Miranda A. Uyeh's Blog, page 44

Author scoop ~ Chatting Moments With Charles Salzberg!

It’s a tour stop!

 

 

I book blog for JKS Communications occasionally, so when Swann’s lake of Despair first caught my eye, I thought, why not interview the author behind this book? I published a review of Lake of Despair yesterday. You can read it here. In the meanwhile, let’s get to know Charles a little more than what his bio offers. Join us below.

 

Me: Hello Charles! Honored to have you visit To Be A Person. Please tell us something informal about yourself. And, Coffee or tea?

Charles: I’m a writer and I teach writing and I live in New York City. I don’t have a dog or a cat or a goldfish or even a plant, but I live on the Upper West Side of Manhattan (I was born and raised in New York City, but on the East Side) and there are plenty of dogs and cats and even grass and trees. I began wanting to be a fiction writer, but when I saw I couldn’t make a decent living from that, I stumbled into magazine journalism after working in the mailroom at New York magazine for three months. From there, without knowing what I was doing, I wound up ghostwriting books, writing my own non-fiction books, while still interviewing celebrities for magazines like Redbook, Ladies Home Journal, The New York Times, and Elle; and I began teaching writing. I was fortunate enough to have many students who became a lot more famous than I, like Lauren Weisberger who took one of my classes and came in with her first essay about her first day at work and called it, The Devil Wears Prada. No need to say more, right?

Now I solely write fiction, right now it’s crime fiction with a twist that there are no murders to solve. I deal with other kinds of crimes, which I find are much more fascinating. Besides, how many of us in a lifetime actually come across murder?

I love to go to the movies—I see practically everything, good or bad—and I never rent movies or see them online. I like to actually go to the theater and sit there in the dark with other people, but not too many other people, and watch on a big screen.

 

 

Me: Haha! I’m glad to learn more about you. Also, I really like your sense of humor—there’s an edge of ho9nesty to it that  makes me chuckle.

What inspired you to become a writer?

Charles: It wasn’t so much inspiration as destiny. It’s what I do, what I can do, and probably the only thing I can do reasonably well—other than play sports. I was a shy kid who lived in something of a fantasy world, so putting it down on paper really helped. I thought if I make up stories I never actually have to speak to people. Of course, I wound up in a profession—journalism—where you have to talk to strangers all the time, but somehow I evolved to the point where I could do that.

But I suppose it was reading authors like Mark Twain, Saul Bellow, Bernard Malamud, Norman Mailer, Philip Roth, and detective novelist like Hammett and Chandler that really inspired me to become a writer.

 

Me: A great list of authors there! I can see why you write the way you do. Also, what an irony that you ended up having to talk to strangers all the time.

In what way do you believe writing can make the world a better place?

Charles: Writing can take us places we’ve never been before. It can introduce us to people we’d never meet. It can show us that we’re all not that different from one another, that we have the same problems, the same feelings. It connects us in ways that nothing else can.

 

Me: “It connects us in ways that nothing else can.” So true!

You have mentored some great writers. Could you please mention a few, and, tell us your 
greatest satisfaction in mentoring these writers?

Charles: Lauren Weisberger, of course, as I mentioned earlier. But she’s only one. Lately, it’s Jessica Alexander, whose book, Chasing Chaos came out of her work as a humanitarian aid worker. Mindy Greenstein, whose hilarious, yes, that’s right, House on Crash Corner came from her experiences as the child of holocaust survivors. Harry Getzov, whose book, Gold, inspiring interviews with people over the age of 70. Ellen Schecter, whose memoir, Fierce Joy, chronicles her overcoming of chronic illness and pain. Ross Klavan, one of my best friends, whose hilariously funny and literary novel, Schmuck, wouldn’t have been published if it hadn’t been for the Greenpoint Press, the publishing wing of the New York Writers Resources. And there are so many others.

A friend of mine jokes that I’m the king of Acknowledgments. I just moved and found that I have almost three bookshelves filled with books written either by friends or students and I’m much more proud of that than anything I’ve written.

 

Me:That is a wonderful achievement, Charles—to be a wonderful writer, and be able to lead others into great writing, as well.

You co-founded Greenpoint Press. What need did you see in the publishing industry that 
made you go into publishing? In your opinion, is your publisher fulfilling this need as 
much as you hoped it would?

Charles: I was seeing so many sensational manuscripts cross my desk that I knew would never find the light of day in commercial publishing. I had a student, Richard Willis, who was almost 80 years old when he came to me. He was writing a book about his experiences growing up on a farm in Iowa during the Depression. I’m a city kid, but I found it fascinating. I sent him to some agents and they all said the same thing: great book, but we don’t see an audience for it. Well, I did, and it was the first book we published, if you don’t count How Not to Greet Famous People, which was a compilation of the best of our webzine, Ducts.org (the second edition, The Man Who Ate His Book, is out now. To our surprise, it did amazingly well, well enough to earn him a little money. Richard is pushing 85 now and he’s thrilled about its success and so are we. We’ve now published close to a dozen books and as long as the money holds out—we live on donations and people buying our books—I’m going to keep doing it.

 

Me: What an amazing story! I’m glad publishing worked out for Richard and you. Great work!

So many new authors these days. What difference do you perceive between the old and the new? What advice would you give to the new?

Charles: That’s a tough question, but I’d say the difference is that more people can get published today. That means more good books but it also means more bad books, as well. And I think contrary to what most people think, there is more reading going on than ever. It’s just being read in different ways, on Ipads or phones or tablets.

My advice is simple: read, read, read. Write, write, write. Take classes, if you can. Get in a writer’s group if you can. And never give up.

 

Me: So simple. Thank you for that.

