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5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Julia Press Simmons, author of Begonia Brown: A Philadelphia Story

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JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Julia Press Simmons, author of Begonia Brown: A Philadelphia Story
(Queen Midas Books)

(One of the first ten people to comment on Julia Press Simmons’ author interview will win a FREE copy of Begonia Brown: A Philadelphia Story from JoeyPinkney.com)

Begonia’s carefree world has been turned upside down. Forced to become the head of her household, she has to trade her paintbrush in for a switchblade and her love of art into a love affair with the hood. Lying, stealing and turning tricks, Begonia will do any and everything she can to protect her sisters from the ugliness of the world. However, it just isn’t enough…

When her younger sister Violet, desperate to escape the hell her life, is seduced by an up-and-coming corner boy. Their baby sister Daisy is riddled with disease that could be fatal if not cared for, Begonia is caught between the hard knocks of the streets and the nightmare of her home life.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write “Begonia Brown”?

Julia Press Simmons: There was an abandoned house next door to my childhood home. One day coming home from school, I noticed that a family moved in. The mom was on crack. The kids were self-sufficient. There was no father around.

They only squatted in the house for a month or two. But the look of them, the strength of them, burned into my memory. Although “Begonia Brown” isn’t about that family, it is a representation of them and many other homeless, faceless, nameless families in the hood scratching out a living.

JP: “Begonia Brown” brings to light a story seldom given a time for true reflection. Years from now, what effect do you think this book will have on your readers in terms of the plight it covers?

JPS: I would hope “Begonia Brown” sparks action and gives a voice to the timid. I hope that it finds its way into the hands of people living that life and in turn offers some small comfort. “Begonia Brown” speaks to their souls and lets them know that they are not invisible.

JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to “Begonia Brown” getting out to the public?

JPS: I have this corny quote from the movie Galaxy Quest on my wall. “NEVER GIVE UP! NEVER SURRENDER!” That’s my mantra.

I learned a lot with my first book, “Strawberry Mansion”. I made more mistakes than I care to admit. I will say what everyone says at the risk of sounding redundant: do your research!

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish “Begonia Brown”?

JPS: I finished “Begonia Brown” in six months. I have to start with an outline. Then I give myself chapter deadlines. I can crank out five thousand words in one sitting at a book store or library. Then I won’t write a page in weeks. I go with the flow!

JP: What’s next for Julia Press Simmons?

JPS: I have a Blog Talk Radio show which premiered 12-10-09. I will be in the studio during January to record my new poetry CD, and my third book drops in February! Iz buzy…lol

http://queenmidasbooks.com/
http://www.myspace.com/ragewriter
http://www.myspace.com/poetress411
http://www.facebook.com/julia.m.press
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Julia-Press-Simmons/178562400867

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22 thoughts on “5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Julia Press Simmons, author of Begonia Brown: A Philadelphia Story”

  1. You know what’s crazy is that I once had neighbors whose father dealt drugs out of their garage. One night, on one of my mother’s birthdays, we came home to find that our home had been broken into and burgularized. The father had a hand in it. I feel that I can relate to this novel in a way. Things like this are what have opened my eyes about the world and made me street smart.

  2. Here is the list of people who are in the running for a FREE copy of Begonia Brown: A Philadelphia Story by Julia Press Simmons.

    1) N.S. Ugezene
    2) ???
    3) ???
    4) ???
    5) ???
    6) ???
    7) ???
    8) ???
    9) ???
    10) ???

    Leave a comment about your thoughts on the interview. One of the first ten people to comment will win a FREE copy of this book.

  3. I’M INTERESTED TO KNOW WHAT THE OUT COME OF BEGONIA BROWNIS ITS SOUNDS INTERESTING AND THE INTERVIEW AS WELL I WRITING MY FIRST BOOK AND YOUR QUESTIONING OF THE AUTHOR IS RIGHT UP MY ALLEY FOR ME AND MY WRITING PROCESSS…BUT I THINKING IT WOULD BE INTERESTING READ..

  4. Here is the list of people who are in the running for a FREE copy of Begonia Brown: A Philadelphia Story by Julia Press Simmons.

    1) N.S. Ugezene
    2) Felice Ellis
    3) ???
    4) ???
    5) ???
    6) ???
    7) ???
    8) ???
    9) ???
    10) ???

    Leave a comment about your thoughts on the interview. One of the first ten people to comment will win a FREE copy of this book.

