Lynda, describe yourself for our visitors.

I’m a fifty plus African American woman who lives in St. Louis Mo. I’m divorced and have one child, a son. In 2008, he and his wife blessed me with my first grandchild. I work fulltime at the St. Louis Public Library as a Public Technology Assistant, which means that I assist people that need help using our Internet services and reference machines and products.

How do you find time to connect with God?

I make time each morning to spend with God. As a Commander of the morning, I’m up at the ‘fourth watch’ of the day between 2-4am,   decreeing and declaring how my day will be.  Dr. Cindy Trimm has a great book out that teaches this principal called Commanding Your Morning by Charisma House. Also, since I write about spiritual warfare, it’s imperative that I spend time with God, for wisdom and instructions.

Who are your favorite authors? Favorite books?

I’m an avid reader, so the list is too long to put here, however I’ve always been into Science Fiction and thrillers, so heading the top of my list would be authors Stephen King, Frank Peretti, Walter Mosby, and James Patterson.

Favorite books: This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness by Frank Peretti and all of the Left Behind Books by pastors Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins.

Tell us about your journey to publication.

My first book, Once I Was Lost was published by a traditional publisher in 2006. Working with them to get the book completed, I learned a lot, however, I wasn’t thrilled by the lack of marketing and the incredible small royalty checks I received, so I spent time researching self publishing and found these great books by author Dan Poynter, Self Publishing Manual Vol. 1 &2. They were a godsend.  Following the advice in the book, I started my own publishing company, Spoken Word Press in March 2010 and published my first print and eBook, Invisible Enemies. The sequel, Seed of Satan: Leah’s Story was published in August 2011.

Tell us about your current book?

Invisible Enemies is about two sisters, Candace and Abby Harris who live in Washington DC. The Harris’ are your typical middle class African American family.  Candace is a straight A student, a real go getter, however, she’s stuck up, and truly believes that her fellow classmates are beneath her, so of course, she doesn’t have a lot of friends. She also suffers from severe acne, so she tends to push people away from her, because deep down, she’s very insecure about herself. Her younger sister Abby on the other hand is very pretty and has a sweet and loving nature. Abby sings in the choir at Grace Faith Church, and has a wonderful voice. She’s very popular at school and at church.  Both sisters secretly have a crush on handsome Randy Nelson, a bi-racial hottie who’s the captain of every sports team that he’s on. Randy’s mom is Latino and runs the Nelson Foundation in Washington DC.

His dad is the current Secretary of State. The Nelson’s are very rich and powerful, and it’s their goal to see their son in the White House.  Candace is thrilled when an opportunity arises for her to tutor Randy and she soon finds out that the Nelson’s get all their power and influence from their spirit guides.  Randy’s mom Melena discovers a hidden talent for the occult in Candace and takes her under her wing to teach her the dark arts. This book delves into the spiritual realm as angels and demons take sides, as they battle for the soul of Abby Harris.

How did you come up with ideas for this book?

Invisible Enemies was conceived after a conversation with the Lord one morning in 2006. I was raised up in a Baptist church, however, due to spiritual ignorance; I got caught up in the occult. It started off innocently enough by reading my daily horoscope in the local paper each morning when I was 16 years of age. I became obsessed with it and read every book I could find on the occult, and for years I did horoscope charts, tarot cards, chanting etc… not realizing what kinds of demonic doors I was opening. Friends and family tried to tell me I was dealing in the occult, but I ignored them, thinking it was just harmless fun. While working for American Airlines  in 2003, a co-worker was led by the Lord to purchase two books for me that changed my life: Rebecca Brown’s He Came to Set The Captives Free, and Frank and Ida Hammond’s Pigs in a Parlor. These two books accomplished what others couldn’t, I threw away all my occult tools, repented to God and asked for his forgiveness.

The Holy Spirit assisted me in using this personal experience to create Invisible Enemies.

What valuable lessons do you want readers to learn from your book?

One, that spiritual ignorance can kill you! Before writing this book, the Holy Spirit had me read Hosea 4:6: My people perish because of lack of knowledge.  Two, no matter what’s going on in your life, God is still in control.

What’s next for you?

I’m currently working on book three, The Devil and Sister Ford. Sister Cecilia Ford is the prophetess of Grace Faith Church, and this book will deal with her discovering her calling and her battle with the enemy who tries every trick in his arsenal to try and keep Cecilia from discovering who she is in Christ Jesus.

