Interview with NeCee

Grooming Him for Her
NeCee
HubBooks/Motown Writers (2007)  
ISBN 9780977443529
Reviewed by Cherie Fisher for Reader Views (1/08)

Today, Tyler R. Tichelaar of Reader Views is pleased to be joined by NeCee, who is here to talk about her new novel, “Grooming Him for Her.”

NeCee is single young lady with a beautiful spirit. She was born and raised in Saginaw, Michigan and currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia. NeCee began writing both as a way to relieve stress and to provide practical life lessons about relationships to her readers. “Grooming Him For Her” is her first novel.

Tyler:  Thank you, NeCee, for joining me today. To begin, would you explain exactly what the title of your book means?

NeCee:  “Grooming Him For Her” chronicles the lives of two women, Nikki and Sasha, in the grooming business. Nikki spends her time showing her man for several years the difference between love as a feeling and love in action—in hopes of a commitment in return. While Sasha, on the other hand, enjoys grooming her man to be adventurous and spontaneous without the thought of settling down. Little do they both know that the time they spent training these men, two other women will reap the benefits.

Tyler:  Where did you come up with such an original idea for the novel?

NeCee:  The concept has been imprinted in my mind for a long time. I will never forget the “first time” (note the emphasis on first time—Author smiles as if this wasn’t the last time) I realized I groomed a guy for another woman. It was during the time I attended college. My boyfriend, at the time, and I went through a lot of relationship pleasures and pains. We eventually departed and I ran into him right after graduation. He couldn’t wait to tell me how thankful he was that we met and experienced the things we did, because it had made him a better person and that he was now engaged to another woman. I thought about all of the work I put into this brotha and he ultimately used it on someone else … what a waste of time for me.

Tyler:  Will you tell us a little about the characters in the novel?

NeCee:  Nikki Ford is a successful lawyer on the fast track to a marvelous career. She has just been made partner and her life is perfect—almost. Nikki has shown her love for Brandon for years. She has waited patiently for him to make them a family, but Brandon has trouble committing—to Nikki. Nikki realizes that her needs are not being met and starts to notice her colleague, Matthew. She has never fantasized about being with anyone else (especially a white man), but she is finding it more difficult to stay with Brandon.

Sasha Benay loves men, and isn’t ashamed to show it. Her latest desire is Robert, a happily married man who has never been unfaithful—until now. Robert can’t stop thinking about Sasha, wanting to feel Sasha, and begins lying to his wife so he can be with Sasha. Sasha shows Robert a life that he has missed out on while being a devoted husband. They quickly move into an affair that could possibly destroy a love that has lasted years.

Tyler:  Do you feel you revealed some of yourself in the novel?

NeCee:“Grooming Him For Her” reveals a glimpse of me and my close friends’ wild adventures in our grooming days. I tried to write this book in a way that most people would be able to relate.

Tyler:  What feeling or knowledge do you hope your readers will come away with after finishing “Grooming Him for Her”?

NeCee:  Single Ladies wise up and be real with yourselves. If you’ve been dating a man for over a year and he hasn’t shown any signs of a commitment, chances are you’re grooming him for another. Married Women:  If your husband, after a few years of being married, begins to change his daily routine, social style, sexual performances, don’t be so quick to think it’s because of something you have done…check it out!

Brothers, be strong and know that strength is more than just a physical aspect. Understand that you will experience good and bad times with any woman. Real strength comes from within. This type of strength actively seeks hope through any situation and ensures mistakes don’t reoccur. This will allow your current relationship to grow…eliminating a need to go elsewhere.

Tyler:  What responses have you received so far from readers?

NeCee:  See for yourself:

"Entertaining and captivating, an excellent read from beginning to end. I actually read the story in one sitting. Characters are very believable and easy to relate to." - Charleen B. (Detroit ,MI)

"I enjoyed reading "Grooming Him For Her." It was so interesting that I could not put the book down. I could not wait to see what happened next."- LaQuinta Boatman (Memphis, TN)

"I must say this is a book I can easily relate to. My woman and I are enjoying all the benefits of my prior relationships!!" - HF, Jr. (Detroit, MI)

"I give NeCee's first book 5 stars! I started reading it late one evening and couldn't put it down until I finished it. This book depicted real life relationships showing the ups and downs and the real side of women in this day and time. The characters are so believable. Surprisingly, it feels as though NeCee is talking about you and your girlfriends! Ladies if you have been waiting years for your man to marry you, you really need to read this book! I'm ready for the next book to see whose gonna groom who!!!! This is a must read!” - Tammy (Atlanta, GA)

“This is storyline for simply everybody to enjoy. We can all relate and identify with the characters in some way regardless to your age, race or gender. I read the book in a few hours and purchased several copies for my friends to enjoy during Christmas. It's a must read! I expect to see this one on the big screen and on stage soon! I know NeCee has more from where this came from. I am hooked and will be on the look out for NeCee's next book!” - Syvility "Sly" (Jacksonville, FL)

Tyler:  Those are great responses, NeCee. But I’m especially curious about the response from the male reader. Have you had many male readers, and if so, do you think the women in their lives are giving them the book to read? While the book warns women about being careful with men who can’t commit, what will a man learn from reading this book?

