CLOSE UP ON ARTS & CULTURE
LOH Magazine | August 2018 13
When and why did you start singing and songwriting ? Do you play an instrument as well ?
When I was 10 or 11 , lyrics of songs took on a different meaning than the a singalong that I was accustomed to growing up as a child . They began to stir emotions within me that I could identify with and understand . Also , my mother had a friend that was a singer and asked me to listen to specific songs and write down the words . Often I would do this with my tape recorder over , over and over again . I began to understand that lyrics were someone ’ s feelings and a song was how they expressed their emotions . My desire to play an instrument stopped , but my desire to write increased .
* How did you decide what you are going to sing about ? Is this a hobby ?
During this time I began to write down my feelings . I asked my mama to buy me a
journal with a lock and key , which she did . I wrote in my journal every single day until I learned that my younger sister was sneaking and reading my most personal thoughts . Nevertheless , the desire to write was still in my heart . Writing is therapeutic for me . It was as a young girl , and it is today .
* What caused you to want to go further and publish / copyright your book / song ( s )? What were the steps for this to happen ?
When I lost my job in October 2015 , I asked the Lord what he wanted me to do . I heard him say in my spirit to “ finish your book .” I began writing a book in 2003 titled , “ Corporate America Through the Eyes of a Black Woman .” This book has not been published , but excerpts from this book is in my book titled “ The Miracle Lamp ”, which I published in 2017 .
* What are your goals for the Near future ? What other desires do you have in the field of music / literature ?
I decided to start my own publishing company because I believed that I could do it . Why would the Lord tell me to write a book and not provide the means to publish it ? I knew the Lord would provide everything I needed to make it happen . As a result , I stepped out on faith and followed the leading of the Holy Spirit . My desire was to glorify God and His Kingdom . The Lord challenged me to use my background , knowledge and skills in business and management . He made it very clear that he had already put in me what was necessary . However , I had to be disciplined and obedient . Writing requires quietness of spirit , separation from busyness and frivolity .
I have written numerous books , most are already completed with copyrights . My first children ’ s books will be published during the first quarter of 2018 . They are titled , “ I Am A Miracle ” and “ All of God ’ s Babies .” An Inspirational Perspective on Life for Children .
I am very excited about my next adult book , which is titled , “ Women of the World : Past , Present and Future .” My goal is to continue to write and publish books that will be a blessing to all that read them . Also , to share my gifts with other aspiring writers .
CONTINUED ON PAGE 16