Is there a new project you’re working on? May we have a sneak peek? What more should we expect from you in the long run?

Charles: I’m working on the fourth in the Swann series, called Swann’s Way Out. I guess I’ll keep writing them either until I get tired of them, I run out of cute titles, or I win an award for one of them. But I’ve got a couple of ideas for other crime novels and I’ve got a manuscript in my drawer, Black Magic, a black comic novel, that I still haven’t given up on because I think it’s my best work.

 

Me: Hmm. Interesting …

When you finally decide to put your pen down, and you look back on your career, what aspect of your achievements would put a smile on your face—one you hope to pass on as a legacy?

Charles: The fact that I never gave up. That I wrote Swann’s Last Song more than 25 years before it was published, but that I was persistent enough to never just put it away in a drawer, because I knew it was good. And, in the end, I got the last laugh because when it was finally published it was nominated for a Shamus Award and it started me writing a series of Swann novels, the third of which is Swann’s Lake of Despair.

I don’t drink coffee—the only writer in America who doesn’t. And I don’t like hot tea unless I’m sick. But I do love iced tea.

Well said, Charles! I love your answer! Thank you for stopping by today!

And thank you for having me. It was fun!

 

About the Book

 

 

MISSING PHOTOS, A MISSING DIARY AND A MISSING WOMAN: THREE MYSTERIES CONVERGE IN NEW THRILLER

Award-winning novelist Charles Salzberg releases ‘Swann’s Lake of Despair’ Oct. 22

NEW YORK CITY – Where mystery lurks, detective Henry Swann is not far behind.

The offbeat private investigator is back in “Swann’s Lake of Despair,” award-winning author Charles Salzberg’s newest installment in his successful mystery series. This time, Swann is charged with solving three challenging cases when rare photos of bombshell Marilyn Monroe, a scandalous diary and a beautiful woman all disappear. Salzberg’s latest book comes out Oct. 22, 2014.

The story takes off with an offer for Swann to team up with his careless, unreliable frenemy Goldblatt. The disbarred lawyer-turned-“facilitator” would provide the leads and muscle, while Swann would do all the fancy footwork. A missing diary penned by a free-loving jazz flapper is worth enough to someone that Swann takes a beat down on an abandoned boardwalk. Pilfered photos propel him deep into the past of an alcoholic photographer, his wife; and he’s hired to search for a lonely writer’s runaway girlfriend. The cases converge and collide in a finale that lifts the curtain on crucial, deadly facts of life for everyone – including Swann himself.

With “Swann’s Lake of Despair,” Salzberg continues a tradition of weaving a web of intrigue and cerebral crimes that fans have come to crave.

“Swann’s got the smarts and hard-boiled cynicism of Sam Spade, but he’s also got a wicked sense of humor that keeps things cool even when the action gets hot,” says Brian Kilmeade, author and co-host of “Fox & Friends.”

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About Charles Salzberg

Charles Salzberg is a New York-based novelist, journalist and acclaimed writing instructor.

His latest novel, “Swann’s Lake of Despair,” is the newest installment in the Henry Swann detective series, which also includes the Shamus Award-nominated book “Swann’s Last Song” and “Swann Dives in.” His novel, “Devil in the Hole,” is a work of literary crime fiction based on the notorious John List murders.

A celebrated and popular creative writing teacher, he has been a visiting professor at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and has taught writing at Sarah Lawrence College, Hunter College, the Writer’s Voice, and the New York Writers Workshop, where he is a founding member. He was chosen as one of New York’s Great Teachers by New York Magazine. He is a consulting editor at the webzine Ducts.org and co-host, with Jonathan Kravetz, of the reading series, Trumpet Fiction, at KGB in New York City.

Salzberg was the International Guest of Honor at the Crime and Justice Festival in Melbourne, Australia, in November 2013. He has participated in New York Public Library/Mystery Writer of America Writer panels, a panel at Bouchercon 2013 in Albany, and has appeared twice at Men of Mystery, in Irvine, Calif.

Salzberg has written several celebrity profiles as well as roughly 100 magazine articles on an array of subjects ranging from sports to finance to health to entertainment to fashion. His freelance work has appeared in Esquire, New York Magazine, GQ, Elle, Redbook, Ladies Home Journal, The New York Times Arts and Leisure section, The New York Times Book Review and the Los Angeles Times Book Review.

He is also the author of “From Set Shot to Slam Dunk, An Oral History of the NBA;” “On A Clear Day They Could See Seventh Place: Baseball’s 10 Worst Teams of the Century;” and co-author of “My Zany Life and Times, by Soupy Sales,” “Catch Them Being Good” and “The Mad Fisherman.”

Filed under: Author Feature, Author Interview, Book Feature, Virtual Blog Tour Tagged: Author Interview, Author Scoop, Charles Salzberg, Henry Swann, Mystery, Swann's Lake of Despair

Virtual Blog Tour & Book Review ~ Swann’s Lake of Despair by Charles Salzberg

About the Book

MISSING PHOTOS, A MISSING DIARY AND A MISSING WOMAN: THREE MYSTERIES CONVERGE IN NEW THRILLER

Award-winning novelist Charles Salzberg releases ‘Swann’s Lake of Despair’ Oct. 22

NEW YORK CITY – Where mystery lurks, detective Henry Swann is not far behind.

The offbeat private investigator is back in “Swann’s Lake of Despair,” award-winning author Charles Salzberg’s newest installment in his successful mystery series. This time, Swann is charged with solving three challenging cases when rare photos of bombshell Marilyn Monroe, a scandalous diary and a beautiful woman all disappear. Salzberg’s latest book comes out Oct. 22, 2014.

