Hello! Welcome my first author interview!
I met this lovely lady on Facebook and now I am pleased to have her on my blog talking all about her and her writing! She has even shared an excerpt from her book titled My Beginning! Please welcome LaQuette!

Welcome to the blog! Tell us a little about yourself.
Hi Té.  Thank you so much for having me.  My name is LaQuette and I am an author of romance fiction.  I have been writing since I was a child.  I learned very early on that writing was my best means of expressing myself, so I always had a habit of jotting down my thoughts in diaries and journals.  I began reading romance novels at the age of sixteen.  Once I started reading them, I fell in love with the genre.  To this day, no other genre of writing compares.  My reading of romance led me to create my own stories.  I started writing romance, because I was reading so much romance, and it all just sort of clicked into place naturally. 

What are your ambitions for your writing?
I really just want to write the best stories I can in order to produce the best product possible for my readers.  I work hard on my pieces, I am always so afraid of shortchanging my readers.  I’m producing my own work via self-publishing at the moment.  I hope to someday in the near future publish other authors as well.

Which writers inspire you?
I am influenced by so many for so many different reasons.  The late Francis Ray, Rochelle Alers, Brenda Jackson, Donna Hill, and Sandra Kitt helped me fall in love with the African American romance genre.  Until I discovered these authors, I mostly read Harlequin romances.  I still love Harlequin, but I also love reading about people from my own culture and ethnicity as well.  I’m also a fan of yours Té, as well as authors like Wahida Clark and Carl Webber who successfully bring us the tales from urban areas like Queens and Brooklyn that I’m personally familiar with.  Their stories always made me feel like I was there, because I knew exactly the places they were describing.  I’m a fan of the racier storytellers as well, authors like Avril 
Ashton, L.A. Witt, A.J. Thomas, and Amy Lane provide my education in spice.  These erotica writers 
know how to burn up the pages.

So what have you written?
I’ve written several manuscripts, however, My Beginning is my first published novel.

Where can we buy or see them?
The paperback can be found on my website: http://www.LaQuetteLikes.com. 
There are also ebook links on my website as well that will lead you to Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Kobo.

What are you working on at the moment?
I’m currently working on a book called, Heart of the Matter.  It is about an NYPD lieutenant whose past traumatic experiences color her entire world: work, love life, family.  She meets a man involved with her case that sets out to destroy all of her rigid preconceived notions about men and love.  I’m about halfway through with it, and loving every minute of writing it.

Why do you write?
Honestly, I love the process of creating these characters and storylines.  I love the fact that I essentially get to create a world that engages the senses of the reader, making it almost tangible when the reader sits down with it.  I love the fact that something that lived only in my imagination now becomes something concrete as it lives in the pages of my work.  I also write because I like knowing that I provide a little escapism for my readers while they are visiting the worlds I’m creating.


Why do you write this particular genre?
You know, I always get very offended when people add a negative connotation to the romance genre.  I love romance fiction, I always have.  Unfortunately, this type of fiction has gained a great deal of unwarranted criticism in the literary world.  Those who consume and create romance fiction are often marginalized by critics in the literary world.  I like romance because a love story beats at the heart of who we are as human being.  We love to love, we exist to love.  Those who discount that fact, or try to minimalize it are ignorant of what makes human beings human.  Writing stories about that amazing connection we weave with others makes me happy.  For those that don’t think this genre merits acclaim, well, that’s your prerogative, but don’t dismiss its significance either.

What is your favorite and least favorite parts of writing?
I love the unfolding of a story.  I know certain significant parts that I want to end up in a book, but I never know exactly how the characters are going to reach that destination until I actually write it.  That part is so much fun. As for my least favorite part, that would be editing.  It can be a long and arduous process, but absolutely necessary.  Rewriting makes great writing, not writing.

Where is your favorite place to write?
Hands down, at my dining room table with my mp3 player in my ear and a cup of coffee next to me.

Do you write full-time or part-time? If part-time, what is your other profession?
At the moment, part-time.  I am hoping to transition to full-time writing the near future.
I am a professional student so to speak. :-) When I initially went to college, I became a Registered Respiratory Therapist. I have worked in this field for 15 years. When my children were born, I decided to take time off to focus on my family. This provided me with the opportunity to focus on my other passion, writing. I have always had a burning desire to write, so I went back to school to take a few creative writing classes to help me learn how to improve my descriptive writing skills. One class turned into a Bachelors and Masters degree in English. I use those skills to serve as an adjunct in a city college teaching developmental writing to academically disadvantaged students from diverse populations. I know, my life is insane. :-)

Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured? 
I have two sons.  One is just shy of his fourth birthday, the other is about to be eighteen months.  There is no structure to my day. :-)  Ray Charles said, “The nighttime is the right time.”  That holds true for my writing as well.  When my husband and kids are sleeping and the house is quiet, that is the best time for me to get my three thousand words for the day in.

Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?
I hate outlines, they make me feel as if I’m suffocating—too constraining.  Yes, I do have some very general ideas of things I want to happen as the story is unfolding, but I never sit down and plan exactly where and when those things will develop.   I usually just figure out a plausible way to weave together the major things I want to occur.

