Sharon, welcome to TRR! Tell us about yourself.

Well, to date, I've had three books published: Stealing Home (HarperCollins, 1996) a memoir, Jackie's Nine (Scholastic, 2001) an anthology based on the nine values that I attribute to my father, Jackie Robinson's success on and off the field, and Still the Storm (Genesis Press, 2002), my first romance novel and a story of betrayal, forgiveness and triumph set against the backdrop of political drama.

Are you coming to romance writing from another job?

In addition to my writing career, I am the Vice President of Educational Programming for Major League Baseball. In this capacity, I oversee school and community-based educational programs. Breaking Barriers, In Sports, In Life is the department's core program; it is a national character education program designed to empower students with strategies to help them face obstacles in their lives. The message is delivered by examining the values demonstrated in the lives of my father and many of today's baseball stars; since its inception in 1997, the program has reached over two million children across the United States and Canada. Before joining Major League Baseball in 1997, I had a twenty-year career as a midwife, during which I delivered over seven hundred babies and taught women to be midwives.

I also serve on two non-profit boards: The Jackie Robinson Foundation and The Roberto Clemente Sports City Complex in Puerto Rico. In addition, I'm a member of the National Advisory Committee for Robert Wood Johnson Local Initiatives Funding Partnerships.

It's not unusual for an author to have a full time job and write. It's certainly been true for me. Being out in the community keeps me stimulated and motivated to write. But because of the multiple demands on my time, I find that I have to be both structured and flexible with my writing. I set aside time each day to devote to writing and use vacation time for the same purpose. I've learned to write on plans, hotels, trains, and restaurants. I carry my laptop everywhere along with a notebook to jot down ideas as they come to me.

What led you to write romance?

Two things led me to write romance. The first is my grandmother, who introduced me to romance books when I was in my early teens. I've been a fan since then. The second is the fact that I was blessed to have grown up in a loving supportive family where women who were strong and nurturing surrounded me. As an adult, my work as a midwife exposed me to a variety of women living out very different love stories. Writing romance allows me to put a positive spin on those love stories.

Tell us about your road to publication.

In my former life, I spent ten years as a college professor where you're expected to publish. Therefore, my first publications were for professional journals and a textbook. It took me a number of years to write my first book and to find the right publishing house. The most difficult part of memoir writing is finding your voice and believing the lessons from your experience will help others. For me, writing fiction was a natural extension of my love of storytelling.

What kind of research was involved for your first romance book?

The research for Still the Storm came from the Internet, interviews, personal experience, and listening to conversations.

Who are your influences as a writer?

In the romance genre, many writers have influenced me. Two of my favorites are Nora Roberts and Donna Hill.

What does your family think of having a romance author in their midst?

My family is very supportive of my writing. My son is twenty-three. He thinks the fact that his mother has published a romance is hilarious. He's also very proud. My mother is my biggest supporter and most thorough critic. She reads all my books while they're still in manuscript format. After reading Still the Storm my mother called to say that she really liked the characters and wished them well. My brother is just proud that I've written three books.

Tell us about plans for future books.

Readers of Still the Storm have recommended a sequel. I'll probably tell the next phase of the story from Daphne's perspective. Who's Daphne, you may ask? Well, you'll have to read Still the Storm and find out.

I'm also working on another book for Scholastic that's scheduled for a spring 2004 release.

How can readers get in touch with you?

There's my current dilemma. I attend some book groups, but mostly readers communicate with me via mail. They usually send letters to my publisher. I answer all those letters that reach me. In the near future, I'll set up a Website.

Thank you, Sharon, for joining us and best of luck! Readers, the address for Sharon's publisher is Genesis Press, 315 Third Ave. North, Columbus, MS 39701.

May 6, 2002