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5 minutes 5 questions with, interview, poet, poetry

5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Julie Kasten, author of Dancing Amidst the Chaos

April 20, 2009 Joey Pinkney

JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Julie Kasten, author of Dancing Amidst the Chaos
(PublishAmerica)

Dancing Amidst the Chaos is the story of a life, told in snapshots of its moments. Each verse invites the reader to catch a glimpse into the author’s internal world of hopes and dreams, fears and struggles. From building a love that lasts to mourning the loss of a friend, from delighting in the joys of childhood to healing the scars of addiction, no topic is off-limits, and each is explored with poignant emotion and pervasive honesty.

All of us are dancers amidst the chaos of the world we live in… Every reader will find a wealth of passages that resonate at the deepest levels within the pages of Julie Kasten’s piercingly candid, brilliantly expressive collection of poetry.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Dancing Amidst the Chaos?

Julie Kasten: All of the poems you see in Dancing Amidst the Chaos were written over a span of about 5 years of my life. My inspirations for individual pieces came from all around me… From simple observations of the night sky to complex explorations of the deepest emotion, almost anything in life can become fodder for my poetry. The people in my life (especially my five-year-old daughter) provide a constant source of inspiration and ideas!

When I began to write these pieces, after a few years of being away from my writing, I don’t know that I even had the idea that they would one day come together into a book. At that point, I was writing them mainly for myself , for my own pleasure and/or my own therapy. Dancing Amidst the Chaos is sort of a “best of” collection from this period in my life.

JP: Why did you choose to use poetry as a medium to communicate your stories of Dancing Amidst the Chaos?

JK: I love the challenge that poetry affords me to make an impact on my reader in just a few lines of text. I love using wordplay and structure to create powerful imagery and evoke strong emotion.

I’ve often compared my poems to snapshots, capturing a slice of life or a moment in time. Reading Dancing Amidst the Chaos should feel like flipping through the pages of a photo album where each piece on its own creates a mood or tells a story. They all come together form a stirring mosaic of moments, memories and feelings.

JP: Which poets inspired your writing style? What were you able to take from them to make your poems stronger?

JK: I read Hart D. Fisher’s Poems for the Dead back in the late nineties and was inspired by the very genuine and fearless way in which he expressed difficult emotions in his work. From him, I learned to dig a little deeper in my own works and take the risk to reveal more of my truth.

I also love the works Universe Konadu, and I have been inspired especially by her poems about her faith journey and her walk with God. From her, I learned the power (for both myself and my readers) of communicating about my spiritual growth in verse.

Jessica Sanchez’s Under the Wishing Well inspired me in its skillful use of imagery and metaphor, as well as the author’s creation of and adherence to her own unique style and structure. There are so many others I could probably name here, but these are the three authors that really stand out for me, and whose influence can be seen and felt in Dancing Amidst the Chaos.

JP: What advice would you give to aspiring poets who haven’t taken the steps to publishing their works?

JK: For me, publishing wasn’t something to rush into. I wrote poetry for many years before I really had a sense that both my writing skills and my subject matter had evolved to a level that was suitable for publication. I would advise all aspiring poets to keep writing! Gather lots of feedback about your work.

If you don’t have people in your “real” life with whom you’re comfortable sharing your work, there are many great communities online for writers. And when you do feel that you’re ready to make the leap to publication, be sure to seek out a publisher that knows and respects poetry. Find a publisher that will work with you to maintain your unique style and voice during the editing process.

JP: What’s next for Julie Kasten?

JK: Right now, my publisher is putting together a little “mini book tour” for me here in Delaware and the surrounding area. I look forward to getting out there and meeting readers. Also, I’m in the early stages of work on a second book of poetry, and hope to be ready to release it early next year.

