JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Dena Tyson, author of Black Beans ‘N Rice
(Infinity Publishing)

Spooney was old enough to be her father, but he didn‘t care. It made him feel like he still had it, and that made him feel good. It‘s not all about how you do what you do because Binx was young and didn‘t know any better. She had fallen head over heels for him because he was different.

As Binx applied the finishing touches to her face, her mother walked in and stood next to her, a questioning look in her eyes. She glared from the mirror and said something Binx would never forget: “You too pretty of a girl to be with such a old man. You‘re young and smart… He‘s just taking away all of your youth.” She was quite solemn in the way she spoke.

What her mother didn‘t understand at that time was the damage had already been done. She stayed not because she wanted to but because she had to. She suffered Spooney‘s abuse both physically and mentally, and walking away wasn‘t easy because she was afraid.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Black Beans ‘N Rice?

Dena Tyson: It’s actually my story. I suffered an abusive relationship both physically Continue reading 5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Dena Tyson, author of Black Beans ‘N Rice →