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

5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Kendra Norman-Bellamy, author of Fifteen Years

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JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Kendra Norman-Bellamy, editor of Fifteen Years
(Moody Publishing)

Fifteen years after being taken from Thomas and Joanne Smith (his foster parents), and Sammy and Patrice (his foster siblings), 30-year-old Josiah Tucker, a successful corporate executive on the outside, but a broken man on the inside, seeks to reconnect to his “life-line” in hopes of also finding himself and a renewed faith in God.

But he finds more than he bargained for, and the reality of it all has the capability to make him a more tortured soul than he ever was before his mission began. A lot about the people you love (and the way your heart loves them) can change in fifteen years…

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Fifteen Years?

Kendra Norma-Bellamy: Over the years, inside and outside of the literary industry, I have seen people rise to a certain level of fame and basically push aside those who pointed them in the right direction; those who played a vital role in equipping them and preparing them for their pending success.

I wanted to address the importance of remaining humble and not forgetting the bridges that brought us over. When good seeds are sown in our lives, it is because God favored us enough to place a capable sower in our path who took time to nurture us.

Regardless of how much success we gain over time, we never know when life will bring us full circle and we may need to go back to our humble beginnings and find refuge or other assistance. If we burn the bridges, we don’t have a pathway to get us back to where we need to go.

JP: What sets Fifteen Years apart from other novels in its genre?

KNB: Fifteen Years is a story about un-biological family and how important a role that they can play in one’s life. It touches on thought-provoking topics such as foster care, drug abuse, child neglect, broken homes, forbidden love, family secrets, and it even addresses the subject of autism and speech impediments and how those challenges can affect the mental and social growth of a person.

It’s a drama-packed, fast-paced Christian based story that I hope will keep readers turning the pages to see what happens next. It’s one of those stories that make you go, “Hmmmm…”

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

KNB: There is only one master key to my success, and that’s Christ. He orchestrated it all. I never could have planned it the way that it happened, so it was certainly a divine set-up. I’ve had wonderful people who were placed in my life along the way. Some were placed for a reason, others for a season, and then there are those who are lifetime connections.

But whatever capacity that they played, or still play in the success of my career, God is still at the root of it. For Fifteen Years in particular, I have a great backing in Moody Publishers. They have set very capable people in place to market this book worldwide through many avenues including blog tours such as the one that landed me a spot with you, Joey.

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

KNB: I begin each day with prayer. Before I type the first word on my work in progress, I talk to God. It’s crucial to me that my stories not only entertain, but that they encourage and spiritually inspire readers. It’s only after prayer that I sit to begin my work.

I don’t do preliminary preparation like chapter outlines and such. There is nothing wrong with that; it’s a process that works great for other writers, but it’s not the way my creativity flows.

I simply sit at my computer and type out the story as God directs. Including the editing that I did once I finished writing the story, Fifteen Years took about four months to complete from start to finish.

JP: What’s next for Kendra Norma-Bellamy?

KNB: Well, I have two more books that will release before the end of 2010, and I’m excited about them both for different reasons. My next book, Song of Solomon, will come out in July, and I will be touring Mississippi and Louisiana to meet with book clubs who will be hosting release celebrations for it.

And then my first nonfiction/ministerial book entitled, I Shall Not Die, will release in October. Because this book is based on my true-to-life tragedies and triumps, it is very dear to my heart, and I know that it will minister to people on a different level than any of my fictional novels have.

Additionally, I’m gearing up for the 4th launching of Cruisin’ For Christ (a cruise that celebrates Christian artists and artistries) which will take place in June of 2011. It’s definitely going to be a busy year, but in this business, busy is a good thing. I’m very grateful, and I feel abundantly blessed.

http://www.kendranormanbellamy.com/
http://www.knb-publications.com/
http://www.ishallnotdie.org/
http://www.cruisinforchrist.org/
http://www.myspace.com/KendraNormanBellamy
http://www.facebook.com/KendraNormanBellamy

Recent author awards Kendra Norman-Bellamy include: 2010 Induction into Who’s Who in Black Atlanta (for the fifth consecutive year) and winning 2008 Best Christian Fiction Award from the African American Literary Awards Show.

