JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Lisa DeNeal, author of Alethea Pascascio and Lisa DeNeal Present: “The Panthers’ Club”
(Queen Publications)
Camille, Chanale, Denyce and Autumn range from ages 40 to 53 and each has a story to tell as to whether love with a younger man is the answer or just not worth it.
Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the inspiration to write Alethea Pascascio and Lisa DeNeal Present: “The Panthers’ Club”?
Lisa DeNeal: I was approached by a friend and former classmate (Alethea Pascascio) to co-write the novel. Upon discussion, she mentioned how at an event she overheard an older, African-American woman declare she was not a cougar but a “Panther” when it comes to dating younger men. I know that woman is not the only one who enjoys dating younger men and is serious about it.
JP: What sets Alethea Pascascio and Lisa DeNeal Present: “The Panthers’ Club” apart from other books in the same genre?
LD: Over the years since How Stella Got Her Groove Back, there’s been a selection of stories focusing on African-American women when it comes to older women/younger men but a lot. In the media period the focus is more on white women – Demi Moore, the TV series “Cougar Town,” – in this type of relationship.
The Panthers’ Club broadens the subject with four different women, four different experiences and four different outcomes. The characters in this book also steers a bit away from the assumption that all older women date younger men for the sheer thrill of the chase. The women in The Panthers’ Club are looking for more than that.
JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that led to Alethea Pascascio and Lisa DeNeal Present: “The Panthers’ Club” getting out to the public?
LD: Locally, I am known as a freelance writer for a large newspaper in my hometown and with a column space in the paper. I occasionally announce appearances regard my latest book project. It helps to have support from the community.
I also use social media a lot to get the word out and face-to-face networking helps a great deal.
JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take you to start and finish Alethea Pascascio and Lisa DeNeal Present: “The Panthers’ Club”?
LD: Mostly, I like writing at night and depending on what I am working on, I’ll spend 3-4 hours per night writing on my laptop or go old school with an ink pen and writing tablet, lol. With this book, I had to develop two main female characters and about 6 supporting characters (3 per main). I started working on my contribution to The Panthers’ Club around spring last year and finished a couple of months ago.
JP: What’s next for (Alethea Pascascio) Lisa DeNeal?
LD: I am working on a couple of manuscripts for possible e-books. I am always conjuring up characters and story lines, so notebooks or sheets of paper I end up stapling together are within reach at all times.
http://www.facebook.com/lisadeneal
http://www.twitter.com/diolette
“The Panthers’ Club” comes out 12-11-11 and is available on amazon.com for $19.95!
Thanks to Joey Pinkney for providing new and veteran authors with windows of opportunity to promote our work!
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