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

5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Reverend Deborah D. Jenkins, author of Leading Through Adversity

April 17, 2009 Joey Pinkney 1 Comment

JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Rev. Deborah D. Jenkins, author of Leading Through Adversity
(Urban Christian Publishing)

Rev. Jenkins examines the lives and ministry of major biblical prophets including Daniel and Jesus Christ.Â She journeys through some of their most difficult challenges and apply their responses to today’s challenges to provide readers with clear and succinct lessons for leading even in challenging and adverse times.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Leading Through Adversity?

Rev. Deborah D. Jenkins: I began writing the book during my last year of seminary. There were so many questions in my mind about church and how decisions are made, favoritism, perversion of the Word of God, recognizing the will of God, etc.

I was unsure if I was in God’s will or had I become such a pawn in the way the church operates that I could no longer hear the voice of God. The book became a journey in self-discovery.Â Little did I know that the Lord was seeding me for my own ministry as church planting and founding Pastor of Faith @ Work Christian Church!

JP: What sets Leading Through Adversity apart from other motivational?

DDJ: Leading Through Adversity is a Leadership Manual for Christians. I like to believe there is also benefit to non-believers as well. It is a book of Lessons drawn from the lives and ministries of leading prophets in the Bible–chiefly Jesus Christ.

What distinguishes it from other leadership books is that I found it impossible to write a book on leadership that didn’t include youth leadership. In the middle of this powerful book is an entire chapter dedicated to the leaders of the church tomorrow.

JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to Leading Through Adversity getting out to the public?

DDJ: I am uniquely blessed to have worked in the social services field for my entire secular career and as a result have met many wonderful people. As a result, my book has been able to transcend the church and be presented and used in workshops in many different venues. I have enjoyed great success with the book. If I increase my marketing efforts by 30%, my success would be that much greater.

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

DDJ: Because I am a preacher, I write on a consistent basis. That had prepared me for working within deadlines, structuring my writing and setting realistic goals. I am a very systematic writer. It took me a year to complete the book.

Believe or not, I did most of my writing on the crowded trains of the NYC Subway system. I believe that focus is the key to completing a writing project and indeed all tasks. I plan how much I want to achieve in a two hour period (which is the minimum time I allow per day) and set out to achieve my goal.

I am a deadline driven person, so I will give myself harsh deadlines which ensures that I complete 50-75% of the stated goal within a 60 day hard deadline. It’s a calculated game that I engage in with myself to turn out a finished product.

JP: What’s next for Rev. Deborah D. Jenkins?

DDJ: Well I am finishing my second book, Preparing the Princess to be Queen and prayerfully it will be completed by mid-May. I will begin an aggressive marketing program for that book. Hopefully hit more times than I miss.

I have actually started a more ambitious project called Dvineexpressions Book Club. We are rolling it out in two phases–the first of which is the 1st Annual Christian Self-Published Author (C-SPA) Book Awards. I am extremely excited about this because first it is not a money scheme. It is a project that I believe God has called me to lead.

There are so many anointed men and women of God who have been called to write books that will bring glory to God and reach many. That’s not easy, as I have found from time to time. I have gained a lot of experience and want to share it with others.

We are launching the awards at this year’s Book Expo America African American Pavilion. It will lend credibility, and exposure to industry leaders that may have an impact on these awesome authors. I am in a great place in ministry, business and most of all with my family.

http://dvineexpressionsbookclub.com
Facebook:Â Rev. Deborah D. Jenkins

Contact:Â Rev. Deborah D. Jenkins
Dvineexpressions Book Club
revdebjenkins@dvineexpressionsbookclub.com
dvinexpressions@aol.com

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

5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Dorie Williams-Wheeler, author of My Brother is a Baller

April 15, 2009 Joey Pinkney 1 Comment

JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Dorrie Williams-Wheeler, author of My Brother is a Baller
(Sparkledoll Productions)

When Sheri Carmichael’s big brother Todd lands the #2 pick in the NBA draft, Sheri can’t do anything but watch her life change 100 miles per hour. Sheri was content living on the South Side.

After Todd finds himself playing for the NBA, Sheri and her mother move to the suburbs. Sheri finds herself having to transfer during her senior year of high school. New friends Jade and Megan befriend Sheri because her brother is an NBA player.