P.S. Join the Joey Reviews Newsletter at http://joeypinkney.com/joey-reviews-newsletter.html.

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

5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Pauline R. Evans, author of Winter’s Kisses

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JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Pauline R. Evans, editor of Winter’s Kisses
(Pink Peach Publishing)

Winter’s Kisses is a novel that entails a heart-capturing and soul-comforting tale of two lovers that were on the verge of a destructive marriage that could only be saved through determination and a new outlook, and of course the help of good friends.

Certainly, it’s a book that values the moments of time and the essence of true love, no matter the outcomes. Many of characters, who grew up together from the days of high school in the suburbs, are personified as first loves, crushes, and the once daydreamed. Each search for fulfillment of love. Their consciences were never settled, but the principle was always the cornerstone of their very existence.

The novel is indubitably unique which brings the soap opera right at your eyes. Each chapter gives a first-person, first-hand account for each of the characters experiences, thoughts and feelings. It allows the readers to see the scenes magically before their eyes.

Though the dramatic, the sensual and the playful, Winter’s Kisses gives the synopsis of the everyday life of marriage and the thoughtful moments that couples should have and be aware of in order for the union to be blessed and flourish. Life is certainly a challenge, but with goodness and with love, even the very impossible in life can be a miracle.

Behold, in the blue skies, the passion that burns deep, but ousted. Yet, the colors of the garden will come again, and her name shall no longer be of season. Winter said she will never change.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Winter’s Kisses?

Pauline R. Evans: One morning in June of 2009, I stood in my bedroom after my morning’s devotion and reflected intensely. I was contemplating on what purpose life has for me, after being laid off from my job. I remember I asked the Lord what’s next.

Emotions were running wildly, and yet, with all control, I decided to sit by my laptop. After I reminisced for a few hours, I started typing. After a while, my typing became words that reflected on two important virtues that mattered to me greatly: love and relationships.

At first, it was just 106 pages of something. Having realized the coherence of my thoughts, I called it progress and named it a story. After weeks of writing, reviewing, re-writing and editing, with the help of great and true friends, it resulted in the composition of my first novel, Winter’s Kisses.

JP: What sets Winter’s Kisses apart from other novels hinged upon love lost and torrid affairs?

PE: What sets the novel as a cut above the rest is the idea of scope: how a story is viewed and how far the story can go. While other stories allow the reader to see the events like a window shopping experience, Winter’s Kisses allow the reader to “walk in an feel what the store has to offer”.

Opening the book invokes a panoramic experience to the reader, as the emotion and texture of the feelings of each character intensified with every flip of the page. Each chapter has its own character speaking. Each chapter has its own expression.

What sets the book above the rest however is with each ups and downs of relationships, there was always someone to offer guidance. This brought great resolve and a conscious realization that true love can take anyone anywhere.

JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to Winter’s Kisses getting out to the public?

PE: The keys to my success are based solely on interaction and referrals. I would, for example, send my book to various book clubs for their review and suggestions for future books. My friends in different states would spread the word about the novel and would also be involved in handing out book markers and flyers.

With daily interactions and communications online, I would make referrals to my book on my website www.paulineevansonline.com, as well as various social networks online such as Facebook with a fan page specially created for Facebook users to join and to be updated with the latest in sales, contests and announcements and MySpace.

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish Winter’s Kisses?

PE: My writing process starts with inspiration and reflection. I will think on what life has been like for me and how life has contributed to my growth and development as a woman. Then the process is extended into writing these experiences and memories down.

Personifying the experiences is the next step, thinking of characters that may match the dispositions displayed throughout the entire story line. The final step is now building the scenes around the character which enhances their personalities effectively. It took me a couple of weeks of writing, changing, editing and re-editing.

Though I may think of and jot the ideas, I didn’t write from an outline. I, however, wrote from my heart and about the things that the Lord pours inside me at night when I lay in bed.

JP: What’s next for Pauline R. Evans?

