Jenkins on history
17Beverly Jenkins has written 30 novels and she is much beloved by her readers. Most of her romantic fiction is set in the 19th century, and some of her contemporary romances (she writes romantic suspense and faith-based romances) are about characters who are the descendants of her 19th-century characters. Her historical books all have bibliographies in the back—and it’s clear that her fans know their history. When they meet up in person or talk online, their conversations about Beverly’s books and about African American history are passionate and well informed. They share information about books and history, but they also talk about their kids, their husbands, their favorite sports teams (Beverly is a huge football fan), the milestones in their lives, and their everyday trials and triumphs.
I interviewed Beverly on a trip she took with her fans to Charleston, SC, and St. Helena Island, where events in her books took place before and during the Civil War.
I asked her, “What shapes your characters? How do you interpret history in the books you write?”
In an earlier phone interview, Beverly had told me, “My characters come through me; they’re not from me.” So I asked her, “Where do your characters come from?”
I asked Beverly, “What kinds of heroines and heroes do you most like to write?”—and this is what she replied:
Laurie Kahn is the executive producer of the Popular Romance Project.
If you enjoyed this interview, you can find more information at Beverly Jenkins’ website.
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Thank you Popular Romance Project for the video interview of my favorite author Beverly Jenkins. Even though is was short, it was also very informative. Having the chance to interact at a book signing, read & see interviews such as this helps me appreciate the author more.
Once again, Thank you Popular Romance Project.
You are most welcome! I hope you saw all three interview excerpts (there are three short videos with Beverly at the site). They are short because everyone says short videos work best on a website…..so be sure to look at all of them. Beverly is eloquent, and passionate.
KUDOS Laurie! This is our ‘BEV’. To know her is to love her. Her personality comes through well in this series.
God has given her an awesome task – to tell our stories. He threw in enough wisdom, talent and grace so she can do it wel!! And with lots of love!
Each one of her books is a true adventure, with all the facets – love, history, action, suspense. Thank you for recognizing her and her gift.
I will be looking for more of your projects.
Thanks Carrie! I think Beverly does come through in the clips from the interview we shot. It means a lot to me that you all, Beverly’s readers, think so too! There’s much more to come here at this site (which is brand new!)….so stay tuned, and let me know what you’d like us to include at the site.
I loved the interviews. They were fantastic. I love Ms B very much.
Awesome interview!! You absolutely captured the true essence of Beverly Jenkins. Her books are so so many things to those of us who love her. They are heartwarming, inspirational, exciting, and packed with knowledge. I cannot get enough of her stories and read the new books right away, as soon as they are available. The rest of her books are like very dear special friends and I read them over and over again. Never tiring of them and finding something new with each reading. Ms. Bev has a very loyal readership, most of whom have become family to her and with one another. Only Ms. Bev could create an atmosphere like that. She has allowed us to get to know her. And to know her is to love her, thanks for sharing her with the rest of the world!!
These comments put tears in my eyes. Thanks ladies. You, too, Laurie.
Great Interviews!! Ms. Bev is such an awesome author as she pens tales that are awe inspiring, uplifting, educates and promotes love in a manner that reaches out and caresses the soul. Thanks for this collective interview.
Absolutely wonderful interview! Beverly Jenkins is my absolute favorite author, and is one of the nicest persons you could have the pleasure of meeting. Her historical novels are works of significance because, as she said, they provide readers with little-known Black history along with romance and humor. Bev always provides extensive bibliographic information which can be a starting point for further research on the historical references provided in each book. We, her devoted readers, are so blessed that it is her ministry to write these types of AA historical romance books. But even more important, it is a blessing that Bev is following the path that God has obviously ordained for her. Thank you Laurie Kahn for this interview. And thank you Bev for the best collection of reading in my personal library.
Finally good clean reads. i have to get with the other books. So much romance. Black Romance.
Bravo Bev!!!! Bravo Popular website launch!!!!!! Bravo for romance!!!!!. Beverly Jenkins is our Griot, she tells stories of love, life, history and hope. I thank God for her and her gift of stories.
How wonderful to hear Ms Beverly speak! I have been a fan for a very long time. I love historical romance and she was the first (if not the only) black historical romance writer I have read. I hope more black romance writers pick up the history books and weave great stories like her. Thank you for this project.
hi,
i would like to know if you charge a fee to appear at a small book club? My book club has about 12 members. We are reading your “Blessings” books. We live in Detroit, Michigan. if you are not albe to join our book club, when will you be in the Detroit, and or surroinding area in the future?
thank you so very much.
fran henry.
Hi Fran,
You should be getting an email shortly with more information.
All the best.
Thanks a million!! We really appreciate the link!