For those who haven't had a chance to read Joe's newest read or may have missed one of his other titles feel free to visit www.dogwoodpress.com for more information.
To stay connected with Mississippi Reads visit www.mississippireads.com.
Showing posts with label cyrus webb mississippi reads. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cyrus webb mississippi reads. Show all posts
Saturday, January 12, 2013
MISSISSIPPI READS and Author Joe Lee: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
(Saturday, January 12, 2013) Thanks to those who made the visit of author Joe Lee with "Mississippi Reads" literary event a success.
Conversations Book Club President Cyrus Webb got a chance to talk with Joe Lee about his newest book LAST CHANCE TEXACO as well as his literary journey.
For those who haven't had a chance to read Joe's newest read or may have missed one of his other titles feel free to visit www.dogwoodpress.com for more information.
To stay connected with Mississippi Reads visit www.mississippireads.com.
For those who haven't had a chance to read Joe's newest read or may have missed one of his other titles feel free to visit www.dogwoodpress.com for more information.
To stay connected with Mississippi Reads visit www.mississippireads.com.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
(01/12/13) "Mississippi Reads" Welcomes Author Joe Lee
The event is part of "Mississippi Reads", a new program geared towards reading MS authors and discussing books in the state. Held on Sat. January 12, 2013 at Appetizers Restaurant (3000 Hwy 80E) in Pearl, MS and moderated by book club President Cyrus Webb, the event is free and open to the public. Lee will also be signing copies of the book for those who wish to purchase it.
For more information contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616. You can also visit www.mississippireads.com.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Cyrus Webb Introduces Mississippi Reads
Since 2006 Conversations Book Club has hosted over 100 authors events in MS, LA, TN, GA and TX---most of which have included Mississippi authors. "It's been important for me to include my home state that gave me my start," Webb says, "and I see this new site as a larger way to do that."
Through "Mississippi Reads" Webb will be spotlight the Magnolia State's literary talent and allow the site to be the place that discusses reads for each year.
The monthly Saturday meetings for "Mississippi Reads" will take place at Appetizers Restaurant (3000 Hwy 80 E) in Pearl, MS. The schedule for the year is as follows:
2013 MISSISSIPPI READS BOOK CLUB SELECTIONS (includes date of book discussion)
(01/2013) "Last Chance Texaco" by Joe Lee (01/12/2013)
(02/2013) "A Dark Journey to a Light Future" by Tommie Mabry (02/09/2013)
(03/2013) "Married to Sin" by Darlene Collier with Meredith McGee (03/16/2013)
(04/2013) "An Unspeakable Secret" by Glenda Hunter (04/13/2013)
(05/2013) "A Crushed Rose" by Roszalia Ellen (05/11/2013)
(06/2013) "Sketchy" by Jason Lee Usry (06/15/2013)
(07/2013) "Way Beyond Pisgah" by Alean McIntyre Adams (07/13/2013)
(08/2013) "He Got That Package" by Anthony M. Ellis (08/17/2013)
(09/2013) "Rise Above: Conquering Adversities by Greg Little (09/14/2013)
(10/2013) "Hannibal" by Thomas Harris (10/12/2013)
(11/2013) "A Time To Kill" by John Grisham (11/09/2013)
(12/2013) "Borderline" by Nevada Barr (12/14/2013)
Meetings will take place at 1p.m. and will last about an hour. Each month is an opportunity to come together and discuss the book and the author and get the thoughts of those who attend each meeting. Admission is free, and in some instances the author will be in attendance.
The first meeting will take place on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 1p.m. with author Joe Lee discussing his book LAST CHANCE TEXACO.
For more information about "Mississippi Reads" contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616. You can also stay abreast of all events at www.mississippireads.com.
CBC Report: Author Tommie Mabry's Book-Signing A Success!
(Sat. April 21, 2012) Shadow Play Entertainment and Conversations Book Club wish to thank all of those who supported the book-signing for Tommie Mabry, author of A DARK JOURNEY TO A LIGHT FUTURE on Sat. April 21, 2012 at the Pearl Public Library in Pearl, MS.
"The event was a success in every way imaginable," says Cyrus Webb, President of Conversations Book Club and host of the event. "It was great to finally meet Tommie and introduce him to book lovers in Rankin County." Webb had read A DARK JOURNEY and interviewed the author on his radio show Conversations LIVE over the phone. This was the first time they had met face to face.
Supporters of Conversations Book Club and the author came out to get copies of the book, converse with the author and learn more about his story that is chronicled in the book. Among those in attendance was Darlene Collier, author of MARRIED TO SIN.
Mabry's book is available on Amazon.com and additional information can be found about the author and the book at www.tommiemabry.com. To find out about upcoming events hosted by Conversations Book Club visit www.conversationsbookclub.com.
"The event was a success in every way imaginable," says Cyrus Webb, President of Conversations Book Club and host of the event. "It was great to finally meet Tommie and introduce him to book lovers in Rankin County." Webb had read A DARK JOURNEY and interviewed the author on his radio show Conversations LIVE over the phone. This was the first time they had met face to face.
Supporters of Conversations Book Club and the author came out to get copies of the book, converse with the author and learn more about his story that is chronicled in the book. Among those in attendance was Darlene Collier, author of MARRIED TO SIN.
