Category Archives: african american books

5 minutes 5 questions with, african american author, african american authors, african american book, african american books, amazon.com

5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Natasha Usher, author of The Hunts

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JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Natasha Usher, author of The Hunts
(2nd Avenue Publishing)

Victoria, Luther V, Tyler, Tyger, and DougRoss Hunt have a lot going for them. Despite their young ages, they are very resourceful. The Hunts have managed to live alone ever since their parents abandoned them. Their survival strategy is quite simple – if it is not given to them, they simply take it.

When the Hunts decide life is too boring in their small town of Acon, Georgia, they decide a trip to the big city of Atlanta is just what they need. Atlanta and the Hunts will never be the same again.

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

Natasha Usher: I actually have several nieces and nephews, eight of them, with two being girls and the rest boys. Whenever they all get together, it’s total chaos. They were/are my wonderful inspirations for The Hunts.

JP: What are some of the things you learned about yourself as an author while writing The Hunts?

NU: That I’m really old, and that my jokes are lame. When I was writing The Hunts, I wanted to make sure I was speaking in a voice to which young people can relate. As a result, I was constantly asking my children and my nieces and nephews what they thought about my work.

After listening to them and trying to pick up on all the things children are saying today, I did make my young family members laugh a few times with some of my dialogue. But they have informed me that I am still completely lame.

JP: The children will definitely love the zany characters of The Hunts. What has been the reactions of the parents who have bought and read this book with their children?

NU: The response to The Hunts has been great. The parents seem to be enjoying the book just as much as their children are enjoying it. Of course, I think most of the parents are praying my book doesn’t give their kids any ideas.

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

NU: I don’t have a real writing process. An idea comes to my mind and I start typing. Then if it’s a good idea, the characters form, and they somehow tell their own stories. I know some people create outlines and plan everything out, but I never do that. My characters create their own lives.

Writing The Hunts was so much fun that I wrote it very quickly. I think I wrote the first draft in about three months. Now the editing and various drafts, that’s the time consumer. That took me over a year.

JP: What’s next for Natasha Usher?

NU: Well in between teaching every day, I’m always trying to find time to write. There is a definite plan for a sequel to The Hunts; then I want to work on a non-fiction book. Right now though, I really want to thank you and your readers for allowing me to visit this wonderful site. Happy reading and writing to all!

http://www.thehuntsstory.info
http://twitter.com/TheHuntsStory
http://www.myspace.com/runningwildacon

Cuni Award for Creative Writing 1988
GAYA Award Nominee 2008

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5 minutes 5 questions with, african american author, african american authors, african american book, african american books, amazon.com, free, giveaway

Congratulations to Angela Little! She won a FREE COPY of Rhythm Can’t Keep Time by Deontriea Cantrice from JoeyPinkney.com

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How did she win? She was one of the first ten people to comment on “5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Deondriea Cantrice, author of Rhythm Can’t Keep Time”. Angela’s name was randomly drawn for the book giveaway hosted by JoeyPinkney.com’s Joey Pinkney and GSHPublishing.com’s Deondriea Cantrice.

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5 minutes 5 questions with, african american author, african american authors, african american book, african american books, amazon.com

5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Jewell R. Powell, author of Marriage 101

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JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Jewell R. Powell, author of Marriage 101
(Revell/Baker Publishing Group)

Jewell R. Powell, known as the “Marriage Coach”, is an author, entrepreneur and inspirational teacher with a heart and passion for helping couples have great marriages. She is the author of Marriage 101: Building a Life Together by Faith published by Revell/Baker.

Marriage 101 is the first marriage book with a curriculum written for the African American Christian market. In Marriage 101, you will discover God’s purpose for marriage, how to develop godly character, how to communicate effectively and much more.

With biblical examples, study questions and scripture meditations perfect for individuals or couples, you will be challenged to examine areas in your life that you may need to change so that your marriage can thrive.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Marriage 101?

Jewell R. Powell: In 2001, I really thought my marriage was over – that there was no hope. I was a born-again believer, faithfully going to church and Bible Study, active in the ministry, yet, I thought I was the only one having problems in my marriage.

I was still very much in love with my husband and wanted my marriage to work, but I was not happy. At that time, I believed no one could help me but God. Since He created marriage, I decided to go to the Bible. This led me on a spiritual journey to discover why God created the covenant of marriage and how to fulfill the vows I made to God and Lewis on May 1996.

I found the answers I was looking for. Since I was on the brink of divorce and was able to turn my marriage around, I wrote it to help others who also may feel there is no hope.

JP: What sets Marriage 101 apart from other books in its genre?

JRP: I believe most books are either written from a skill perspective [learn all the ways to you can communicate with one another, know that men are physical and women are emotional etc] or from men and women with PhDs who use their experience as a marriage counselor by using other stories to get their point across.

I am just a Christian woman who was married and unhappy and decided to seek God for answers. This book is simply my journey on how I researched the Bible and applied the principles to reconcile my marriage.

JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to Marriage 101 getting out to the public?

JRP: 1) I believe people are looking for truth. They are looking for real, genuine people who are just like them. 2) My faith and success in my marriage lead to success with this book. God’s word is true and when you apply them, you will get success. 3) Marriage 101 is changing people’s lives and their marriages. 4) Word of mouth is the key to our success.

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish Marriage 101?JRP: I’ve been working on Marriage 101 since 2001. I self-published the 1st edition in 2003, then added a workbook along with a 2nd edition in 2007. Marriage 101 was picked up by a major publishing company in 2007. Revell published it in February 2009.

JP: What’s next for Jewell Powell?

JRP: I’ve just completed a Marriage 101 mini-book series which discusses the following: 1) Communication, 2) Finance, 3) Parenting and 4) Sex & Intimacy. We have other topics coming as well.

We’ve also just completed a Marriage 101 Marriage Enrichment Curriculum and Pre-marital Curriculum for church leaders. Lewis and I have been traveling nationwide teaching the Marriage 101 Principles

http://www.marriage101.us/
http://www.facebook.com/Marriage101
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Marriage-101
http://www.myspace.com/jewellpowell
http://www.twitter.com/jewellrpowell

Marriage 101 is a #1 Bestseller for 2009 on http://mosaicbooks.com/

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