The story takes off with an offer for Swann to team up with his careless, unreliable frenemy Goldblatt. The disbarred lawyer-turned-“facilitator” would provide the leads and muscle, while Swann would do all the fancy footwork. A missing diary penned by a free-loving jazz flapper is worth enough to someone that Swann takes a beat down on an abandoned boardwalk. Pilfered photos propel him deep into the past of an alcoholic photographer, his wife; and he’s hired to search for a lonely writer’s runaway girlfriend. The cases converge and collide in a finale that lifts the curtain on crucial, deadly facts of life for everyone – including Swann himself.

With “Swann’s Lake of Despair,” Salzberg continues a tradition of weaving a web of intrigue and cerebral crimes that fans have come to crave.

Genre

Mystery

My Rating

***** (4.5 stars)

My Review

I’m not much into mystery, but this was a book that engaged me from start to finish. The first-person style of writing was effectively used by Salzberg to build the personality of the hero, Henry Swann, to a level that was both believable and tangible. Evidently, Swann’s story began books before this one, but that doesn’t stop Lake of Despair from being a wonderful standalone.

This story begins with a cynical Swann forming a partnership with an impulsive Goldblatt—one who’s more or less a sidekick in the duo. They eventually get three cases to solve at the same time. Throughout the course of the story, despite the bumpy roads, distrusts, and disappointments, they form an unusual relationship that makes for a fantastic, but not intense mystery story, also comical in an ironic sort of way. There is some cussing, which I didn’t care for—mild, but not rampant, thankfully. Altogether, Lake of Despair was a well written prose; direct in its approach, easy to follow, and skillfully dense in its general put-together.

*Although I offer this review to the public, it’s my opinion and simply that. A thank you to JKS Communications for a free copy on exchange for my honest opinion. Also, my apologies to JKS communicatios and the publisher, Five Star, for publishing this review a day later than I was scheduled to.

**This is not a Christian genre book. I normally don’t accept/post reviews of non-Christian books, unless I unknowingly request one from a publisher. Only then do I feel bound to publish a review. Visit the TBAP review policy page for more information**

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About the Author

Charles Salzberg is a New York-based novelist, journalist and acclaimed writing instructor.

His latest novel, “Swann’s Lake of Despair,” is the newest installment in the Henry Swann detective series, which also includes the Shamus Award-nominated book “Swann’s Last Song” and “Swann Dives in.” His novel, “Devil in the Hole,” is a work of literary crime fiction based on the notorious John List murders.

A celebrated and popular creative writing teacher, he has been a visiting professor at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and has taught writing at Sarah Lawrence College, Hunter College, the Writer’s Voice, and the New York Writers Workshop, where he is a founding member. He was chosen as one of New York’s Great Teachers by New York Magazine. He is a consulting editor at the webzine Ducts.org and co-host, with Jonathan Kravetz, of the reading series, Trumpet Fiction, at KGB in New York City.

Salzberg was the International Guest of Honor at the Crime and Justice Festival in Melbourne, Australia, in November 2013. He has participated in New York Public Library/Mystery Writer of America Writer panels, a panel at Bouchercon 2013 in Albany, and has appeared twice at Men of Mystery, in Irvine, Calif.

Salzberg has written several celebrity profiles as well as roughly 100 magazine articles on an array of subjects ranging from sports to finance to health to entertainment to fashion. His freelance work has appeared in Esquire, New York Magazine, GQ, Elle, Redbook, Ladies Home Journal, The New York Times Arts and Leisure section, The New York Times Book Review and the Los Angeles Times Book Review.

He is also the author of “From Set Shot to Slam Dunk, An Oral History of the NBA;” “On A Clear Day They Could See Seventh Place: Baseball’s 10 Worst Teams of the Century;” and co-author of “My Zany Life and Times, by Soupy Sales,” “Catch Them Being Good” and “The Mad Fisherman.”

Filed under: Book Review, Virtual Blog Tour Tagged: Charles Salzberg, Mystery, Swann's Lake of Despair

Author Scoop ~ Chatting Moments With Catherine Bell

When I first discovered Rush of Shadows, I believed it would be a remarkable read, and it was (Read my Review). So I thought, why not reach out to Catherine and learn what she has to say about certain issues? I’m glad I did. If there’s one thing you’ll learn about Catherine, it’s that she’s exceedingly honest, not only in her writing, but in her answers. Join us below.

Me: Hello Catherine! Delighted to have you visit To Be A Person Please tell us a bit about yourself. Coffee or tea?

Catherine: I usually drink a cup in my office sometime during the morning while I’m getting my act together before going to class. I teach high school English, and I like green or zinger herb tea. Teaching is my other calling, along with writing. I love reading great literature with teenagers, watching their minds grow. This fall we started with The Crucible, Equus, King Lear, Pride and Prejudice, and The Things They Carried.

 

Me: Reading is a wonderful way to pass time! And, what an amazing set you have there for the fall!

Rush of Shadows is your first novel. What inspired you to start writing one now, and not before?

Catherine: I did start writing this novel before. Long before. 25 years ago at least. I worked on it about twenty years, finished several years ago, and then it took some time to connect with a publisher. Finding the story was like Moses and the burning bush, that is, the story actually found me, partly through the feeling I had for the Northern California land where it takes place, partly through intriguing scraps of tradition passed down in my husband’s family. “Who am I?” I thought. “Who am I to write this novel?” But there was no avoiding it. I was already embarked on a journey to find the necessary history, imagination, and skill.

 

Me: 25 years!! That’s amazing. I’m glad you got to finish writing it and eventually got it published. It’s quite a remarkable read.

Rush of Shadows is quite unique in its story. What message do you hope to pass across to your readers?