PE: I am almost finished with the sequel to Winter’s Kisses, which I am anticipating as the readers are anxiously waiting to see what happens next. I will promise this much: I will continue writing as God grants the strength, wisdom and opportunities for the books to be a success and an inspiration to many.

P.S. Join the Joey Reviews Newsletter at http://joeypinkney.com/joey-reviews-newsletter.html.

P.S.S. Pauline R. Evans and Pink Peach Publishing have paid to advertise with JoeyPinkney.com. Pauline R. Evans and Pink Peach Publishing have provided JoeyPinkney.com 10 books to give away to its readers.

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

5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Sandra Peoples-Gates, author of Foolish

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JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Sandra Peoples-Gates, editor of Foolish
(BlackBerry Fields Press)

Excerpt from Foolish: Sharee` stepped back away from the Escalade, watching as the shiny black beauty rolled around the circular driveway and out to the gated entrance. She waved goodbye, hugging herself tightly as the SUV disappeared into the slowly setting evening sun.

She turned, making her way back up the perfectly manicured lawn and onto the pebble stone sidewalk which would lead her to the front door. She took her cell phone out of the leather hip case and pressed the number one, then held the phone up to her ear. One ring. Two rings.

“Hello,” The sexy masculine voice answered on the other end.

“Hey baby, it’s me,” Sharee` began, stepping inside the house and pulling the front door closed behind her. “You can come over now. He’s gone.”

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

Sandra Peoples-Gates: When I first started working on Foolish, the plan was for it to just be a more in depth retelling of a previously published work.

After I experienced some things in my marriage, I decided to incorporate those experiences into the book. I included some information for women and men that may be in an abusive relationship, no matter to what degree.

JP: What sets Foolish apart from other novels in its genre?

SPG: Foolish is fiction inspired by actual events that either I or people that I know have experienced. It is different because usually you have a man that is cheating. In this book it is the woman.

Usually, a woman does not become involved in an affair where she ends up being abused. Also, there is a section that tells what to look for in an abusive relationship and how to tell if you are with an abusive partner.

JP: Foolish deals with economic abuse. Could you explain what that is and its importance to people who may be oblivious to its existence?

SPG: Economic abuse is when a person basically is only with you for your money and what you can do for them. They don’t want you to do anything with your money without them having approved it, even when it comes to paying bills and taking care of the household.

If the abuser wants the money for some other purpose, be it for drugs, alcohol, or even some other person, the victim will either have to give up the money and risk losing everything, or risk enduring verbal, mental and even physical abuse.

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

SPG: I like to write and listen to music generally after the little ones are asleep. My MP3 is loaded with all sorts of music from T.I. to Justin Timberlake, Keyshia Cole to Deitrick Haddon. It took me about a year to finish Foolish.

JP: What’s next for Sandra Peoples-Gates?

SPG: The sequel to Foolish is in the works. I am also going to be doing more writers workshops and speaking to groups and organizations about economic abuse.

Economic abuse was something I didn’t even know existed until I endured it. Now, I want to educate as many people as I can. I have a lot of things I am working on to help writers and entrepreneurs get their voices heard.

http://www.bblit.info/
http://www.myspace.com/bblit
http://www.trulydiamonds.ning.com/

About Sandra Peoples-Gates:

I work as a business and publishing consultant. If you have any questions on starting a business or publishing your own book, email me at bblit@hotmail.com. I welcome your questions. I am also a contributing writer for brass magazine, which is a magazine for entrepreneurs.

I publish ‘Blueprint’, formerly Urban Voices Magazine, which is an online magazine with a focus on entrepreneurship on every level; from writers to barbers and beauticians, to musicians and web designers. If a person is an entrepreneur the magazine serves as a motivational vehicle for them.

Previous issues can be viewed at http://www.freewebs.com/bblit. Go to the ‘links’ section. I am also the host of the blogtalk radio show, ‘My life as an Entrepreneur’. Archived shows can be heard by going to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mrssgates. Follow me on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bblit.

P.S. Join the Joey Reviews Newsletter at http://joeypinkney.com/joey-reviews-newsletter.html.

P.S.S. Sandra Peoples has given a copy of Foolish to JoeyPinkney.com to give away to one of its readers.

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