Where can readers find you online?

The print version of both books are available on Amazon, BN.com and Books a Million, however, I just recently moved all my eBooks to Amazon’s Kindle Store.

My author website is: www.spokenwordpress.info and readers can leave a comment or send me a message there. I also have a Facebook Fan page for Invisible Enemies that you can access here:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Invisible-Enemies-Series/123744524306937

First of all, I’m a believer. Secondly, I’m often described as down to earth. I enjoy laughing out loud, spending time with my family, reading, and of course writing. I’ve written four books, Brotherly Love & Betrayal, Caring What People Think, Mommy Moments and Too Many Lies.

How do you find time to connect with God?

I have to make time in the mornings to connect with the lover of my soul. I enjoy communing with him early in the morning when no one is awake, or during drive time. I also love to journal and oftentimes, God speaks to me as I write.

Who are your favorite authors? Favorite books?

I love books that grip me from the beginning. I enjoy reading books from James Patterson, Jodi Picoult, Kimberla Lawson Roby, Dorothy Koomson and a whole host of others.

Tell us about your current book?

Too Many Lies is about Deidre Thompson and her husband, Stanley. She’s loved him since high school even though she knows in her heart of hearts that Stanley is the wrong man for her. She’s known this since prom night over fifteen years ago. It was then that he broke up with her because she wouldn’t have sex with him. Despite the pain he caused her young heart back then, she married him some years later.

Throughout their marriage, Stanley has hurt her on more than one occasion, but his latest deception, a family secret Deidre discovers without looking it, sends her over the edge and the fate of their marriage lies solely in her hands.

Too Many Lies is about self-discovery, forgiveness, divorce and learning to love again.

How did you come up with ideas for this book?

I actually got the idea from a real-life situation. I can’t spoil the big reveal, but when you read it, you’ll know what I’m referring to. That situation happened to someone in my family. The rest is pure imagination, although we all know a woman who is as naive as Deidre and a man who is a “playa” like Stanley.

What valuable lessons do you want readers to learn from your book?

I hope readers walk away understanding that sometimes it is okay to let go. Just because we made a mess of things doesn’t mean God wants us to stay in our mess. Forgiveness is a powerful tool to use for healing–healing for yourself.

What’s next for you?

There is a sequel to Too Many Lies. Stanley’s story needs to be told. He makes a decision in TML that will change the course of his life. However, a few years later, Stanley realizes his decision comes with some challenges that leave him questioning his faith and God.

Readers will also see some different things come from my pen in the next couple of years. I have a YA novel in the works, a paranormal Christian novel, and a mainstream story I’m working on. Busy, busy, busy.

Where can readers find you online?

They can find me online:

• Blog.DaphineRobinson.com
• Facebook.com/bookdiva2
• Twitter @daphinerobinson

I am a people person, respectful, graceful and above all, I am an observer and I love God.  I try to live a balanced life.

 How do you find time to connect with God?

My ability to connect with God is a lifestyle.  I appreciate and respect having a designated time or schedule, but at times that can be very frustrating, pending your responsibilities.  My need for him is every minute, so he is a presence and a voice that I a hear to throughout my assignments.

Who are your favorite authors? Favorite books?

I have several, these are a few:  Bishop T.D. Jakes, Bishop Eddie Long, Maya Angelo, Tony Evans, and Langston Hughes.    Favorite Book:  IT’S MY TIME

Tell us about your journey to publication.

I never considered myself a traditional author.  I have always been intrigued with writing curriculum styled programs for the youth and early childhood education.  After many years as an entrepreneur and educator, my experiences began to culminate into wonderful pages of written work.

Tell us about your current book?

School Readiness for Parents & Children, K-12 is an answered prayer for parents and educators.    This book provides “Pro-Active Solutions” to common classroom issues.  The author believes that “Academics + Social Skills = SUCCESS!”  Everyone can be a winner.

How did you come up with ideas for this book?

I reflected on my education, experiences, and observation.  I wanted to be part of the “Making A Difference” Team!

What valuable lessons do you want readers to learn from your book?

1.  Parent involvement not only has long term effects on children, but also positive parent-teacher interactions, have also been found to positively affect teachers’ self-perception and job satisfaction.
2. Students from various family styles are able to utilize this book as a “Self-Help” Tool to answer many of their tutorial, academic and career guidance questions.

What’s next for you?

