Christian romance featuring Black people?
The first ever Christian romance title I read that featured Black characters was Angela's Awakening Mercy, published in 2002. Prior to that, I'd pretty much read Christian suspense, like Frank Peretti's This Ever Present Darkness and a host of titles from Terri Blackstock, Lori Wick and other contemporary Christian authors, none of which featured Black people. I'd also read an early title or two from parade author Victoria Christopher Murray, but I considered those stories more dramatic fiction than romance. The only Christian romances I knew of were coming from Steeple Hill's Love Inspired line, and I didn't see any color there until 2003 with the release of Felicia Mason's Sweet Accord.
But back to Angela.
Angela published her first novel in 1994 with Pinnacle Arabesque. That began a string of Black romances for Arabesque and Silhouette Special Edition until she made a "faith move" to Christian fiction in 2000 with the release of Awakening Mercy, the first book in her Genesis House series and with her new publisher, Tyndale House. Awakening Mercy went on to become a finalist for both the RITA Award, awarded by the Romance Writers of America to recognize outstanding romance novels and novellas, and the Christy Award of Excellence in Christian Fiction.
Awakening Mercy features a fresh, authentic voice in CeCe Williams. She's a young, up-from-poverty African American woman, an unwed mother who, through hard work and pluck, has established a career in real estate. Her personal life is devoted to her son, David, and she avoids men like the bad news they've been. Suddenly, CeCe is summoned to court for dozens of unpaid parking tickets--she was so busy, she forgot about them--and the judge sentences her to community service with Genesis House, an African American Christian charity working in one of Atlanta's most disadvantaged neighborhoods. CeCe finds herself counseling teenagers about careers and pregnancy, and she falls in love with the earnest young director of Genesis House, Nate Richardson. (American Library Association Booklist)The sequel, Abiding Hope, was published in 2001, winning the Romance Slam Jam's Emma Award for Best Inspirational Romance
Fans of the series have long awaited the third book in the Genesis House trilogy, but Angela's writing veered in other directions. Her first hardcover title, The Amen Sisters, was released in September 2005 by Walk Worthy Press. As with her prior Christian fiction releases, The Amen House won recognition, becoming an Essence bestseller and winning the 2005 Emma Award. On the heels of this success came Up Pops The Devil and Sins of the Father in 2008 and 2009. In all, Angela has published twelve novels, two novellas and a successful writing book, Telling Your Tale: A Beginner's Guide to Writing Fiction for Print and eBook (originally published by Berkley Books as Telling The Tale: The African-American Fiction Writers Guide.)
But Angela has good news for her Genesis House fans. Enduring Love, the final book in the trilogy, will be released later this year in ebook format. Then, Delilah's Daughters, which Angela describes as "a faith-based version of American Idol meets Braxton Family Values" will be released in 2013.
In addition to writing, Angela holds degrees in math, operations research and human resources development. Most recently, she completed her doctorate in instructional technology at the University of Georgia and Dr. Benson is now an associate professor of educational technology at The University of Alabama.
Recently, Angela has begun making her older novels and her writing book available in ebook format. Both Awakening Mercy and Abiding Hope, as well as several of her older Arabesque romances, have been released digitally as has an updated version of Telling the Tale. Revised to incorporate the changes in publishing as well as lessons learned over ten years of publishing and provide guidance for writers interested in publishing ebooks, along with its companion workbook, Telling Your Tale: A Beginner's Guide to Writing Fiction for Print and eBook is "an invaluable resource for writers who want to improve their craft", offering tools, techniques and illustrative examples to help writers find their own style, create characters readers will care about, write natural-sounding dialogue, and weave a compelling story.
Learn more about Angela and her books via her website, http://www.angelabenson.com, and connect with her on Facebook.
Angela has graciously offered another 2-for-1 giveaway, copies of Awakening Mercy and Abiding Hope to today's winner. Remember, leave a comment to be entered into the giveaway and all winners from this month will be announced on Thursday.
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Tomorrow's author on parade will be Rhonda Bowen.
Peace & Blessings,
Patricia
Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.
3 comments:
Thanks for hosting me today, Patricia. I had a hectic day at work so seeing this was a welcome treat!
Both of these books seem interesting. I would love to win a copy of Telling Your Tale.
Awakening Mercy was the VERY first Christian Fiction book that I read...bought from a Waldenbooks at my local mall. That's when I knew what I wanted to do!!! Thanks Angela!
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