Meet Poetess Bethany Camille James, she grew up in the suburbs of Denver, Colorado in a family of six. However, she was born in Clearwater, Florida. Life was bittersweet. The geography inspired her, yet she felt she was growing up different, and she seemed to stand out like the vast Rocky Mountains. As she got older she would find her connection to the world through reciting poetry, and extracurricular activities in school and the community. It was demanding being active and helpful.
Can you share more about your background, growing up in the suburbs of Denver, Colorado, and being born in Clearwater, Florida?
| Poetess | Brand Ambassador | Muse for Christ | Pro Blogger | Published Author
Poetess: I am established on a micro influencer level. Just Google my work. Some searching keywords are Bethany Camille James or Wedding Night by Your Truly. I am into the indie publishing side, but used Book Baby and collaborations to define myself as a poet. I have three editions to my poetry book. Will I publish again? I have a video recitation on YouTube called Waiting and Sowing in the Meanwhile. It is volume 2 to The Big Game Poetry Collection….
Also, its theme came from a business like Pretty Women Hustler. “What book title is your life?” It describes my life, but my book conveys my thoughts on love and spirituality. Furthermore, I had a song made by Your Song Maker. I have a slam version on YouTube. The link is below.
Lyrics and your own song is available. I highly recommend Book Baby, Goodreads, and You Song Maker!
I want to be more detail oriented.
How did this part of your life shape you into the woman and entrepreneur you are today?
Writing and idealism helps sales. Even the friend and family scenario… Yet, how this part of my life shaped the woman I am is by giving me an outlet to share and express myself. As an entrepreneur I have invested more than I have made. I plan to invest in this outlet, and I have been paying off my court fees/bills.
Fun fact: My case was dropped after two years. And, I need to tell you my writing and prayer has really become authentic and real. I am willing to invest in what I already have put out there. I couldn’t tell how good I did tell I had to face those long years. My family made everything so much better.
Poetry seems to be a significant part of your life. When did you discover your passion for poetry, and how has it been a source of connection for you?
Poetry is the escape I have. It is words and expressions. I have been doing prose and word play since I was a small child. Poetry helps me share my soul and pour into the world
Can you elaborate on your connection to the world through reciting poetry? How did this avenue become an essential part of expressing yourself?
I would say poetry started out in a composition mood and writing space. However, I am now the “bullet journal” of this writing style. I think making money is the desire, but comments and feedback start you on the right path. Cash flow for an artist is why I feel my poetry means more to me. Not just writing for fun.
Growing up in a family of six, including yourself, must have had its dynamics. How did your family influence your passion?
Yes this includes my gorgeous blessed grandma! Families are sometimes blunt, yet surprisingly honest in support. They have always supported my artistic side. I would be a ship without cargo without them. They tell me the truth. And, keep my faith grounded in truth/health/identity.
Are there specific moments or experiences from your childhood that stand out as particularly impactful in shaping who you are today?
I remember Harvest festivals and school pride. In Colorado there is so much to do. And, you have four seasons. Yet, I love Florida’s weather.
I remember speaking for Young Woman of Excellence and helping the church choir. When you help with things that are creative it helps your scope as a writer.
How do you balance being active and helpful in both school and the community? What drives your commitment to community involvement?
I am never done learning. . . I have lots of college credits. I am balancing in more community due to paying off my loans. I want only out of pocket or employment opportunities to get my degree. Likewise, there are trade schools to learn my craft like Udemy.
Looking back, what advice would you give to your younger self, considering the journey you’ve taken and the person you’ve become?
I would say Whitney never looked better in the new bio motion picture.
I want to dance with somebody! Girl, just keep going!
What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles?
It is a business woman
A business savvy person of excellence! She secures the bag and is Proverbs 31.
April Duplesis is an internationally multi-genre published author, writer and columnist. She is also founder and president of Nola Natives Book & Tea where she promotes literacy and African American authors. Nola Natives Books & Tea is a platform for working women and mothers to empower and uplift each other. Through her passion for reading and writing, April also promotes literacy for children through her summertime event called “Story Time.” Her daily mission is to write and use her platform to inspire others. April Duplessis has been featured in numerous articles and magazines. She has become very successful in the literary industry. Her work can be found in Paris, Italy and Australian bookstores as well in the United States. Debuting in May 2021, she has published a book each year since then. She has earned her stripes as a writer and continues to reach her goals. Currently wrapping up her third book, April is an amazing ambitious woman we look forward to seeing in 2024.
Can you share a bit about your journey as an author, from your debut in May 2021 to the present day? I began my search for a publishing company when a friend informed me about a self-publishing company. Self-publishing is more of the author doing most of the leg work. I had many ideas of what kind of author I wanted to be while speaking with my first self-publishing company. They told me I had great ideas but I became passionate when I spoke of journaling. Journaling became the main focus and in May 2021 I published my first project, The Greenhouse Journal: A Journey to getting to know myself in every season. I had a few obstacles when it came to choosing a book cover as I was told not to put myself on the cover because black girls don’t sell on the cover. I took that as a challenge and placed myself on the cover to let all women of color that we are influential and can sell books just like any other author.
How does it feel to have your work featured internationally in places like Paris, Italy, Australia, and the United States?
I feel blessed beyond measure. Reaching bookstores outside of the United States, I feel confident and accomplished.
Are there any specific influences or inspirations that guide your writing? Yes, where do I start?
Harriet Washington is one of my favorite authors. Mya Angelou Toni Morris, Zora Hurston, and Angela Davis. There are so many women outside of authors who inspire me. I could write a book just on that thought.
Publishing a book each year since your debut is quite amazing. Can you tell us about the creative process behind your yearly releases and the inspiration for your upcoming third book?
There’s no formal process to start writing. I just get an idea and begin to write. Releasing books back-to-back kind of just happened. It became this thing that I wanted to keep up with.
Are there any challenges you’ve experienced in maintaining such a consistent publishing schedule?
Honestly, I have not had any issues with publishing. It is all about motivating yourself and getting the work done. I’ve had work sitting in my drafts for months. The spirit of procrastination can be a pitfall but you’ve got to push yourself. I know with me having a new baby and also planning a wedding, shout out to all the brides of 2024, writing came second to regular life responsibilities.
How do you stay motivated in your writing journey?
I remind myself why started. I once wished to publish a book and to succeed the way I have now. Looking back, I’ve come a long way in such a short period. I’m thankful.