Mabry's book is available on Amazon.com and additional information can be found about the author and the book at www.tommiemabry.com. To find out about upcoming events hosted by Conversations Book Club visit www.conversationsbookclub.com.
Mississippi Author Jerome Cooper Shares Message Of A DUAL BLESSING
by Cyrus Webb (April 2011)
Macon, Mississippi native Jerome Cooper has alot to be thankful for. After going through challenges in his life he has found real purpose and is using his relationship with God to make a difference. In January 2011 the 36 year old released his book A DUAL BLESSING: Body and Success.
He talks about how his faith has affected the way he lives and what he hopes you, the reader, takes away from his message.
Jerome, thank you for talking with Conversations. First congratulations on the release of your book. Let's begin by talking about Faith. What role has it played in your life?
Thank you having me, Cyrus. To answer your question, faith has played a major role in my life. I really have had to take one day at a time and just be totally dependent on God that everything would come into fruition, even though there were alot of obstacles in my way. I have to keep everything in a present tense.
What age did you realize what faith actually was?
I don't think it was until my mid-twenties until I actually began to get an understanding of what faith really was. It was when I was almost kicked out of school. I was going through alot at the time, including my dad's grandmother passing. During that particular time my grades went downhill. I know it was faith in God that allowed me to continue for financial aid to get my grade point average up in order to get off of probation.
Talk to me about the book.
It's called A DUAL BLESSING: BODY AND SUCCESS, and it was released in Jan. 2011. It has always been a desire of mine to write a book. I have been trying to put together a book for over 7 years. I started off and on, and actually about a year ago I got disciplined with the help of prayer to put together a manuscript with different revelations that God has shown me due to my relationship with Him.
What do you want people to take away from DUAL BLESSINGS?
I want people to be blessed from reading the book. I want them to be affected by the book. I believe if a person is affected it would bring about change.
Your hard work definitely has paid off, Jerome. How can people get their copy of the book or contact you for more information?
Thanks again for the opportunity. They can get the book through online outlets like Amazon.com, Borders.com and my publisher website www.publishamerica.com. They can also contact me by email at cjerome31@yahoo.com to get a signed copy. I can also be reached at 601.316.3843. The website for the book is coming, but in the meantime, people can also join my fanpage on Facebook under either Jerome Cooper or Dual Blessing.
Listen to Jerome Cooper discuss his book on Conversations LIVE here.
Author Alean McIntyre Adams: Traveling Through Pisga and Beyond
by Cyrus Webb for Conversations Book Club/Conversations MagazineAt the age of 75, Mississippi author Alean McIntyre Adams has seen more than her fair share of change in Mississippi and around the world. In her new book WAY BEYOND PISGAH, she takes readers into the journey that has been her life and allows us to see how the events she has lived through have shaped the woman she has become.
While talking with Adams, it is impossible to deny her excitement for life. She explained to me that she was always a person who questioned things instead of just accepting whatever she was told. "I knew there had to be a better way of life," she says. "God wouldn't want it to be that way."
"That way" growing up was in a segregated world in Mississippi. She saw alot of prejudice, but thanks to strong people like her mother around her, the young girl knew that better days were possible. "My mother told me that we could do anything," she reflects, and that was something that she never forget.
Throughout her childhood and into her adulthood, Alean Adams fought against the challenges she was faced with and realized what was possible with hard work and dedication. To her, though, she was just doing what she knew was right. "I was doing what I did for my family and to make the world a better place," she told me. She hopes her book will allow younger generations to see that progress that has been made, what it took to bring about change and realize their role in keeping it going.
An important chapter in Adams' life was her work in the Civil Rights movement. The reader gets a chance to see why some felt the need to speak up and out about the injustice they saw, and the results of such action. You are also able to see how fear of the unknown kept others from moving forward. In the end, though, it is a culmination of all of the events of her life that makes Alean who she is.
And the meaning of the book title? In the book the author tells of an experience when she was visiting a doctor and he commented on her use of correct English. In the exchange with her he made the statement that she probably hadn't been away from Pisgah. Today the author has been far from Pisgah, traveling around the world, and that is what is possible for others to attain as well.
Adams doesn't allow others to dictate the course of her life. She realizes that she has the power to bring about the life she wants. What better message than that to share with others!
For more information about Alean McIntyre Adams and her book, contact her at 601.829.2702.
In Mississippi the book can be found at Milestone Christian Bookstore in Pearl, MS and available to everyone by mail order.
Author Carrie Elizabeth Greene (June 2009)
by Cyrus Webb
Author Carrie Elizabeth Greene is claiming 2009 for herself with a vengeance. With a novel just released and a second book coming before the end of the year, she is living the life that many aspiring writers only dream about. On top of all her other activities she is also a judge for the country's first literary reality show The Write Stuff that will be debuting during the summer. How did her journey begin? She reveals that along with what saved the life of some of the characters in her debut novel and more in this exclusive interview.
Carrie, thank you for taking the time to talk with Conversations. Before we get into your book A VOICE BEHIND THUNDER, I want to fast forward to the reaction to the book. Has it surprised you what readers are saying about your debut?
