Come out and join us tonight at 8PM EST as we discuss our July 2010 Book Selection, Diary of a Stalker by Electa Rome Parks.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Never judge a book by its cover. . .
Xavier Preston is tall, dark and handsome and the problem is that he knows it. He’s a best-selling author who is accustomed to adoring female fans, both young and old, flirting with him, throwing themselves shamelessly at him and trying to get between more than the covers of his novels. And he has always been more than willing to accommodate their needs and desires. However, his womanizing days have finally ended. . . he’s engaged to a beautiful woman, Kendall, and he’s decided to walk the straight and narrow. Or has he?
You can view more about the book at our BOOK SPOTLIGHT.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Electa Rome Parks currently resides outside Atlanta, Georgia. After successfully self-publishing her debut novel, The Ties That Bind, New American Library, a division of Penguin Group, bought the rights. Electa signed a three-book deal with New American Library. All three books were immediately chosen as Black Expressions Book Club main selections and embraced as Books of the Month by book clubs across the country. Dubbed a “book club favorite,” avid readers have embraced Electa’s true to life characters that tackle prevalent and heavy hitting issues.
Since then Electa has become a bestselling author of several other mainstream (Loose Ends and Almost Doesn’t Count) and erotic (These Are My Confessions and Ladies’ Night Out) novels with Penguin Group and HarperCollins. The self-proclaimed, Queen of Real, Electa has been a frequent guest on radio shows, has been nominated for many industry awards and has been interviewed by newspapers, AOL’s Black Voices, Vibe Vixen, Upscale Magazine, Today’s Black Woman, Rolling Out and Booking Matters, to name just a few. With a BA degree in marketing and a minor in sociology, she is following her true passion and working on her next novel.
MORE INFO
To find out when and where Electa will be in your area, check out her website at www.electaromeparks.com or www.myspace.com/author_chick. To share your thoughts with Electa regarding her work or to schedule an event, please e-mail her at: novelideal@aol.com.
Hello all and welcome to tonight’s Book Discussion! We’re going to see if this works for everyone trying to attend, but I do know a few folks can’t get in, so we have a back-up LIVE room available. Once things move along, I’ll know if we need to move it.
Electa, welcome! Please introduce yourself and tell us how you came up with the idea of Diary of a Stalker.
-Tee
Tee,
Thank you for inviting me! I wrote on FB how we go a long ways back:}
I’m Electa Rome Parks. I wear many hats: wife, mother, author, blogger, observer of life. I started out as a POD author, transitioned to self-published author and eventually was picked up by a major publishing house with a 3-book deal. Diary of a Stalker is my 6th title.
I absolutely adore reading and writing!
I came up with the idea after observing how “groupies” flock to male authors at various literary events and conferences all across the country. I know I’m going to get some feedback, but I’ve always said that AA male authors get a bit more love from readers:}
So, years ago I started noticing the same faces (didn’t know their names) in cities across the country, always flocking around the same male authors. It was then I realized book groupies did exist and it shocked me initially.
When I decided to pen my next novel, I wanted to write something slightly different, so I asked some what if questions and turned the female groupies into a crazed stalker. Thus, Diary of a Stalker was born
Thank you for chatting with us.
Hey Electa! I’m looking forward to the chat.
My first question is where did you get the idea from? Did you consider some of the recent cases when writing?
Criss,
That would be my first question too. Sounded like you were very close to the subject matter. LOL.
Brenda
Criss,
I just had a duh moment or I’m blind. I just saw this reply button. Did you see my response to your question below?
I did.
Thanks
Criss,
My focus wasn’t on the celebrity cases that have been in the news lately. However, I wanted to focus on the characteristics and stages of a stalker. My research focused on that; I wanted Pilar to be as genuine as possible.
Hi and welcome to the chat, Electra.
Hey Electa
Wana, Orsayor and Sharon,
Had you figured out who Leeda was before the reveal in the book?
Welcome Electa:) I have the same question question as Criss…LOL!!!
Hi Electa,
I read your book several months ago and still remember it well because it had me paranoid that I was being stalked for awhile. Have you finished the sequel?
Barbara Joe,
Yes, the sequel is finished beside some final editing. I never had plans for a sequel but most of the time (LOL) I listen to my readers and they wanted more. Plus, Pilar was screaming in my ear that her story was finished. LOL. And of course, I have to listen to her.
Meant to say: Pilar’s story wasn’t finished.
Hello Tee and everyone! I had problems signing in.
Sorry you had problems, but this is why I asked if you’d stop by a few days earlier so you can get your first comment in. Our system requires “new” folks to be approved first to keep away spammers. But, you’re in now and good to go. Welcome, welcome.
Hi Electa and welcome !