Wrapping up your third book is exciting news. Can you give us a sneak peek into what readers can expect from this upcoming release?
Yes, of course, You can expect raw emotion, no holding back just full-on true poetry from the heart.
Leslie Anne Frye-Thomas is an Emmy-Award-winning writer, wife, and adoptive mother with an unapologetic passion for black queer stories. As a Creative-Director and first-time author, Leslie Anne’s career spans two decades. In that time, she’s produced original content for video, stage, and print. Leslie Anne is energized by life’s complexities and, as a queer artist of color, she’s committed to reflecting its intricacies in her work. The author solidifies this in “Pum Pum Rock,” the story of a young Jamaican woman who, years after surviving a brutal conversion therapy attempt, returns home not just to face her demons—but to bury them.
First things first, how did we develop an interest in writing?
I’ve always loved creative writing. In high school, my bestie and I would spend hours at Barnes & Noble creating the silliest short stories. A proud word, I was honored to be admitted to NYU’s creative writing program for teens. Years later, I moved to Los Angeles, earned a screenwriting degree, began working for Warner Brothers, and have been writing professionally ever since.
When did you realize you had a story that the world needed to hear? “Living Single” and “Girlfriends” are two of my all-time favorite shows. I just loved watching those sassy, sexy, and sophisticated sistas on screen. Like most Black women, I saw myself in the characters. And while I connected with the storylines, something was missing. The shows covered an array of topics, but because they didn’t spotlight LGBTQ+ issues, these iconic series did not represent the full spectrum of Black culture.
Educate. Entertain. Inspire. As an artist, these are both the tenets that I live by and the ultimate goal of my romantic thriller, “Pum Pum Rock—There’s No Place Like Homo.” I knew the world needed to hear this story, when I realized that I was spending more time looking for content that I could relate with than actually watching it.
What was the writing process like, did you come up with your title first and build around it or did the manuscript come first?
The creative process took about six years and tons of rewrites. The story was originally intended to be a Black version of the “L-Word.” But as a recent transplant to south Florida, the story evolved to be less reflective of my life in liberal Los Angeles and more reflective of my new life in what was in many ways steeped in conservative, Caribbean culture.
The creative process consisted of outlining the story’s structure and using that outline to write the book, which would go through many iterations. Eventually, I got brave enough to share with beta readers, who of course had notes, which triggered another flurry of rewrites. Once happy with the work I hired an editor who had substantial feedback.
Receiving her notes was a humbling experience, but together, she and I reworked the outline, really got to the root of the story, and in 2021, published the final and current version of “Pum Pum Rock.”
What is the message behind your title?
Also known as the 8th wonder of the world, Pum Pum Rock is a natural rock formation located in Jamaica. It’s the chosen title of my debut novel because, like the massive rock, my lead character, Nate Higgins is as tough as a rock—reason being, she’s a lesbian, living in a country that outlaws homosexuality.
More than a play on words (There’s No Place Like Home), the subtitle, “There’s No Place Like Homo” in essence means that no matter where you land on that ever-expanding LGBTQ+ rainbow you understand what it feels like to be othered. No matter your race, age, gender, socio-economic status (etc.) if you identify as LGBTQ+ you’ve endured discrimination and judgment from strangers and oftentimes, even loved ones.
In essence, “Pum Pum Rock” is my love letter to the LGBTQ+ community. I see you. I understand you. And am beyond proud to represent you.
Can you share 3 takeaways you would like women to take away from your book?
1. As of 2024, same-sex sexual activity is prohibited and punishable by jail time under Jamaica’s 1864, Offences Against the Person Act. Imagine, your mere existence being a crime.
2. Our chosen family are often our biggest supporters.
3. Love is love.
At any moment during your writing process did you experience writers block, what tips do you have for overcoming it?
When I’m hit with a case of writer’s block, it’s usually associated with me being tired. When this happens I step away from the computer, because trying to force creativity has always proven to be counterproductive. For folks working through a creative block, I recommend stepping away from the project. Get some fresh air, exercise, take a nap, watch a movie, phone a friend and have them weigh in. Do whatever it takes to relax. Then, return to the project with a fresh perspective.
Take me through the first moment you held your book in your hands, what did that feel like for you?
After 6 years, and what felt like 600 rewrites, I was beyond proud to hold that bound, paperback in hand. I fell immediately in love with the designer’s eye-catching cover and quickly began calling it a coffee table book—it’s just so pretty.
What would you say was the most challenging part of your writing process?
The most challenging part of the process was finding the time to get ‘er done. As a working mom and wife, multi-tasking was the only option. I always say, “if it’s not written down, it’s not going down,” and I took that mantra to heart. I calendared my writing time and went to the public library because there were fewer distractions there than at my home office.
What key tips do you have for marketing your book and getting it out to the masses?
Because the goal, prayer, and manifestation has always been to adapt “Pum Pum Rock” into a televised series, we wanted to give readers and potential financiers a look at what could be. It’s always been part of the marketing plan to create promotional video clips, so prior to publishing the novel, I enlisted a group of actors to bring the juiciest scenes to life; giving the audience a small taste, without reading a single page of the book.
Although I have a video production and marketing background, authors do not need this type of professional expertise to do the same. Nowadays social media and various apps make content creation incredibly user-friendly.
Another thing I did to market the novel was devise a plan to reach my target audience in various ways. I connected with book clubs and libraries, began teaching creative writing workshops to LGBTQ+ teens, and eventually became such a thought leader in the space, that I’m oftentimes called on as a featured speaker at advocacy events.
Pum Pum Rock is intended for an 18+ audience, LGBTQ+ and/or women (mostly).
How are you currently using social media as a writer?
Anything I do, whether it’s a speaking engagement or a pop-up vendor event, I use social media to promote it.
Share with us the people or companies that helped create your amazing project?
In addition to my editor, my wife, Carthy, was incredibly supportive throughout the creative process.
Tell us five misconceptions people have about becoming an author?
(1) anyone can do it
(2) A.I. can do it for you
(3) once you write the book, your work is done
(4) you have to do the work alone
(5) you need to be signed to a publishing house
Where do you hope to see your book next?
Since day one, the goal, prayer, and manifestation has been to adapt “Pum Pum Rock” into a televised series. So, regarding where I would like to see the novel next, Amazon or Netflix would be amazing!
If you could go through the process all over again, is there anything you would change?
Hire the editor sooner. That would’ve fast-tracked the entire process.
