WS Chronicle

Actress, producer is scheduled to hold book signing at local book store today

After years of traveling the globe, actress, producer, and radio and television talk show host Rolonda Watts is returning to the place where it all began.

Right here in Winston-Salem.

A graduate of Salem Academy, a local private school for teenage girls, Watts will hold a book signing for her novel, “Destiny Lingers,” today, June 2, at Barnes & Noble.

“It’s going to feel great to be in my hometown,” she said. “I still have a lot of family and friends there. It’s going to be very special moment for me.”

During an interview with The Chronicle, Watts noted that she learned a number of valuable lessons as a teenager in the Twin City that helped her become the success she is today. She said a number of teachers, family members, friends, and others encouraged her to follow her dreams.

“I would not be in the position I am today if it weren’t for the support system I had growing up,” said Watts. “The city will always have a special place in my heart.”

After high school, Watts went on to attend Spellman College in Atlanta, Ga. where she was the editor-in-chief of the school newspaper and graduated Magna Cum Laude. In 1981 she earned a master’s degree from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. After leaving Columbia, Watts returned to N.C. and began her career as a general assignment reporter at WNBC, where she was nominated for an Emmy.

Her career continued to skyrocket from there.

From 1994 to 1997, she was the host of the international syndicated talk show “Rolonda.” On the show, Watts would help guests with their problems. She also used the show as a platform to help at-risk teens. Today, Watts is an on-camera announcer for Divorce Court.

Although she has had a stellar career in journalism, radio and television, “Destiny Lingers” is Watts’ first novel. When asked why she decided to write a book, Watts said, “This is a life-long dream come true.

“Writing has always been a passion of mine and I always wanted to become an author,” Watts said.

“It feels great to finally accomplish a goal I’ve had since I was a little girl.”

According to Watts, “Destiny Lingers” will keep your eyes glued to the pages and leave you begging for more.

The romance novel tells the story of an investigative news reporter in New York City named Destiny who uncovers breaking stories every day, but has yet to uncover the truth of her own life. That all changes when she discovers that her husband is cheating on her with her best friend.

Amid personal tragedy and shocking deceit, Destiny decides to return to her roots in Topsail Island, N.C. It’s there that Destiny finds herself and begins to look toward the future, after she reconnects with a childhood crush she couldn’t be with years before because of racial barriers and segregation.

“Destiny Lingers” received one of the final endorsements form the late Dr. Maya Angelou. Watts said Angelou was mentor and a mother figure to her for over 30 years. She said the endorsement from “Auntie Maya” is one she will cherish for the rest of her life.

“That was just amazing. After reading the novel, she said she was upset that it ended,” Watts laughed.

Watts mentioned she is currently working on a sequel to “Destiny Lingers” and other books as well.

The book signing will be held today, Thursday, June 2, at 7 p.m.  at Barnes and Noble located at 1925 Hampton Inn Court. For more information on “Destiny Lingers” and a list of other book signing events, visit www.rolonda.com.