Thursday 13 - Interview with Rekaya Gibson

I feel that my readers may be getting a little tired of hearing about "me me me" all the time (I don't understand this. Ha!) So, this week, I'm introducing you to another author besides myself. Meet Rekaya Gibson, author of THE FOOD TEMPTRESS. I've asked her 13 questions, and she's answered them below. You can find her book on Barnes & Noble's Website. Buy it here.

Of course, if you never tire of hearing about my book, THE LIST, or me, Rekaya is interviewing me over on her site. There, you can see my interview and learn more about Rekaya.



1.Quick! You've met a movie producer, he says "walk with me for 15 seconds" tell him what THE FOOD TEMPTRESS is about. My main character, Ambrosia, uses food to not only seduce men, but to convert them into the perfect guy. Paralleling southern cuisine, each short story captures the hearts and minds of different men ranging from the local police chief to a Bourbon Street musician. The Food Temptress serves up a delectable treat connected by Ambrosia’s continuing quest for both romantic and culinary perfection.

2. Each chapter has a different food theme. Which was your favorite to write? I loved writing the last chapter, Hurricane Katrina. I wrote it halfway through the book. Certain details were fresh in my mind and I wanted to capture them.

3. Which would be your favorite to eat? Jambalaya

4. New Orleans is a supporting character throughout your book. Tell me about your time there, and how it influenced your writing. I lived in New Orleans approximately 13 years until Hurricane Katrina hit on August 29, 2005. I connected with the city and its people. Some considered me a native, but I was born and raised in Indiana. New Orleans was the perfect backdrop for The Food Temptress because of its culture, food, and history. Of course, I feel in love with the food, and how it was the focal point of most activities. I began a serious writing career the same year as Katrina and I never looked back. I wanted to make sure that I captured all her grace and charm prior to the storm.

5. How would you clarify THE FOOD TEMPTRESS? Is it a pure romance? Food romance? Romantic comedy? Chick Lit? I have always considered The Food Temptress a Chick Lit.

6. I hear tell that there are recipes that induce proposals, I think one is called "marriage chicken." What would be your own, personal recipe to "reel him in."? I know this answer is going to freak some folks out, but I use spaghetti. I make my own meat sauce. My secret is to include a little hot sausage with the ground meat.

7. My favorite of the dishes would be the peach cobbler. Tell us about the chapter where the peach cobbler ends up in the wrong hands. :) While in Atlanta, Ambrosia is invited to a birthday party by her best friend, so she decides to make peach cobbler for the “birthday girl”. When she arrives at the party, she places the dish in the kitchen. Well, when the stripper, Black Thunder, finishes his routine, he heads to the kitchen for a snack. Guess what dish he selects?

8. How did you come up with the idea for THE FOOD TEMPTRESS? I developed the concept from the adage, “a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” I took my interpretation and expanded upon it, using my creativity. As result, I birth The Food Temptress.


9. What is your writing process? How do you work? I write best at night. Lately, I notice the creative juices kick-in after midnight, not a good thing when you have to work a full-time job. I do write during the day, but I am not as productive. If I have time, I write on my lunch hour. The adrenaline rush is nice since I have a limited amount of time, perhaps that is my answer to procrastination.

10. I understand there's a sequel in the works. Give us the cover blurb. Yes, I am working on the sequel, “The Food Temptress: Ambrosia’s Delight.” I rather not give the cover blurb for three reasons. One, some folks are still reading the first book or have not read it. Two, I have not completed the sequel yet. Three, though I have written the ending, it may change. However, I will tell you this; Ambrosia continues her quest to find real love and a life-long partner.

11. Tell me about your publishing process. How did you get representation? I spent ten months writing “The Food Temptress.” I searched for an agent for twelve months, to no avail. I conducted research on several publishing companies. Xpress Yourself Publishing Company (XYP) was the right fit, so it was the only one that I submitted my manuscript to for review. Six months later, I received a contract.

12. Tell me something about Rekaya that you put into your main character, Ambrosia. I think Ambrosia and I have a great love for cooking.

13. How do you come up with the names for your characters? Well, Ambrosia is the Greek Goddess of drink and food, so it made sense to use that name. I come up with names as I make my keystrokes. I do not spend a great deal of time thinking about it.

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