Genie Joseph, PhD, is the Executive Director of The Human-Animal Connection, a 501c3 organization dedicated to changing the way humanity relates to animals. We bring therapy animals and people together for the benefit of both. The Human-Animal Connection offers free therapy dog visits to veterans, Active Duty, Health Care Providers, and anyone experiencing stress in the field of Service to Others. We also offer educational classes and zoom consultations to help people deepen their connection to animals, increase empathy, and facilitate cross- species communication. Canines Teach Compassion is the HAC High School program that combines social skills and resilience training with animal interaction.
Genie is an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and creator of The Act Resilient Method and author of the book by that same name. Act Resilient, which works with Therapy Animals, has been presented to over 4,000 Service Members and their families, and for this work, she was given President Obama’s Volunteer Service Award. And her team at Tripler Army Medical Center was given a National Award for Workplace Resilience from the American Psychological Association. She is a dog trainer and consultant on relationships between people and animals. Genie volunteers at various animal shelters and shares her life with her rescue dog, Sophia, who has brought smiles to many humans. Her book The Human- Animal Connection – Deepening Relationships with Animals and Ourselves is available on Amazon
We had the opportunity of sitting down and talking with Genie to discuss her inspiration, animal therapy and her new book “The Human Animal Connection”:
Can you share the inspiration behind founding The Human-Animal Connection?
I was volunteering at an animal shelter, and seeing how the dogs and cats were doing just made me cry every day. I thought there must be a better way, even in overcrowded shelters. There must be some way to reduce the level of suffering. So, I created a systematic method to connect with animals in a way that helped them to quickly feel safe and loved.
What motivated you to dedicate your efforts to changing the way humanity relates to animals? Throughout history, animals have given so much to humans. We owe a debt to the animal kingdom. We can begin to make amends by recognizing that we are all animals. And then by respecting the unique and deep wisdom of non-human animals. Once we recognize that animals have feelings, desires, needs, and opinions, it is impossible to ignore their sentience and inner lives.
How do therapy animals contribute to the well-being of both humans and animals? Trained Therapy animals reach people in a way that is beyond words. They see our essence – and they know it is good. They touch us in ways we long for – with absolute acceptance. We all need to be regarded with affection and love. For the 20% of dogs for whom this is their mission and purpose in life – to bring comfort and connection to humans – they live out their purpose and find deep joy in this activity.
What specific populations benefit from your organization’s services? Anyone in need of comfort can benefit. The Human-Animal Connection has worked with veterans, active duty, — and anyone experiencing stress in the line of duty – and prisoners, people in hospitals and hospice, and with young kids. But one group we focus on is teens. They are really facing tremendous stress, anxiety, and confusion. The teen years are pivotal in terms of life’s trajectory, and positive interventions at this stage are very powerful.
The Canines Teach Compassion program is intriguing. Could you elaborate on how this high school program combines social skills and resilience training with animal interaction? What positive outcomes have you observed from students participating in Canines Teach Compassion?
Our program combines all the joy of petting sweet dogs with learning about stress and how to manage their own nervous systems through learning about stress in dogs. We teach students to evaluate stress levels in dogs on a scale of 1-10. Then, they learn that the same system works for them. Many students who were very withdrawn and non-communicative at first come out of their shells and interact with others after a few sessions. We have over a dozen interactive activities, such as learning how it feels to lead each other on a leash – to experience what dogs feel when humans are unaware of their feelings. In one game, we will line up five very different dogs – different sizes, shapes, breeds, colors – and ask the students to point out what is different in each. Then we ask what is the same. “Well, they are all dogs!” they reply. And we point out how that is the same for us – we have ways in which we are unique and different from others – but in the end, we are all the same – we are all human-animals. Students learn how to read dog body language and how to use those same skills in their interactions with humans. And we will ask them to evaluate potential candidates for therapy dog work, and we find they are very accurate in their assessments, and this is rewarding for them and for us. We ask them to rate their stress levels when they first walk into the class and again at the end of our one-hour session. The average is a fifty percent drop in stress levels.
As the creator of The Act Resilient Method, could you provide insights into how this method works with therapy animals?
The Act Resilient Method has been presented to 4,000 Service Members and their families. It utilizes Improv Comedy, Laughter Therapy, Expressive Arts, and Creative Expression. It was very effective at reducing the effects of Post Traumatic Stress. For this work, we were given President Obama’s Volunteer Service Award. I began bringing a therapy dog to class; his name was Oscar. He had escaped from a very abusive situation and had scars all over his body and missing teeth. The soldiers could relate to his story of survival. But what was most amazing was how Oscar could read human emotions with great empathy. With a group of soldiers sitting in a circle, he would greet each one. But he would stop and “alert,” sitting right in front of the one who was in the darkest place. Oscar would softly look them in the eye, raise a paw – and melt through all their armor.
As an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, how has your background in filmmaking influenced your work in the field of human-animal connection and therapy animals?
A great movie is all about connecting to viewers on an emotional level. We see a horror film because we enjoy being scared, an action film to get our adrenalin pumped, and a love story to feel hopeful about love. The styles are all different, but they all have the same goal – to touch viewers in the ways they want to be touched. It is the same with animals. In the Human-Animal Connection, we spend a lot of time observing the ways that animals want to touch and connect – or, if not, how to respect their wishes.
Your book, “The Human-Animal Connection – Deepening Relationships with Animals and Ourselves,” is available on Amazon. What key messages or insights do you share in the book, and who is your target audience?
The Human-Animal Connection philosophy is based on 33 Principles. The book teaches how people can apply these principles in all their relationships with animals and human-animals. We show how all emotions are contagious, so why not spread peace, love, and kindness? We believe that animals have hearts and minds and souls. We teach people how to listen to and respect the opinions of animals.
How can individuals benefit from deepening their relationships with animals, and what lessons can be applied to their relationships with fellow humans?
When you apply our principles everything between humans and animals gets better because there is greater understanding, respect, and compassion. You learn to see the world through your dog’s eyes, or your horse’s, ears, or your rabbit’s sense of space. Anybody who loves the animal who shares their life wants a deeper understanding of their needs and desires, their moods and responses to what is going on. When we respect each other as equal beings, everything changes, and we can enter their world.
You share your life with Sophia, a rescue dog. How has Sophia brought smiles to many humans, and what lessons has she taught you about the human-animal connection?
