Her InterviewBPM: What drove you to sit down and actually start writing this book? When I was sixteen years old, I had chicken pox. Now, I’m not sure if you know, but the older you are when you get chicken pox, the worse you look. I defined UGLY. I wouldn’t even let my best friend see me. But, I was bored. A shoot-me-now,-’cause-this-ain’t-getting-any-better-type of boredom. Every day my friend would phone and tell me what happened at school, and I would share what happened on the soaps. After two days of watching that paint dry, we decided to write our own soap opera—only nobody was singing. I mean nobody . . . but it opened the door to a dream. From then on, I knew that someday I would write a book. I started writing The Devil Made Me Do It when I saw a writer’s contest on the Internet. You needed one hundred pages of a story. I wrote the pages to see if I could do it, and I was super amped to find out I was one of the winners of the contest. It encouraged me to continue writing and to finish the book. The story of The Devil Made Me Do It resounded in my spirit because I always wondered what would happen if the heavens (or hell) rolled back and we could see what was happening in the supernatural. There birthed my trilogy, the Heaven over Hell series. BPM: Does your upbringing or life experiences inspire your writing? Absolutely. I’m this down-home chick with a Southern twang from the hood of southwest Detroit. I was raised in a two-parent household with four siblings. My parents were all about reading versus television consumption. I think we were the last household in the neighborhood to purchase a color television. What we did have were books, magazines, and newspapers. I was still in elementary school when I walked to the River Rouge Library (a good mile away) to borrow books. Many times I walked alone. But at that age, reading was my passion, and it still is. For me, a good book is like good gossip—you just have to share it. In sharing, I began to want to tell my own story, my own way. As a result, I have always loved to tell a good story—I promise there weren’t any lies—sometimes making it up as I went. Growing up in Detroit, I found myself in some tight spots, just by the nature of being in the vicinity of something “going down.” It’s a wonder I never woke up dead. When that happened, I would call on my praying mother, begging her to pray just one more prayer. Eventually, those times taught me how much God must love my hardheaded, tryna-get-it-right foolish self. Now, there are always two sides to every coin. And some of the spots I was graced (Mama was praying hard!) to wiggle out of were pretty tight—persuading me fully that the devil must hate me. I know I really hate him and his modus operandi. Hence, my story, The Devil Made Me Do It, and how I decided to tell it. BPM: Where do your book ideas come from? My book ideas evolve from my conversations with others. My friends and I tend to have these deep conversations that result in my getting this animated light-bulb over my head. Its bright glow and halo effect asks the question: “What if?” My stories answer those questions. BPM: Are your books plot-driven or character-driven? Why? Wow . . . I think a little of both. I start out with the light shining over my head, and I take that idea and begin writing without thought, and then a plot unfolds and the characters in the plot begin to take shape and demand to tell their story. I let them have their way. And, there are times when even I’m surprised at the choices they make. In The Devil Made Me Do It, Briggs’s and Esther’s journey totally amazed me. Even though each book in the Heaven over Hell trilogy stands alone, the next two books will continue their saga. BPM: Introduce us to your current work. What genre do you consider your book? I consider the book Christian fiction with an edge. I say that because, yes, my characters are Christian (well, most of them), but they aren’t perfect, and they don’t part the Red Sea or walk on water (although I do believe that miracles and wonders still occur). My characters sometimes make poor choices, and they have to face the consequences of those choices. I wanted to explore what happens when the devil comes for your sense of self at a young age, and he didn’t just stumble on to you; he’s on assignment. The scripture pertaining to the devil wanting to kill, steal, and destroy you is not only speaking of a physical act, but it is also mental and emotional in origin. The book’s glimpse into the supernatural provides a twist that is “cover-your-eyes scary,” and in the next chapter “slap the table, fun and humorous.” Esther Wiley is one of three childhood friends who are joined at the hip from kindergarten to college. In college, Esther meets Briggs Stokes, and they fall in love. But, life throws all the friends a shocking curve ball that causes a ripple effect that lasts for years. BPM: Give us some insight into your main characters. What makes each one so special? Esther dares to believe, even from a