Kimberla L. Roby

Kimberla Lawson Roby
"Too Much of a Good Thing"

Interviewed by: Lauretta Pierce
July 8, 2004




Q. What inspired you to write Too Much of a Good Thing?

A. Since January 2000 when CASTING THE FIRST STONE was first released, readers have been asking me to write a sequel to it. So, I finally decided it was time. Originally, I hadn't planned on writing a sequel for any of my books, but I'm really glad I did.



Q. How long did it take you to write "Too Much of a Good Thing?"

About three months total, just about every single day. During that time, I wrote the first draft did revisions and then submitted it to my editor.



Q. Of all the book you have written, which one is your favorite?

A. BEHIND CLOSED DOORS because it was my first, CASTING THE FIRST STONE because it remains the most popular, and IT'S A THIN LINE because I based two of the characters on myself and my mom who had a benign brain tumor and passed away in 2001.



Q. How did you come about the idea for Mariah's character?

A. After speaking with many pastors wives, the most interesting were those who sort of felt it was their duty to stand by their husband no matter what. Like Mariah, many first ladies of certain churches really do love their husbands and want to believe that these men will eventually change one day. Their hope is that their husbands will stop seeing other women and will finally be faithful to their marriages.



Q. How did you come about the idea for Alicia's situation?

A. I wanted to show that many parents are not overly concerned about Internet predators and that many parents are now aware that their children are communicating with them.



Q. What is your most memorable experience as an Author?

A. The day I received my first shipment of BEHIND CLOSED DOORS...I opened the box, pulled out the first copy and gave it to my mom. She'd always said she wanted the first copy, and I couldn't wait to give it to her.



Q. Did you do any research in writing "Casting the First Stone" and "Too Much of a Good Thing?"

A. Not a lot because I've always been around both Christians and "church folks". I grew up in a church and I have always been a part of the same church throughout my adulthood. So, you do learn a lot over so many years, but I also spoke with pastors and pastors' wives.



Q. What advice can you give aspiring writers?

A. That they should write every single day and read as much as they can for entertainment, information, etc. The best writers are usually avid readers. Also, learn as much about the business of publishing as you can. Writing is one part of what you will have to do, but the business side is extremely crucial. And when you are published, remember that marketing and promotion are key.



Q. What message would you like readers to receive from reading "Too Much of a Good Thing?"

A. That we should never become consumed with praising the man standing in the pulpit (another human being), but instead we should work on building stronger and more personal relationships with God. oman, but vulnerable, and I decided to use Tracey for it.