When Sophia adopted me, she had been at several shelters. She could be sweet and adorable at 20 pounds, but when something frightened her, she would turn into Godzilla and scare grown men. They would cross the street when they saw us coming. When the maintenance man came to the house, she had to be strapped to my waist. And it was loud! She would be the scariest one in dog training classes! Very embarrassing when other big dogs tried to approach. They learned fast to stay far away. But I worked with her every day using the Human-Animal Connection methods – and she became a sweet therapy dog who brings joy to everyone who meets her. This taught me that we are not at the mercy of our past if we have effective methods to heal.
What advice do you have for individuals considering adopting a rescue animal?
My two best therapy dogs, Oscar and Sophia, were both rescues who came from very adverse circumstances. Rescue dogs can make the best therapy dogs and companion animals because they are very resilient. Some shelter dogs need more healing than the average person is prepared to give, so you want to both understand your own capacity and how to evaluate the dog in front of you. If the dog is reasonably calm and interested in connecting to you – this is a dog worthy of your love. The one who gets “saved” will be you.
Connect with Genie by visiting TheHumanAnimalConnection.org
Heather A. Robinson hails from Philadelphia, PA, and holds the distinction of being the youngest among her eight siblings—five brothers and three sisters. Facing adversity from a young age, Heather experienced the loss of her mother at the age of 7 and her father at 15, instilling in her a sense of self-sufficiency.
Married to Minister Christopher L. Robinson, Heather has achieved significant academic milestones. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in African-American Studies from Temple University, followed by a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Grand Canyon University. Additionally, she completed 15 Post-Graduate credits in Education from Gwynedd Mercy College. Despite her academic accomplishments and passion for teaching, particularly helping those who are shy and reserved, Heather aspired for more.
In the midst of personal challenges, including the consecutive loss of two sisters, Heather embarked on the establishment of her writing service business, Anointed2write. Anointed2write offers a range of services, including writing, editing, typesetting, and self-publishing, complemented by various coaching options.
Heather stands as a three-time award-winning author and has self-published three books. She has also emerged as a virtual speaker at prestigious events such as The Destiny Explosion Summit, The Comeback Champion Summit, The Bold Christian Collective Building Kingdom Business, The Profits Conference, and The She Leads She Profits Virtual Summit. Heather’s podcast interviews, spotlights, and magazine features are forthcoming, and her numerous nominations speak to her impact, including the Author Allstar award, First Foundations Award, and KRC It’s In A Book award. Additionally, she is slated to receive the Global Iconic Change Maker Award in November.
Presently, Heather dedicates her life’s work to coaching others through their pain, guiding them to reclaim their power, voice, and narrative. Rooted in her journey of overcoming silencing, she strives to assure others that they have a voice that matters—that they are enough. Heather understands the profound impact of interpersonal connections and aims, with each encounter, to empower those who feel devalued. Her mission is to leave an enduring impression that encourages individuals to step into their destiny and purpose.
We had the amazing opportunity of sitting down with Heather to discuss her journey from idea to publishing:
Heather, you’ve experienced significant challenges early in life, losing both your parents at a young age. Can you share how this experience impacted who you are today as an entrepreneur and leader?
Wow, great question. Losing my parents young taught me to be self-sufficient and resilient. Grief and loss are complicated, and people handle it differently. I actually utilized those losses as motivation to do what I can to help others navigate through their pain to purpose. I had to learn what I am now coaching others through, and that has helped me stay in purpose.
Starting your publishing business, Anointed2write, while dealing with the loss of two sisters is a lot. What inspired you to launch this venture, and how has it evolved over time to offer writing, editing, typesetting, and self-publishing services, as well as coaching options?
Yes, it was and still is a lot. Through feeling like the rug was snatched from under me, I had to find a way to cope. The inspiration to launch my company while navigating loss has been therapeutic. This has helped me develop one of my courses entitled R.T.T. reclaim your power, take back your voice, and tell your story. In this course, I walk participants through what I did to begin navigating through my pain to my purpose.
You’re a three-time award-winning author and self-published author. Could you tell us about your books and the messages or stories you aim to convey through your writing?
My books are:
“A Season of Pressing, A Spiritual Awakening”: This book chronicles my spiritual journey during a very trying time. It has eight chapters, each with a title and scripture reference to back up real-life experiences. My plight is that God will allow us to go through things, but we need to trust him to bring us through them—he wouldn’t bring us to it without bringing us through it.
“Words of Reflection, a 30-Day Devotional unto The Lord”: This book encourages others to spend daily time with the Lord. Each day has a thought for the day, a scripture to meditate on, with an affirmation to help affirm who God says we are. Remember, you are not defined by what others say about you.
“To Wholeness from Brokenness, Will Ye Be Made Whole”: This book chronicles a series of trials and tests I have experienced over the past few years. The book includes two poems as well as 10 sections that give raw and uncut examples of what I have gone through and how God has pulled me through.
“The Whole Entrepreneur”: My newest book is a collaboration that brings together knowledge and experiences from successful entrepreneurs, coaches, and business owners. With a focus on strategies for achieving success in all aspects of life, including business, career, wellness, and life balance, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to build a successful and fulfilling life as an entrepreneur.
The message I would like to convey is that there is power in your story. There is someone waiting for your story, and their life depends on it.
You’ve been a virtual speaker at various summits and conferences. What message do you hope women take away from your platform?
What I hope people take away from my talk is that we do not go through what we go through for ourselves; we go through what we go through to help others get through to the other side. There is purpose in our pain.
You’re due to receive the Global Iconic Change Maker Award in November. Can you share the significance of this award and what it represents in your journey and mission?
Anointed2Write LLC (A2W) coaches you through reclaiming your power, taking back your voice, and telling your story! This can be done through writing, speaking, and Education, in person as well as virtually, at home as well as abroad. As you mentioned, I am being presented with the Global Iconic Change Maker Award, which also shows my global impact on the lives of people from all different walks of life. My mission is to give a voice to those who feel silenced by helping them navigate through their pain and tell their story.
Your life’s work now involves coaching others through their pain and helping them reclaim their voice and story. What strategies and approaches do you use to guide individuals through their healing and empowerment process?
The steps I take in all of my coaching programs are as follows: first, we complete a 15-minute discovery call to determine if we are a good fit. If not, I try to assist in connecting the client with someone who is a good fit. If we are a good fit, we move to a consultation to determine the client’s needs and expectations. We then embark on a 6-week intensive course that is interactive, thought-provoking, and allows for in-class as well as homework assignments to ensure the client remains on track. At the end of the coaching, there are a few things the client must complete. Lastly, we do a final overview of the client’s workbook, and I give the client tips to continue in their pursuit of their healing, as I believe it takes a lifetime to reach true wholeness.