Courtside seats to a basketball game, a brand new car, a credit card with no limit and and a trip to the NBA All-Star game are among the perks that Todd lavishes onto his sister during her senior year of high school.

Immaturity, jealousy and money cause Sheri’s senior year of high school to spin completly out of control. Things get extra tense when Sheri’s on again off again boyfriend Rico loses control. With all of the distractions will Sheri even finish high school?Â Suddenly everything in life becomes a challenge for Sheri Carmichael.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write My Brother is a Baller?

Dorrie Williams-Wheeler: I used to be a big NBA fan. I was a huge fan of basketball. When I started writing the book, I was thinking that this was a good topic for young people. The book will introduce young and adult readers to the life of a professional basketball player. The main character in the book is named Sheri Carmichael. Sheri lives in the inner city of Chicago. When her brother Todd is drafted as the #2 pick in the NBA draft, Sheri’s entire life changes.

Sheri finds herself living in Todd’s shadow and soaking up the glory of the financial riches and the fun of traveling to various places such as the NBA All-Star Game. In the book, Sheri is exposed to dealing with people of another race for the first time when she transfers from her Chicago school to a school in the Chicago suburbs. The main theme of the book is going from a poor working life style to the life style of someone rich and newly famous.

JP: What sets My Brother is a Baller apart from other novels in its genre?

DWW: There are not many books about the lives of the siblings of professional basketball players. I thought it was really important to write a book about the life of the sister of a professional basketball player. The book is an exciting read at just under 200 pages, and it is age appropriate for high school students, college students and adults. It must be really exciting to have a brother who becomes an overnight celebrity, rich and popular.

JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to My Brother is a Baller getting out to the public?

DWW: My Brother Is A Baller is my fourth fiction title. It was important for me to get this book out while the topic was still fresh. There aren’t really many books written about the lives of basketball players. I have been sending out review copies of the book. I have been reaching out to various publications for features and interviews.

The book is reasonably priced and affordable for people of all lifestyles. I think that having an affordable book is key to moving units. I often give away free copies of the book just to spread the word about my author career. I promote the book on my celebrity interview website Thabiz.com.

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

DWW: As an author, I try to write as much as possible. I would write every day if my schedule permitted. It took me about 4 weeks of regular writing to write My Brother Is A Baller.

JP: What’s next for Dorrie Wheeler?

DWW: I’m working on two books. I’m working on a young adult book titled Young & Locked Up. I’m working on a sequel to my popular sorority book Be My Sorority Sister-Under Pressure.Â The sequel is going to be titled Be My Sorority Sister-Living Conditions. I think the sorority book will be well received. I try to write as much as possible.

When I am not writing I am interviewing celebrities for Thabiz.com. This year I have interviewed a new group titled Rich Girls. Popular producer Rich Harrison, who produced songs for Beyonce, is bringing this group out. I interviewed R&B singer Pleasure P who is a former member of the group Pretty Ricky. I appreciate the interview opportunities. I write reviews for my website http://thelatestreviews.com. I try to stay as busy as possible in between releases.

http://www.dorriewilliamswheeler.com
http://www.sparkledoll.com
http://www.myspace.com/sparkledoll

Dorrie Williams-Wheeler is an author, entertainment writer, and designer. She is the author of the fiction titlesÂ Sparkledoll Always Into Something, Be My Sorority Sister-Under Pressure andÂ She’s Out There Bad. Dorrie is the author of the best-selling non-fiction titleÂ The Unplanned Pregnancy Book for Teens and College Students.

Dorrie has been featured in Seventeen Magazine, Infinite Greek Publication, The Virginian Pilot, Awareness Magazine, Disilgold Literary Review, Sister 2 Sister Magazine, Big City Intellect, Almaden Times, and The Industry Cosign among other publications.

Dorrie is the founder of the celebrity interview website http://thabiz.com and the pop culture website http://imissthe80s.com .

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

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