young age, that she is special. As African Americans, we are so conditioned not to speak well of ourselves less we be called prideful. Sometimes we become so conditioned to not think ourselves wonderful that we end up with self-esteem issues. Esther dared to believe and to act on that belief. Briggs is a son of privilege, but it’s that same privilege that makes him come to believe that in his truest self he is invisible. It’s not just about his inherited money, but about who he really is. He struggles with the question: How do you grow up around God’s anointed superstar and still be seen for yourself? The devil uses both of these issues to destroy the destiny God has for each of them. When they allow the spirit of lack to decide their futures, both lose. Identity theft was committed long before the computer age. My pastor has always taught that if you fail to know the purpose of a thing, you are destined to abuse it. This first book in the trilogy shows the hidden agenda of those who should be for you and how making the right decision when you come to spiritual forks in your road will decide your destiny. And, for the record, it doesn’t end on a cliff-hanger. LOL. BPM: Can you outline some areas where your characters dealt with issues that are in current affairs? Yes, they deal with suicide—a taboo subject in most communities. They also deal with lust and adultery. And . . . the question: Is it adultery if you don’t consummate it? The Bible states if you sin in your heart . . . But, what does man say? And when adultery is committed, how and can you forgive? All of America is hooked on a television show built around adultery with one of the most powerful men in the country. It’s entertaining; it’s riveting . . . but is it biblical? There’s an intimacy to sharing yourself with another person that I wanted to explore. You don’t just cheat physically, but you cheat in every area of your life. You have to lie . . . to create a separate life—so you become spiritually schizophrenic—one way with one person, another with someone else. Also, I deal with fraud on the job, a phenomenon that is occurring more and more. I deal with abuse—verbal and physical. And I deal with obsession. We see more and more stalkers today. BPM: What topics are primarily discussed? Did you learn anything personal from writing your book? I discuss all of the above. I also discuss how choices affect our lives. I ask and answer the question: Can one childhood incident shape the rest of your life? There’s an area in the book where I discuss the male African American youths of today, and what they need. It was eye-opening. I did learn . . . Some of the pearls of wisdom that came out while writing also ministered to me. It’s something to reread your own work and know that the Holy Ghost was your ghost writer. BPM: What would you like for readers to take away from your writing? I want them to be entertained. I want them to have Aha! moments that set them on the road to self-discovery. I want them to draw closer to a God who loves them unconditionally. BPM: How do you go about reaching new readers? Three avenues: First, tell a good story. The best compliment I received was from someone stating that their friends who were not Christians would read The Devil Made Me Do It because it was so entertaining. Second, in an excerpt reading with men (who were coerced to come by their wives), their feedback was that it wasn’t the normal chick-flick literature they thought it was going to be, and they all asked me to keep reading. Tell a good story that others can relate to. And, third, hopefully, people who read this interview will be inspired to run out and buy The Devil Made Me Do It, and then tell others to buy it too. Tell a good story and it promotes itself! (See how I keep mentioning the name of the book? Subconsciously, you’re hearing—buy the book, buy the book . . . LOL.) BPM: Were there any challenges in bringing this story to life? There were a lot of challenges. It took keeping hope alive to believe that one day this book would be read by people beyond my social circle. It took faith to bring this to fruition. I am still challenged to hone my skills; writing is a craft. I’ve learned more about this art after I submitted my book and had it accepted by my publishing company than I ever knew before. Thank God! I might have given up if I had any idea how much I didn’t know! BPM: What are your expectations for this book? What would you like to accomplish after the book is released? Best Seller, baby! I would love to have created my second career . . . and that twenty years later, I’ll still be writing, sitting in my rocking chair in a sunny place, sipping on my mango lemonade. So, you, your cousin, brother-in-law, and your hairdresser run out and buy the book or download the book. Just . . . Get the book! BPM: What are your goals as a writer? Do you set out to educate or inspire? Entertain? I set out to inspire and entertain. I think that the way to do that so that it is lasting is to educate. When