Catherine: The story is not unique, unfortunately. It’s not just about settlers displacing Indians in California. It’s the story of how a materially superior culture crushes another, ignorant of what they’re destroying. This has happened over and over again throughout North America and the world, and is happening in many places right now. Part of the tragedy is that the culture that undergoes genocide is in certain ways clearly superior to the dominant culture and holds some of the secrets to a rich human future that everyone needs, but few people take the trouble to find that out. When will we get tired of repeating this stupid destruction and understand that curiosity and friendliness are better than treating strangers as savages? If there’s a message, it’s that I want people to consider the human qualities which can change the story. Aren’t we all equal? Aren’t we all children of earth, of God, of the Spirit? We know this, but we forget.

 

Me: Amen to your message, Catherine. I, too, pray with you that the eyes of men will eventually be opened to this truth. Thank you for writing this story.

Your book/writing style is unwaveringly honest. What triggered you to write this story this way?

Catherine: I hope I would not be able to write other than honestly, at least as far as my understanding goes. In the case of the story of which Rush of Shadows is one version, it has been carefully forgotten, and very few people know it today. As Americans, we still believe in Manifest Destiny. We are heroes, and nearly always right. I think it would be better to face up to what really happened in our history. In this book, I wanted to understand all the points of view that made the story come out the way it did: 80% of the California Indian population destroyed in a little more than a decade. This is part of who we are. The only way we can go ahead, honestly, is to face up to our sins, repent, and correct them.

 

Me: What a sobering thought … What more can I say?

What should we expect from you in the future? Are you working on any projects now?

Catherine: I’m working on a novel that, like Rush of Shadows, takes place in California, but in the 1960’s, not the 1860’s. It’s about an Eastern college girl who gets pregnant out of wedlock and is banished to California to have the baby and give it up for adoption. I continue to write short stories, mostly about New England, where I grew up. I would like to write about the first American Christian missionaries to India, two of whom were ancestors of mine. I’ve inherited stories and a diary and an early 19th century Bible.

 

Me: What an interesting heritage you have. I’m looking forward to your books.

“…she found in fiction that penetrating experience of other people’s lives that opens a wider world … she credits work as a gardener, cook, cashier, waitress, and school bus driver with teaching her how to live in that wider world.” This is from your bio. Why say so?

Catherine: I felt the narrowness of my upbringing. It was a privileged way of life with the blinders and limited expectations that went with gender restrictions and defense of a dwindling heritage. It was through reading that I first understood something about real-life adventure. Blue-collar work got me a bit of self-reliance and realism and opened my eyes to some of the things other people might be up against.

 

Me: What an interesting perspective, Catherine. It takes great humility and keen perception to perceive what you have. Reading this, I can see why you write the way you do.

In your own opinion, what can writing offer the world? In what way can writers use it to make the world a better place?

Catherine: None of us lives very long or very much. Vicarious experience through reading can stretch our minds and hearts to something closer to the limits of human experience. I know what it’s like to wander the streets of St. Petersburg after killing an old woman with an axe, terrified to be found out, desperate to confess, because I’ve lived through it with Dostoevsky’s Raskolnikov. If being our brother’s keeper is more than just words, it means understanding another life, feeling it, thinking the thoughts that go with it, as if it were our own. The world will be a better place when people understand more of it. Engaged reading of great writing counts.

 

Me: “The world will be a better place when people understand more of it.” That’s so true! Better always comes along when we have the courage to step out of our worlds to smell the roses outside. Thank you for that!

As a first-time novelist, what advice would you give to another first-timer?

Catherine: Serve the story. The story exists, though still obscure. The power of the universe will give it to you. Listen and you will hear and find your voice. Don’t think about money or fame – or even publication – any more than you have to. Read all you can. Love and admire many writers, but don’t imitate anyone. Share your work with writers who will share theirs with you. What you want is factual feedback about their experience reading your stuff, not praise, blame, or advice.

Me: This is such great advice! As a writer, I’ll take this with me, and I hope others do so, too.

 

Thank you, Catherine, for stopping by today!

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About Catherine Bell

Catherine Bell grew up in a New England family with a sense of its past as distinguished and its culture superior, as chronicled in many of her short stories.  An early reader, she found in fiction that penetrating experience of other people’s lives that opens a wider world.  The Winsor School, Harvard, and Stanford prepared her to recognize good writing and thinking.  She credits work as a gardener, cook, cashier, waitress, and schoolbus driver with teaching her how to live in that wider world.

She has also worked as a secretary, freelance writer, and therapist, served as a teacher in the Peace Corps, and taught in inner city schools.  She has lived in Paris, Brasilia, Nova Scotia, Northern California, and Washington, D.C.  Culture clashes, even within families, are often subjects of her fiction.  She has published stories in a number of journals, including Midway Journal, Coal City Review, Green Hills Literary Lantern, Sixfold, Solstice, and South Carolina Review.  Her story “Among the Missing” won The Northern Virginia Review’s 2014 Prose Award.

She researched and wrote Rush of Shadows, her first novel, over a period of twenty years after she married a fourth-generation Californian and fell in love with his home territory, the Coast Range.  The bright sunburned hills, dark firs, clear shallow streams, and twisted oaks were splendid, but the old barns and wooden churches and redwood train station didn’t seem old enough.  Where was the long past?   Where were the Indians?  There was only the shadow of a story passed down by her husband’s grandmother late in life.  Born in 1869, she grew up playing with Indian children whose parents worked on the ranch her father managed.  One day the Army came to remove the Indians and march them to the reservation, and that was that.  She was four years old, and she never forgot.

 Bell lives with her husband in Washington, D.C. and visits children and grandchildren in California and Australia.  As a teacher at Washington International School, she loves reading great books with teenagers.