Yes, I never thought it would be so greatly received. I am very excited .
For so many writing is a dream they can only hope to realize. How does it feel to be living this dream today?
It was a long time coming, but I'm grateful that I held out and didn't give up.
I have never asked you this before, but I think our readers would be interested to know when did you decide writing was something you wanted to do?
I can't say that it was always something I wanted to do, not like some who know from a child that they want to be a writer. However I always liked a good story, whether on television, movies, or the written word.
With that being said, how did your debut novel come about?
I loved to read Christian fiction and had a desire to write a Christian novel one day. When Genesis Press first started I wanted to contribute to the new project. I had this story in mind and I wrote it for them, however it was rejected. That was in 1995.
You have successfully produced a balance of romance and inspiration. Was it difficult for you to decide how far to go with either?
People don't like to think that romance is a part of a Christian’s life. It is very much so, and I wanted to show that although people are Christians, saved and desire to do God's work, they have and desire to have romance in their life. I lead the singles group in my church and am often confronted with how they should conduct themselves as a single Christian. There are times when we need to face the fact that Christians sometimes get off track. I wanted to do that with this book.
The characters you developed are so universal that anyone should be able to see themselves or someone they know. Who did you have in mind when you wrote it?
My characters are a combination of myself, and others, women and men with good and bad characteristics. People that i have met throughout my life.
Redemption is a big part of the message I got from your book, especially when it comes to dealing with issues of faith and people of faith. Do you think some people take the notion of 'once saved always saved' to heart and stop trying in their relationships with people and God?
Our egos like for us to believe that we are right, and the problem is with everyone else. Until we can see our own flaws and imperfections we can never forgive and love the way that we should. Our salvation is not based on works, but our ego's can keep us from living a fulfilled life while we are here on earth. So in the long run when we refuse to make our corrections we suffer.
I'm not going to give away the story but it seems as though you wanted us to expect more from your characters. Will there be a sequel and what should we expect from you next.
Actually, I wanted to kill off some of the characters but we decided it would not go well with the readers. I don't know if I will bring a sequel but I will write about the period, late seventies to the end of the eighties, because I believe it is an important time in our history especially for African Americans and it is worth taking a second look at.
I do have a second book called "Don't Delay your Increase: A spiritual guide to giving. which will be released in Dec 2009, and is published by Urban Christian Fiction. It is a guide that answers questions about giving, how to give, when to give, what organizations or people to give to and when to stop giving.
Now that you are a published author I know that those aspiring to be where you are have many questions. What advice would you give to them about moving forward from a thought to action?
I think it is important to write a story that has a purpose and a message. Think about the person that will read your book. What are the messages you want to leave with them, and write for that one person. Don't think about how many people will read your book, just write what you feel and be transparent.
Thank you again, Carrie. If our readers want to find out more about you online how can they do so?
You can email me at carrie@avoicebehindthunder.com. My website is www.avoicebehindthunder.com
Author Carrie Elizabeth Greene is claiming 2009 for herself with a vengeance. With a novel just released and a second book coming before the end of the year, she is living the life that many aspiring writers only dream about. On top of all her other activities she is also a judge for the country's first literary reality show The Write Stuff that will be debuting during the summer. How did her journey begin? She reveals that along with what saved the life of some of the characters in her debut novel and more in this exclusive interview.
Carrie, thank you for taking the time to talk with Conversations. Before we get into your book A VOICE BEHIND THUNDER, I want to fast forward to the reaction to the book. Has it surprised you what readers are saying about your debut?
Yes, I never thought it would be so greatly received. I am very excited .
For so many writing is a dream they can only hope to realize. How does it feel to be living this dream today?
It was a long time coming, but I'm grateful that I held out and didn't give up.
I have never asked you this before, but I think our readers would be interested to know when did you decide writing was something you wanted to do?
I can't say that it was always something I wanted to do, not like some who know from a child that they want to be a writer. However I always liked a good story, whether on television, movies, or the written word.
With that being said, how did your debut novel come about?
I loved to read Christian fiction and had a desire to write a Christian novel one day. When Genesis Press first started I wanted to contribute to the new project. I had this story in mind and I wrote it for them, however it was rejected. That was in 1995.
You have successfully produced a balance of romance and inspiration. Was it difficult for you to decide how far to go with either?
People don't like to think that romance is a part of a Christian’s life. It is very much so, and I wanted to show that although people are Christians, saved and desire to do God's work, they have and desire to have romance in their life. I lead the singles group in my church and am often confronted with how they should conduct themselves as a single Christian. There are times when we need to face the fact that Christians sometimes get off track. I wanted to do that with this book.
The characters you developed are so universal that anyone should be able to see themselves or someone they know. Who did you have in mind when you wrote it?
My characters are a combination of myself, and others, women and men with good and bad characteristics. People that i have met throughout my life.
Redemption is a big part of the message I got from your book, especially when it comes to dealing with issues of faith and people of faith. Do you think some people take the notion of 'once saved always saved' to heart and stop trying in their relationships with people and God?
Our egos like for us to believe that we are right, and the problem is with everyone else. Until we can see our own flaws and imperfections we can never forgive and love the way that we should. Our salvation is not based on works, but our ego's can keep us from living a fulfilled life while we are here on earth. So in the long run when we refuse to make our corrections we suffer.