we learn something, it changes our thinking on a given subject; therefore, we carry it in our spirits. Anything that is part of your spirit is part of you. Entertaining allows the education and inspiration to be like medicine going down with a spoonful of sugar. I am always trying to illuminate the goodness of God. This message continues to provide light in dark places. BPM: Finish this sentence: “My writing offers the following legacy to future readers . . .” “My writing offers the following legacy to future readers and authors who dare to be different. To go down the path less traveled. Trust your imagination and the story that you want to tell. Others DO want to hear it.” BPM: Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t included? How can readers discover more about you and your work? My goal is to continue writing beyond my trilogy. I have a “small ideas notebook” where I write down dynamic characters and interesting plots. So I plan to be around. I have a website called Write-spirit that can be read by going to www.ColetteHarrell.com. I will provide my calendar of events, book excerpts, and current works on the website . My blog will also be accessed through the web site. I have developed a fictional character by the name of Mother Maku Sweat, and her husband is Bishop Mo Sweat. She’s a feisty evangelist full of the wisdom of the ages. I plan to have Mother Sweat’s video advice column on my website as well. You can find out more about this book and this author by visiting Colette R. Harrell Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/coletteharrell/ Colette R. Harrell FB Profile: http://www.facebook.com/Colette.R.Harrell Colette R. Harrell Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/ColetteRHarrellFans Amazon Purchase: http://www.amazon.com/Colette-R.-Harrell/e/B00II98JUI Purchase copies today: Publisher: Urban Books (June 24, 2014) Paperback: 288 pages Language: English ISBN-10: 1601627823 ISBN-13: 978-1601627827 Shipping Weight: 0.2 ounces http://www.amazon.com/The-Devil-Made-Me-Do/dp/1601627823
The InterviewOk my good Sister, Tell the people a little about yourself. (You know who you are, about your family, what you do, where you are from, and where you presently reside.)
My name is Cassandra Baker Durham. I am the mother of three children (two sons and a daughter). I also have four grandchildren. I am from a small North Carolina town (High Point) which used to be known as the Furniture Capital of the World. I still live in High Point. Sister, I've been preaching a lot lately on “the process”. It’s what we thought was our storm but God was using what we went through to birth humility in us, greatness through us, and most importantly produce trust in Him. Have you been through any processes in your life and can you tell us how God used your process to produce purpose? In Oct 2004 I was involved in a near fatal car accident which left we unable to walk for four months. I learned more about God in those four months that I have ever learned in any sermon. That process taught me to lean totally on God. It taught me to stop having a form of Godliness but denying the power thereof. God has all power in His hands. In fact the Word tells us he has the heart of the king in his hands and he can turn it which every way he will. I found out that God really is in control. Sister you know I know all about wrecks dealing with Scroggins and I commend you for keeping the faith. Now has God ever given you a vision that you know for sure was a part of His great plan for your life? If so please explain. Not a vision per say, but I often to get these moments of déjà vu whereas a moment I am currently living comes in line with my divine destiny. It’s the feeling of living that moment before. I know that you are an author and I'll let the people in on that at the end of the interview, but what I'd like to know is what sparked your decision to become an author? I have always written in one form of another whether it was a diary, a journal, scholarly papers, or personal devotions. A friend came to me and suggested I compile the devotions that I had written into a book. The rest as they say is history. LOL! (~ Laugh Out Loud) It's amazing how God will use others to speak into our lives and awaken our instincts! What advice would you give to any woman that you feel would carry them through any situation in their life, book career, radio career, etc.? I would tell her that all things work together for the good of them that love God and those that and who are called according to His divine purpose. All of those things that they have been through, no matter what they have suffered, it will work together for their good. I don’t care who left or who stayed. Who died or who lived. What the devil meant for bad God is going to make it good. Hallelujah! You know I'm a firm believer in that. Well Sister, Minister, Friend, Author, Radio Host...my God you've got some hats Woman of God.... what can we expect to see from you next? I am expanding my