I’m Electa Rome Parks. I wear many hats: wife, mother, author, blogger, observer of life. I started out as a POD author, transitioned to self-published author and eventually was picked up by a major publishing house with a 3-book deal. Diary of a Stalker is my 6th title.
I absolutely adore reading and writing!
Electa, you should definitely write an article or something sharing your experience because not all authors go all of these routes. It’s normally one of the other or maybe even two of them.
I would love to do that because I enjoy sharing info so that hopefully others won’t make the same mistakes I did. However, the industry has totally changed since I started.
What is POD? And how did you make the transition from POD to self-published?
Wana,
POD stands for Print on Demand. I went with a company by the name of Xlibris; it’s like IUniverse (if it’s still around).
My first title is The Ties That Bind and basically this POD company wasn’t able to keep up with the demand for the book. Once the buzz was strong, Xlibris couldn’t order the title fast enough for my readers because a reader placed an order and had to wait a week to 2 weeks to receive the book.
I was losing sales and it was priced too high for a trade paperback. So, I decided to go traditional self publishing where I controlled everything. That was a great move because within 1.5 years I had received the call from an agent who inked a deal within 30 days, after a bidding war, with a major. Things happen for a reason.
That’s great. I read The Ties that Bind and Loose Ends years ago and recall enjoying them.
My cp is on crack tonight took me forever. Hello Electra
Hi Criss & Brenda,
I came up with the idea after observing how “groupies” flock to male authors at various literary events and conferences all across the country. I know I’m going to get some feedback, but I’ve always said that AA male authors get a bit more love from readers:}
So, years ago I started noticing the same faces (didn’t know their names) in cities across the country, always flocking around the same male authors. It was then I realized book groupies did exist and it shocked me initially.
When I decided to pen my next novel, I wanted to write something slightly different, so I asked some what if questions and turned the female groupies into a crazed stalker. Thus, Diary of a Stalker was born.
I was shocked too when I heard about them and pray none of my RAWSISTAZ are out there like that. LOL!! If so, no wearing your RAW gear.
@Tee…ROFL
Brenda
LOL! I know I was totally shocked. I was familiar with the groupies that flock to rappers, actors, celebrity types, but the literary industry? Shocker!
Great idea because I definitely enjoyed the book.
Thank you, Sharon! I appreciate your feedback. Did you post that review on amazon?
Xavier had me on an emotional rollercoaster… One minute i felt sorry for him but overall.. I was thinking you are so FREAKING hardheaded… GRRRRRRRRRR.. Thinking with the wrong head… The sad part I don’t think he have learned his lesson..
Orsayor,
I felt sorry for Xavier in the beginning, but when he kept going back to the well…oh, well…
Brenda
I did too but quickly learned he was a glutton for stalking…like he got off on it.
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS I agreeeeeeeeeee
That’s what most readers have stated. In the beginning they felt sorry for Xavier, but then those sentiments changed.
I wanted readers to not necessarily like Pilar but to at least understand her actions and motives. Most thought, based on the titles, that it was going to be black and white, cut and dry. Readers were going to like Xavier and side with him and Pilar would be the bad guy. However, most were surprised that they liked her and felt sorry for her.
I didnt like what Pilar was doing with Kendall.. (i been there before… the “other” woman playing on my phone) but messing with Xavier.. I enjoyed it.. LOL.. he was too cocky for me…
In the movie version (which I have claimed, so I know it’s going to happen), what actors/actress do you see playing the major characters?
Hi Electa! What inspired you to write this story?
Hey Radiah,
I came up with the idea after observing how “groupies” flock to male authors at various literary events and conferences all across the country. I know I’m going to get some feedback, but I’ve always said that AA male authors get a bit more love from readers:}
So, years ago I started noticing the same faces (didn’t know their names) in cities across the country, always flocking around the same male authors. It was then I realized book groupies did exist and it shocked me initially.
When I decided to pen my next novel, I wanted to write something slightly different, so I asked some what if questions and turned the female groupies into a crazed stalker. Thus, Diary of a Stalker was born.
Orsayor I know the feeling. Makes you want to slap-a-male-author just for GP lmao
LOL
Hey Linda!
LOL. Please don’t do that because I’ve already received feedback from some male authors (who will remain anonoymous(mispelled) that I’ve exposed their secrets.
roflll I promise I wont LOLLOL
Hi Electa, you know I asked you this question about 7 millionth times but when part 2 coming out? lol I’m still got it on my book radar as a must read
Hi Joy,
I’m not sure when the sequel is coming out. True Confessions drops on January 1, 2011. I’ll keep you guys posted on FB.
Hey Brenda,
Hahaha! LOL. I just saw your comment and I’ve heard that before from readers. I know you guys do not think I am a crazed stalker. Do you? LOL.