I'm not going to give away the story but it seems as though you wanted us to expect more from your characters. Will there be a sequel and what should we expect from you next.
Actually, I wanted to kill off some of the characters but we decided it would not go well with the readers. I don't know if I will bring a sequel but I will write about the period, late seventies to the end of the eighties, because I believe it is an important time in our history especially for African Americans and it is worth taking a second look at.
I do have a second book called "Don't Delay your Increase: A spiritual guide to giving. which will be released in Dec 2009, and is published by Urban Christian Fiction. It is a guide that answers questions about giving, how to give, when to give, what organizations or people to give to and when to stop giving.
Now that you are a published author I know that those aspiring to be where you are have many questions. What advice would you give to them about moving forward from a thought to action?
I think it is important to write a story that has a purpose and a message. Think about the person that will read your book. What are the messages you want to leave with them, and write for that one person. Don't think about how many people will read your book, just write what you feel and be transparent.
Thank you again, Carrie. If our readers want to find out more about you online how can they do so?
You can email me at carrie@avoicebehindthunder.com. My website is www.avoicebehindthunder.com
TAKE TEN: Author Roishina Clay Henderson (June 2009)
After dreaming about being an author since she was nine years old, Mississippi native Roishina Clay Henderson is now living that dream to the fullest. Her first novel Make Me Whole debuted in December 2008 and is already getting rave reviews. A former journalist with The Clarion-Ledger, she now lives in Atlanta, Ga., with her husband and son. Henderson talked with Conversations Book Club President Cyrus A. Webb about her book, the experience of being published and her advice for others who wish to do the same.
Roishina, it is so good to talk with you. It's hard to believe that we first met some nine years ago when you were interviewing me about my involvement in the Arts. At that time you were working for the State of Mississippi's largest daily newspaper. Did you have any idea at that time that you would be eventually on the other side promoting your own work?
First, let me say ‘thank you’ for the opportunity to talk about my debut novel, Make Me Whole! To answer your question: I did know that I would eventually be on the other side promoting my own. I just didn’t know when it would happen. I’ve dreamed of being an author since I was nine years old.
Your book Make Me Whole is an enjoyable story that I believe both men and women will be drawn to. What brought about the three main characters and were you surprised yourself as their personalities began to come forth to you?
The three main characters are Jacky, Neicy and Cee-Cee. For those who haven’t read the book yet, Jacky is the financially-challenged, care-free spirit. Neicy is the married woman who still likes attention from other men. And Cee-Cee is the homemaker who mistreats her loving and devoted husband. Now, Jacky was conceived about two years ago, and Neicy and Cee-Cee came when I finally got focused on writing the story— which was November 2007. I’m a little surprised at how their personalities unfolded before me. I wrote what I felt God gave me to write, and their personalities just came to life as I was writing.
This is your first book, and I hear authors say all the time that they like to bring themselves into their work at times. Make Me Whole has many slivers of your own life in it. Was this intentional or just the way it unfolded?
I can relate to each of the characters, but their lives are not based on my life. The story just unfolded on its own as I prayed to God and meditated on how the story should pan out. God gave me the story three chapters at a time.
One thing that struck me was that you had three voices coming forth in the book, letting the reader into their individual personalities. I have to ask as you were writing the book which one of the ladies were you more drawn to because of shared experiences?
I would say there’s really two, and that’s Jacky and Cee-Cee. Jacky is a newspaper journalist who was ready for a career change. I’m a former journalist who can relate to that. And Cee-Cee is independent, strong-willed and won’t be fully satisfied until she gets what she wants. Cee-Cee was once career-minded before getting married and having a family. I think my shared experiences with these characters are simply womanhood and just dealing with everyday life issues.
To me one of the most profound statements in the book came not from one of the main characters, but Bishop Solomon. He said "You don't have to go back home the way you came because God has heard your cries and your pleas for help. Many of you are going to leave here with...situations worked out and a renewed faith to go a little bit further because you understand that God is carrying you through today and forever more! (p.193)" That is deep. It proved to be true for your characters. How have you seen it to be true in your own life?
I’ve been at that place where I was at my lowest low and struck with depression. I didn’t think God heard me, and sometimes I didn’t feel I was worthy of God’s love. And quite frankly, I was upset with God about some things on how I felt what direction my life should’ve gone in. But I thank God that He didn’t take His hands off me. So in time, I was encouraged to press a little further. And when I looked back, those valleys of life had only drawn me closer to God and renewed an awesome faith in Him. Now, I’m at a permanent place in my life where nobody or nothing can take me away from God or from knowing that God is my rock, my source of peace, protection, blessings and joy.
Roishina, this year I had the pleasure of interviewing bestselling authors Reshonda Tate Billingsley and Victoria Christopher Murray: both are powerful wordsmiths with great support. Both told me that although their work carries an inspiring message, they don't like to call what they write Christian Fiction. I noticed, however, that on your website you embrace that as your genre. Can you tell us why, and if there was any hesitation knowing that some who might benefit from your book won't pick it up because of the label and stereotype that is sometimes associated with those titles as being preachy and condemning?