Speaking!  I love engaging with parents and groups.  Secondly, Structured Incentives – I want to work with the school counselors and PTA in creating a reward system for students who demonstrates daily “Job Ready Character” in all classes at school.

Where can visitors find you online?

• www.resolved-2010.com
• http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Resolved-2010-LLC-Publishing-House/258172144195372
• https://twitter.com/wandaJRProwell

BOOK AVAILABLE to Ingram Customers in United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia. Ingram Books Direct Line:  1-800-937-8200 (Mon.-Sun.  7:30 am – 8:30 Central)

School Readiness for Parents & Children, K-12 can be found online at

• http://www.barnesandnoble.com
• http://www.amazon.com

Felecia S. Killings is a quintessential educator and promoter of change, transformation, and innovation within the educational field. Her years of dedicated service to education, and ascribing to the motto that “Learning is a Lifestyle,” has resulted in extensive years of training and preparation in the educational spectrum. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California, Davis in 2005 with double majors in English and African and African American Studies. She also obtained her Master’s Degree from UC Davis’s School of Education in 2007. She has received preliminary Doctoral of Education course work at Argosy University from 2008-2010; and will complete her Doctorate of Philosophy in Education with emphasis in Organizational Leadership at Northcentral University in Arizona. Felecia has provided her community with five years of service as a public-school English instructor. She has also created educational programs that help minority youth reach their full potential through excellence in education, job training, and college and career preparations. Felecia is also an author and publisher, and founder and CEO of Power, Faith, and Love Ministries, which oversees seven organizations including PFL Publishing, CA. Commitment, dedication to service, and a desire to help others become successful and prosperous are her driving force. Recognizing that education is that key to success, Felecia purposes to incorporate all aspects of it through every business she founds.

How do you find time to connect with God?

I have had a relationship with the Lord since I was a little girl. I grew up as a Pastor’s daughter, and through that connection, I came to know the Lord for real. God become increasingly known to me during the 2010-2011 years as I endured the hardest times of my life. Now that I am on the other side of that storm, it is my desire to show others that their faith in God and their devotion to Him will cause supernatural miracles to come for them also.

Who are your favorite authors? Favorite books?

Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye

Tell us about your journey to publication.

In March 2011, I began constructing my manuscript of this first book. I wrote it initially in a diary format because it served as my “venting agent.” I had been going through a lot, and I learned early on that the best way to let go of the hurts that I was enduring was to write them down. From those entires, I determined that my story would be something that others would like to read. And so I fashioned it into a book. I decided to go the self-publishing route because it would give me exclusive control over my product.

Tell us about your current book, Fear, Faith and Patience?

We often wonder what it is like to be a teacher in today’s time. With so much happening in the public schools, it seems any wonder how it is able to function given all the atrocities that go on in the system. But this is the story about a young, beautiful teacher named Felecia Killings. As a child, she dreamt of the opportunity to be what many call one of the most admirable professions in society: an educator. And when her father witnessed this aspiration in her, he did everything in his power to protect it and to ensure that she fulfilled her mission. Yet, like so many countless individuals who enter the public school system, Ms. Killings was met with tragedies and struggles. But through it all, she allowed her faith to keep her strong, even in the midst of hell.

This book is one to be commended, for it takes what we think we know about the public school system and brings to light another side that is never talked about. Through this text, you will learn about the power of unconditional love and personal sacrifice. For every teacher who chooses to stand up for what’s right, even when everyone is against you, this book will minister to you in ways that even you could not imagine. You WILL be inspired.

How did you come up with ideas for this book?

Fear, Faith and Patience came up as a result of my experience as a public school teacher in Fairfield, CA. My name had been blasted all over media, entering into the homes of millions of people nationwide as the teacher who raped her students. When it all transpired, I did not have intentions on writing the book to “clear my name” to the public. Rather, I decided that I had an obligation to say something in response to what was happening because I and thousands of other educators had been placed in very dangerous situations with no way out.

This book is about raising awareness and soliciting solutions to these dangers that are ever present. I’m not simply talking about violence, drugs, or the like; rather, I am talking about sexual exploitation, blackmail, extortion, and rape against teachers from their students. This is a story that the public has not believed so much simply because not enough teachers or administrators talk about it. And why would they when the reprecussions far outweigh exposing it? Well, that stops here, and the fight for better protection begins with a voice–this book is that voice.

What valuable lessons do you want readers to learn from your book?

