“Beverly Jenkins is the undisputed queen of the Black 19th century romance. She writes about Freedmen’s towns that were founded by the formerly enslaved after the civil war, about teachers teaching children and adults to read (something that was forbidden for the enslaved). Of a doctor who leaves a comfortable life to serve people with little or no access to medical care. A beautiful conductor on the Underground Railroad. Her books are deeply, meticulously researched; many of them include bibliographies of the history books from which she’s drawn. “I cover most of the 19th century because it was vibrant and bittersweet,” Jenkins says.–npr
We recently spoke to Beverly Jenkins after a book talk and signing for her latest release A Christmas to be Remembered.
Seven Questions with Beverly Jenkins
You’ve had 51 books written and published in 29 years. Amazing! I’m wondering how you stay organized and find the time to create so many books? What’s your workday like?
I’m not very organized – at all. I usually work at night because when I first began my career I had a husband, two children, a job, and wore lots of community hats. The only time I could find to write was at night. Now that I’m in the house alone, I still write at night.
You’ve referred to yourself as a “kitchen table” historian in the edutainment business. How did you pioneer writing African-American historical romance when publishers weren’t interested and none existed beforehand? Was there a moment when you knew this was the path to follow?
There had only been a few African American romances published when my agent submitted my first book Night Song. After all the rejections and getting an editor to finally say yes, the critical acclaim and the sales that followed showed my publisher there was a market for what I was creating. Publisher kept sending contracts. I kept writing books.
Your new book A Christmas Remembered is number eleven in the Blessing series. When did you decide to cross into contemporary fiction—and also keep the connection with your historical fiction?
I crossed over to what is called Women’s Fiction with the first book in the series: Bring on the Blessings. The fictional town it’s set in, Henry Adams KS, was also the setting for my first historical. I imagined that there might be descendants from the original township living there, and the story took shape based on that idea. I’ve also written contemporary romantic suspense and those characters are also descendants of my historical characters.
You’ve often said, “When you educate a woman, you educate a race. Can you talk about your family experience of growing up in Detroit—and how that encouraged you to become a reader?
Both of my parents were avid readers who passed on their joy of literature to me and my six siblings. My mother read to us every night until we were old enough to read on our own. Reading was as much a part of my growing up in Detroit as listening to Motown on the radio.
I’ve always admired the strong connection you’ve developed with readers. It’s an ongoing community your closely involved with. I don’t see that happening with most writers. How did you build this foundation of support?
An author builds a fan base one reader at a time. I’ve done my best to stay connected to them by letting them know just how important they are in my life and my career. Were it not for their love and support there’d be no author Beverly Jenkins. When I count my blessings, I count them twice.
I was surprised to learn about your love for Science Fiction and Fantasy. What are some of your favorite books in that genre and have you ever considered writing one?
When I got my first Kindle many years ago, the first book I downloaded was Dune by Frank Herbert. I’d read Asimov and Heinlein as a teen. Dune, which I discovered while on staff at the MSU library in the late 70s was my intro to full-fledged space operas, and I loved it. These days I’m a big fan of Jim Butcher, Ilona Andrews, Lesley Penelope, and Pat Briggs. Have a dragon story in me that I hope to bring to life. Hopefully soon.
What would your perfect fantasy Christmas be like?
Perfect Christmas would mirror the ones I had growing up. Waking up early to see what was under the tree. My dad’s jazz on the stereo, a great meal, lots of laughter and singing along to the Alvin and the Chipmunks Christmas album.
Beverly Jenkins holds court at Book Beat talking romance, books, and the holidays. See you next time!
Signed copies of A Christmas to be Remembered are still available at Book Beat while supplies last!