I don’t feel I picked Christian Fiction. I wrote what God gave me, and I think it fits into the Christian Fiction genre. I pray that it won’t prevent someone from picking up my book, because I want people to be encouraged. And I really believe people will be blessed from reading about these characters. They’re not perfect and have human flaws.
Let's turn for a moment to the business element of writing. With hundreds of books literally being released every week, how did you prepare to have your book stand out from the rest?
I worked with an amazing designer who produced my book cover. I adore the cover, and it’s something that would make me stop to read if I saw something like it in a bookstore. As far as the story that I’ve written, I was a willing vessel for God to pour in. You can never go wrong when you allow Him to use you. Also, I haven’t read any fiction books that tell about the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) convocation experience that actually takes place every November in Memphis, Tennessee. The book is fiction, but many of the details, events and places are real. So, I’m hoping that church experience will make the book stand out a little more.
Now that the book has been out a few weeks at this point, can you tell us what it is like to be doing interviewing such as this and promoting something that you birthed into the world and now others have a chance to appreciate?
This feels so wonderful!!! I’m looking forward to more opportunities like these to let people know that my work is out there. I truly feel blessed, and I’m really proud of my first novel. I want to share it with the world.
I can't let you go without giving advice to those reading your interview who might have a book in them but fear the work that goes into making it successful. What would you tell them, and then as a twist, what would Jacky, Denise and Prescilla tell them?
I would say to don’t let another day go by without making your dreams become a reality! If you only write 50-100 words a day or even a week, start somewhere. Just start and watch how your motivation will pick up! Drop that fear off in 2008 and pick up boldness and determination in 2009!
As for my characters and their advice:
· I can see Jacky saying: Don’t be like me—the queen of procrastination! I spent six years in and out of college; I may not be the right one to talk to! But hey! Put your imagination down on paper!
· Neicy would say: Is he cute??? Wait a minute. You asked about writing a book? Write until your heart is content and kick down that door that leads to success!
· Cee-Cee would say: A book, huh? You know I have a career background in marketing! Get started with writing TODAY, and I’ll be your marketing coach! I need something to do besides sitting comfortably in my 6,000 square feet home!
Thanks again, Roishina for a great book and an even greater conversation. If my readers want to find out more about you online, how can they do so?
Please visit my Web site at www.roishina.com. Order my book and send me an email! I would like to hear from readers! And book clubs?! I’m available to meet with you! Thanks for this opportunity, Cyrus! I enjoyed this!
Roishina, it is so good to talk with you. It's hard to believe that we first met some nine years ago when you were interviewing me about my involvement in the Arts. At that time you were working for the State of Mississippi's largest daily newspaper. Did you have any idea at that time that you would be eventually on the other side promoting your own work?
First, let me say ‘thank you’ for the opportunity to talk about my debut novel, Make Me Whole! To answer your question: I did know that I would eventually be on the other side promoting my own. I just didn’t know when it would happen. I’ve dreamed of being an author since I was nine years old.
Your book Make Me Whole is an enjoyable story that I believe both men and women will be drawn to. What brought about the three main characters and were you surprised yourself as their personalities began to come forth to you?
The three main characters are Jacky, Neicy and Cee-Cee. For those who haven’t read the book yet, Jacky is the financially-challenged, care-free spirit. Neicy is the married woman who still likes attention from other men. And Cee-Cee is the homemaker who mistreats her loving and devoted husband. Now, Jacky was conceived about two years ago, and Neicy and Cee-Cee came when I finally got focused on writing the story— which was November 2007. I’m a little surprised at how their personalities unfolded before me. I wrote what I felt God gave me to write, and their personalities just came to life as I was writing.
This is your first book, and I hear authors say all the time that they like to bring themselves into their work at times. Make Me Whole has many slivers of your own life in it. Was this intentional or just the way it unfolded?
I can relate to each of the characters, but their lives are not based on my life. The story just unfolded on its own as I prayed to God and meditated on how the story should pan out. God gave me the story three chapters at a time.
One thing that struck me was that you had three voices coming forth in the book, letting the reader into their individual personalities. I have to ask as you were writing the book which one of the ladies were you more drawn to because of shared experiences?
I would say there’s really two, and that’s Jacky and Cee-Cee. Jacky is a newspaper journalist who was ready for a career change. I’m a former journalist who can relate to that. And Cee-Cee is independent, strong-willed and won’t be fully satisfied until she gets what she wants. Cee-Cee was once career-minded before getting married and having a family. I think my shared experiences with these characters are simply womanhood and just dealing with everyday life issues.
To me one of the most profound statements in the book came not from one of the main characters, but Bishop Solomon. He said "You don't have to go back home the way you came because God has heard your cries and your pleas for help. Many of you are going to leave here with...situations worked out and a renewed faith to go a little bit further because you understand that God is carrying you through today and forever more! (p.193)" That is deep. It proved to be true for your characters. How have you seen it to be true in your own life?
