JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
J. Brinkley, author of Revenge: a novel
Voma Publications
Baltimore College student Brooklyn Taylor finds herself falling in love with a classmate who loves the streets more than anything else. She begs Tyrell to change his lifestyle. The more she pleads, the more distant he becomes.
Brooklyn is elated when she discovers she is pregnant, but celebration soon turns into devastation when she finds out Tyrell is on his way to prison. Brooklyn begins to question her love for and her future with him. When she makes the decision to stand by him no matter what her friends and family think of him, she prays endlessly to God that he will change his ways.
Brooklyn gives birth to their daughter and has two jobs to earn money while Tyrell is serving time. Upon his release from prison, he learns about her new job and becomes abusive. A physical altercation lands Brooklyn in the hospital – internal wounds fuel a deep-seated resentment towards Tyrell. As she lies in the hospital bed getting health back, her deep emotional scars remain. All she can think of is sweet revenge…
Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the inspiration to write Revenge?
J. Brinkley: I started writing when I was fourteen. I use to write letters and poetry to express how I felt about life and people. I would let people read what I wrote, and they would be blown away by how articulate I was. As I grew older, I decided to write about my life story, Tears of Evidence, which was my very first published book. I enjoyed the feedback and decided to continue writing. I love the freedom to be able to create another world within a world.
JP: What sets Revenge apart from other books in the same genre?
JB: I’m a realist, so I write from my experiences and point of view. I also intertwine what I know about other people’s lives with what I believe to be true. I never deviate far from my truth. I want people to be able to relate to my characters and story lines. I want my readers to be there as they read my books.
JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that led to Revenge getting out to the public?
JB: Honestly, I am still learning new ways to market my work. Marketing is much bigger than just reaching out to people online. Marketing must also be offline as well. Another thing I’ve learned is that you can’t do it alone. Having an effective team who specialize in marketing will make things easier. So lately, I’ve been reaching out to all kind of people such as marketing experts, publicist, bloggers, etc.
JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take you to start and finish Revenge?
JB: Each book I’ve written so far has received a different method to give it its own uniqueness. I have written a few books within a month and a half. Sometime I write the old fashion way via paper and pen. Other times, I type the book. It depends on how I feel about the story. Crazy, but true.
JP: What’s next for J. Brinkley?
JB: I am current writing an urban romance/crime novel. I am extremely excited to be crafting this masterpiece. It’s going to knock some people’s socks off. So be sure to follow me for more information on this new book. I have plenty more hot reads in the making. Thank you for your time and support.