Readers will gain a better understanding of the corruption and cover-ups that go on in the public school systems. Good, effective teachers are few and far between, not because no one wants this profession anymore; but because the individuals in power systematically target the ones who are producing great results with their students. This book is eye-opening for the public. At the same time, readers who are educators will find that this book is validation for how they have felt over the years, and the fears that they, too, encounter. This is a serious problem, and there is no resolution or support for us who have been victimized by our students. We do not know what to do when we are being threatened because there are no policies or regulations–at least not in the district that I worked in–that outline what to do. Furthermore, if a teacher is confronted with administrators who deliberately attack them, then there is no hope for a teacher to receive fair, equitable, and correct treatment.

God commands us to cry out for justice, and this is what this book does. I’m crying out for change because this type of crime cannot happen to another teacher as it did me.

What’s next for you?

After this book is published, I will be publishing my 2nd and 3rd book in June and September 2012. Both books serve as a continuation of the first book. The second one contains the same main title (Fear, Faith, and Patience), but the format is likened unto a diary entries to my Lord. I chronicle what happened to me throughout the 2011 year, showing my readers what goes on in the justice system with regards to teachers who are accused of raping students. I learned a lot during that time, and I wanted to share that with my readers. The third book is like my victory book. My target audience is specifically Christians. It’s called Bouncing Back: Why quitting is never an option for a believer. I cannot emphasize enough the power that believers have when they exercise their faith in God, even in the midst of hell. I think my readers will be blessed by them.

In addition to expanding my self-publishing business, I am also starting a non-profit organization called Hope for Esther, which will work with adolescent females who are victims of the sex trade industry. 2012 will be spent fundraising and raising awareness of the organization so that I can (by 2014) purchase a home that will house these young girls, and immerse them in a two-year program that will really transform their lives. I will open the organization in Fairfield, CA.

Where can visitors find you online?

Visitors can go to http://fearfaithpatience.weebly.com to read about the book and also pre-order a copy.

Jeanette, describe yourself for our visitors.

Well, let’s see. I am a wife, mother, sister and friend. I wear many of the same hats that your readers do. In addition to being a playwright, director and producer this year I’ve developed a presentation using Harriet Tubman as the narrator called ‘Black History? Yes, It Still Matters!’  So I guess I have to add actor. I’m active in my church and the community.

I am the founder and Creative Director of Sight Ain’t Seeing Productions (SASP), a 501-C-3 creative arts organization. In addition to producing  plays I conduct writing and character development workshops.  SASP also hosts Believe Beyond Boundaries, a creative arts camp for middle to high school age youth. Students learn theater basics and how to write and produce their stories.

I am also the founder/owner of Jeanette W. Hill Productions (JWHILL Productions) for my other creative outlets like my skits, plays and other writings as well as my workshops.

I love music, all kinds of music, but gospel music touches me in a way no other music can! I have always loved reading and have been known to zone out while reading a great mystery!!!  However, I read many genres, most of my friends are writers (how cliché, I won’t name drop!). Recently I have discovered some really great ‘new to me’ writers including Tayari Jones (Silver Sparrow) and I am really looking forward to reading a new mystery novel, When Rain Falls,  by an amazing multi-talented young woman named Tyora Moody!

I am currently in remission from a sewer’s disease known as ‘fabric-and-pattern-itis’. My husband is desperately praying for a complete recovery. Probably the most surprising thing that people discover about me is that I am a textbook introvert. I am truly humbled and amazed by the way the Lord has opened doors for me and I pray that my work honors Him in some tangible way.

How do you find time to connect with God?

I use the early morning hours for reading scriptures and praying, however, I am finding more and more that as life happens I need to stay in constant communication with Him  so I find myself ‘talking to God’ throughout the day. To stay balanced, it’s also important that I develop a quiet place in my spirit so that I can hear what He is saying to me!  Surrounding myself with positive people, particularly Believers who can both lift and level me if need be. Reading inspirational books and articles as well as listening to music are other ways to keep the spiritual lines open and charged.

Who are your biggest influences?

In terms of subject matter and themes I use life situations and often the people in the Bible, when we think about it, their struggles were not very different than what we encounter today. We are still challenged with marriage problems, rebellious children, work issues, financial difficulties, relationship dilemmas and health crises. I often take those stories and put them in a contemporary setting.