  5. I find it interesting to see the process of writing that other authors take in order to complete a novel. I look forward to learning more and reading future novels by Julia-Press Simmons.

    God Bless,
    Shani

  6. Here is the list of people who are in the running for a FREE copy of Begonia Brown: A Philadelphia Story by Julia Press Simmons.

    1) N.S. Ugezene
    2) Felice Ellis
    3) Shani
    4) ???
    5) ???
    6) ???
    7) ???
    8) ???
    9) ???
    10) ???

    Leave a comment about your thoughts on the interview. One of the first ten people to comment will win a FREE copy of this book.

  7. You know I came from a broken home and I can relate to the struggles of everyday living in the hood. Im going to get this book, is it out in stores yet? I want to see what happens to these kids.

  9. Here is the list of people who are in the running for a FREE copy of Begonia Brown: A Philadelphia Story by Julia Press Simmons.

    1) N.S. Ugezene
    2) Felice Ellis
    3) Shani
    4) Qui
    5) ???
    6) ???
    7) ???
    8) ???
    9) ???
    10) ???

    Leave a comment about your thoughts on the interview. One of the first ten people to comment will win a FREE copy of this book.

  10. Another great interview Joey P. Wow, it sounds like Julia has lived a rough life, requiring her to grow up faster than usual. Must have been hard looking after her siblings, such responsibility at such a young age. I’m glad she recognized her talent and was able to rise above. Turning a negative situation into a positive one. This book should be able to help many people who can relate to the characters of this book. Prime example of “Everything we go through is for a reason”. I just love helping people any way I can. Best of luck to Julia Simmons in all you do, sounds like you have a lot going on. May all your dreams come true. 🙂

  11. I want to read this book!! I am no stranger to growing up struggling. My mom did what she could but we didn’t always go to bed with a hot meal. I get the feeling the author’s empathy will be reflected in the novel.

  12. Here is the list of people who are in the running for a FREE copy of Begonia Brown: A Philadelphia Story by Julia Press Simmons.

    1) N.S. Ugezene
    2) Felice Ellis
    3) Shani
    4) Qui
    5) Kristen B
    6) Marsha Lewis
    7) ???
    8) ???
    9) ???
    10) ???

    Leave a comment about your thoughts on the interview. One of the first ten people to comment will win a FREE copy of this book.

  13. This book looks really interesting. I know of a family similar to this and its sad to see the children so disheveled and unsupervised all the time. I can’t imagine what they feel inside. Thanks Joey for another great interview!

  14. Here is the list of people who are in the running for a FREE copy of Begonia Brown: A Philadelphia Story by Julia Press Simmons.

    1) N.S. Ugezene
    2) Felice Ellis
    3) Shani
    4) Qui
    5) Kristen B
    6) Marsha Lewis
    7) LatinTemptress
    8) ???
    9) ???
    10) ???

    Leave a comment about your thoughts on the interview. One of the first ten people to comment will win a FREE copy of this book.

  15. Here is the list of people who are in the running for a FREE copy of Begonia Brown: A Philadelphia Story by Julia Press Simmons.

    1) N.S. Ugezene
    2) Felice Ellis
    3) Shani
    4) Qui
    5) Kristen B
    6) Marsha Lewis
    7) LatinTemptress
    8) Jessica A. Robinson
    9) ???
    10) ???

    Leave a comment about your thoughts on the interview. One of the first ten people to comment will win a FREE copy of this book.

  17. Here is the list of people who are in the running for a FREE copy of Begonia Brown: A Philadelphia Story by Julia Press Simmons.

    1) N.S. Ugezene
    2) Felice Ellis
    3) Shani
    4) Qui
    5) Kristen B
    6) Marsha Lewis
    7) LatinTemptress
    8) Jessica A. Robinson
    9) Traci Green
    10) ???

    Leave a comment about your thoughts on the interview. One of the first ten people to comment will win a FREE copy of this book.

  19. Here is the list of people who are in the running for a FREE copy of Begonia Brown: A Philadelphia Story by Julia Press Simmons.

    1) N.S. Ugezene
    2) Felice Ellis
    3) Shani
    4) Qui
    5) Kristen B
    6) Marsha Lewis
    7) LatinTemptress
    8) Jessica A. Robinson
    9) Traci Green
    10) Tavy Day

    A winner will be chosen momentarily.

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