blog radio show Fully Persuaded as well as preparing to release the follow up novel to "The Summer of Wrath". Sounds great, you know I love Fully Persuaded and as soon as I settle down, I'm going to start on "The Summer of Wrath". Now this is your time, minister to us what the Lord has put on your heart concerning God’s Daughters? Imagine God being a potter and we are the clay. He has taken the time to put each piece of clay on the wheel, pouring water into the clay, shaping it, molding it by holding it in his hands. The wheel continues to spend round and round in a circle gently shaping and making us. Ha! It is really not that simple, nor that gentle. Initially the potter (God) cuts the clay from a slab, and then it is plugged and wedged over the wheel. The potter has to manipulate push and pull it to create an opening eventually forming a cylinder. The cylinder is brought to the desired height and then the shaping begins. Round and round and round on the potter’s wheel we go, at times He may use a sponge ( trouble, trials and tribulations ) to get off the excess water. This process also smooths the surface (so we are not so rough, takes the hood out of us, removing all of our roughness that will turn people off from Christ) and contributes to the strength of the clay (helps us to withstand our tests, trials and tribulations). Once completely shaped into the image that he had desired for us the potter then allows for it (the pottery) to dry to a leathery state in which he then promptly trims it (we all know how painful the cutting and pruning process can be). God then puts the pottery back on the shelf to dry again ( this is why even when we are initially called by God we have to go somewhere, sit down and be processed correctly, but sometimes we jump out there too soon and make a mess). After the pottery (us) is completely dry it is then ready to be fired…… (You know what firing is, right…say it with me.. SUFFERING, yep) which removes the physical and chemical waters so that it will not break. So in the midst of our suffering we cannot break. The higher the temperature of the fire (of our suffering) the more impurities that are burned off this is where a lot of saints quit, back up, and throw in the towel. They do not want to withstand the suffering. Then the potter prepares a glaze. Glazes are so important that in the natural world that the potter’s glazes are secret; it is the one thing that distinguishes their pottery from the rest. It is their signature so to speak. It is the same way with God. Your glaze may be different from mine, but we are all His. But before the glaze (the anointing) can go on, the potter (God) must take sandpaper to the pottery (us) and rub out any bumps, imperfections that may try to stick to us thereby decreasing our value. Once the pottery ( us) is glazed it is then returned to the fire (2100 degrees Fahrenheit) for a final time, at this point the clay is no longer porous ( it has matured no longer sucking up any wind of doctrine that may come its way. It knows how to rightly divide the Word of God). The glaze (anointing) on the clay becomes very shiny at this point. The clay given a final sanding and dusting is ready for use. See now that wasn’t that bad now was it… See we all have to withstand something to be vessels of use for God. Jeremiah 18:1-4 The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,2 Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words.3 Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels.4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. ~ Let your light shine! (Copyright © 2013 by Cassandra Baker-Durham) Well Ladies & Gentlemen there you have it. Another one of God's Daughter at your service. I'm so honored to call her friend and do Check out my sister's work! Cassandra is the author of The Salt, Light, and Witnesses Blog which seeks to encourage, uplift and motivate others to walk in their divine calling as children of God. She has written four books, Fully Persuaded: 30 Days of Encouragement in Times of Trouble, The Summer of Wrath (Christian fiction novel), and Fully Constrained: What Faith Can Do and As I Live & Breath scheduled to be released soon. To Find Out More About This Daughter of God visit.. Email: cassdurham2012@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/cassandra.bakerdurham Twitter: www.twitter.com/Cassdurham Website: www.cassandradurham.net Radio Show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cassdurham I pray that you've been blessed and I will leave you with this thought.... God has VESSELS all over the world that He is using just like Cassandra and myself to get the Gospel to ever corner of the WORLD. If you'd like to be used by GOD, take time to read this........ 2 Timothy 2:19-21 says 19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, The Lord knows those who are His,” and, Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.”20 Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. Be Blessed and prepare to Work the Work!
What I Am Relaying To My Reader In This Book....
I would like my readers to first understand that you and your situation is never so far out there in left field that God cannot change, fix, redirect, or renew you and use all you went through for His Glory. You are never too far gone for a God who deals in the IMPOSSIBLE. Secondly, I want people to understand that sin produces death and you can't do what is permissible to you and not deal with the consequences your choices may bring. I say all the time we play Russian roulette with our souls and this should not be. Holy is still in order and whenever you are living out of line (against the Word of God and the Will of God), you place yourselves in harms way. Lastly, I wanted to cause teachers to understand that yes, they are dealing with children who are now weaker and wiser, but compassion is always in line and in order. Sometimes these students are dealing with so much at home. So many things we never thought about being faced with, our children are facing on a daily basis. As teachers, you never study to become their parents too, and you surely are not paid or compensated to be their counselors, but sometimes God places you in the position to be His voice and hands in their lives. Something You May Want To Know... Not Too Far Gone is the fiction side of my next non-fiction book entitled, "Processed For Purpose". I needed to put them out in this order because this is how I was led by the Holy Spirit. This book will be out maybe December or January and I am just as excited about it. My pastor, Pastor Tommy Nard Sr. or Word of Deliverance Family Life Church, prophesied into my life two years ago concerning my books, and the prophecy has unfolded right before my very eyes. I am a firm believer that prophecy always directs us to God, and God always use us to compel a people to come back to or believe upon Him. My books are me witnessing on purpose! My Struggles As An Author... There are not any! You know I thought finding a publisher and all the denials was my struggle, until I understood God's plan for my life. My books are about ministry; nothing more nothing less than a way to point people to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Controversial even, because I have spoken on things that some would be ashamed to say. I have even never been afraid of being lashed out at by people of an opposite opinion. I write my truths based upon my understanding of the Word of God and I recognized a long time ago that God will put my books in the hands of those who need them the most! All I need to do was persevere and be diligent. With this book, I finally stepped back into the clutches where I began and started my very own publishing spot. God gave me Divinely Sown because everything I write is divinely sown into the atmosphere for Kingdom building. So because I am not where I was in my spirit, I dare not use what people won't do as a struggle for what I can do! Allow me to encourage you by saying to you the world is always in need of a good message, and if God has given you one to give (whether in spoken or written words), you are responsible for giving it and you must give it. I don't owe the publishing companies who turned me down anything, and they don't owe me nothing; but I do owe God my life and my gifts and I refuse to hide them but rather multiply them so He might say, "Well done my good and faithful servant." Release Dates and Ordering Information.... Not Too Far Gone is scheduled to be released on August 8th! The pre-sales are going on now and those who pre-ordered will receive a special treat. You can go to my first page of my website and click on the cover of Not Too Far Gone and it will lead you to a place where you can purchase your copy at $13.50. On August 8th, you will be able to order from Amazon and for your Kindle. It is my prayer that God will release Angels in the world that will help me promote this book. I know that I can try to do it all, but I shall never succeed alone. I need help! So if you know of anyone who would like to help promote Not Too Far Gone, please contact me. May God bless you richly, and may you always remember that you are NOT TOO FAR GONE for God to use YOU! |
About InterviewsDanyelle Scroggins author of Not Until You're Ready presents: In The Living Room with Pastor Danyelle the place where you'll fine the testimonies of God's Daughters. Archives
October 2022
Categories
All
|