Seriously, I was close to the subject matter by researching, using my very active imagination and by being an emotional person and writer. So yes. . . I could place myself in Pilar’s shoes and not see it as a stretch for me.
Actually, I don’t know if that came out right, but I wanted her to be very believable and I think she came across as such.
Electa,
LOL… the story was written in such a fashion (totally believeable), that you had me thinking … for a minute. LOL!
Brenda
Hello everyone…just a quick reminder that if you’re replying to someone’s comment, do it under their comment by clicking the “Reply” there so it stays in the thread vs posting directly in the box below.
Heyyyyy Wana, Orsayor, Sharon and Barbara! Thanks for joining the chat.
Hey Toni! Barbara, sounds like you are a scary cat:} I have finished the sequel and I’m working on final, final edits.
OMG!!! I cant wait…
I can’t wait either…can you put it out as a ebook…before the end of the year?
Deltareviewer,
LOL. I hope it will be available on Kindle.
Can you also have it available for other readers besides the Kindle?
It will be in regular, trade paperback book form.
Hi Electa have you had any male authors talk to you about your author character ?
Yes, I have! I won’t name names, but some have said that I am revealing their secrets. One particular male author stated that he has had readers come up to him at signings (on 4 different occassions) and say, “You remind me of that character Xavier in Diary of a Stalker.”
At the time, he hadn’t read my book so he asked why. The reader stated he fit the physical description. Once he read the book, he figured out what was “really” going on.
Will we see Xavier ex-girlfriend again? I got a feeling she’s gonna come back and whip it on him real good then leave him stunned.. LOL
I’ll never tell:} Lets just say some of the previous characters will return in the sequel.
YES!!!!!!!! I hope Dre is back.. something about him I don’t trust!! LOL!! Everyone is suspect.. **cue spooky music in 5.. 4.. 3.. 2… 1**
Orsayor, you are FUNNY! I am going to have to get your membership approved pronto. We love having folks who can hang with the RAWSISTAZ and have fun doing it.
Electa, if you have any questions for us, feel free to post them.
For everyone else, here are a few discussion questions or feel free to post your own. Unfortunately, I have a screaming little one and hubby is at softball practice with the other child, so I’ll be in and out.
- What was it that you liked most about the book? Did you dislike anything?
- Who was your favorite character and why?
- If you could put a beat down on anyone in the book, who would it be?
- Do you feel books like this, though fiction, can make a person think twice about being too nice to an author?
- Do you know any stalkers? ROFL.
What was it that you liked most about the book? Did you dislike anything? Ummm it held my attention cause I kept trying to stop reading that craziness…LOL
- Who was your favorite character and why? NONE
- If you could put a beat down on anyone in the book, who would it be? X and P
- Do you feel books like this, though fiction, can make a person think twice about being too nice to an author? Be too nice to ANYONE geesh
- Do you know any stalkers? I HOPE the hell not…LAWD
That is too funny, Linda! I am cracking up. I haven’t finished reading yet, but I can’t wait to see how I deal with the craziness and stalkers. I’ma figure out who Electa is talking about too (male authors).
Linda you are too funny! And Tee, Diary of a Stalker is straight from my vivid imagination. Everyone seems to think it is based on real people. Not! LOL
- What was it that you liked most about the book? Did you dislike anything?
Liked that it was fast-paced. Got right into things with not too much waiting for the action. Disliked that it was fairly predictable. To me there really weren’t many cliffhangers or surprises. Pilar was a stalker and did all the predictable stalker things.
- If you could put a beat down on anyone in the book, who would it be? Probably Xavier. Pilar has had enough beat downs in life, and I don’t think another one would make any difference to her. Honestly, though, I don’t think a beat-down would make any difference to him either, because he was cocky to the end.
Melissa,
You were not surprised by Leeda’s identity?
Oh Electa…what about the sex & violence in the book? Have you had readers who were expecting one thing and got another?
Tee,
I think that most readers who are familiar with me and my writing style know that they will receive a mixture of drama, racy scenes and a topical issue(s) addressed.
I haven’t had anyone to tell me or write in a review that they were expecting one thing and received another.
Question:
Readers,
What did you feel about the sex and violence in Diary of a Stalker?
Also…how many thought the book ended in a cliffhanger and want more? Tell us what you’d like to see happen.
I want more…thinking maybe so goes further with the next author or maybe book club
I think the STALKER will be become THE STALKEE (if thats a word.. LOL) – Xavier was actually missing her.. (well in my opinion)
@Orsayor…I agree with you. I think Xavier will have some more to reveal in this story. I can definitely see him reversing roles…
-Brenda
You all have great suggestions, but you’ll just have to wait and see how it all plays out:}
I had enough…lawd
No, Linda. . . not yet. Pilar’s story is not finished. You have to hang in there for the finale.
I was in the chat room by myself….
