Playing the Hand You’re Dealt

Trice Hickman is one tough cookie. After trying for two years to get her first novel published she didn’t give up. She quit her job, (talk about guts!) and formed her own publishing company, Platinum Books. And the rest they say is history. Her new novel, Playing the Hand You’re Dealt, is available now and promises to deliver the drama that Trice is known for.

Playing the Hand You’re Dealt is your third book. How does it feel to have three books out now?

First, I’d like to say thanks so much for this opportunity to chat with you here on Curl Up and Write! It feels amazing to publish my third book! It’s a blessing to be able to publish a book at all, especially in this challenging and ever-changing literary market. I’m very thankful.

Do you feel it’s important to have a book out every year to keep your readers interested?

Yes, I think it’s important to have a book out every year if you can. It was nearly 18 months in between release of my first book and my second one, and readers were anxiously awaiting it! There are so many books being published each year, and so many options for readers. Nowadays the phrase “out of sight, out of mind” applies. However, I do believe that if you build a strong fan base and produce well-written stories, readers will support you and wait for your next release.

What’s your writing process like? Are you an outliner or a pantser?

I don’t outline my stories. I come up with an idea for a storyline and then I sit back and think about the story and the characters I want to create. I develop a biography for each of my characters so that I know them inside and out, and then I start writing. I like to see what happens to these interesting people I’ve dreamed up. I let the characters drive the story, and they always take me on interesting places I wouldn’t have normally gone.

What writing advice would you have given to yourself ten years ago?

Don’t give up! When I used to experience writer’s block I’d put down my pen (computers weren’t in common use like they are now!) and pick up a book. If I had to do it all over again, I’d keep my pen in my hand while continuing to read and develop a story! In order to finish a book and get it published a writer must push through even in the face of the most challenging of times.

With the rise of e-books, what’s your take on the publishing industry now?

I think it is a wonderful time in publishing because technology is allowing readers to have instant access to the books they love. There is much dispute about hard copy books versus the electronic version. There will always be readers who love flipping through the pages of a good book. But, as we look just a few years ahead, how readers purchase books and read books will change. Brick and mortar stores see the trend, and that’s why Barnes and Noble and Borders have digital devices now.

You do a lot of marketing for your books. What have you found works and what doesn’t?

That’s a great question! Marketing is very tricky. What might work for one author might not work for the next. You have to know your audience and know your brand. I’ve found that word of mouth works great for me. I work to build that word of mouth buzz by showing up on websites (literary, media, and special interests), blogs, and other highly viewed online venues where I know my reader base visits. I also do a lot of marketing to book clubs. I attend book club conferences and festivals aimed at them. Book clubs are so special; they are the lifeline of an author’s career! I think every author’s marketing plan should include book clubs.

Do you like social media, (i.e. Twitter, Facebook)? Which have you found works best for you and your lifestyle?

Yes, I think social media is fantastic! But, you have to know how to manage it properly. You can be stuck on your computer all day if you don’t get a handle on it. Facebook is a wonderful way to connect with readers. I share things about myself, (not just my books), because readers like to get to know the author as a person, not just a writer of books. I’m on Twitter, but I don’t use it as much. However, I plan to change that soon, as I’ve just bought a book on how to build your brand using Twitter.

Now to the hair! What do you like about having your hair short?

Yes girl!! No conversation would be complete without discussing the hair! I had long hair, (like most women in my family) until my senior year in high school. I have thick, coarse hair, and it was so heavy on my head. One day I decided that I would cut it all off. I’ve had short hair ever since! I love my hairstyle because I don’t like fussing with a lot of hair. I just go to bed, wake up the next morning and comb it out. It’s so thick, I don’t have to wrap it at night. I sleep on a satin pillowcase and that does the trick.

Any tips for maintenance?

I’m not a hair expert, but here’s what works for me. I wash my hair every 3-4 days. I condition well, and do a deep conditioner once a month. I keep my ends trimmed, and I go to my barber in between salon visits for touch-ups. Oh, and I love Mizani’s Rose H20. It restores moisture.

Have you ever worn a weave? What did you like/dislike about the experience?

No, I’ve never worn a weave. But I do think it’s great that weaves give women so many options. I plan to go natural one day. I’m not sure when, but I’ll eventually do it!

Thanks Trice for stopping by! If you guys want to learn more about Trice and her books, visit her website, follow her on Twitter @tricehickman and friend her on Facebook!