Filed under: Author Feature, Author Interview Tagged: Catherine Bell Author, Historical General Fiction, Rush of Shadows

Virtual Blog Tour & Book Review ~ Rush Of Shadows by Catherine Bell

It’s a tour stop!

About the Book

When American pioneers set their hearts on a California valley where Indians had been living for thousands of years, a period of uneasy appraisal emerged, followed by conflict and soon enough by genocide. The epic greed and violence of the 1850’s and 60’s has been brushed aside by history, conveniently forgotten in the pride of conquest. Willful ignorance and cruelty, terror and desperation were common in that time, but there were moments too of nobility and compassion, ingenuity and forgiveness, qualities which might have prevailed if certain things had been different. Rush of Shadows brings to life two freethinking women, Mellie, a white, and Bah

Genre

Historical General Fiction

My Rating

***** (5 Stars)

My Review

This book was written in chronicle style, like a collection of journals from different people put together to narrate a single story.

It begins with a young woman, Mellie, who was moving with her husband to settle in the South, and then comes in contact with some Native Americans—at the time, Indians—witnessing the harsh and unfair treatment upon them. The story emphasizes her unusual relationship with a native woman. Although Mellie has a sense of justice and longs to right the many wrongs, she struggles for a long time on what to do about this treatment. She eventually resorts to speaking up for them, something she learned from her father. Unto the end of the story, it seemed her work made no difference in persuading the public to be fair to the natives, but clearly, her kindness made a difference to the natives.

The time/setting of this story stretches from before and after the death of President Abraham Lincoln, spelling out the true feelings of the South, and how they reacted to the Declaration Act for Freedom, especially in dealing with the natives. Thankfully, though the book ended on a solemn note, it wasn’t exactly without hope.

I noticed a mix of religions in this book—it isn’t a Christian genre. There are characters with enough respect for the church, but the Native American spirituality was quite intense. Most characters didn’t have a care for either.

In reading this book, I sensed that the author’s aim was to tell the true American history—as grim as it was—without mincing words. She intended to write a book that showed the unfairness upon Native Americans—a truly bold literature. I’ll have to admit I didn’t care for the cussing. Thankfully, they were few, and not the general language of the book; the cussing was particular to certain characters. This is not a book written just to entertain. It explores history, teaches and informs. So brace yourself.

Finally, the literature quality is one of the best I’ve seen. Bell managed to write this book in a style that had the unique attribute of appearing as though it’s a “telling”, yet infused with adequate “showing”. I thought it was brilliant and remarkable.

*Although I offer this review to the public, it is my opinion and simply that. My appreciation to JKS Communications for a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

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About the Author

Catherine Bell grew up in a New England family with a sense of its past as distinguished and its culture superior, as chronicled in many of her short stories.  An early reader, she found in fiction that penetrating experience of other people’s lives that opens a wider world.  The Winsor School, Harvard, and Stanford prepared her to recognize good writing and thinking.  She credits work as a gardener, cook, cashier, waitress, and schoolbus driver with teaching her how to live in that wider world.

She has also worked as a secretary, freelance writer, and therapist, served as a teacher in the Peace Corps, and taught in inner city schools.  She has lived in Paris, Brasilia, Nova Scotia, Northern California, and Washington, D.C.  Culture clashes, even within families, are often subjects of her fiction.  She has published stories in a number of journals, including Midway Journal, Coal City Review, Green Hills Literary Lantern, Sixfold, Solstice, and South Carolina Review.  Her story “Among the Missing” won The Northern Virginia Review’s 2014 Prose Award.

She researched and wrote Rush of Shadows, her first novel, over a period of twenty years after she married a fourth-generation Californian and fell in love with his home territory, the Coast Range.  The bright sunburned hills, dark firs, clear shallow streams, and twisted oaks were splendid, but the old barns and wooden churches and redwood train station didn’t seem old enough.  Where was the long past?   Where were the Indians?  There was only the shadow of a story passed down by her husband’s grandmother late in life.  Born in 1869, she grew up playing with Indian children whose parents worked on the ranch her father managed.  One day the Army came to remove the Indians and march them to the reservation, and that was that.  She was four years old, and she never forgot.

 Bell lives with her husband in Washington, D.C. and visits children and grandchildren in California and Australia.  As a teacher at Washington International School, she loves reading great books with teenagers.

Filed under: Book Feature, Book Review, Virtual Blog Tour Tagged: Catherine Bell, Historical Gener, Rush of Shadows, Virtual Blog Tour

Interview ~ Music Artist, Worship Leader & Author, Jody Thomae!

When you visit Jody’s website, one of the first things you learn about her is that she is deeply devoted to God and has a heart to serve Him. Jody believes in telling the whole world (and each person) that they have a purpose in God’s hands. I totally find that inspiring because that’s exactly what TBAP is all about! Join me and Jody below and get to know her a little more.

 

 

Me: Hello Jody! Happy to have you visit To Be A Person Please tell us a bit about yourself.

Jody - Hi Miranda! Having been involved in worship and creative arts ministries for almost two decades, I lead worship, dance, perform dramas, teach and write. I am the author of God’s Creative Gift—Unleashing the Artist in You with Bible studies to nurture the creative spirit within. I have also recently released a devotional album entitled Song of the Beloved.

 

Me: Great! All great!

You have a passion for music. When did you first realize that you’d use it for God?

Jody – I’ve always loved to sing. Many years ago our church started a new worship service, and they were looking for people to help with worship. I raised my hand to volunteer. God used my obedience to quickly accelerate my learning curve. I went from “loving to sing” to understanding the depth of how worship not only blesses God, but blesses us as we worship and honor Him. I am continually amazed that despite my faults and failures, worship draws me close to Him, and I am overwhelmed by His outlandish grace and tender mercy.