Your personal journey from feeling silenced to empowering others is truly inspiring. How do you encourage people to find their voices and believe in their worth, especially when they may have experienced adversity or self-doubt?
It starts with what you think about yourself. If a client needs tools to boost their self-talk and self-thoughts, I give them tools such as affirmation cards, assign them times throughout the day to meditate, pray, listen to music, and soak in the tub—whatever we discover relaxes them; we focus on that. This is critical in the first few days because the idea is to eliminate any negativity we put out negativity and put in positivity by determining what keeps them in a positive headspace. Lastly, I teach them how to stay there.
Meet Dr. Ericka L. McKnight, an international bestselling, multi-award-winning author, speaker, entrepreneur, mental health certified health aide, philanthropist, and Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awardee. She is also the owner of ELM School of Real Estate & ELM Realty firm. Featured in Pride Magazine, the largest African American magazine in the Carolinas, Humani, Courageous Woman Magazine, ELLE Magazine, Southern Christian Writers Magazine, and an honorable mention in Forbes Magazine, as well as the 10th Annual NAACP Author Honoree, just to name a few. She has currently written books with several New York Times bestselling authors, but her most recent was “Open Your Gifts Volume 2” with the talented, award-winning actor, comedian, and host Kim Coles.
Dr. McKnight has a vast portfolio of expertise, authoring 22 books that focus on mental health, self-care, wealth management, empowerment, and much more. Her books have earned her numerous prestigious awards, worldwide media coverage, and talk show host appearances. Her book “Silence the Noise – Uninstalling Negativity” has been a gift to the world. Despite the negative encounters one may have experienced with people, places, or things, this Trilogy has helped thousands regain their self-confidence, worth, and admiration for life again! “Self-Care: Your Ultimate Superpower” speaks to the life of a CEO who’s always giving but realizes they’re left empty. All of Dr. McKnight’s books can be purchased wherever books are sold.
Ericka is the first female African American to own a Real Estate School in the southeastern region. She has received recognition for her books by the NAACP and The Mental Health advocates and their industry. This has provided limitless opportunities for her to spread the message and acknowledgment of making history!
We had the amazing opportunity of speaking with Dr. Ericka McKnight to discuss her journey of becoming an author, the message behind her work and more:
When did you realize you had the gift of pouring into others through your words? When others began to tell me, “The world needs to hear what you have to share and offer.” The testimonials, calls, and speaking engagements increased as well!
You have written 22 books; can you share the greatest moments of your writing career thus far? There was a young man hospitalized with a rare disease that left him permanently paralyzed. His Mom reached out to me on social media and shared his story privately with me. She later bought my books Silence The Noise Trilogy, and after reading the book, he was no longer considering committing suicide. When I helped prevent a young man from committing suicide, it’s important to remember the right words can and will give LIFE in the midst of a dying situation!
Think back over your writing journey, what message would you say reigns true inside the pages of your work? That life is a vapor! Here today and gone tomorrow, so choose to live “your” best life, not someone else’s. No, it’s never perfect because we’re imperfect people, but when you allow yourself more and more grace, it gets easier.
What advice do you have for aspiring authors looking to share their story? Remember, it’s your story, and no one can tell you what to add nor leave out. Start right where you are and just write. Come back later and put it all together. The key is to get all your thoughts and ideas on paper. Be transparent with the readers; people relate better to authenticity. Then find an expert in the subject matter of your book and ask for their opinion. I also highly encourage you to self-publish your book.
What is next for Dr. Ericka L. McKnight? I often ask myself the same question, and I don’t know! Because just when I have a plan, God switches it up! So I just enjoy the journey and know that it only gets better because I serve a gigantic God who wants only the best for me! Jeremiah 29:11
What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles? Confident, God-fearing, Courageous, and stops at nothing to fulfill her destiny! Keeping in mind, to hustle smart, not hard…
“Freedom and the ability to write my own paycheck, work schedule, and employ others. I felt the need to educate others about mental health and financial empowerment, all while leading a successful life and a healthy family.” – Dr. Ericka L. McKnight
Many of us have dreams and goals to achieve but there are times when life may get in the way. But for a naturally ambitious and hustler minded woman like Shelana McNeil, the hustle never stops. She is a fierce woman who is not letting life circumstances stand in her way. As a mother, professional, community advocate, and nurturer; she is now adding author to her resume. She is debuting her new children’s book, “My Cool Senses!,” this month and is on a journey to inspire.
“Reading is a part of our everyday lives,” says Shelana. As a new author she is setting a path to inspire learning in young readers while also supporting family engagement. “Childhood literacy is important to me because it prepares children for school and society by increasing their vocabulary which can set them up for success later in life,” she adds. Her book details the five senses to preschool readers while illustrating how they can explore their environment.
“My book can be used for teaching the 5 senses. Additionally, I created activity pages to go a step further to allow young readers to connect the text with practice and comprehension,” Shelana states. As a busy girl-mom she also understands the importance of early literacy and family engagement. She details these three ways to engage young readers: “Completing activity pages with the books, talking about the book illustrations, and letting the child choose the books to read.”
“My Black Girl Magic is all about being empowering, confident, and comfortable in my own skin,” McNeils continues. However, balance is still needed for motherhood, entrepreneurship, and more. “I balance it all by separating work from home. I make time for family/friends, activities, date nights, as well as set aside time for myself by using my employment PTO time as needed without feeling bad,” she expresses. “There are a few ways I practice self-care as well. I express gratitude, spend time with my loved ones, morning prayer time and reading daily devotionals just to name a few,” McNeil continues.
As a mom, Shelana is also building a legacy for her young daughter. She values her motherhood journey as well as her natural hustle while wanting to create more for her daughter. “My daughter will forever see my contribution to the world; and my passion and strength in hopes for her to do the same in her personal life,” Shelana details. Let’s applaud Shelana McNeil for taking the steps to pursue her passion and hustle while inspiring a love for reading and learning for preschool ages. Connect with the author of “My Cool Senses!” for her late October book release for young readers. Her book is set to be released on Amazon in paperback and hardcover formats.
Writer, C. Scott, is a licensed social worker, freelance writer, and author. Follow her online as @curls_coils and @thee_wellnesscollective.