I’ve been at that place where I was at my lowest low and struck with depression. I didn’t think God heard me, and sometimes I didn’t feel I was worthy of God’s love. And quite frankly, I was upset with God about some things on how I felt what direction my life should’ve gone in. But I thank God that He didn’t take His hands off me. So in time, I was encouraged to press a little further. And when I looked back, those valleys of life had only drawn me closer to God and renewed an awesome faith in Him. Now, I’m at a permanent place in my life where nobody or nothing can take me away from God or from knowing that God is my rock, my source of peace, protection, blessings and joy.
Roishina, this year I had the pleasure of interviewing bestselling authors Reshonda Tate Billingsley and Victoria Christopher Murray: both are powerful wordsmiths with great support. Both told me that although their work carries an inspiring message, they don't like to call what they write Christian Fiction. I noticed, however, that on your website you embrace that as your genre. Can you tell us why, and if there was any hesitation knowing that some who might benefit from your book won't pick it up because of the label and stereotype that is sometimes associated with those titles as being preachy and condemning?
I don’t feel I picked Christian Fiction. I wrote what God gave me, and I think it fits into the Christian Fiction genre. I pray that it won’t prevent someone from picking up my book, because I want people to be encouraged. And I really believe people will be blessed from reading about these characters. They’re not perfect and have human flaws.
Let's turn for a moment to the business element of writing. With hundreds of books literally being released every week, how did you prepare to have your book stand out from the rest?
I worked with an amazing designer who produced my book cover. I adore the cover, and it’s something that would make me stop to read if I saw something like it in a bookstore. As far as the story that I’ve written, I was a willing vessel for God to pour in. You can never go wrong when you allow Him to use you. Also, I haven’t read any fiction books that tell about the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) convocation experience that actually takes place every November in Memphis, Tennessee. The book is fiction, but many of the details, events and places are real. So, I’m hoping that church experience will make the book stand out a little more.
Now that the book has been out a few weeks at this point, can you tell us what it is like to be doing interviewing such as this and promoting something that you birthed into the world and now others have a chance to appreciate?
This feels so wonderful!!! I’m looking forward to more opportunities like these to let people know that my work is out there. I truly feel blessed, and I’m really proud of my first novel. I want to share it with the world.
I can't let you go without giving advice to those reading your interview who might have a book in them but fear the work that goes into making it successful. What would you tell them, and then as a twist, what would Jacky, Denise and Prescilla tell them?
I would say to don’t let another day go by without making your dreams become a reality! If you only write 50-100 words a day or even a week, start somewhere. Just start and watch how your motivation will pick up! Drop that fear off in 2008 and pick up boldness and determination in 2009!
As for my characters and their advice:
· I can see Jacky saying: Don’t be like me—the queen of procrastination! I spent six years in and out of college; I may not be the right one to talk to! But hey! Put your imagination down on paper!
· Neicy would say: Is he cute??? Wait a minute. You asked about writing a book? Write until your heart is content and kick down that door that leads to success!
· Cee-Cee would say: A book, huh? You know I have a career background in marketing! Get started with writing TODAY, and I’ll be your marketing coach! I need something to do besides sitting comfortably in my 6,000 square feet home!
Thanks again, Roishina for a great book and an even greater conversation. If my readers want to find out more about you online, how can they do so?
Please visit my Web site at www.roishina.com. Order my book and send me an email! I would like to hear from readers! And book clubs?! I’m available to meet with you! Thanks for this opportunity, Cyrus! I enjoyed this!
Monday, December 31, 2012
TAKE TEN: Author Patricia Neely-Dorsey
(REPRINT) Patricia Neely-Dorsey's book Refections of a Mississippi Magnolia was released in 2008 to glowing reviews, and she will be spending her time getting it out to the world in the coming months while writing on her next project. Patricia took out time recently to talk with Conversations about her beginnings as a writer, the book and what keeps her going.
Happy New Year to you, Patricia, and thank you for taking out time to participate in Conversations' "Take Ten". Before we talk about your book Reflections of A Mississippi Magnolia I want you to talk about you. How would you describe yourself and your evolution over the years?
Happy New Year to you, Cyrus, and Thank You for this wonderful opportunity to share with you about my book. In answer to your question, I would say that I have always thought of myself as very interesting and unique. On all of the questionnaires that I ever filled out since I was in grade school, I always described myself as that. Everyone also tells me that I am very funny.. so I guess I am that , too. People are always commenting on how funny some of my poems are. Evolution? Although ,I felt that I really knew myself inside and out and that everything was pretty much set with me, I think a real evolution began in me and with me when I turned 40. All of a sudden, it seemed that I just had all of these new revelations about myself and the world around me. It was like a new lease on life. The forties have truly been fabulous. and very eye-opening thus far. I feel that I know myself so much better and that I am so much more comfortable in the skin I’m in.
Growing up, I believe everyone has a dream about what they see themselves doing. For you how would were you answering the question "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
As far as what I dreamed of and wanted to be when I grew up , I never really had a realistic, concrete idea of that. In grade school, my idol was Beverly Johnson, one of the first black “supermodels”, so naturally I wanted to be a supermodel …but being 5’6 (not quite tall enough) and living in Tupelo, MS. I started to realize that probably wouldn’t happen ...But, then again, Elvis Presley came from Tupelo…so anything is possible (LOL). Obama validated that for all of us.
Are you surprised at the path your life has taken over the past five years?
