JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Yvonne N. Pierre, author of “The Day My Soul Cried”
(Zyonair’s Unlimited, LLC)

Yvonne N. Pierre’s journey, from the depths of despair to an awakening of soul and spirit, has been a long and difficult one. From sexual abuse, excessive drinking, failing in school, a young mother, unable to get a job, having a second child with Down syndrome, gaining excessive weight and allowing herself to no longer care about how she looked – the painful pattern of all types of abuse seemed endless.

Until one day, when Yvonne’s soul cried.

She began to see that how she perceived her life and the attitudes she had were crippling her as much as all her bad habits and the ugly things that happened to her. The realization that through forgiveness of others and most importantly, herself, would prove to be her path to new confidence, new attitude, a joy and love of life and God, and a profound hope that by sharing her story, others may find the courage and strength to do what Yvonne has done.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the inspiration to write “The Day My Soul Cried”?

Yvonne N. Pierre: Prior to writing “The Day My Soul Cried”, I struggled with following through with projects. I had all these great ideas and would start and as soon as it seemed like it was going to be a success, I’d run. But at the time, I didn’t realize I was running from success. I was actually writing another book, but struggling to complete it.

“Why am I standing in my own way?” I asked myself. It was fear. Fear of success. I began to try to do some soul searching and from trying to figure it out for myself, “The Day My Soul Cried,” was born.

JP: What sets The Day My Soul Cried apart from other books in the same genre?

YNP: I’ve been told by those who’ve read “The Day My Soul Cried” that they appreciate my honesty and openness of internal and external obstacles and struggles. Although I talk about what I’ve been through, the primary focus of the book is process of overcoming it.

JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that led to The Day My Soul Cried getting out to the public?

YNP: Over the years, I took it upon myself to learn all I could about the publishing industry – writing to distribution. Whether someone is planning to self-publish or be published, it’s important to know your craft.

Aside from learning the business, I had to learn how to let it go. I had to detach from it. I had to look at it as an assignment. What I mean by detachment is this: My boss would ask me to do a task, there are no excuses and I would find a way to get it done. When I was in school, I found a way to get your homework done on time.

When it comes to our dreams and passions, we struggle with getting it done. I couldn’t look at it as this is my book; I had to look at it as an assignment from God. I began to look at my visions as tasks. I thought if this is my purpose and if I could do what I was asked by my instructor or boss without – why not for God? It’s not about me. And that made it easier for me to let it go and release the book.

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take you to start and finish The Day My Soul Cried?

YNP: The most important part of the process for me is to visualize. I cannot write if I can’t see it. No matter what I’m writing – book or film – I have to see it from beginning to end in my mind first.

To help me visualize, I typically write an outline, title and cover. What also works for me is to create a playlist of music that helps put me in the scene. How long did it take me? Probably about two months from when the idea first came to me.

JP: What’s next for Yvonne N. Pierre?

YNP: I’m a proud mom of two. My youngest has Down syndrome, so I do a lot of advocacy through projects. This year, I wrote, directed and produced a play, “Then You Stand” in April at the 14th Street Playhouse her in Atlanta, GA, and I’ll be releasing the video for that this month that will be free to view online.

I encourage viewers to make a donation towards Down syndrome research and that information will be listed on the website at http://thenyoustand.com Oct 21. In honor of Down syndrome Awareness Month, which is October, I’ve devoted all shows on “The Yvonne Pierre Show” for this month to DS Awareness, please visit http://Blogtalkradio.com/ypierre.

Also, I’m launching a website called “Have Ya Heard” this month as well at http://hyhonline.com on October 13. Also, this year, I did a short film with Studio 11 Films, the film I wrote is called, “Never Alone” which all films will Premier at the BronzeLens Film Festival in Atlanta, GA in November for details visit http://Studio11films.com.

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I would like to say a special thanks to my editor Ann Fisher. To Steffan (my significant other) and my children for being so patient and supportive. And Joey, thank you so much for this opportunity to talk to you and your readers about my book. I truly appreciate it! God bless!

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