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5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… K.L. Brady, author of The Bum Magnet

24 Comments

JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
K.L. Brady, author of The Bum Magnet
(LadyLit Press)

(One of the first ten people to comment on K.L. Brady’s author interview, after the special comment, will win a free copy of The Bum Magnet.)

Congratulations, Natalyne! She won a free copy of The Bum Magnet by K.L. Brady.

Real estate agent Charisse Tyson seems to have it all: a great job, a dream car and a McMansion in “high-and-mightyville”. Everything in her life is just right…except the Mister. While lamenting the break-up with her most recent “the one” during a holiday meltdown, Charisse realizes she has a type when it comes to men: players, players…and more players.

A magazine article motivates her to swear off men and examine the complex roots of her romantic fiascoes. Laugh loud and often as Charisse discovers whether her choices in men reflect more than a penchant for good looks, great sex and bad judgment.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write The Bum Magnet?

K.L. Brady: The story came to me in an epiphany as I was reading a self-help article about dieting. I laughed to myself because I thought, “How many of these dang articles have I read?” They give you 12 steps, and the first I do in my mind is negotiate. “Well, I don’t have to walk two miles a day, maybe just two blocks” or “I can eat vegetables three times a day, but I’m going to eat them with fried chicken.” Yet, I still expect to lose 112 pounds.

So, I thought I’d write a story about a woman who attracts players. She knows it’s a pattern in her life that she needs to stop. She sees a self-help article about emotional baggage and toxic men, and one of the suggestions is a “man diet.” Just like a dieter that drives past the McDonald’s, stops for “one little Big Mac” and knows full well she should go home and eat a carrot stick, the main character Charisse stops for a big “something else.” That’s how her journey begins.

JP: Many women tend to question their decision-making capabilities after suffering a string of bad relationships. What does The Bum Magnet offer in terms of insight for women in this predicament?

KLB: I think the most important thing The Bum Magnet offers women in this predicament is accountability. It tells women to stop pointing the finger at men and start looking inside yourself to see what issues you have going on that repeatedly draw you into these types of relationships.

It also tells women that it’s okay to call yourself out on the carpet and laugh at yourself. At the end of the day, the point is to get to the root of the problem and deal with it, whatever that problem is.

JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to The Bum Magnet getting out to the public?

KLB: As a debut author that most people don’t know from a can of paint. My success is really going to come from generating buzz via word of mouth. I’m doing all the signings, book fairs and events that I can squeeze into my schedule. Hopefully, the book will make it into some book club reading selections.

I have been getting such wonderful feedback from the readers so far. It is really overwhelming to think that I put something into the world that so many women relate to. Hopefully they will spread the word, and I’ll build some momentum.

I’m very passionate about writing and was equally passionate about telling this woman’s story. Sometimes I think as authors we become so passionate about “our art” and “our story” that we tend to be stubborn when it comes to taking suggestions.

As a new author, I feel like I grew pretty quickly. I have learned how to process criticism, not take it personally and incorporate the suggestions which really ended up helping me make my work the best that it could be.

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish The Bum Magnet?

KLB: I know many authors who write elaborate outlines and give a lot of structure to their stories. Right now, I just transcribe the voices in my head. They wake me up in the middle of the night, say what they have to say and I write it down.

I’d say it took me about 8 to 9 months to finish the book. I wrote the first draft in about four months because I was trying to beat the deadline for the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards. That helped me get it finished.

Over the following four to five months, I put the book in critique groups and shopped it with agents who gave me feedback about what needed fixing. Then I hired a former editor from Simon & Schuster to give it a final overall editorial review. That was it.

JP: What’s next for K.L. Brady?

KLB: More writing. If there’s anything that I regret in my life, it is suppressing my love of writing for so many years. Now that I’ve accomplished my first goal, I just plan to keep writing until I can’t write anymore.

Writing gives me more enjoyment and fulfillment than I’ve gotten from anything else I’ve done in my life. I can only pray that God will give it wings and let it fly.

http://www.klbradywrites.com/

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24 thoughts on “5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… K.L. Brady, author of The Bum Magnet”

  1. This sounds like a great book and such a TRUE story. When we keep attracting the same kind of men it time to look in inside and start to find out what the hell is going on.I know I did. I think with age comes maturity and we have to start taking responsibility for own actions and decision making.

    1. That’s so true, SiStar Tea. We set up the pattern, but we try everything in our power to realize that it’s not us.

      I think this book teaches us with out preaching to us.

  2. What a great interview. I read got the book and thought it was hilarious. Knowing so many women who have been Charisse, and having done of the same stupid things myself, It was a smooth read. Great interview.

    1. I’m glad I got a comment from a person who has read this book, Christy. Please feel free to come back and join me anytime.

      Smooth read. Great interview. What more can you ask for?

  3. Another great interview !!…As an aspiring author,,it is so rewarding to read these..In addition to the book synopsis,,I really enjoy and appreciate the insight into how these writers become published authors…I hope to be here one day myself…Thanks again Joey !

    1. Asia, I’m glad you have become a regular around these parts, lol. You are so welcome, and I think you’re right. KL Brady gave a great interview.

  5. Here is the list of people who are in the running for a FREE copy of The Bum Magnet by K.L. Brady.

    1) SiStar Tea
    2) Christy Cumberlander Walker
    3) Asia
    4) Bisi Adjajpon
    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.

