Naleighna Kai's Literary Cafe Magazine NK LCM February 2018 Anniversary Issue | Page 37

Beverly Jenkins: Some Black folks had white maids -
was a status thing for some wealthy African Americans. Beverly Jenkins: No. Read Surrender next then
Captive. You have to meet Billie. One of the baddest
female characters I’ve ever written. Pilar in Captive
ain’t no slouch either. Can you say: swordfight? LOL
J. D. Mason: Do you prefer writing historical or non-
historical fiction? LaToya Hopkins-Kimbrough: I love how you don’t
write about women as poor damsels, in distress.
Beverly Jenkins: I like both. Keeps the writing palate
cleansed. Naleighna Kai: Aunt Bev, on Saturday at a signing
in Chicago, you mentioned your love for libraries.
Please tell us more about that and how they helped
you writing career.
Joyce M. Hudson Right there with you JD.
LaCeasha Banks Turner: Who are some of your favorite
authors?
Beverly Jenkins: I read mostly fantasy so N.K. Jemisin,
Patricia Biggs, Ilona Andrews, Jim Butcher. Also like the
JD Robb In Death series by Nora Roberts.
Cordenia Paige: Ms. Beverly is Octavia Butler among
your Sci-fi authors? I. LOVE. Her work!
Beverly Jenkins: Yes.
J. D. Mason: The community in Destiny’s Embrace was
marvelously diverse. I know I keep harping on that, but
for those times, it surprised me. Spanish, Black, White,
Native American. Was that true for how progressive
California was back then?
Beverly Jenkins: It was. Back then many communities
were that way. Detroit was that way when I grew up. We
had Italian neighbors and Polish neighbors.
LaToya Hopkins-Kimbrough: Are there any more
contemporary novels on the horizon? I know the Blessings
series are a big hit, and I enjoy them. I must admit, I miss
the contemporary novels.
Cordenia Paige: I hope my man, Sweetness will still get
his story.
Beverly Jenkins: Working on Sweetness on the weekends.
Hoping to finish by summer. Hope!
J. D. Mason: Ok, I don’t know about you Beverly
Jenkins, but I’m getting tired. LOL. I am so happy that
I got to go on their sweet journey with them. Thank you.
Beverly Jenkins: You’re welcome. You herded us well. :)
J. D. Mason: Which book continued the story about the
brother who was the sailor? I think I might need to read
that one because I was in the Navy, too. LOL
Beverly Jenkins: Grew up reading and reading and
reading. The writer who reads the most wins - and
reading everything helped me develop my voice.
When I run into young authors who say they don’t
read - I sorta know they won’t be successful.
Karen Bradley: If you could only select one novel to
become a movie which one would it be and why?
Beverly Jenkins: Topaz. Because it has all the
elements - as does Edge of Dawn.
Christine Pauls: Miss Bev, you’ve been doing this for
a long time, but when it comes to the deadlines, do you
make it with time to spare or cut it real close? :-)
Beverly Jenkins: Frankly, I’m usually late.
Naleighna Kai: Aunt Bev, please let the readers know
how they can keep connected with you and find out
about any new work you have coming or any events
where you’ll be appearing.
Beverly Jenkins: Join the Fans of Beverly Jenkins
FB page or my Author Page, or check me out at www.
beverlyjenkins.net.
J. D. Mason: I have enjoyed this. Beverly Jenkins,
keep doing what you do until you can’t and we will be
forever grateful and blessed by you. Next time I see
you I’m going to try and not be star struck and actually
try and hold a discernible conversation.
Beverly Jenkins: Thanks ladies! Have a great evening.
J. D. Mason: My Pleasure.
J. D. Mason is the national bestselling author of several contemporary fiction
novels. She writes science fiction and paranormal under Jaydee Brooks. www.
jdmasonauthor.com
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