On Tuesday, March 4, 2014, Victoria Christopher Murray and ReShonda Tate Billingsley discussed their writing careers with fans of their bestselling novels. The collaborative authors also read excerpts from Fortune & Fame, and signed copies. Their latest work was published by Touchstone, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. The novel reunites two fan-favorite heroines as drama unfolds on reality TV. Jasmine Cox Larson Bush and Rachael Jackson Adams are described as characters who are opposites. Ironically, the bestselling novelists are in some ways, too. Billingsley and Murray often share their humorous take on life from a country girl and city girl's perspective.
Friends and bestselling novelists,
Reshonda Tate Billingsley and Victoria Christopher Murray
Billingsley worked as a reporter for The National Enquirer and as an anchor. During her library visit, she discussed her previous employment with The Enquirer. Despite making a hefty salary at the age of 21, she concluded, "I got to a point where I knew I had a calling."
The successful author remarked that she self-published "My Brother's Keeper" and built a buzz. In 1999, she "couldn't get a book deal for anything."
After landing an agent, her work was rereleased. Today, Billingsley has 31 books to her credit.
Murray, who also creates identifiable characters, shared that she has been friends with Billingsley for a very long time. Both authors inspired chuckles, comments and questions from attendees, after reading snippets of antics that unfold in Fortune & Fame.
"Combining two of our best characters was really a natural fit. If ever there was a writing soul mate, she would be mine."
Victoria Christopher Murray's Ex Files has been optioned by Malik Yoba. Reshonda Tate Billingsley's novel, Let The Church Say Amen, has already been filmed. Regina King made her directorial debut through the project.
Purchase Fortune & Fame at your local book store or click here.
