AlTonya Washington

AlTonya Washington
Remember Love

Interviewed by: Lauretta Pierce
December 1, 2003

Q. Who is AlTonya Washington?

A. AlTonya is one of the newest authors on the BET/Arabesque label. She is a 1994 graduate of Winston Salem State University in NC who currently works as a Library Reference Associate. She is also "Mommie" to her 3 year old son.



Q. What inspired you to write REMEMBER LOVE?

A. I wanted to write a story about two gorgeous, intelligent, successful, career minded individuals who were very much in love and had the perfect marriage. I wanted to write a story showing what affects a long-dead secret would have on such a couple.



Q. How did you come about the title?

A. In the book, Dominique loses her memory. Though Trin wants her to remember him, he hopes she will remember the love they shared instead of the horrors that drove them apart.



Q. How did you come about Dominique’s character?

A. I enjoy creating beautiful characters. Still, in spite of Dominique's inner and outer beauty, I wanted to challenge the readers with the task of having to understand her keeping such an explosive secret from her husband. I wanted Dominique to emerge as a woman who, while ambitious and dedicated to her career, also possessed an overwhelming love for her husband-even in the midst of such turmoil. I believe this spoke volumes to her character and to her belief in her marriage.



Q. How did you come about Trin’s character?

A. Creating Trin was FUN. Of course, I wanted him to he gorgeous beyond belief. Moreover, I wanted his persona to shriek intelligence and charisma. He is take charge and sexy, sexy, sexy. I created Trin's character before Dominique's. Aside from his tremendous assets, he has his share of liabilities. While they were very potent, I wanted the readers to see him grow beyond the damaging affects of the secret he discovers.



Q. Why did you choose to write about a marriage with so many secrets?

A. I enjoy creating secrets-taking the readers on a ride once those secrets are revealed and the consequences come due. I love writing about characters who share a history and once those secrets are blended into the mixture, its interesting to see if and how the couple's love and committment can weather the storm.



Q. How long have you been writing?

A. About 10 years.



Q. Are you currently working on another book?

A. I'm always working on something new. I've already completed several manuscripts. My second book is on the BET/Arabesque label: "Guarded Love" December 2003.



Q. What type of atmosphere do you require to write?

A. I can write anywhere. I've written in complete solitude, at parties and even in crowded bus terminals.



Q. What message would you like readers to receive from reading REMEMBER LOVE?

A. Secrets have consequences. The survival of a relationship depends on the strength of a couple's love and, more importantly, their willingness to forgive.