Norfleet, Celeste O. 1959-

views updated

NORFLEET, Celeste O. 1959-

PERSONAL: Born February 11, 1959, in Philadelphia, PA; daughter of Otis (a municipal employee) and Mable (a homemaker; maiden name, Jackson) Johnson; married Charles Norfleet (an audit manager), August 29, 1987; children: Christopher, Jennifer. Ethnicity: "African American." Education: Moore College of Art and Design, B.F.A. (fashion illustration and advertising), 1981. Politics: Democrat. Religion: Baptist. Hobbies and other interests: Writing, drawing, cooking, gardening.

ADDRESSES: Home—Northern Virginia. Office—P.O. Box 7346, Woodbridge, VA 22195-7346. E-mail—[email protected].

CAREER: Graphic artist and novelist. Art director for several advertising agencies; CON Graphics, Woodbridge, VA, owner, 1991—. Member, Old Bridge Elementary School advisory committee, 2000—.

MEMBER: Romance Writers of America, Washington Romance Writers.

WRITINGS:

ROMANCE NOVELS

A Christmas Wish, BET/Arabesque (Washington, DC), 2002.

Priceless Gift, BET/Arabesque (Washington, DC), 2002.

Since Forever, BET/Arabesque (Washington, DC), 2003.

One Sure Thing (sequel to Priceless Gift), BET/Arabesque (Washington, DC), 2003.

Reflections of You, in press.

WORK IN PROGRESS: Second Chance, Rescued Hearts, Shannon's Gold, Lover's Embrace, and other romance novels.

SIDELIGHTS: Celeste O. Norfleet told CA: "I love to read romance so writing romance was a natural extension for me. As an African American, I enjoy reading about my cultural heritage, so multicultural romance was the perfect fit in both worlds. Some of my favorite authors are Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, Walter Mosley, and Nikki Giovanni. Watching these men and women grow with the written word inspired me to develop my own writing voice.

"When I begin a novel, I begin with research. I go to the library and get as much information as I can on a particular subject. I like to write with a clear idea of where I'm going, so I always have a general outline sketched out. Sometimes the story will take an unexpected or interesting turn and I stray from the outline, but I always seem to ease my way back. I write with the five—sometimes six—senses in mind. I believe that gives the reader a clear description of where and what I want them to feel. Although I have primarily written multicultural romance, I have recently begun several traditional romances with non-African-American main characters. It's an interesting challenge that I am enjoying. I have also begun my first mainstream women's fiction novel. I'm looking forward to my work moving easily through many genres and being found down many bookstore and library aisles."