As to my writing style and its dramatic lilt, the natural ability comes from God but if I had to choose an author whose style and work I love and admire, it would be J. California Cooper, who has a phenomenal way of using every day, often fractured people and their life events to weave captivating stories! Her writing shows the triumph of the human spirit.

Tell us about your journey to writing your first play.

I wrote my first play while I was a student at Goodyear Junior High School in Akron, Ohio. It was called When All Men Will Be Brothers. Shortly after watching the West Side Story and reading several stories about young people trying to fit in and gang violence, I started writing. I don’t think that I even realized I was writing a play at the time. One day one of my teachers asked to read what I was writing on that big yellow pad I was always carrying around. He was so touched by it that he told me if I could find students willing to act in it, he would stay after school and let us rehearse and perform it in his classroom! I don’t know if my feet touched the ground for the next two weeks! I found a bunch of classmates who were willing to participate…including the not yet famous James Ingram and we put on a show!! So, James, if you’re reading this, thank you, Boot, Earline and the others for helping me begin my walk into my purpose!

Tell us about your current play?

Right now, I am working on two plays concurrently. One is a reprisal of   The Silent City, in October (2012) which is Domestic Violence Awareness month. This production focuses on occurrences of domestic violence and dating abuse in the body of Christ. I am doing almost a complete revision of the original script. Many women and men are victims of this disease but are afraid to step forward because of the reaction of fellow Christians. This guilt and shame increases their susceptibility to victimization which allows the cycle of abuse/violence to continue or escalate. We hope to collaborate with several civic, social and community organizations to help bring awareness of this problem and to help those involved find viable resources to help.  The goal is not to cast a shadow over the Church but to help find ways to eradicate the problem. However, we do want to make clear that this play is a work of fiction and any similarities to persons, places or situations are merely coincidental.

My second project is a series of short anti-bullying plays for urban youth titled Courage…the Hard Way! Unfortunately, the tragedies that occur as a result of bullying in our schools and communities are on the rise. The approach taken in these plays is to illustrate some of the signs of bullying, including cyber-bullying, most of the plays have an ‘open ending’ which leads to a series of discussion questions that will hopefully open the door to meaningful dialogue between young people, parents, school officials and the community. My plan is to make several of the plays (scripts) available by May 2012.

How did you come up with ideas for these plays/projects?

Another example of divine intervention! The genesis of The Silent City came from an on-line writing exercise in the BW Christian Literature group in 2005. My intent was to submit a totally different piece but at the last minute the Holy Spirit came to me and said to write and submit this, in a matter of about three minutes the story was born. Many of the people in the group suggested that I finish the story because they had similar situations happening in their churches. I put it on the back burner and decided that this would be my first book, but while I am still working on the manuscript, the stage play is a viable alternative.

Courage…the Hard Way has been on my heart since the Columbine shooting tragedy in April 1999. As I look at many of our young people today it is happening more and more often. They are so angry and hurt but unfortunately we as adults get so caught up with the busy-ness of life that we sometimes miss or don’t pay attention to the warning signs until another tragedy happens. Hopefully, these plays will not only bring awareness but start us on the road to healing and resolution. Our children are precious, cultural collateral-they are our future.

List your other play titles.

Oh, Lord, that would turn this into a series! Let’s not go that far back! My more recent titles are Dealing with Daddy’s Devils!, The Best Lesson, Courage…the Hard Way, Bruised But not Broken, It’s Not About You and The Saints and the Ain’ts!

What’s next for you?

2012 is shaping up to be a very busy year for me!  I will be presenting two workshops-Staging the Page and It All Adds Up- at the Black Writers Reunion Conference (August 29-31 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL./ get more information at www.blackwriters.org )

We are working on several projects including producing a new season of The Amen Circle, on our local community television station, ChannelAustin. The Amen Circle is a fictionalized account of the challenges and triumphs of a close knit group of people living in an urban neighborhood surrounded by churches. You’d think with that much Jesus in the area, they wouldn’t have any problems but the series shows how real life happens for Christians too.

I am putting together a team to work with the students in our local school district to host our first ‘10N10 Young People’s Playwriting Festival’ this summer and of course, I will continue to work on my Silent City manuscript and updating my Women’s’ Ministry guidebook-Real Women! Real Issues! Funding is also always an issue that has to be addressed. So as you can see we will be pretty busy faith-walking for the foreseeable future but I am a steadfast believer in Philippians 1:6-“ Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Where can visitors find you online and other information about your performances?