 

Me: Wow! “I am continually amazed that despite my faults and failures, worship draws me close to Him, and I am overwhelmed by His outlandish grace and tender mercy.” So true!

When you sing/dance, what message do you hope to pass across to the people who’re watching?

Jody – When I sing or dance, I want people to know that God loves them lavishly and abundantly, that He wants to touch the deepest places of their hearts, and that He wants to bind their every wound and take away their every burden. I want to be a mouthpiece for God’s love, mercy and healing. I want Him to shine through me so that they no longer see me, but HIM!

 

Me: Oh, my goodness! That is so lovely! I pray God continues to give you the strength to keep doing this!

How has music affected your personal walk with God throughout the years?

Jody – When life is hard or my soul is dry or my faith is faltering, music is the one thing that draws me back. In the darkest valleys and the highest mountains, the Holy Spirit speaks to the deep places within, giving me exactly what I need for today. Psalm 42:7 says, “Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers wash over me.” To me, worship is my waterfall.

 

Me: That is so deep and poetic! I’ve never thought of that verse that way. Thank you for sharing that!

Apart from the guitar, do you play any other instruments? If you do, which one(s)?

Jody – I also play the traditional flute and a little bit of Native American flute. My mother tried to teach me piano when I was young. It wasn’t much of a success. She did however, pass on her love of music.

 

Me: Haha!! I’m glad your mother passed on her love for music! Look at you now!

Where do you hope to be in music in the next five to ten years?

Jody – In terms of music, I feel as though I am doing exactly what He’s called me to do in this moment. The devotional album was the only thing musically God had set in my heart to do, and unless He wants me to go further, I will continue to lead worship and encourage others to grow as worshipers and mentor worship leaders. He has called me to write another book to address the healing journey of the creative Christian and the artist as healer which is currently only in the research phase. That is the next project God has placed in my heart, so that’s where I am focusing my attention.

 

Me: Being in the moment, in God’s plan, is such a wise decision. Thank you for reminding me!

You authored a book, God’s Creative Gift. What led you to write this book?

Jody – I wrote God’s Creative Gift in obedience to Him. At the time I was leading a worship dance ministry, and I wanted them to have a strong Biblical understanding of their roles as dancers and, more importantly, as worshipers. As I began to write, God opened my eyes to see that the things He wanted me to write about where for all areas of the creative arts, not just dance. God expanded my vision to be much larger than I had originally envisioned. He is good that way—so patient until we catch up with Him. At the time, I didn’t really see myself as a writer, but as a scribe—writing the things He helped me discover in studying the Bible, so that artist and creatives could hear His voice directly to them in scripture. I write because God really gives me no choice.

 

Me: Your answer is so humbling in many ways, I can’t help but be wowed. Thank you, again!

What do you hope to accomplish through this book?

Jody – I want creatives, artists, writers and musicians to understand what God’s Word has to say to them as children created in the image of a creative God, to understand that He has placed creative gifts inside each of us, and that He wants to speak through those creative gifts. Wow! I said “creative” a lot there, didn’t I? Ultimately God’s Word starts with this: “In the beginning God created…” and I believe He has called us to continue to make Him known through beauty, artistry and creativity. I really dug into God’s Word to see what it had to say about those things, and the scriptures have much to say. My hope is that others would know all that God has intended for them as they, too, dig into His Word.

 

Me: I, too, pray with you, Jody, that people will come to know that they can be great vessels in God’s hand. This is the reason for T0 Be A Person. Hence the name … becoming the person God wants you to be.

When you write songs, who’re the people you write for?—the lost, broken-hearted etc?

Jody – I write for the weary. This world has a tendency to weigh us down and tire us out, but Jesus said, “Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” My devotional album is intended to draw people into quiet rest in the arms of their Savior.

 

Me: Wonderful! That’s a theme I rarely see people go for. And, isn’t great that God has every area covered? While He sends some to go for the lost, and some to be encouragers to His children; and others, still, to preach about hope, here you are with a message for the weary! God truly is faithful!

Do you write all your songs by yourself? If no, who do you write with?

Jody – It’s a mix. Many of my songs come out of quiet times of worship with God. Several times I’ve taken songs to my friend Aaron Wardle, and he has worked with me to craft them into better songs—songs that not only speak to me, but to others, as well. One of the songs on my album was written by Nate Bebout: the first time I heard it, I fell in love with it and knew it was to be a part of the project. Jeremy Harrison also has an ear and a God-given talent for communicating God’s Spirit through his piano playing, and I believe that is evident on the album.

 

Me: I’ve always believed that coming together to work with other children of God is a blessing in itself. This is why God created us to be social beings. Reading your answer shows this! Well done to you and your friends!

In your opinion, why should a Christian [who has the talent] go into music/writing? How do you believe they can affect the world?

Jody – I believe God has placed a creative gift inside each of us—in some folks to a higher degree and level of skill. I believe He has placed those gifts within us not to be hidden under a bush but to be shared and to let His beautiful light shine to others. God needs us to be His priests and prophets in this world of darkness and despair. As we share the gifts He has entrusted to us, we give Him voice. We help others see and hear and know the abundance of His grace, love and mercy.

 

Me: Absolutely true! This is why it is important not to be afraid of being exactly whom God had called you to be.

In becoming a professional music artist/published author, are they different than what you thought they’d be?

Jody – I must confess: I’m not sure I yet see myself in these ways. I am very passionate about worship and creativity so I tend to see myself rather as a proponent of the arts, creativity and beauty. My music and writing are simply the means by which God uses me to make Himself more known, more real, more visible on earth. So perhaps, to answer your question, it’s different because I didn’t see myself as an artist or writer, when in fact, I am.