Headshot Photography and Book Images Courtesy of Shelana McNeil
Diana Hill has been married to Tyrone Hill for 17 years. She has six bonus children and 18 grandchildren. She is a co-author of several books and has published three of her own: ‘Marriage: A Life’s Journey’ (2018), ‘The Everyday woman 30-Day Devotional’ (2022), and the newly published anthology ‘The Other Side Of The Storm’ (July 2023), which is on the Amazon bestsellers list. She is a Transformational Purposed Life Coach, finding solutions to empower your mindset with intellectual thinking and purpose in society. This paves the way for a better tomorrow. She serves as an Usher in her church as well as in other ministries. Diana was nominated in 2022 for ‘I am Her INTERNATIONAL’ for women of influence. She was a past host of ‘Kingdom Marriages’ and a featured writer of ‘Off the Bench Magazine.’ Diana is currently creating a women’s conference scheduled for release in 2025.
First things first, how did you develop an interest in writing?
I developed an interest in writing from my journals. I was invited to be a co-author in an anthology in 2016. Since then, I have contributed to eight anthologies.
When did you realize you had a story that the world needed to hear?
I knew I had a story to share with the world when I took a chance on myself and created my own anthology.
What was the writing process like? Did you come up with your title first and build around it, or did the manuscript come first?
The writing process and gathering the content weren’t hard for me. I began writing first, and the title of my anthology came later.
What is the message behind your title?
The message to my audience is to praise God while enduring the storms of life and to believe that you will emerge on the other side of those storms.
Can you share three takeaways you would like women to gain from your book?
The three takeaways from reading my book are as follows: learning how to overcome obstacles, believing that anything is possible with the Lord, and facing adversity head-on.
Regina Duggins is the author of 3 self-published books entitled “Black Magic,” “Black Coffee; No Sugar, No Cream” and “New York Styles, What Time Is It?”, I am also the founder of Charleston Black Pride Organization-(LGBTQ+ of Color), educator, and a warrior. I was born and raised in the Coney Island section of Brooklyn, NY. I am the guardian of 5 children and a Grandparent who enjoys spending time writing, watching dramas and family-friendly movies, planning and participating in community events, and spending time with family. Despite the adversities I have endured throughout my childhood, I’ve learned to persevere and put my hurt, pain, and trauma back into improving urban neighborhoods. I am a true believer that representation does matter. With my strong belief in God and the love and support from my mother, I believe that was the only way I survived it all.
My book’s core messages are about overcoming trauma, loss, being Black in America, and learning how to make a difference in someone else’s life. It’s also about the impact of giving back to the community, which grew you into becoming a better person. You are not the product of where you came from, and you can always make a change in your life and others. I have faced childhood molestation, the loss of a parent (dad) at the of three, and the loss of three of my close siblings, as well as learning how to walk in my truth when society constantly places the LGBTQ+ community under attack by lawmakers, many religious people, and those who don’t understand that love is love.
First things first, how did we develop an interest in writing?
I developed an interest in writing when I was in the 7th grade. My 7th-grade teacher asked me to complete a writing assignment; from what I can remember, it was after then that she encouraged me to keep writing and dig deeper into my emotions. I have always enjoyed reading since I was a little girl. I loved learning new words and using them with my older siblings, mainly my older brother Gregory. I’ve always considered Greg as my wordsmith brother. He’s brilliant and has an intuitive mind.
When did you realize you had a story the world needed to hear?
I realized I had a story that the world needed to hear when I learned that words can heal others. I dealt with childhood traumas and didn’t know how to express my emotions until I realized I could heal through writing. Many of my traumas and listening to others’ stories sounded familiar and similar to mine, but my story needed to be told so I could help heal myself and show others how to heal through the experiences I had gone through.
What was the writing process like? Did you develop your title and build around it, or did the manuscript come first?
The writing process was relatively easy. I came up with my title first for most of my poems and two self-published books. During the writing of my 2nd self-published book entitled “Black Coffee; No Sugar, No Cream”; the process was different. I compiled my poems, took the best one, and named the book after it. For my other two books, I started with the title first. I’d build around the title, which made me comfortable about opening up about my purpose, feelings, and messaging that I wanted to convey throughout the books.
What is the message behind your title?
The messages behind my book titles are about women’s empowerment, Black is Beautiful & All-Powerful, perseverance, healing after trauma, creating futures for our youth, and paying homage to our ancestors. Can you share three takeaways you would like women to take away from your book? The three takeaways from my books are “Never be silenced,” “Women of Color, not being afraid to sit at the table or creating their table,” and “that it doesn’t make you less powerful if you fix another women’s crown!”-supporting each other.
At any moment during your writing process, did you experience writer’s block? What tips do you have for overcoming it?
Yes, I have experienced writer’s block, and it usually occurs when I haven’t decided on a title for my poems or books. The tips I have used to overcome writer’s block are listening to inspirational gospel music or watching a drama-filled movie. The storyline intrigues me and brings me back to where I left off in my writing. Also, I would re-read what I have written to keep myself on track to what I wanted to convey. After I have found my title, my writing tends to flow freely.
Take me through the first moment you held your book; what did that feel like for you?
I felt accomplished the first moment I held my book in my hand. I felt free. I was finally allowing others to share in my life’s journey. I felt like I had released many pent-up emotions about the topic that I was writing about, and now I could tear down the walls that once left me feeling closed in and emotionally bound.
What would you say was the most challenging part of your writing process?
The most challenging part of my writing process was deciding if I painted a clear enough picture for my readers to understand what I had endured and felt. I wanted my readers to walk in my shoes, experience my truths, and know what I felt at those moments, whether it was happy, sad, or angry times in my life. I wanted to convey realness and transparency for my readers to draw a connection to where my trauma lies and how I got my strength back.
What essential tips are you for marketing your book and getting it out to the masses?
My essential tip for marketing my books is word of mouth, asking my supporters to leave reviews and comments about my book on Amazon. I have also participated in web talks/literary series, book signings, and speaking engagements through festivals, bookstore readings, or literary events.
What audience is your book written for?
My books are written for teenagers, young adults, adults, older people, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, men, activists, feminists, grassroots individuals, and same-gender-loving individuals. Anyone is able and willing to seek knowledge from a female perspective.
One of our favorite parts of creating a space that shines the light on creative women, is our ability to highlight female authors who have set out to encourage and impact others through their work.
Today we are shining the light on Karla Mason.