I can be reached at Sight Ain’t Seeing Productions at www.sasprod.org or email me at jwhill@sasprod.org and for Jeanette W. Hill Productions at www.jeanettehill.com or email me at jwhill@jeanettehill.com. Please stop and sign our guestbook, we’d love to hear from you! We will post additional information about our projects and productions to our websites as it becomes available. I can also be found on Facebook (facebook.com/jeanettehill1) and Twitter (@jwhill120).

Vanessa, describe yourself for our visitors.

Hello Ty! I am an author, playwright, and blog talk show host. I love meeting inspiring people and helping them in sharing their stories/testimonies.   I am also an Endometriosis health advocate.

What is Endometriosis? Endometriosis is a painful, chronic disease that affects at least 6.3 million women and girls in the U.S., 1 million in Canada, and millions more worldwide. www.endometriosisassn.org/endo.html

How do you find time to connect with God?

God is constant fixture in my life.  There is NOT a day that goes by that I am not aware of God’s presence. I connect with God throughout my day, be it words of thanks, praise and worship, or help me!  I make the connection with Him.

Who are your biggest influences?

“A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry and “The Glass Menagerie” by Tennessee Williams.  Are by biggest influences, they have a style that was/is unique that  to date, have people still lauding their craft.   That says a lot!

Tell us about your journey to writing your first play.

My journey was to writing stage production is bitter sweet. I had no idea, I would become a playwright. I was more into acting. Upon taking acting classes and attending several additions and hardly ever getting call back from agents and meaty roles. I decided to stop waiting and start creating. I began writing productions – were I would cast myself into the leading role. It worked! The audience appreciated it. Over the course of the years; I began receiving copious requests from actors/actresses, wanting to become a part of my productions.  It was a wonderful phenom! So what started out as a one woman show, morphed into a cast of sometimes 9-12 people, depending upon script or story line.

 Tell us about your current play?

“Love Found Me,” the stage production is actually loosely based off of my inspirational suspense novel “Love Found Me.”   We toured with it from 2012-2012. Actor Tony Grant from Tyler Perry’s “The Marriage Counselor and “Why Did I Get Married?” starred as Mike Montgomery, our main character in the production.  And on March 17^th, 2012 at 6:00pm, In Fayetteville, North Carolina at the Seabrook Auditorium. We will be ending the “Love Found Me,” tour.

Synopsis:

Mike Montgomery once lived the American dream. Gainfully employed, beautiful home, and a wonderful loving wife. Growing up in a loving family whose faith was unbreakable was his source of strength. Mike’s faith would one day be shaken after losing the love of his life in an unexpected tragedy. Mike thought he would never love again until he meets Sheila Lawson. Everything about Sheila made him want to love again. Could he risk his heart again?

Sheila Lawson, a woman’s health advocate was strong and independent, yet something was missing in her life. Immersing herself in her work, she vowed off any relationships. Sheila would find her self-made decree shaken when she meets tall, dark, and handsome Mike Montgomery. There is an evil lurking in the shadows. Mike and Sheila will have to unite to overcome evil forces trying to keep them apart. Will their love be enough to see them through the testing of their faith?

Who are the cast members?

Jemone Durante, Darlene Busby, Laddina Johnson, Donta’ Robinson, Shimere Truss, Ma’Tia Robinson, Anita Williams, Tamero Johnson, Robin Robinson, Timothy Carr, and Edwin Lewis.

How did you come up with ideas for this play?

The characters are from my inspirational suspense “Love Found Me.”  I had a little more fun with them, because, of the singing aspect. It is always quite fascinating to see your words come alive on stage.  The day of production, the atmosphere is charged with excitement and anticipation, –and the live band playing their various instruments, just makes it magical. It is truly a moment to witness and be a part of.

List your other play titles.

“Mama Rainey”, “Fullness of Time”, “Why Bad Things Happens to Good People? Lord, I Don’t Understand!” and “God Knows my Heart.”

What’s next for you?

I am working on the next release in my love series “Love Lifted Me,” this should be released in the spring of 2012. I am also working on the stage production, “Who’s Loving You?” This production is tentatively scheduled for December 2012.

Where can visitors find you online and other information about your performances?

I love hearing from readers, listeners, and stage production attendees! Please visit me online at

• www.authorvanessarichardson.com
• http://thecertainones.blogspot.com
• www.blogtalkradio.com/thecertainones

Marlene, describe yourself for our visitors.