I am very surprised at the path my life has taken, especially in the last two years. I wrote my very first poem at the age of 43 (February 2007) and had my first published work (Reflections)the following year (February 2008). Since then, it has been a whirlwind of new opportunities, experiences and adventures. I didn't even know how to log on to the computer and
e-mail until January 2008. I think that there is something to be said about late bloomers. (LOL)
Your poetry book seems to walk us through your life and those who have played a significant part in it. Why did you decide to share your talent with the world now and what led up to the publishing of the book?
Well actually the “talent” is all so new to me and I never wrote them with any intentions of publishing a book. Although I have always loved poetry, I never wrote a poem before 2007..except maybe a haiku that I attempted to write as an assignment in the sixth grade (LOL) I woke up on Valentine’s Day 2007 with this poem swirling around in my head. I got up and quickly scribbled it down. After that first poem, others started to flow in rapid succession.. In a couple of months, I had over 200 poems. A friend of mine encouraged me to publish them and I did. Because of how they were given/“gifted” to me in the manner that they were, I began to think that it was just meant for me to get them out there.
Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia is really a poetic autobiography.. Were you in any way hesitant to share so much of yourself this way?
It’s still very surprising to me when people say that I am sharing so much of myself because the things in the book are stories that I have told and things that I have shared with friends and the people around me over and over for years, just not in written or poetic form. So, I was not hesitant at all to share them with others in my book. It was very natural… just telling my same old stories to a newer, bigger audience (smile)
In your poem Bookworm (p.72) you give us an idea of how the love of words has been passed on through the generations in your family. As you know Mississippi has ranked the highest in the nation when it comes to illiteracy over the past few years. As a wife and mother who understands the pressures that many are dealing with from day to day, how do you think we can begin the journey back to finding time for reading?
I think that it is very important for parents to instill in their child/children a love for reading, for books and for the written word from a very early age. It has always been a tradition throughout my family that children in the family were given a book on any gift giving occasion. Along with any other gift that we might receive from our parents, aunts, uncles we also got a book. I have always made sure that there were lots of age-appropriate books around for my son from the time he was born. The day that he came up to me and said “I just love to read” was one of the best days of my life. I hugged him, and told him, with tears in my eyes, that he had just made his mother very happy. I feel that we must make reading a part of who we are (readers) not just what we do. To me reading is like breathing. You don’t have to ask a person to find time to breathe.. It’s what they do to live.
I found your book to be an easy read that can be gone through in an afternoon, but there are definitely some things in there that you want to not only reread but share with others. That was my personal experience. What was your hope readers would get from your book?
I love when people say my book is an easy read. That is the greatest compliment to me. To be an easy read it has to flow and be enjoyable. When readers read my book ,I want the words to transcend my life and my story and remind /connect them with their own wonderful childhood memories and common life experiences. It is so fulfilling for me to get letters and e-mails that tell me that what the readers have gotten out of the book is not so much about me but about them. One woman who was born and raised in Paris France and of European descent, e-mailed me and said that my Country Life poems really struck a chord with her and reminded her of some of the best memories of her life when she would visit her aunt’s farm in the country. That’s incredible!! As a writer,it is so gratifying to hear of those kinds of connections!
As a first-time author were you prepared for all the work that goes into not only publishing a book but marketing it as well?
I was TOTALLY unprepared. I have been told over and over and have found it to be true.. The REAL work of publishing a book is not in the writing or publishing but in the marketing and promoting. It can all be very overwhelming! It is vital to have good people around you who know the business for direction, advice, resources and pointing you in the write direction . Networking is KEY!!
Using your own experience as a guide, what advice would you give others who are thinking of birthing their own literary work?
I always emphasize what I call Patricia’s P-Attitudes..1) Positivity- be positive, believe in yourself and your book, 2)Persistence-Be relentless. Never take “NO” as a final answer. Keep knocking. If you can’t get in through the door, go in through the window. 3)Perseverance-Never give up 4) Patience. .Hold on. Hold tight. Sometimes, the answer or outcome that you seek might take a minute ( days, weeks or months) but keep the faith. It will come.
Thank you again for giving us a few minutes to discuss your beginnings as a writer. If our readers want to find out more about you, how can they find you online?
Thank you so much for providing this opportunity to connect with readers. My website is www.patricianeelydorsey.webs.com or they can Goggle my name Patricia Neely-Dorsey and find more about the book and some of the social networking sites I am involved in.
Happy New Year to you, Patricia, and thank you for taking out time to participate in Conversations' "Take Ten". Before we talk about your book Reflections of A Mississippi Magnolia I want you to talk about you. How would you describe yourself and your evolution over the years?
Happy New Year to you, Cyrus, and Thank You for this wonderful opportunity to share with you about my book. In answer to your question, I would say that I have always thought of myself as very interesting and unique. On all of the questionnaires that I ever filled out since I was in grade school, I always described myself as that. Everyone also tells me that I am very funny.. so I guess I am that , too. People are always commenting on how funny some of my poems are. Evolution? Although ,I felt that I really knew myself inside and out and that everything was pretty much set with me, I think a real evolution began in me and with me when I turned 40. All of a sudden, it seemed that I just had all of these new revelations about myself and the world around me. It was like a new lease on life. The forties have truly been fabulous. and very eye-opening thus far. I feel that I know myself so much better and that I am so much more comfortable in the skin I’m in.