What is the hardest thing about writing?
Description.  I always want to make certain that I my audience can really picture the events in the book as well as read them.  I work very hard at trying to paint a picture with my words.  Telling the story is easy, making certain my readers’ senses are engaged in the story, well that is extremely difficult.

Do you ever get writer’s block?
No.  Or maybe I should say I haven’t yet.  I usually suffer from moments where I feel like I’d rather read than write.  When I feel that way, I sit down and read as many books as I can.  When the feeling passes, I go back to my work.  As long as I've got music, I've got words to put on a page.

Any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?
Change of scenery.  Sometimes walking away from something is the best way to get a fresher perspective.

If this book is part of a series, tell us a little about it?
This book is the first in the Trinity series.  This series follows three close friends and co-workers who grew up together in Brooklyn, left Brooklyn for Los Angeles to get away from  their respective emotional demons, and ten years later have to return to Brooklyn to face their pasts and fight for the single most significant thing in their lives—love.

Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors?
I read way too much.  Every spare second that I’m not with my family, writing, or doing something I absolutely have to do, I’m reading.  Thank goodness for ebooks, because my husband forbade me from bringing another hardcopy into my ridiculously large collection of romance novels already.

For your own reading, do you prefer ebooks or traditional paper/hard back books?
I prefer having a physical book in my hand.  However, I cannot deny the convenience of reading ebooks.  I almost exclusively by them now.  It’s not because I no longer have use for the physical books, it’s just that I have small children who have a predilection for tearing paper and drawing on things they’re not supposed to.  I can’t have paper anything around unless I want it destroyed.  Not to mention, traveling with an e-reader is so much easier than lugging physical books.

What books are you reading at present?
I’m currently reading, Daylight Again (# Hell or High Water Series) by SE Jakes.  SE Jakes is one of those spicy story tellers I mentioned earlier.  :-)
How are you publishing the book and why?
I chose to self-publish this book for two reasons.  The first was that I was very unaware of the publication process.  I researched submission guidelines for several traditional publishers, but my work never seemed to quite fit what they were looking for at the time, or they were looking for particular sub-genres in romance that I wasn't interested in writing.  Second, I wanted to remain in control of the way my story was told.  I wanted to decide what kind of story, and what elements to mix in it.  Self-publishing allows me to tell the story the way I want to tell it.  Maybe as I grow as an author, and become more aware of the traditional publishing business I might just attempt to get my stories released by a traditional publisher.

How do you relax?
Reading, writing, and music.  Nothing else make me feel mellower.

 What is your favorite kind of music?  If you hit play on your music right now what would start playing (no cheating don’t hit “next”)?
90’s R&B, New Jack Swing.  I miss Teddy Riley.  Everything that man produced was a hit.  I’m still bopping to all of the artists he produced.

What is your “wish I was writing here” spot?
Italy.  Reading all of those Harlequin novels that were set in Europe always made me ache for Italy.  Before I close my eyes to this life, I must see Italy!

What is your favorite quote?
“The giants upon whose shoulders I stand.” –Isaac Newton.  This quote just wraps up why I am able to do what I love and follow my dreams.

What advice would you give aspiring writers?
Learn your craft.  Writing workshops will do wonders for your natural abilities.  Learn to research.  Find out how the real-life application of what you’re putting into your fiction actually looks like. Understand that revision just makes it better.

Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t included?
Yes, when is that new Té Russ book coming out?  I need something good to read in my e-reader catalogue.  

Lol! Just One Kiss will be out June 20, 2014!

How can readers discover more about you and your work?
That’s easy, open my book.  All of my heart is poured into every line.  Checkout my website for freebies and I often chitty chat about random things that run across my crazy mind.


About the Author
A native of Brooklyn, New York, LaQuette spends her time catering to her three distinct personalities: Wife, Mother, and Healthcare Provider. Writing: her escape from the everyday, has always been a friend and comforter. She loves writing and devouring romance novels. Although she possesses a Masters degree in English Lit, she'd forego Shakespeare any day to read something hot, lusty, and romantic.


Book Description
Genesis Lawrence left her home and family in Brooklyn, New York ten years ago and never looked back. When you've spent your entire life protecting yourself from the ones that are supposed to love you, running to the other side of the country seems like the best idea ever. Emotionally bankrupt, she begins rebuilding her life after failed familial connections and a broken marriage leave her too raw to ever believe happiness exists for her. Work as a Physical Therapist in her rehab clinic is all she knows and all she wants.

Drew Marrack has spent the last year of his life trying to end the soul-searing pain of losing his mother by any means necessary, even if that means ending him—literally. After a tragic accident and a resulting disability that devastates the tattered remnants of his world, only one name can give him a brand-new start: Genesis.

Pain, heartache, secrets, and tragedy from the past bring them together, and then fight to tear them apart. Is new love strong enough to give them the fresh beginning they both need, or is this simply the beginning of their end?



