MASON, Felicia 1962-

PERSONAL: Born May, 1962. Education: Hampton Institute, B.A.; Ohio State University, M.A. Hobbies and other interests: Travel, quilting, listening to music, collecting blue and white porcelain, old romantic movies.

ADDRESSES: Home—P.O. Box 1438, Yorktown, VA 23692.

CAREER: Journalist, novelist, and college professor. Also works as a motivational speaker.

MEMBER: Romance Writers of America, Mystery Writers of America.

AWARDS, HONORS: Reviewers Choice Award, Romantic Times, and Affaire de Coeur award for best contemporary ethnic novel, both 1995, and selected by readers as one of top ten romance authors, 2002, all for Body and Soul; Emma Award, 2001, for contribution to Della's House of Style; named "best romance writer turned mainstream," Black Issues Book Review, 2002, for Testimony.

WRITINGS:

ROMANCE NOVELS

For the Love of You, Bet Books (Washington, DC), 1994.

Body and Soul, Pinnacle Books (New York, NY), 1995.

Seduction, Kensington Books (New York, NY), 1996.

Rhapsody, Five Star (Unity, ME), 1998.

Foolish Heart, Pinnacle Books (New York, NY), 1998.

Forbidden Heart, Arabesque (Washington, DC), 2000.

Testimony, Dafina Books (New York, NY), 2002.

Sweet Accord, Steeple Hill Books (Buffalo, NY), 2003.

Sweet Harmony, Steeple Hill Books (Buffalo, NY), 2004.

Sweet Devotion, Steeple Hill Books (Buffalo, NY), 2004.

Enchanted Heart, Dafina (New York, NY), 2004.

Gabriel's Discovery, Love Inspired (Buffalo, NY), 2004.

OTHER

Work represented in anthologies, including A Valentine Kiss, Arabesque (Washington, DC), 1996; Man of the House, Arabesque, 1998; Something to Celebrate, Kensington Books (New York, NY), 1999; Della's House of Style, St. Martin's Press (New York, NY), 2000; and Island Magic, 2000. Contributor of articles, short stories, and poetry to periodicals, including Dimensions, Journal of Ethnic Studies, Poet's Domain, Romance Writers Report, Traditional Quiltworks, and Today's Black Woman.

ADAPTATIONS: The novel Rhapsody was adapted for the screen and broadcast as a television movie in 2000.

SIDELIGHTS: Felicia Mason told CA: "My writing process begins with an idea or a premise. After that's developed I start with Chapter One. The actual writing doesn't begin until the first line is clear in my head. This may take a few days or a few weeks. After that, the basic rule is to write every day. By the way, I always write a synopsis. For me, that's the fun part. A synopsis is a road map. It's just like taking a trip. Just because I map out one direction doesn't mean I'm wedded to it. I can take side trips and detours, but I know where I'm headed.

"What satisfies me about writing? Starting, finishing, getting checks; in short, everything. What was my journey to publication? I've been a writer for as long as I can remember. The earliest memory is second grade, so the journey to publication has been lifelong. I do a lot of writing in longhand. I'm a café writer at heart, which is one of the reasons I love Paris. There are lots of writer-friendly places there. I can frequently be found at cafés with a good pen, paper, and a chai tea latte.

"What is my advice to people who want to write? There are two things. First, and most important, read. Read as much as you can. Read everything, not just books in the genre in which you write. I'm always surprised by people who say they want to write but don't have time to read. Second, remain persistent. It may take a while to find a publisher or an agent. Keep trying. Keep believing."