  6. Introspection and accountability! Yes! My favorite two words. This sounds like a wonderful book and one many of us women will be able to relate to. Thanks for the info, Joey!
    This is such a great interview…I love her responses and insight.

  7. Here is the list of people who are in the running for a FREE copy of The Bum Magnet by K.L. Brady.

    1) SiStar Tea
    2) Christy Cumberlander Walker
    3) Asia
    4) Bisi Adjajpon
    5) Angela Riley
    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.

  8. Great interview Joey. I love this concept. A “Man Diet”, that is priceless. I am sure that this will help alot of sistahs realize the type of relationship that they are in and the kind of men they attract. This seems to be a great story that I would love to read and review.

    Unika Howell-Molden
    “The Unique Reviewer”

    1. Thank you, Unika. I always wondered why women were perplexed how they ended up with the same guy over and over. I had friends on college that would act all high and mighty and let the old man with the one gold tooth suck them in with his liquor fueled game… Tsk, Tsk…

  9. Here is the list of people who are in the running for a FREE copy of The Bum Magnet by K.L. Brady.

    1) SiStar Tea
    2) Christy Cumberlander Walker
    3) Asia
    4) Bisi Adjajpon
    5) Angela Riley
    6) Unika Molden
    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. Hah! I love the title. Unfortunately it is all too apropos for me! *LOL*

    I love how your RL experience influenced your book. Inspiration comes from the craziest of places sometimes, no?

    I wish you much success with your writing. Looks like you are off to a good start.

    Carpe Noctem,
    Des

  11. Sounds very interesting. I’m so intrigued. And the topic is so on point with issues that women are currently facing with relationships. I loved the fact that you really delved into her writing process, it’s very helpful to other aspiring authors. Excellent interview.

  12. Here is the list of people who are in the running for a FREE copy of The Bum Magnet by K.L. Brady.

    1) SiStar Tea
    2) Christy Cumberlander Walker
    3) Asia
    4) Bisi Adjajpon
    5) Angela Riley
    6) Unika Molden
    7) Desire Lee
    8) Lena
    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. Thanks Joey! Although I don’t say much, I enjoy reading your author interviews. Maybe one day (soon) you will interview me. (smile)

    I write more for God than I do for myself. My book of prayer will be released January 2010. I would be honored to receive your critique of my work. Please let me know how… 🙂

    Many Blessings,
    A. Mesinger, Author
    (Mere Words)

  14. I like the part where she says its ok to call ourselves out on the red carpet and laugh out ourselves but to learn. That is so true. We shouldn’t be in the same place that we have always been. I cannot wait to read this. Joey you asked the right questions and your interview flowed so well.

  15. Wow…I think that book will be an awesome read. And I can totally relate to the author as far as regretting her love of writing…she is an inspiration to me!

    Thanks Joey!

  16. It is so great to see the comments and feedback on the interview. Joey is a dear for what he does to support emerging authors. It truly is a great thing.

    SiStar Tea, when I wrote this story I truly approached it from a “Truth” angle. In telling the real truth, I could not make the men out to be totally at fault. So, this is truly not a male-bashing book rather it is one that emphasizes “keeping it real” and admitting you had a little sumthin’ sumthin’ to do with your situation. The best part is that I layered it under lots of humor so you will catch yourself laughing out loud at the way she calls herself on the carpet and realizes her faults.

    Christy and Bisi, two extraordinary writers in their own right, thanks for stopping by and Asia, best of luck to you!

    Angela, it really is a relatable story and readers so far love that she is real and flawed to no end. Most people have had a hard time putting the book down because they want to know what crazy thing she’ll say or do next-they want to know if she ever “gets” it.

    Hi Unika, I’d love for you to review it! If you don’t win the drawing, please contact me through my website. Desiree, there has been one consistent pattern – either this story reflects the reader directly or ten people they know. I’ve had people buy 5 books at a time because they bought one themselves and four needy girlfriends (LOL). Too funny.

    Lena, I was hoping to capture an issue that applied to women in their everyday lives. I wanted to let The Bum Magnets of the world know that they aren’t alone and there is a way to break the cycle.

    Mere Word, best of luck to you. It’s truly one of the most fulfilling things you can do.

    Jasmine, I’m all about laughing at my mistakes. That’s the only way to keep from crying sometimes! 🙂 I truly hope you will enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. It’s truly a labor of love for me and my sista-friends everywhere.

  17. Here is the list of people who are in the running for a FREE copy of The Bum Magnet by K.L. Brady. (Per K.L. Brady’s request, I made room for people who who don’t already have the book.)

    1) SiStar Tea
    2) Asia
    3) Angela Riley
    4) Unika Molden
    5) Desire Lee
    6) Lena
    7) Mere Words
    8) Jasmine Taylor
    9) Natalyne
    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.

  18. i am very proud of my cousins ability to show her creativity in living color. congratulations, denise

  19. Here is the list of people who are in the running for a FREE copy of The Bum Magnet by K.L. Brady. (Per K.L. Brady’s request, I made room for people who who don’t already have the book.)

    1) SiStar Tea
    2) Asia
    3) Angela Riley
    4) Unika Molden
    5) Desire Lee
    6) Lena
    7) Mere Words
    8) Jasmine Taylor
    9) Natalyne
    10) denise johnson

    A winner will be chosen shortly.

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