 

Me: I understand. It does take some getting used to. Haha!

As a music artist, what has been the most trying time for you? How did you overcome it? What lesson stayed with you afterwards?

Jody – About a decade ago I began to have trouble with my voice. Eventually they found and removed a cyst from my vocal chord, and my voice is, in fact, better than it has ever been. Having trouble with your vocal chords, and the inability to sing, is quite a frightening thing for a singer and worship leader. Part of my identity was wrapped up in that title “worship leader,” and God used this time to help strip that from my identity so He could help me see myself as a worshiper of Jesus Christ. At the lowest point I feared I would never be able to worship Him through song again, but it was in that time He began to teach me how to express my worship through movement. I had danced but didn’t know how to worship Him through dance. This time of silence gave me understanding to speak though a new voice of dance, movement and drama. To this day my “prayer closet” is a place where I go to dance.

 

Me: Hallelujah! What a testimony! In recent times, I’ve been reminded over and over again that trying times are door-openers to higher levels of worship. Your testimony proves that! Amen!

What one moment in your life can you say was the most inspiring? What happened? How did it shape your life forever?

Jody – When my friend Dana Mapson graduated from Ashland Theological Seminary, the professor in charge of worship asked her to dance for the graduation ceremony. She asked me if I’d assist her, and we joined her team from Cleveland, Ohio with some dancers from rural Ohio that I worked with. Together we created a very powerful piece that kept building from a single dancer to a room filled with worshipers, praise dancers, flaggers and one very powerful prophetic dancer. As I watched people of different colors, ages and backgrounds worshiping our One True God together with such mighty exuberance, I was so overwhelmed by the intense power of the worship. Afterwards while we all sat together over dinner, there was a tornado warning so we had to stay put for a while. We had such a great time of fellowship together while the storm passed outside. And isn’t that a picture of how it should be? In this world there is great turbulence and storm, but inside our fellowship and worship, there can be great safety and assurance. We need to work together, to live together, to worship together, regardless of culture, race, age and up-bringing. 

 

Me: This is the most inspiring thing I’ve heard in a long time. Forgive me if I can’t explain why … there’s a lot going on in my head right now …

Who are the people that have influenced you in music? How did their ministry affect your life?

Jody – My influences have been Rita Springer, Misty Edwards, and more recently, my friend Steffany Gretzinger. Also I led worship for many years with Aaron Wardle, so his music (as well as his leadership) has also had an influence on me. I love the intimacy with the Father of all of their music reflects, and hope to reveal that same intimacy with my music, as well as my writing.

 

Me: I’m glad these people have impacted you this way! I pray for you that you, too, will influence others in greater ways. Amen!

What advice would you give to someone who’s just starting out in music?

Jody – I would tell you to sing for God first, and He will open the path before you. Always be obedient to what HE has for you and your ministry: do not follow your own plan. Pray, pray, pray! Study the Bible. Listen to the Holy Spirit’s promptings. For me personally, as my ministry got started, I felt God wanted me to accept almost every invitation to minister, but as my ministry has progressed, He has asked me to prayerfully consider each invitation and allows me to only accept a few.

 

Me: I understand what you’re saying, because I’ve learned the same as well.

Is there anything you’d like to say—anything word of wisdom at all!—that wasn’t covered by the questions above?

Jody – First, everything we do must be rooted in our identity in Christ and in Christ alone. Ultimately, our identity in Christ needs to precede everything we do, or accomplish, or envision. And the things we do, we accomplish and we envision need to be rooted in that identity and need to speak to Him, of Him and for Him. We’re created to be in relationship with Christ. We develop relationship through worship, reading His Word, and always seeking His will and His ways. Our “doing” should always be an overflow of our “being.”

Me: Well said! Thank you for that!

 

 

THIS or THAT

Ice cream or Shakes? Shakes.

Vanilla or Chocolate? Chocolate.

Fruits or Salad? Fruits.

Cooking or Cleaning? Neither! Haha!! I understand. Believe me, I do!

Flats or Heels? Flats.

Rain or Snow? Snow.

Boots or Sandals? Sandals.

Spring or Fall? Fall.

Breakfast or Dinner? Breakfast. Really? Wow!

 

Thank you, Jody, for stopping by!

 

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About Jody Thomae

Jody Thomae has been involved in worship arts ministry since 1997, serving as worship arts ministry pastor, worship leader and creative arts director. She has coordinated artistic involvement in church services and regional worship events through dance, drama, poetry and fine arts. She has had the opportunity to perform, teach, choreograph, preach, coordinate and lead workshops in the area of creativity, spirituality and embodied prayer throughout the region and also in Barcelona, Spain. She also leads worship at local seminars, retreats and women’s events.

Her passion is for the revelation of God to be made more real through the prophetic use of the arts in church and formational ministry. It is her desire to portray the message of Christ’s desperate and unfailing love for His people to help sustain the hearts of the broken and weary. She is particularly interested in the way in which God uses the arts to bring formational development and healing to His people. Life scriptures include Psalm 27; Isaiah 50:4-7; and Zephaniah 3:14-17.

She is a graduate of Ashland Theological Seminary and lives in Ashland, Ohio with her husband and two children.

Her book, God’s Creative Gift—Unleashing the Artist in You: Bible Studies to Nurture the Creative Spirit Within, is available through Wipf & Stock Publishers, Amazon and in Kindle format. She has recently released a devotional CD entitled Song of the Beloved, which is available on iTunes and through CDBaby.