Meet Karla:
Hello, my name is Karla Davis Mason and I am an author/poet, activist, and speaker currently living in the Atlanta area. I have written 3 books to date. My first book is called Dear Daughter, You Are Worthy! I recently updated this book so I am currently reintroducing it to the world!
I was motivated to write this book for many reasons with the top 3 being:
1. It’s everything I wish I’d known as a young girl/young woman about my true worth
2. Young girls need it now more than ever with the constant influence of social media, millions of advertisers, and the public in general…at our fingertips and in our faces literally 24/7.
And lastly, I realized that no matter how much we try to protect and educate our youth about the more destructive forces in our culture, the outside influences do influence and our daughters need daily affirmations and reminders to keep them safe, sound, uplifted, and grounded.
It is my hope and prayer that my book will be a nightstand favorite – profound and prophetic but easy enough to digest and simple enough for anyone and everyone to understand.
My second book, Like the Sun in the Skies, We Rise!, is a compilation of thought provoking and prayerfully inspiring poetry. I completed this book in 2020 despite some serious health related challenges and setbacks. Glory to God I am healed, healing and rising higher each day but during that period in the valley I was truly tested – tested to live and heal by the kinda of faith I wrote about in my book Dear Daughters. Through my books and experiences, I have an even greater testimony to share with the world. Our greatest tests and trials often bring about good in spite of how they may appear when we are going through…I do believe
My third book “Dear Dad, Do You Know?” came out last year. It was my first children’s book but a book I’d been thinking about and developing for years. The book is in the form of a letter from a young son to his father. The young son expresses his pure love for his dad and innate need for his fathers love, support, and affirmation. I was inspired to write this book after recognizing just how much some young boys miss and need their father’s steady and positive presence. All children desire the love and support of their parental figures but it was my desire to bring to light the ways in which boys in particular need their fathers – a need that I believe gets overlooked and understated.
This book is written in a way that both children and adults alike can relate to – a great book to read together at any age or stage!
We had the unique opportunity of catching up with Karla to gain insight on why she wrote her books and the message behind them.
First things first, how did we develop an interest in writing? From as far back as I can remember, reading and writing have been the pastimes and occasional occupations that I enjoyed most. As a young girl, reading allowed me to escape into my own creative thoughts and travel into other worlds. I could go anywhere that my imagination took me with both a sense of both peace and great adventure. As my love of reading increased, so did my desire to write like some of my favorite authors. Today I am still as passionate about both reading and writing. In fact, I still don’t often venture off too far without these essentials – my pen and pad or my computer and one or more of my favorite books.
As an adult, I realized the powerful impact my own words could have on the lives of others. That sense of both power and responsibility is what motivates me most to write about the things I do. I’ve been asked on more than a few occasions if I’d ever consider writing more fiction for entertainment than non-fiction for enlightenment…For now, I’ll stick with writing what I believe God is leading me to write. There is a place for all of our stories to be told…just keep writing!
When did you realize you had a story that the world needed to hear?
As an African American woman, I also know all too well the pressure society puts on us to be everything to everyone – to be soft and mostly agreeable yet bulletproof and unbreakable when the need arises; sensitive and adequately fragile yet able to able to withstand enormous amount of pain and discomfort; able to achieve and do superhuman things but not too great as overshadow or threaten the ego of our counterparts; to be sexy and provocative yet not too aggressive in a world that will easily turn that admiration into envy and even condemnation; to be humble and grateful yet willing to support those who seem most arrogant and ungrateful…the list goes on about the double standards we as women of color are forced to deal with in this often hypocritical world.
The older I got, the more I found myself asking the question “Just who should we as black women pretend to be and/or actually become to be respected in this world with more than its share of double standards and/or isms? The answer to that question, in my humble opinion, has become even more perplexing in modern-day societies as women are becoming more and more independent and demanding in a world that has forced us to be but also a world that doesn’t always celebrate what that now looks like – ‘be that strong independent woman who doesn’t depend on others but not too strong and independent that others can no longer completely depend on you.’ Despite all the easily accessible information, our rapidly growing technology and the constant virtual connectedness we as humans now have, today’s daughters seem to be even more confused and exasperated about who we should be as women. Imitation seems to rule over authenticity, superficiality over originality, and massively altered images over what’s actually real and true.
Today’s most heralded ‘leaders’ seem to be those who can attract the most fans and followers and not necessarily those with the most upstanding character and a passion to empower others. I see our daughters grappling with self-worth and self-love now more than ever. The more I witnessed young women of every age and background struggling to find purpose, maintain peace and establish principles in a world that often promotes the opposite, the more my desire to make a meaningful difference sooner than later grew.
My desire to use my writing gifts in ways that could hopefully and would prayerfully make the world a better place deepened with each passing day. I never deceived myself into thinking for one minute that I had answers to some of life’s most perplexing questions but I knew what I had learned along my journey – the nuggets of wisdom that gave me a greater sense of peace, joy, strength, understanding, and healing…the things that kept my feet on solid ground in an ever-changing world. In the fall of 2019, after years of contemplating, researching, learning, and writing, my first inspirational book, Dear Daughter, You Are Worthy! was published!
What was the writing process like, did you come up with your title first and build around it or did the manuscript come first? Throughout the entire process of brainstorming, researching, writing, and developing my very first book, I kept one main goal at the forefront of my mind – letting my daughters, sisters, and mothers know how precious and valuable they were/are in ways that would be liberating, light-giving and life-changing. Focusing on this goal and the most significant messages I wanted to promote helped me stay on the most constructive path toward a finished product I could be completely satisfied with. For me, it was easier to develop a strong title first so I could keep that particular theme the main focus of the book from beginning to end. Lovers of writing can get lost in their own thoughts about writing if they are not really careful.
What is the message behind your title?
My message in my first book Dear Daughter, You Are Worthy! is very simple yet profound and something I believe we need to know and understand deeply sooner than later…As God’s creatively crafted, authentically assembled, and delicately designed precious daughters, we are worthy of light and love, joy and laughter; peace and protection and power; courage, wisdom, and respect; hope, forgiveness, and redemption; of authenticity and acceptance and so much more. I needed my title to be clear and impactful – We are Worthy! No matter what mixed messages we may get from the world, We Are Worthy of standing in our truth, God’s truth, now and forever more!
Can you share 3 takeaways you would like women to take away from your book?