NeCee:  I’ve attracted many male readers and supporters. In the last 3 months, three of my close male friends have been kind enough to host Book Signings in Detroit and Memphis to promote my books. I’ve received very favorable feedback from my male readers regarding the photographs throughout my books…this was my way of keeping my male readers engaged in hopes that they would read my books and learn something.

Single men will learn that they should take more control over grooming themselves (emotionally) before entering into a relationship, and depend less on a woman to meet their needs in this area.

Married men will learn that while the grass may look greener and feel good on the other side, is it worth risking everything you built at home?

Tyler:  What are the photographs you mentioned, and how do they add to the book?

NeCee:  The photos throughout my books are of the book cover models. The photos help make some of the scenes in my books come alive and keep new readers more engaged.

Tyler:  I understand you have written a sequel to “Grooming Him for Her”? Do you have a name for the book yet? Will you give us a hint of what happens in it?

NeCee:  Yes. “Crawlers.” Sequel to “Grooming Him For Her.” Newlyweds, Brandon and Star, are expecting their first child together. Robert and Pearl have a baby girl and they are still enjoying Robert’s newfound prowess in the bedroom. Nikki has started seeing Matthew, and this relationship is getting heated fast. Sasha continues to pretend that her relationship with Robert was nothing more than a fling.

Everything looks good on the outside, but deep feelings will be exposed. Star has a secret that could destroy her marriage; Sasha has fallen for a married man, and isn’t above taking him from his wife. Brandon is second guessing his marriage to Star, longing for the days he had with Nikki, and Nikki has managed to piece her heart together to find true love.

They are holding on for their survival...will their relationships endure?

A Crawler is someone who is never satisfied, always searching for another to fulfill his/her selfish needs, wants and desires in the moment. Often times a Crawler thinks the grass is greener on the other side, acts on his/her impulse and then goes crawling back to a past love. Are you a Crawler?

Tyler:  NeCee, do you think Crawlers are common in relationships?

NeCee:  Yes, here’s an excerpt in my book, “Crawlers”:  “We spend unnecessary time wondering how, lurking around, and searching to fill gaps or emptiness in our lives. We replace this emptiness with excessive eating habits, shopping binges, expensive homes and cars that you can’t afford, and people who are not good for you or you can’t have; and still to find that we’re never satisfied.”

Tyler:  Why do you think relationships are so complicated that women will end up with Crawlers and men they end up grooming for other women?

NeCee:  I don’t think relationships have to be so complicated. I believe that women and men do not consciously set out to be Crawlers or to groom individuals for someone else…it just happens, sometimes without warning. It is my hope that my books raise awareness to those who mimic a Crawler or are in the process of being groomed, and just maybe, someone will break this vicious cycle by finding contentment in his/her heart, and focus on grooming “self” before entering into a relationship.

Tyler: How would you describe or define your books? Do you think they are romances, realism, or a bit sensational?

NeCee:  My books are a combination of contemporary romance, realism and excitement. My initial targeted readers were busy professionals, adult men and woman. As a professional, I found it difficult to find time to read something that was fun and exciting. My books are approximately 150 pages and many of my readers have complimented me on how they enjoyed being able to read my books in one or two sittings and walked away with a different perspective on relationships.

Tyler:  How about fantasy? NeCee, what would your fantasy man be like? Are any of the men in your books equivalent to your fantasy man?

NeCee:  My fantasy man is well-groomed spiritually, physically and emotionally. He is conscientious and secure with himself. He knows what he wants out of life and has the means to achieve anything he sets his mind on. My fantasy man possesses the inner strength and demonstrates the passion necessary to enhance my life…as I would enhance his life.

Tyler:  Do you think a book with a reverse subject, such as “Grooming Her for Him” is a possibility, and would you consider writing such a book?

NeCee:  Yes, I do think that it is a slim possibility. I’m not convinced that this concept is an issue for brothers, so it would be a difficult piece to write. It seems to me that if a man were grooming his woman, she wouldn’t have a reason to leave. I believe that every man should make it a priority and a responsibility as a leader in the relationship to GROOM HIS WOMAN…this is a dream come true for most women.

Tyler:  Thank you for joining me today, NeCee. Before we go, will you let our readers know a little bit about your website and what additional information may be found there about your writing?

NeCee:  You can learn more about NeCee and how to purchase “Grooming Him For Her” at www.neceeonline.com or email NeCee directly at necee2006@hotmail.com to find out about the Author’s Discount.

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