JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Marian L. Thomas, author of Color Me Jazzmyne
(LB Publishing)
(One of the first ten people to comment on Marian L. Thomas’ author interview will win a FREE copy of Color Me Jazzmyne from JoeyPinkney.com)
Color Me Jazzmyne is the tale of Naya Mona. Raped by her father and abused by her friends, Naya is struggling not only to live, but she must learn to live for herself. She is in fact, a reflection of many women today who have been a victim of abuse, and life in general.
The spiral of events that becomes her life also becomes her voice as she steps onto the stage as Jazzmyne-the jazz singer. Naya Mona takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster filled with drama, romance and the passion to push past the pain.
Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Color Me Jazzmyne?
Marian L. Thomas: There are many aspects of the main character that are a reflection of my life and the lives of so many others. It is the struggles and journeys of the women I have known that created the desire to develop the character and personality of Naya Mona.
JP: Incest is present but, for the most part, swept under the rug in the African American community. Why did you choose to reveal the emotional dysfunction of this situation?
MLT: Reality is something we all must face. Reality is a part of our every day lives. Whether we choose to stare at it or deny it exist, the problem is still there. The topics in Color Me Jazzmyne represent the reality of our society.
JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to Color Me Jazzmyne getting out to the public?
MLT: Persistence, even when tears are shed. Realizing that there will be ups and downs, but the strength of your belief in your story carries you through. Knowing that what you have to offer is something that any woman can read and enjoy.
When you begin to write, you believe in yourself. When you publish your heart you begin to believe in your story.
JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish Color Me Jazzmyne?
MLT: I drafted my first expression of Naya Mona when I was in high school, referring to it as What Color is Jazzmyne. Twenty years later I finally stared at a finished version that I refer to now as Color Me Jazzmyne.
My process was more focused on creating a story that was a reflection of reality. This meant that I would re-read each paragraph and chapter before proceeding to write the next. If I didn’t believe it could be real—no one else would.
JP: What’s next for Marian L. Thomas?
MLT: I am currently working on my second novel which I hope to have released by the summer of 2010.
http://www.facebook.com/MLT.ColorMeJazzmyne
http://www.marianlthomas.com
http://www.lbpublishingco.com
info@marianlthomas.com
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