Your worth is not determined by the increasingly superficial, sometimes misleading, and often fleeting things of this world. It is not determined by your bank account, job title, material gains, or achievements. It does not come from your reputation, social status, or friend list. Your worth comes from the undeniable eternal love God has for you and your understanding of that infinite value. True self-worth comes from you seeing yourself the way God sees you – a one-of-a-kind design with an irreplaceable heart, soul, and mind. Man cannot add to nor subtract from the value that God places on your life. You are worthy of using all that God has placed inside of you to live, learn, teach, reach, create, grow, to share. You are worthy of living with peace, joy, and purpose on purpose for as long as you can. You are worthy of reaching and rising and realizing your God-given gifts and potential – of using what you have inside of you to make this world a better place.
At any moment during your writing process did you experience writer’s block, what tips do you have for overcoming it?
Initially, it seemed that I had the opposite of writer’s block. I think I tried tying too much into one book. The first version of my first book Dear Daughter was rather long and full of too much information from too many places, I do believe. Thankfully, I had some very direct friends and editors who gave me some very helpful feedback about my first draft. If I could lend a piece of advice – Stick to the ideas and standards you set for yourself when writing but it also pays to seek good and direct advice from those you can trust to be accurate and honest with you. We can be so emotionally tied into our ‘stories’ that we can lose sight of a clear and concise vision – what message and/or messages are you trying to get across in your story in the most meaningful and clearest way possible? People have shorter attention spans today as everything is so condensed, abbreviated, and electronically accessible. I think to maximize our success, we have to adjust accordingly.
Again, if you’re writing a book for the purpose of educating, enlightening and empowering, you want to include an adequate amount of useful information and meaningful ideas but you also want it all to flow and be cohesive… not too overwhelming. As I said before, deciding what to include and what not to include in the end was definitely a challenging part of writing. While we want to include our opinions and thoughts in the works that mean the most to us, we don’t want to overwhelm the readers with too much. Another thing I learned is writers also don’t want to alienate or push readers away with what may come off as judgment and/or bias. On the other side of that, don’t obsess over every single thought or detail of your book to the point of indecisiveness, watering everything down, and/or an inability to move at a healthy pace toward completion and publication. We all have opinions about certain things.
I have found that the line between stating your opinion about certain things and coming off as judgmental can be extremely fine. Again, we don’t want to be led by other people’s opinions about our opinions and/or facts, but we also don’t want to come off as offensive…at least that became a concern of mine. For example, I have my concerns about modern-day “idols” and their potentially negative influence on our youngest, most vulnerable, and most impressionable populations, so naturally a part of me wanted to express those concerns in my book…but I had to be careful not to indirectly or directly demonize or diminish the ‘worth’ of any “idols” by using certain references to their particular choices. If my mission is to uplift my daughters, sisters, and others it may come off as hypocritical if I am seemingly putting some others down. At one time I was against plastic surgery, particularly in cases where a young woman’s attempt to look like someone else posed life-threatening risks and/or serious emotional trauma. I still have serious concerns for our daughters but now I’m more careful to respect each person’s decision, celebrity or otherwise. But with that said, I will always hope and pray the decision to have elective surgery is well thought out and well researched. It can truly be a matter of life and death.
Take me through the first moment you held your book in your hands, what did that feel like for you? It was truly a dream come true to finally hold my first published book in my hands. Because the task of writing a book is so all-encompassing, the rewards are that much more extraordinary. Books don’t decay or expire! If kept properly they will outlive the writers and many generations to come. In my humble opinion, when you create a piece of literary art, you are passing down parts of yourself and prayerfully the things you’ve learned and experienced in this thing called life. You are leaving a legacy! I hope and pray that my great-grands read my books, hopefully with a sense of heritage and humble pride.
What would you say was the most challenging part of your writing process? The most challenging part of the writing process was again deciding what information and ideas to include or leave out. As writers we can be our own worst critics as well as our own biggest believers… meaning we feel strongly about what we feel strongly about yet with our strong opinions comes a natural concern about how they will be construed. Will they be taken as we intend them to be taken or could they offend those we don’t want to offend? There is a saying that the quickest way to be misunderstood is to put something in writing where others have to interpret the tone and intention. My advice to myself and others – speak from your heart and research with confidence and comfort but understand not everyone will love what you’re saying. Be true to your truest intentions and move forward.
If I could share another personal and professional challenge that may encourage someone down the road: My book came out just as covid was spreading across the world. That epidemic put everything on hold, including my ability to publicly promote my book in any real sense. With one of the best years of my life came one of the worst – published my first book and became sicker than I had ever been in my life!! Not only did I get covid during the storm but I also was diagnosed with another life-threatening illness… but God! It took me a while to bounce back physically, financially, and emotionally as I had to rely on the words of wisdom I wrote in my book and my faith to get me through. Talk about being challenged to believe in your own words and practice what you preach! I cannot stress enough the importance of believing in yourself, your story, and your faith.
My biggest tip is DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED! One way in which I kept forging ahead was to utilize the resources I had to get the word out. Initially, I relied heavily on social media and word of mouth to get the word out about my book. I am eternally grateful to the vast number of people who supported me and my publications.
In the last year, I attended more functions where I was able to meet and greet even more buyers/supporters. Presently, I’m doing more in-person presentations at fairs, bookstores, parties, promotions, and other events. I find people seeing you in person is often more appealing than online and often leads to other connections.
Lastly, once you publish a book, it can be both time-consuming and costly all the way around to make changes and corrections. Be sure your final version is exactly how you want it to be, cover to cover. It pays to have great editors who truly care about the process and your final product.
What audience is your book written for? As I was writing my first book, I had young women of color primarily between the ages of 12 to 24 in mind. That target audience became a lot wider as I witnessed an even greater interest from women 25 and beyond. You just never know who might find your subject matter appealing! While I know it’s important to have a target audience for your writings, I have learned that curiosity and interest can actually come from any age, background, gender, or race.
If I could offer any advice to writers and future writers I would say search your heart and soul and write about what means the most to you and will give you the most fulfillment at the end of the day, whether that’s fiction, non-fiction, serious drama, or fairy tales. Believe in your writing, your product, and your message to the world. Be true to yourself and your God-given gifts and take the leap of love and faith! The load may get heavy but the rewards are that much greater. You have what it takes and You Are Worthy of reaching the goals you set for yourself and the ones you work hard to achieve. Write on, write on!!!
Connect and Support Karla by following her Author Page on Amazon
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