the most difficult scene for you to write?
The most difficult scene to write in CHRISTMAS DIAMONDS was probably Chase's Christmas party, where I had to have a delicate blend of festive atmosphere, the expectation for a proposal or marriage, then an unforeseen set of circumstances that threatened to derail Chase and Paula's courtship and very future.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in Christmas Diamonds?
Good question. Well, I love the finished product of CHRISTMAS DIAMONDS, so in that sense I wouldn't change a thing.
That said, if I stepped outside the box, I might have delved even further into Chase's diamond business, had Chase put in an addition to his house for Paula to decorate beautifully, and perhaps added a romantic trip to Paula's ancestral homeland of South Africa.
Is there an underlying theme to the story? If so, what inspired you to write a book using that theme?
The underlying theme to the story is that one truly can have it all in the world, even if the path to get there is sometimes full of potholes. If you are dedicated to the cause and refuse to let your dreams die, then the pot of diamonds at the end of the rainbow may well be yours for the taking.
My main inspiration was wanting to tug at the heartstrings of my audience with a passionate and pleasing romance to take them into a imaginative world where all things are possible.
I was also inspired by the love and joy of the Christmas season, my favorite time of the year. I wanted to bring this atmosphere into another romance novel, following in the footsteps of my previous holiday Kimani bestselling romance, CHRISTMAS HEAT.
Which is your most unforgettable character (excluding the book you're currently working on)?
My most unforgettable character would have to be Janine Henderson, the gorgeous mother and editor in my Harlequin Arabesque title, LOVE ONCE AGAIN. I loved everything about Janine and how she found her way into the world of prize winning photographer Richard Lowry, turning it upside down and winning his heart in the process.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
My interesting writing quirk is always reading the previous chapter before writing the next one, to keep me in tune with the characters and storyline.
What genre are you most comfortable writing?
Another great question for someone who writes in multiple genres. I believe I am most at home writing the contemporary romance novel and this isn't an answer merely to fit the audience. What I love about writing romances is that I get to be myself as a true romantic in real life and bring that to readers who often hang on every word of a great romance novel.
As a male romance author, I enjoy being in the company of such other male romance novelists as Nicholas Sparks, Richard Paul Evans, and Eric Dickey, in lending my voice to an audience that cannot seem to get enough of well-developed love stories.
What's the one thing you would like your readers to know about you as a writer and as a person?
As a writer, I would like readers to know I live and breathe writing, truly dedicated to the task of mastering the craft and delivering great stories with three dimensional characters, remarkable settings, and undivided love that will stick with you long after finishing the book.
As a person, I want readers to know that I am truly blessed in having the love of my own life in my college sweetheart and now wife, Loraine. I am living my own dream of romance, true devotion, and happiness beyond my wildest dreams in a relationship. If I can impart just a fraction of that through my books, then I will have done my job effectively.
Any upcoming new releases or stories you are working on?
Indeed, I do have a number of upcoming releases to look forward to.
Next for me from Kimani Romance will be an ambitious miniseries called, PASSIONS IN PARADISE.
It will consist of three separate and unforgettable love stories that take place on different Hawaiian islands. First is BED, BREAKFAST AND A MAN, that is set in breathtaking Maui. Second is MY POLYNESIAN LOVER, that will take place on the rugged Big Island of Hawaii. The third book in series is, ISLAND CONQUEST, which will be on the picturesque island of Oahu, in Honolulu.
These romance tales will take advantage of the untold beauty of the Hawaiian islands and their individual charms, while presenting three dimensional characters, compelling plots, and hot romance as the heroines and heroes navigate their way into each other's hearts amidst the not always calm waters of the Pacific Ocean and golden sandy beaches where romance takes center stage.
More exciting news for Devon Vaughn Archer fans is that I will be branching out into mainstream fiction with the upcoming, THE SECRETS OF PARADISE BAY, set for a July 2010 release. Look for more details in the coming months on this and the PASSIONS IN PARADISE series, both of which promises to keep this prolific author busy for some time to come.
How can your readers find you?
Readers can find me on my brand new website:
I encourage you to drop by and say hello in my guestbook.
I am also on MySpace at:
Feel free to leave comments there and check out my blog.
Final comments. Is there anything you would like to add?
I am proud to be at the head of the class among MySpace Kimani Press's Friend Space (Top 28) and have assisted Claritta in putting it together. How nice to see that the friendship list has bloomed since then to nearly 2800. Who knows how just large our community of friends can grow...?
I have enjoyed doing this interview with Kimani Press on MySpace and look forward to other ones in future.
I invite readers to check out these others interviews given by Devon Vaughn Archer for added insight into the man and author:
Be sure to pick up a copy of CHRISTMAS DIAMONDS and spread the word!
Best,
Devon Vaughn Archer