Interview with GENA GARRISON

THE ROCK: Who is Gena Garrison?
Gena: I am an author, a single mother, a writer, and an entrepreneur. I enjoy writing and any other form of artistic _expression.

THE ROCK: Where are you from and currently residing?
Gena: Greenville, South Carolina is my hometown, and I currently reside right outside of Greenville in a small community called Greer, SC. It's in the mountains where the air is fresh and clear. I love it up here.

THE ROCK: Are there any other writers in the family?
Gena: I'm the first published writer. But my brother, my neice, and my son all write great poetry.

THE ROCK: When did you start writing?
Gena: The first story I remember vividly was written in 3rd grade English class. I've enjoyed telling stories since that time. Throughout high school and college, I wrote short stories and poetry. After college, I concentrated mostly on poetry and wrote a gospel play for my church group. In 2000, I began seriously writing and working towards writing as a career.

THE ROCK: What prepared you to become an author?
Gena: My faith in God, and what he wanted me to do with my life. Writing and doing it well on a consistent basis is not an easy task. Accepting rejections and criticisms is an even harder task. So God prepared me for this before he gave me the courage to go for it.

THE ROCK: What inspired you to become a writer?
Gena: The voices inside my head that were screaming to get out and be put down on paper.(smile) My writing is its own inspiration. At times, I wonder where the ideas and stories are coming from. Devine intervention is the only way I can describe it.

THE ROCK: What inspired you to write your book?
Gena: My muse and good friend told me of always wanting to own a strip club, so I wrote a short erotic story for him. It eventually had three parts then I put it away.
Later on, I pulled it back out and wrote more and more and the story slowing began to morph and develop right before my own eyes.

THE ROCK: Tell us about your newest creation. What is the premise?
Gena: Baring it All is the story of love between a sinner and saint. It's a rollercoaster ride of sex, lies, and murder. Marissa finds herself in love with her grandmother's minister who is unaware that she is an exotic dancer. The two of them are thrown together as they realize that someone is stalking the dancers and murdering them one by one.

That’s an unlikely pair but the premise of the story is that you can find unconditional love almost anywhere if you are willing to accept it. The other premise is that even when you’ve sunken into the deepest level of carnal sin, God can bring you out of it.

THE ROCK: Any publishing contracts in the working?
Gena: I am currently shopping my second novel, but I don't have a publisher in mind yet.

THE ROCK: Have you ever self-published? Why or why not?
Gena: No. I originally planned to self-publish but as a single mother the expense was something I could not afford. Then I found Publish America, and they accepted my manuscript.

THE ROCK: What are "traditional publishers" looking for?
Gena: I feel they are currently all looking for the same story retold. It's one of the reasons I chose not to go with a traditional publisher. The urban story is hot right now, as is the DL story, and the sister friend story. Those are the things most traditional publishers are looking for. If you are different, it's hard to push your way through.

THE ROCK: If you were a publisher, what would be your niche?
Gena: Publishing is in my future, and when it becomes a realization I will be looking for stories that are different. Stories that step outside of the box, and do things that no one else has done before. My niche would be that each book stands alone on its own, and has it own uniqueness about it.

THE ROCK: For an author, is having a publishing contract with a "traditional publisher" important professionally?
Gena: In my opinion it isn't. There are many strong authors who self-published, and still others who are beginning to start their own publishing companies. To some it may feel like a stamp of approval that their manuscript has been accepted; however, the true stamp of approval to me is sales and readership. Knowing that someone read and loved my novel is much more important to me.

THE ROCK: What are some of your professional and personal achievements?
Gena: In addition to writing novels, I co-own along with author Ebony Farashuu and webmaster Kelli Costly an author resource and story site called Private Library. It's a place for readers and writers to find interesting stories, articles, and reviews. We also offer full service to authors such as web design, book cover design, promotional packets, and features. The eventual goal of Private Library is to self-publish the novels written by myself and Ms. Farashuu as well as give other authors a stepping stone into the business.

THE ROCK: Who are some of your favorite authors?
Gena: Victoria Christopher Murry, Tina McElroy Ansa, Carl Webber, Angel Hunter, Octavia Butler, just to name a few. My list is much, much longer.

THE ROCK: Where do you want to be in five years?
Gena: I plan to be fully immersed in publishing through Private Library, while still writing my own novels.

THE ROCK: Where can readers find you?
Gena: They can order my book from all of the online bookstores, as well as through their local bookstore. They can also visit me online at: www.genalgarrison.com.

THE ROCK: Thank you, Gena. Best wishes.

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