Excerpt from My Beginning by LaQuette
Genesis noticed something different about him.  Usually Drew was very calm and jovial around her.  He rarely made things intense, but tonight there was a sense of power behind his eyes.  When she finally reached him, he said nothing; he simply wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her to him.  Before Genesis had a chance to react, he lifted one hand from her waist and secured it in her loose locks.  His mouth fastened onto hers making her moan from somewhere deep within her.
Her arms lifted of their own accord and latched around his neck drawing her closer into his web.  Drew tore his mouth away from hers and found the tender spot between her neck and her shoulder.  He must have sensed her legs giving way because the next thing Genesis knew she was hoisted up with her legs around his waist.  Drew was holding her so tightly she could feel his heart beating as if it were in her own chest.
Genesis was drifting in the sea of pleasure Drew was skillfully creating.  She was almost completely immersed in the passion Drew was inciting when she heard a familiar voice in her mind.
No man will ever want you, you’ll never be able to please any man, you’re pitiful.
She pressed herself deeper into Drew’s body, hoping his possessive kisses would chase away her tormentor’s words.  She was holding onto Drew tightly, but the incessant sound in her head—first a small whisper, now a full grown scream—began pulling her attention away from Drew.
You are wasting his time; you can’t give him what he needs.  Sooner or later, he’s going to toss you to the side too.
She pulled herself out of Drew’s arms so quickly that she almost fell backward into the water.  Drew reached out and swiftly steadied her on two feet.
“Drew, I can’t do this,” she said as she tried to step away from him, but he pulled her back into his embrace.
“Why not Genesis?” he asked as he moved a hand back into her hair, trapping her against him, forcing her to look up into burning chocolate eyes.  “Don’t stand here and tell me that you don’t want me, because I can feel your desire for me,” he pulled her head roughly to him, taking command of her lips, forcing them open and sweeping his smooth tongue inside her mouth.  “Hell,” he breathed against her lips as he took one final lap before tilting her head to looking into her eyes, “I can taste it.”
He was correct, she couldn’t deny she wanted him, but as her mother had told her often, she was never too old for her wants to hurt her, and not having Drew would certainly hurt her.
“Drew, a sexual liaison between the two of us would not work, it would blow up in our faces, and I don’t want to cause friction between you and my brothers.”
“You think this is just about sex to me Genesis?” he asked, a hard edge coloring his voice.  “Understand this; I am a world renowned recording artist.  I could have a different chick in my bed every night of the week if I chose to.  If I just wanted a piece of ass, all I would have to do is send a one-word text and I would have free pussy waiting for me to fuck at my leisure.”
His harsh tone made her close her eyes while an unexpected shiver crawled up her back.  Why did the thought of him sleeping with someone else suddenly make Genesis cold?
“I don’t want to just have sex with you; I want to be with you”
Her unused voice cracked as she said his name.  “Drew,” she swallowed, attempting to lubricate the walls of her dry mouth and throat, “you don’t know me well enough to want to be with me.  I am the woman that has been closest to you in proximity during a very difficult part of your life.  It’s only natural that you would have a confused affection for me.  It will wear off in a matter of time.”
There it was, her rational brain had finally decided to put in an appearance.  That line sounded almost believable to her.
“Bullshit,” he said.  The lines of his face became sharper as he spoke.  “You want me just as much as I want you.  Why are you fighting me?”
He still held her tightly, her skin burning where his hands made contact.  Why the hell was her body reacting to this man’s anger this way?  She should be enraged, she should be mad as hell and telling Drew where the hell he could step off.  Instead, her skin was humming with anticipation of his touch with a growing hunger that was making the walls of her womb clench.
Dammit!
“Drew I am a medical professional who has been made responsible for your care.  She kept her eyes closed as she spoke, hoping to get her body back under her control instead of his.  “It is unethical for me to allow anything romantic to transpire while you are under my care.”
Drew shook his head.  She knew her reason was valid, she knew her words gave the impression of respectability coated in veracity.  But even though she was doing her best impression of reliable, above-board medical professional, Drew’s tight features poked gaping holes through her perfectly painted picture.
“You’re lying,” he said through clenched teeth.  “This has nothing to do with medical ethics Genesis, tell me the truth, or I’m going to keep coming after you, and eventually you will give in to me.  This thing between us is too strong for you to ignore it forever.  We've been dancing around this chemistry between us since my mother’s funeral; I’m tired of playing the ignore-it-and-it-will-go-away game.  Either you come clean with me, or I’m just going to wear you down.”
Drew pulled her close to him and planted his mouth atop hers once more.  She began to lose herself in his kiss; just as before she crumbled in his arms becoming almost as fluid as the water surrounding them.  When he was satisfied that he had proven his point, he ripped his mouth away from hers leaving her mouth searching for that lost heat.
“That is not confused affection that is just plain old lust Genesis.  Has it been that long since you've experienced that, or maybe you've never experienced it at all?”

Buy Links
 My Beginning hard copy Buy Link:

My Beginning eBook Buy Links:
Amazon: