Brittney Holmes is a recent graduate from Redan High School in Stone Mountain, Georgia, where her outstanding GPA earned her the title of Salutatorian of her senior class. For her outstanding academic and extracurricular status, she is recognized in Who’s Who Among High School Students. A gifted journalist, Brittney is a youth contributing writer for Global Woman magazine. Published through Urban Books (Urban Christian imprint), her debut novel, Living Consequences gained recognition from the African American Literary Awards Show where she received the 2007 Open Book Award for Best Young Adult Fiction of the Year. Her second novel, Testing Relationships, was released in June 2008. In addition to reading and writing novels, Brittney has also authored several poems addressing the subjects of Christianity, peer pressure, and social issues. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, singing, dancing, listening to music, shopping, and spending time with her family and friends. In the fall of 2008, Brittney will enroll as a full-time student at the University of Georgia in Athens, where she plans to major in journalism. Brittney currently resides in Stone Mountain, Georgia, with her parents, Jonathan Bellamy and Kendra Norman-Bellamy and her younger sister, Crystal.
Learn MORE about Brittney and her endeavors by checking out her official website and through MySpace!
Fill in the blank: "Reading TESTING RELATIONSHIPS will cause you to laugh, cry, and even get angry, but it will also teach you what it means to put your complete faith and trust in God."
I know that TESTING RELATIONSHIPS is the sequel to your debut novel, LIVING CONSEQUENCES. Did you always plan to write a sequel, or did the characters of LIVING CONSEQUENCES stick with you? I fell in love with the characters from Living Consequences and couldn’t get them out off of my mind once I finished the book. It was almost an involuntary decision when I began writing the sequel Testing Relationships. Like most readers when they finished reading my first book, I wanted to know what was going to happen with Nevaeh, Ronald, Sierra, Marques, and Shimone after they’d received salvation. Would things be peachy keen, or would they continue to live life as they had been before they made the spiritual change? I realized in writing the sequel that neither would occur and that, like most new Christians, these characters would experience hardships in dealing with their faith. I wanted to illustrate those hardships within Testing Relationships.
What's your favorite thing about TESTING RELATIONSHIPS? I would have to say that my favorite thing about Testing Relationships is that the characters are as real as you or me. The situations they allow themselves to get into, the way they decide to handle them, the decisions their faced with making, and the lives that they lead are mirror images of someone in the real world. So the story, though labeled fiction, is truly real.
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What are three adjectives that best describe TESTING RELATIONSHIPS? Testing Relationships is dramatic, exciting, and empathetic.
What are three adjectives that best describe YOU? I am intelligent, goal-oriented, and blessed.
What have you done or what do you plan to do - as author - to promote TESTING RELATIONSHIPS? Promoting my work is probably the hardest thing about being an author, but I do my best to do what it takes in order to promote Testing Relationships. Since its release, I’ve traveled the country to meet with book clubs, posted updates concerning my writings online, and passed around my online interviews so that my family, friends, and colleagues are able to remain informed about my work. I plan to continue to promote myself and my writings by attending any events that will provide networking opportunities.
You wrote LIVING CONSEQUENCES at the age of 16; what propelled you at this young age to write a novel? Actually, I wrote Living Consequences when I was 14 and a freshman in high school. The book was actually published when I was 16. I was divinely inspired to write the book because before I physically sat down before my computer and began typing, I had no preconceived idea to write a book. I had planned on writing a journal for my own personal use and the story turned into something I had no intentions of creating. It was apparent that God had placed the story of Living Consequences in me so that I can share it and its message with the world.
What was life like being a published author and a teenager with the normal teenager activities and life? The only difference between me, being a published author, and me, before becoming a published author, is that I get to travel around to various places and events, promoting my books and meeting people I’d never even thought of meeting before. This career had definitely made my life a little more exciting and fun…and busy! I love the career, but I also love being able to do normal teenage activities and sometimes the two may clash. I have to do a lot of picking and choosing when it comes to hanging out with friends or going to a fellow author’s literary event that could open up closed doors. It can get intimidating, but I know that this is something God placed in me to do and it’s something I love.
Was it always part of the plan to integrate Christian living into the novel? Yes, it was always a part of the plan to integrate Christian living into my novels because my spirituality is a part of me. I feel that since God was gracious enough to bless me with the gift and the opportunity to be able to influence many, I’d use it to glorify and bless Him. I write from my experiences and from the experiences of those around me and try to show readers how they can conquer life by using simple faith-based tactics.
Both LIVING CONSEQUENCES and TESTING RELATIONSHIPS are strong works of Christian fiction; do you believe that you'll continue writing works that are reflective of the Christian faith? Yes, all of the novels I will write will continue to reflect the Christian faith. Because I was raised on Christian morals and values, my writing reflects what I know. All of my books deal with realistic issues that teens and young adults face in today’s society, but the lessons learned are faith-based. And according to feedback from my readers, my novels, regardless of the spiritual connection, are easy to connect with and have shown them that regardless of what they may be going through, they are never alone. Since I know this works and I’m transferring God’s messages to the world, I’ll continue to use Him as my clutch when writing.
Inside your MP3 PLAYER: What three tracks MUST you listen to these days? Just three? Okay…I would definitely have to say Keyshia Cole’s Heaven Sent is a must! Also, Alicia Keys’s Teenage Love Affair and one of my favorite songs, Love Him Like I Do by Deitrick Haddon featuring Ruben Studdard and Mary Mary.
Brittney Holmes: THE SOUNDTRACK! What three tracks would make it onto a soundtrack of your life, and why? Never Would Have Made It by Marvin Sapp would definitely make it onto the soundtrack because without God, I wouldn’t be here nor would I be able to get through any of life’s obstacles. Fantasia’s I Believe would also make the cut because it talks about reaching your highest potential and believing in what you can become. And finally, just because it’s my favorite song in the whole world, Ribbon in the Sky by Stevie Wonder would probably be on the soundtrack to illustrate my relationship with whatever man God has created for me.
Who are some of your favorite writers, and how do they inspire you as a writer? Of course, Kendra Norman-Bellamy, my mother, is one of my favorite writers. She inspires me the most because she took her lifelong passion and favorite pastime and made it into a career that has been more successful than most because she decided to put her faith in God and do what He has called her to do. Victoria Christopher Murray is also a favorite of mine because she is a phenomenal writer and doesn’t mind taking risks in creating her stories and she has taught me that there’s nothing wrong with me doing the same. Jacqueline Thomas and Tia McCollors are also authors who create realistic stories that inspire me to tap deeper into my own creativity when writing.
Dream-on: You've just been told that someone wants to turn TESTING RELATIONSHIPS into a movie. Who would play Shimone, Marques, Nevaeh, Ronald, Imani, and Sierra? Wow! If only I could get a call from someone who would like to turn my novels into a movie, I’d definitely have a line up for them. Raven Symoné would be an almost perfect match for Shimone; the multi-talented Columbus Short could play Marques; Joy Bryant would be a good candidate to play Nevaeh; Ronald would be played by the handsome Derek Luke; Imani could be played by Keke Palmer; and Meagan Good would best portray Sierra.
What's currently going on in your WRITING LIFE? As of right now, I’m trying to finish a manuscript that I’ve been working on for the past year. I’m not sure if it’s flowing how I want it to, so I may stop where I’m am in writing it and start all over from chapter one. However, I just submitted my third novel, “Grace and Mercy,” to my publishers and if things go well, it will be released in the coming year or so.
Monday, August 11, 2008 -- Pamela S. Thibodeaux: MySpace
Friday, August 15, 2008 -- Faith Inspired Books: MySpace
Friday, August 22, 2008 -- James A. Jimason: MySpace
Friday, August 29, 2008 -- Cynthia Polansky: MySpace
Just from reading the early submissions from the authors, I can tell you that they are ALL taking it seriously, and you'll be in for some great responses, so head over to AtBaP TODAY and subscribe to the blog!
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Sharon Oliver is a resident of the Atlanta area. She is also a contributing writer for an online magazine and currently working on her third novel, a murder mystery.
To learn more about Sharon and her literary works, you can check out her WEBSITE!
Fill in the blank: "Reading KEEP YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER will make you laugh, think and last but not least, honor God. Hopefully, the reader(s) will recognize God’s grace in the book as well as in their own lives."
In screenwriting, a logline is a one-sentence summary of a script. Typically, a logline does three things: tells who the main character is and what he/she wants, tells who or what stands in his/her way, and tells what makes the story unique. Having said that, imagine the poster for KEEP YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER: THE MOVIE. What would its logline read? A weary young divorcee sojourns in the deep south to rest and regroup only to find big city drama in a not-so sleepy small town.
What's your favorite thing about KEEP YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER? The humor even when intertwined in a serious message.
What have you done or what do you plan to do - as author - to promote KEEP YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER? I’ve scheduled book signings, advertised in magazines, mailed and passed out brochures, sent email blasts and participated in online interviews.
Why do you feel compelled to write fiction that integrates Christian values? A fellow Urban Christian author summed up Christian fiction and there is one key point I’d like to borrow from her to answer that question. That is, it is a ministry I feel God has given me a heart for. I don’t have a desire to write erotica, horror, etc. So far, I’ve not been given any ideas for writing romance either and romance novels are the norm these days. I’ve always enjoyed mystery/suspense books as well as humorous novels. With that said, I’d like to reach that like-minded audience and add Jesus to the mix. Nothing too heavy, but enlightening, creating and/or keeping a thirst for God.
Do you see yourself integrating Christian values into future works? Definitely.
INSIDE YOUR MP3 PLAYER: What three tracks MUST you listen to these days? Chris Tomlin’s HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD, Israel Houghton’s ALPHA & OMEGA, and whatever the day’s mood calls for.
Sharon Oliver: THE SOUNDTRACK! What three tracks would make it onto a soundtrack of your life, and why? FENCEWALK, by a 70’s group named Mandrill just for the old school jam; Richard Smallwood’s, ANTHEM OF PRAISE for the uplifting and setting the tone and Marvin Sapp’s, NEVER WOULD HAVE MADE IT because…I mean, come on.
Who are some of your favorite writers, and how do they inspire you as a writer? Agatha Christie, Walter Mosley and Elaine Viets. Agatha’s fictions are just classics. This brilliant creator of methodical sleuths introduced us to a host of suspects, dreamy locales and crafty villains. Walter Mosley’s Easy Rawlins series are film noirs in print. I grew up watching black and white movies and still enjoy a good AMC or Turner Classic film. Mosley gives it to you with an African American as the major player. Elaine Viets’ books keep me in stitches while trying to figure out whodunit. She’s excellent at creating comical lines and conversations between the characters.
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What have you learned as a writer since the publication of KEEP YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER? Whew! Where do I start? Actually, I’m still learning. One thing for sure, you can never have enough pair of eyes for editing. Connecting with others in the field is important. Be patient and have perseverance because God can sure make those crooked paths straight.
Dream-on: You've just been told that someone wants to turn KEEP YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER into a movie. Who would play Charlotte Morley and Reverend Holiday? Nia Long as Charlotte and Anthony Anderson as Reverend Holiday. Might I add that Tasha Smith would be perfect for the part of Timmi and donning a wig and makeup to look aged, the effervescent Jennifer Lewis as Miss Sista.
What's currently going on in your WRITING LIFE? Right now, I’m working on a 3rd novel, which happens to be a murder mystery and yes, it is still Christian fiction. I’m also branching out as a contributing writer for a couple of online magazines.
Word Association. What comes to mind when you see the following words: ENEMIES: defeated WRITING: evolving KEEP YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER: if you know what I know you, you will (Oops, that’s 9 words. Sorry) FAITH: necessary SHARON OLIVER: growing
Author interviews, great poetry, engaging stories and essays, and more await you in the Summer 2008 Issue of The Nubian Chronicles, and it all starts (HERE)!
Check out the latest issue! You won't be disappointed!
HEAD OVER to SisterDivas Magazine and check out the great articles and interviews and episodes (of Love Bytes) in the Summer 2008 Issue. We have articles on relationships, health, self-love - see what our summer BUZZWORTHY movies, TV shows, books, and music are!
Over @ Blogging in Black, where I have a monthly column, I share my ROMANCE with writing. Please take the time to head there, read it, and leave comments about your own love affair with the WORD and with writing!
Why Choose Editorial Services through ChickLitGurrl™?
Here are a few reasons why people love Shon's editorial services - to include her Writer's Boot Camp!
Shon's writing boot camp is probably one of the most helpful writing exercises that there is for aspiring writers - Ozakie Knotts =====
I have had the pleasure of working with Shonell on numerous projects that have paid off with huge dividends. Her approach, eye for detail, and professionalism have landed me an agent, and my novels have caught the eye of a mainstream publisher. Also working with her, I have won several writing awards. Her editing is second to none. I enjoy working with her. I look forward to working with her in the future, and I gladly recommend her services.
I met Shon through MySpace, and I have to say that now I am a true believer of Divine Intervention. Working with Shon has been one of the greatest blessings in my writing career; she is direct, inquisitive, and genuinely interested in your story. She asks questions about the direction the story is going (often they are things I didn’t even think about and if she hadn’t asked certain things in my story, they would’ve gone unanswered). Since working with her, my latest manuscript got picked up by a publisher after one month of sending out query letters. She is affordable and incredibly fast; I’ve never known an editor that works as fast as Shon does. Honestly, I can go on and on about how amazing Shon is, but you’ll just have to try her services out for yourself.
Liz DeJesus, Author and Poet Under the Moonlight will be published through Cacoethes Publishing under the pen name Isabelle Rose =====
Shon Bacon edited my novel, Project Queen. After applying her changes and suggestions, I was able to gain a new publisher. Once again, Shon seemed to have sensed my writing style/personality very keenly and maintained the integrity of that style during editing. This definitely sets her apart from all the rest!
T. D. Patterson, author of Project Queen =====
I hired Shonell Bacon to proofread my debut novel, Strawberry Mansion: A Philadelphia Story, and the care, skill, and professionalism she applied to my manuscript really made it shine! Shonell is an asset to every aspiring author’s arsenal!
Shon Bacon edited the manuscript of my first novel. She corrected many areas including verb tenses, spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors. As a result, the story is a much “smoother” read.
Shon also made personal notes as she edited the script. She questioned certain areas where she felt improvements to the story could be made. I agreed with all of her recommendations.
Shon used the “track changes” feature on Microsoft Word so I could easily see the corrections she made, and I could also accept or reject each change. This made it very easy for me to review.
In summary, I recommend Shon Bacon for all editing, and I intend on hiring her to edit my second novel.
Please visit my website or MySpace page noted below should you wish to see Shon’s work. The first few chapters of my novel The Back of My Mind are listed on both sites.
Shon Bacon’s uncanny ability to integrate mastery of the English language with supreme innateness in identifying artistic literacy is unparalleled in the editing industry. She is the epitome of ‘perfect balance’ with regards to being a grammatical sharp shooter and connoisseur of creative wordsmithing. ‘Ultimate satisfaction’ is the most common phrase utilized when describing Shon’s work
Marc Lacy, The Looking Heart and Rock & Fire
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Fill in the blank: "Reading SUDDENLY SINGLE will make youlaugh, cry, and reassure you that the Lord works in his own time to make things happen."
You have 25 words to make readers RACE out to buy SUDDENLY SINGLE...GO! If you've ever been heart-broken or want an honest take on being single and saved in a secular society, read this book!
What's your favorite thing about SUDDENLY SINGLE? I love my two main female characters. Vashti (bless her heart) really makes me feel good about my failed relationships because I know that my love life will never be as tragic as hers. I love reading about characters that I don't have to be jealous of. Monique is great, too. She was really fun to create because she says whatever she feels and has some of the best lines in the book. She is definitely a scene stealer!
What are three adjectives that best describe SUDDENLY SINGLE? Fun, real, uplifting
What are three adjectives that best describe YOU? Curious (some would call it nosey), creative, and sensitive
What have you done or what do you plan to do - as author - to promote SUDDENLY SINGLE? I've pimped myself in every way possible. I've done radio interviews, TV, blogs, e-blasts, postcards, newspaper articles, websites, book club meetings, writing workshops, church conferences. You name it and I've probably done it-- twice!!
Shana Burton: THE SOUNDTRACK! What three tracks would make it onto a soundtrack of your life, and why? My Life (Mary J. Blige) because you have to really look into my life and see everything I've been through and have had to overcome to truly understand me. I think that's true of everyone. Yesterday (Mary Mary) because I am making a conscious effort to let things roll off of me and to put my trust in the Lord. Just Fine (Mary again) because my life is not perfect, but I'm in a great place mentally, spiritually, financially, and everywhere else.
You're going on vacation, and you're only allowed to take three books with you -- what are they? The Bible, Their Eyes Were Watching God, Native Son
What makes SUDDENLY SINGLE fit into the Christian genre mold? While Vashti spends most of the book making mistakes, by the end, she has grown spiritually and is well on her way in her Christian walk. By definition, to be considered Christian fiction, the book has to reflect Christian values and the lead character(s) has to be spritually mature (or have shown significant growth) by the end of the book, but that's it. The church doesn't have to be the dominant setting, nor does the plotline have to revolve around church.
Will future books reflect Christian values as well? Yes, they all will. I'm a Christian, so it naturally comes out in my writing, but I'm also a realist. My characters will never be perfect Christians who always make the right choices. That's neither realistic nor interesting to read.
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The main character of SUDDENLY SINGLE, 26-year-old Vashti Hunter is left at the altar and vows to be married within a year. Why do you think women - from young to old - still feel this incompleteness about themselves that only marriage can provide? Or do you think they do? I think a lot of them do for various reasons. When I was single, I had a son, so I didn't want to be out dating a plethora of guys. I wanted stability for myself and my son, and marriage gave me that. Being the type of person that I am, I don't think I would've felt complete without a family. By the same token, I also have friends who are looking for "financial completeness" and having two incomes provide that. Some want social status, and some are just tired of being alone. Then, of course, there are those who feel "complete" as they are and just see marriage as the icing.
You're a career woman, a novelist, a wife, and a mother: how do you find the time to write? I make the time. I keep a notebook with me so whenever I have any down time (i.e waiting in line, sitting in traffic), I write. Then there are those times when I have to look the door and kick everybody out for a few days or a few hours because I have a deadline to meet.
Who are some of your favorite writers, and how do they inspire you as a writer? Zora Neale Hurston is my ultimate favorite. Her writing style and colorful diction is some of the best I've ever read. I love Toni Morrison's style, too. I'm also a big Richard Wright fan. Of course, I do love more contemporary writers as well-- Mary Monroe, Victoria Christopher Murray, Eric Jerome Dickey, Tina Ansa, and Terry McMillian all immediately come to mind, too.
What is one big thing you've learned about the industry since you've been published? That's it a business first and foremost. While it may be a calling a passion for me, the publishing world couldn't care less about that. They are interested in the bottomline, which is sales.
Dream-on: You've just been told that someone wants to turn SUDDENLY SINGLE into a movie. Who would play Vashti Hunter? Megan Goode or Lauren London. They are both beautiful, young talented actresses who have the range to pull it off.
What's currently going on in your WRITING LIFE? I am finishing my third book, which is actually five stories in one surrounding a group of friends and their drama. I don't really have a title for it yet, though. I was thinking about calling it "Bag Ladies" because the ladies have so much emotional baggage and they bond through shopping. The downside to that title is having to explain what it means. I'm also toying with Flaws and All as a potential title.
Want to learn more about Shana and SUDDENLY SINGLE? Then check Shana out at her website!
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Book Bytes
Even death can’t stop Judith McBride from controlling things like keeping her husband away from their sexy, yet dangerous accountant! Loved the humor, sensitivity, and enlightenment in Remote Control and how in the end, a simple truth remains: spiritual growth means relinquishing control and giving to a higher power.
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Left at the altar, Vashti Hunter turns away from church and toward men to find Mr. Right, eventually learning she shouldn’t sacrifice self for love. Overall, solid premise and enough drama to propel readers to ending. Be forewarned: drama is at every turn; take a breath and dive right in!
Click the cover to check out Suddenly Single NOW!
Going Topless embodies friendship, sisterhood, relationships, sex, and getting your life back. I enjoyed its fun and sexy turns as much as I enjoyed its tender moments. Title is PERFECT; sometimes, when life bottles you up, you need to start GOING TOPLESS to reveal your true self. Great summer read!
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LOVE this book! Didn't want to put it down. It's unique, it has hot sex (with a purpose), and the characters are like some I've never seen in books before. First chapter alone will get you in the mood! Messalina: Devourer of Men has much HEAT and much HEART.
Click cover to read chapter one and buy your copy of Messalina: Devourer of Men TODAY!
Alyson Noel ROCKS at creating the angst and voice of teenage girls, and Colby Cavendish, the main character of Cruel Summer is a witty, thoughtful chick to spend the summer with. Cruel Summer is a great read - better than my fave books from Noel, KISS & BLOG and SAVING ZOE.
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Great Writing. Sizzling Story. Geneva Holliday is back and better than ever. Click cover to order Seduction TODAY!
BOOK BYTES will feature book reviews of 50 words or less. Want to be featured at BOOK BYTES? E-mail me for more information!
About Me
Chick Lit Gurrl
Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States
ChickLitGurrl is an author, educator, editor, and everywoman, who happens to love a good book and a great chocolate caramel latte. Here, she will offer information regarding writing opportunities and most importantly, she will share WONDERFUL CONVERSATIONS with women writers YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT!