I’m a born again believer in Christ Jesus, a writer and an African American female. I’m love learning and growing in Christ. I’m an avid reader starting with the Bible and including all kinds of novels that engage me in some profound or entertaining way. I was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania but I also spent some time living in Virginia. I love the country even though I am a city girl. My heart is country all the way. I have an Associate degree in Theology and am pursuing certification and licensure in Christian Counseling. I value faith that can stand the tests, loyalty and a drive to help those the world shuns. My personality is hard to gauge because my character is paradoxical.

I’m very radical yet quite reserved…conservative. I am a loner but cherish warm intimate relationships with a few. I’m very private yet transparent when engaged relationally or in conversation. I can be very good at socializing but I am not a people person. I’m a people watcher however and fascinated with the mental workings of the human race. I’m emotional although I’m hard edged. I really like nice things. I have a natural attraction to beauty and luxury yet I am not extravagant. Actually I am very practical [sometimes downright frugal] when it comes to spending my money. I’m very outspoken and have strong opinions but still have many doubts and insecurities. I can say without doubt however, GOD perfectly matched my personality with my gift of writing.

How do you find time to connect with God?

I try to stay in constant connection with GOD all through my day. I’m always talking to GOD…moreso than listening I’m sorry to say. My special devotional time is mostly early morning before the rigors of the day start taking over.

Do you have a favorite bible verse and or quote you wish to share?

My favorite Bible verses change according to where I am spiritually. There are two that have stayed the course no matter what.

Job 42:12, “So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning…” KJV. That verse is dear to me as I get older. My personal mantra in that regard is “The rest of my life is going to be the best of my life!”

Ephesians 4:1, “I therefore the prisoner of the LORD beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.”

Who are your favorite authors? Favorite books?

Authors: Alex Haley, Charles Dickens, Toni Morrison, Francine Rivers, Terry McMillan and Oscar Wilde to name only a few.

Book: Roots and The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

Tell us about your journey to publication.

I have always loved to read and write. I started writing as a child so young I could not write cursive yet. I used to print out little stories. So I’d say I’m an inbred story teller. I wrote for fun because I loved doing it but never took it seriously as something I could do professionally. Partly because I didn’t think I was good enough and partly because I thought it was too far fetched to ever happen. As I got older the dream got buried by life’s more immediate demands. But the desire never left me and every now and then I would go back to writing. After I got saved the desire came back stronger this time and GOD guided me to write with erious intent. So I did. After I was baptized it seemed writing really push forward in my heart and mind. I started writing with a fever almost; coming home after working twelve hours and falling to sleep at the computer trying to finish a chapter. It was poring out of me and I had to write. I didn’t start considering it as a profession until a little later but to me it’s really a calling. A calling to serve GOD through the gift HE instilled in me. I consider it an honor and take it seriously. A

After years of trying I finally got my agent Diana. She worked with me and I got my first contract with Lift Every Voice Books/Moody the end of 2010. I now have three novels to be released in 2012. Many years of writing with no success has passed but GOD was faithful when he gave me that dream. I worked hard to improve my craft and kept writing through an extremely difficult period in my life. That said I know although I put out the effort it was the favor of my GOD that made the difference.

Tell us about your current book.

RUTH’S REDEMPTION is a different kind of slave era novel dated in the 1830s. It’s a historical romance with the backdrop of the Nat Turner in Virginia. Ruth is a young slave woman having been used for breeding. She’s mentally wounded and defiantly fights her plight the only way she knows how. Bo is the man who brings her into a new life. He’s a strong Christian man and widower. Their opposing views on the Goodness of GOD and how it plays out in their lives wedges a gap between them yet draws them closer together at the same time. The story is about the different faces of freedom and the love and power of GOD as well as the love between a man and woman. It demonstrates the human experience of that day for African American Americans and how real faith plays out in everyday life then…and now.

What influenced you to write this book?

The Holy Spirit

Did you have a favorite character(s)? Who and why?

Naomi was my favorite because she was what I saw as the strong African American female I have seen in my life. She’s loving and loyal, Godly, outspoken and strong enough to withstand the hardest of life’s blows.

What’s next for you?

Two more releases are coming in June and October through LEVB/Moody, SON of a PREACHERMAN in June and GREENWOOD and ARCHER in October.

Where can visitors find you online?

Facebook…Author Marlene Banks
Shoutlife…Marlene Banks
marlenebanks.com takes you to my website
Looking forward to your visits!