**hugs**
Awww sowry. You missed the email that said to come over here…((hugs))
I’m sorry, Monique. I only had the chat as a back up for you and the other member who couldn’t get in. But, I’m so glad you made it.
I’m sorry but I’m glad you were able to join us!
Hi Electra
Hmmm, well I definitely didn’t sympathize with Xavier. He was extremely cocky and I don’t think he ever really loved Kendall, nor do I think she really loved him, so to be honest, I was glad to see them not be together.
Hi Melissa,
Most readers didn’t sympathize with him for too long. Question for you: Why did you think they were together? Just curious. There is a mention in the book by Pilar that they didn’t really love one another.
Honestly, I think they were both a bit shallow about being together. They “looked” good together probably on paper and they both “looked” good together physically so people probably would look at them and say, oh what a nice couple, but just because someone looks like your perfect mate on paper doesn’t mean they really are. I just didn’t see them as really having anything in common or even really liking each other for the real people that they were. I think they were in love with the image they made as a couple, and they were shallow enough to want to hold on to that.
Electa/All, I know we have some folks who will probably stop by tomorrow to join in the discussion, so please be sure to click the box below to Subscribe to follow-up comments via email so you’ll know they’ve posted.
Feel free to continue on with the chat, but I wanted to send out my THANKS to everyone for joining, and apologize for the mixup with location. Electa…it’s always a pleasure. I can’t believe how time flies and that I still remember when your first two books came out and how much fun we had talking about them.
Will do. Thank you, Tee! Ditto. It’s always a pleasure.
Hello Ladies!!!! Hey Electa! What a facinating read! I thought both characters Xavier and Pilar were a little scary. I kept thinking one of them is going to get killed. lol I like how you left it hanging too. I will definately check out more by you. I didn’t have a favorite character. I can’t think of anyting I disliked about the book. I like that you didn’t drag it out. Unfortunately some authors might get a little long winded by trying to give you way too much background and flashback and going forward…a reader can get lost. I know that they are just trying to let you know the whos whats and whys but it can sometimes mess up the pace of the story.
Hey Mary C,
Yes, I tend to get straight to the point in my writing. I’m pleased you enjoyed Diary and will hopefully check out some of my backlist titles:
The Ties That Bind
Loose Ends
Almost Doesn’t Count
These Are My Confessions (anthology)
Ladies’ Night Out
Have any of you come across book groupies and recognized them for what they are? What was your reaction to them?
I’m curious as well. . . LOL
In addition to the sequel what else are you working on?
True Confessions drops January 2011. I’m starting to blog again. Check me out at http://www.electaromeparks.blogspot.com.
And. . . I really, really, really would love to see all my books as movies (but don’t all authors?). However, I definitely think The Ties That Bind, Loose Ends and Diary of a Stalker would be great movies, so I’m trying my hand at screenwriting.
Electa,
I have not read The Tie That Binds yet, but I feel that Diary of a Stalker would make a great movie.
Brenda
Brenda,
Break down the movie cast members for me. Who would play?
Pilar -
Xavier -
Dre’ -
Kendall -
Pilar :Taraj Henson or Megan Goode or Nicole Arie Parker
Xavier- Michael Jai White or Brian J White (from Stomp the Yard) or Boris Kudjoe
Dre – Richard T Jones or Mos Def or Isiah Washington
Kendall-Zoe Saldana or Keisha Knight Pulliam or Sanaa Lathan
thought I would give a variety of ages too
Hey Mary C,
I like your suggestions, especially for the female characters. However, my first choice for Xavier is Idris Elba:}
The characters I would choose would look like:
Pilar – needs to be someone like Lynn Whitfiled was in “A Thin Line Between Love and Hate”, a person that can pull off mental easily
Xavier – Boris Kodjoe or Taye Diggs
Dre’ – Morris Chestnut
Kendall – Sanaa Lathan or Gabrielle Union
Brenda
Brenda,
I like your choices as well! Too bad Lynn Whitfield is too old to play Pilar. I’m trying to picture Taye Diggs as Xavier. Can he pull off cocky, arrogant and is he too short? LOL
Electa,
I know, isn’t it too bad that Lynn Whitfield is too old. I don’t think anybody can pull off psycho as well as she did. Diggs maybe too short but I always found the short ones too cocky. LOL.
Brenda
What I did not like about Xavier was how he got rough with Pilar. He at one point acted like he was addicted and then treated her like crap. I wanted to sock him because he was too arrogant for me.
Shai,
How did you feel about the sex scenes? Too much? Not enough? Or jussssst right?
They were not too graphic. They captured just enough for us to get what was going on. You wrote Xavier’s character so well, I wanted to reach inside the book and choke him. LOL. It is always good when an author writes so well, you really get caught up in the book.
Shai,
Thanks for your feedback!