Growing up, I believe everyone has a dream about what they see themselves doing. For you how would were you answering the question "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
As far as what I dreamed of and wanted to be when I grew up , I never really had a realistic, concrete idea of that. In grade school, my idol was Beverly Johnson, one of the first black “supermodels”, so naturally I wanted to be a supermodel …but being 5’6 (not quite tall enough) and living in Tupelo, MS. I started to realize that probably wouldn’t happen ...But, then again, Elvis Presley came from Tupelo…so anything is possible (LOL). Obama validated that for all of us.
Are you surprised at the path your life has taken over the past five years?
I am very surprised at the path my life has taken, especially in the last two years. I wrote my very first poem at the age of 43 (February 2007) and had my first published work (Reflections)the following year (February 2008). Since then, it has been a whirlwind of new opportunities, experiences and adventures. I didn't even know how to log on to the computer and
e-mail until January 2008. I think that there is something to be said about late bloomers. (LOL)
Your poetry book seems to walk us through your life and those who have played a significant part in it. Why did you decide to share your talent with the world now and what led up to the publishing of the book?
Well actually the “talent” is all so new to me and I never wrote them with any intentions of publishing a book. Although I have always loved poetry, I never wrote a poem before 2007..except maybe a haiku that I attempted to write as an assignment in the sixth grade (LOL) I woke up on Valentine’s Day 2007 with this poem swirling around in my head. I got up and quickly scribbled it down. After that first poem, others started to flow in rapid succession.. In a couple of months, I had over 200 poems. A friend of mine encouraged me to publish them and I did. Because of how they were given/“gifted” to me in the manner that they were, I began to think that it was just meant for me to get them out there.
Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia is really a poetic autobiography.. Were you in any way hesitant to share so much of yourself this way?
It’s still very surprising to me when people say that I am sharing so much of myself because the things in the book are stories that I have told and things that I have shared with friends and the people around me over and over for years, just not in written or poetic form. So, I was not hesitant at all to share them with others in my book. It was very natural… just telling my same old stories to a newer, bigger audience (smile)
In your poem Bookworm (p.72) you give us an idea of how the love of words has been passed on through the generations in your family. As you know Mississippi has ranked the highest in the nation when it comes to illiteracy over the past few years. As a wife and mother who understands the pressures that many are dealing with from day to day, how do you think we can begin the journey back to finding time for reading?
I think that it is very important for parents to instill in their child/children a love for reading, for books and for the written word from a very early age. It has always been a tradition throughout my family that children in the family were given a book on any gift giving occasion. Along with any other gift that we might receive from our parents, aunts, uncles we also got a book. I have always made sure that there were lots of age-appropriate books around for my son from the time he was born. The day that he came up to me and said “I just love to read” was one of the best days of my life. I hugged him, and told him, with tears in my eyes, that he had just made his mother very happy. I feel that we must make reading a part of who we are (readers) not just what we do. To me reading is like breathing. You don’t have to ask a person to find time to breathe.. It’s what they do to live.
I found your book to be an easy read that can be gone through in an afternoon, but there are definitely some things in there that you want to not only reread but share with others. That was my personal experience. What was your hope readers would get from your book?
I love when people say my book is an easy read. That is the greatest compliment to me. To be an easy read it has to flow and be enjoyable. When readers read my book ,I want the words to transcend my life and my story and remind /connect them with their own wonderful childhood memories and common life experiences. It is so fulfilling for me to get letters and e-mails that tell me that what the readers have gotten out of the book is not so much about me but about them. One woman who was born and raised in Paris France and of European descent, e-mailed me and said that my Country Life poems really struck a chord with her and reminded her of some of the best memories of her life when she would visit her aunt’s farm in the country. That’s incredible!! As a writer,it is so gratifying to hear of those kinds of connections!
As a first-time author were you prepared for all the work that goes into not only publishing a book but marketing it as well?
I was TOTALLY unprepared. I have been told over and over and have found it to be true.. The REAL work of publishing a book is not in the writing or publishing but in the marketing and promoting. It can all be very overwhelming! It is vital to have good people around you who know the business for direction, advice, resources and pointing you in the write direction . Networking is KEY!!
Using your own experience as a guide, what advice would you give others who are thinking of birthing their own literary work?
I always emphasize what I call Patricia’s P-Attitudes..1) Positivity- be positive, believe in yourself and your book, 2)Persistence-Be relentless. Never take “NO” as a final answer. Keep knocking. If you can’t get in through the door, go in through the window. 3)Perseverance-Never give up 4) Patience. .Hold on. Hold tight. Sometimes, the answer or outcome that you seek might take a minute ( days, weeks or months) but keep the faith. It will come.
Thank you again for giving us a few minutes to discuss your beginnings as a writer. If our readers want to find out more about you, how can they find you online?
Thank you so much for providing this opportunity to connect with readers. My website is www.patricianeelydorsey.webs.com or they can Goggle my name Patricia Neely-Dorsey and find more about the book and some of the social networking sites I am involved in.
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