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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… Maurice Thomas Williams, author of The Backyard Diplomat

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JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Maurice Thomas Williams, author of The Backyard Diplomat
(Butterscotch Memoirs)

Designed to highlight the critical role single mothers play in rearing their young sons, “The Backyard Diplomat” takes a snapshot of a day in the life of Eloise Jackson and her young son Thomas. The story emphasizes the importance of maintaining open communication channels between parent and child, while conveying honest feedback about real life situations.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the inspiration to write “The Backyard Diplomat”?

Maurice Thomas Williams: I was inspired to write “The Backyard Diplomat” as a personal dedication to my son while at the same time paying homage to Continue reading 5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Maurice Thomas Williams, author of The Backyard Diplomat →

5 minutes 5 questions with, amazon.com, interview

5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Michael Murphy, author of Spare Time

JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Michael Murphy, author of Spare Time
(Virtual Bookworm)

I believe all good stories, whether humorous or serious, have an element of truth. Using fictional characters involved in fictional events, while operating in a real world with real history, helps make the story come alive – in some cases leaving the reader to wonder where reality ends and fantasy begins. People have contacted me and asked if certain events were true. They were not, but this gave me a good sense that I had accomplished my goal.

We all have a tendency to complain when things are not as we might like, but it is easier to complain than it is to become involved. “Spare Time” is about a man and his wife who are busy with their lives, yet concerned about their nation, its debt, and the future. They decide it is worth the effort and time to try and make some changes. They get friends involved, and they also catch the attention of people who are not so happy with their project. As the plot twists and turns, national and world events complicate everyone’s plans. The end result is not where we might like to find ourselves, but if we are prepared we can weather the storm. Would you survive?

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the inspiration to write “Spare Time”?

Michael Murphy: I’ve been told over the years I have a way with words, but my writing was restricted to letters, blogs and occasional magazine articles. Continue reading 5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Michael Murphy, author of Spare Time →

5 minutes 5 questions with, amazon.com, interview

5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… T.R. Heinan, author of L’immortalite: Madame Lalaurie and the Voodoo Queen

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JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
T.R. Heinan, author of L’immortalite: Madame Lalaurie and the Voodoo Queen
(Nonius LLC)

“L’immortalité: Madame Lalaurie and the Voodoo Queen” is based on the true story of the wealthy and powerful New Orleans socialite Delphine Lalaurie and the horrific treatment of her slaves. Set in the French Quarter’s early 19th century Creole community, “L’immortalité” begins when Philippe Bertrand, the sacristan at St. Louis Cathedra is drawn against his will to the Lalaurie Mansion. There he meets Delphine’s physician husband, Louis, and a young slave named Elise.

When a child slave dies under horrific circumstances, Elise escapes and runs to Philippe, who hides her at the bayou cabin of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau and teaches her to read. Things get complicated when Philippe tries to discover what really goes on at the mansion. During a gala Easter Week ball, the Lalaurie cook sets herself, and the mansion, on fire and Philippe discovers that the Lalauries have been conducting macabre medical experiments in the attic.

As Delphine, Louis Elise and Philippe each seek immortality in very different ways, their paths converge at the haunted mansion on Royal Street. Marie Laveau helps Philippe break the chains of his own grief and conflicted spirituality so that he can break the chains of the Lalaurie’s slaves. “L’immortalité” ends as the Voodoo Queen grants Madame Lalaurie’s wish a way she never expected.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the inspiration to write “L’immortalite: Madame Lalaurie and the Voodoo Queen”?

T.R. Heinan: I was inspired to write “L’immortalité: Madame Lalaurie and the Voodoo Queen” when I took a walking “haunted tour” in the French Quarter Continue reading 5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… T.R. Heinan, author of L’immortalite: Madame Lalaurie and the Voodoo Queen →