For more information on her ministry, her book or music visit http://www.jodythomae.com.

Filed under: Faith Testimony, Music, Music Artist Interview Tagged: God's Creative Gift, Jody Thomae, Worship Leader. Music Artist

Book Review ~ Hallowed Halls by Hannah Alexander

About the Book

When Dr. Joy Gilbert is fired by a grieving boss who wants more from her than she’s willing to give, she returns to her tiny hometown of Juliet, MO to find her ex-fiance still single, her once-strong and independent mother struggling in every way. Before she can make a move, however, the back door of her car bursts open and Tressa, her former employer’s fifteen-year-old daughter, clambers out, refusing to return home to either of her divorced, embittered parents.

Zack Tyler, director of Juliet Hospital’s ER, is stunned to see the woman he still loves has returned to town, apparently unbroken by the rejection of her former employer. That same employer, Weston Cline, told Zack last year that Joy wanted to spread her wings and take the job Weston offered her in a suburb of Kansas City. Zack would have expected to see her heartbroken, in tears, but all she’s worried about is her mother’s health and Tressa’s rebellion. To help her financially, Zack hires her to work in the ER, but the minute he does that, he knows he’s in for another wild ride of the heart.

When Tressa first begins having blackouts, she’s relieved that they take place when she’s alone. If she’s not careful, she’s afraid Joy will feel the need to tell her parents, who will insist she return home. But more and more often, the blackouts hit, and she’s in grave danger before Joy and Zack can discover what is causing them, and what caused the deaths of her brother, her father’s baby brother, a great grandfather…how many unexplained deaths will her family have to endure?

Genre

Christian/Contemporary Romance

My Rating

**** ( 3.5 Stars)

My Review

This book started off with a pace that was engaging, presenting the dilemma of the heroine pretty quickly so that it was easy to be drawn into the story. Characterization was in-depth; the plot was good, but not stretched to its full potential. The theme wasn’t particularly clear at first or neatly handled. It seemed the author wanted to thrash out a lot of issues with the same story, which is not a bad idea if handled well, but in my opinion, they were too much for this story—wrong judgment of others, sexual immorality, health issues, the effects of gossip, the dangers of grieving wrongly etc—making the theme aspect of the plot somewhat confusing. Also, while reading the book, the writing provoked a sense of time that indicated the story would stretch farther than what was intended so that when it came to an end, it was rather surprising. Some issues were dragged for too long, and once they were wrapped up, the rest of the story was hurried so that it felt like a summary.

Overall, the writing was good and clearly Christian. I just wish the plot were paced right, and the theme(s) handled better.

*Although I offer this review to the public, it is my opinion and simply that. My thanks to Ellie Whyte // Soul Inspirationz for a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

 

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About the Author

“YOU’RE A DOCTOR?” Cheryl leaned toward Mel and raised her voice to be heard over the din of Mazzio diners. “You could help me paralyze someone, then, couldn’t you?”

Mel stared at her with some trepidation. This was the “nice young lady” his pastor, Brother Ron, wanted him to meet? “Um . . . well . . . what, exactly, did you–“

“I’d better explain myself,” she said with a smile. “I write novels. I’m doing research on book number thirteen, and I need one of my characters to be paralyzed through part of the story. Any idea how I could do that without damaging him permanently?”

With relief and sudden interest, Mel gave her all the information she needed. Actually, she received more than she needed, in detail. He couldn’t understand why she only ate half a slice of pizza the whole evening.

Thus was Cheryl’s introduction into the world of an emergency room physician. It was Mel’s introduction into fiction. They were both fascinated. A year and a half later, they were married.

The fascination grew as Mel shared more of his world and Cheryl’s imagination took over. Together they generated ideas for a story. With Mel’s medical input, encouragement and help with plotting, and Cheryl’s writing skills, they developed their first novel together, and called it Sacred Trust. Bethany House published it in 1999. Eight months later came the sequel. Solemn Oath. To end the three-book series, Silent Pledge was published in December 0f 2000.

Both Mel and Cheryl Hodde (pronounced Hoddee) dreamed of their chosen professions since they were children. Mel remembers the decision he made when he was ten years old to become a physician. At the time his dream was to be an old-time country doctor who knew all his patients as well as he knew his own family, prayed for them, and sometimes even accepted chickens for payment. Although his career didn’t develop in the way he expected, he can’t imagine anything more rewarding, especially now that he is able to incorporate his knowledge into novels with his wife.

Cheryl remembers composing songs and stories before she knew her ABC’s. When she wrote her first romance novel in 1985 she realized that no romance, and no life, can be right without Christ at the center, and so that was how she wrote—with Christ at the center. After she and Mel got married in 1995, they worked together on rewrites of her previous manuscripts. This time, when she marketed them, they began to gain notice from publishers. Three of her first novels, entitled The Healing Promise, Ozark Sunrise, and A Living Soul have now been published by Heartsong Presents under the name of Hannah Alexander.

“I hope this is just the beginning,” Cheryl says. “Mel and I have a lot of stories yet to write.”

Filed under: Book Review Tagged: Hallowed Halls, Hannah Alexander

Discover! ~ A Pre-release Party! The Unexpected Bride by Lena Goldfinch!

I’ve known Lena for quite some time now. In fact, she is the cover designer for my book, To Die Once. She’s such an amazing writer, and there’s never a dull moment with any of her books. so, today I’m happy to announce that she’s releasing another book come October 6th, The Unexpected Bride, and I’m looking forward to reading and posting my review of this book on November 1st.

In the meantime, here’s information about this book!

 

About the Book

What’s a man to do when his father orders him a bride?

Rebecca Sullivan has been “Becky” all her life, a real hoyden. Her childhood sweetheart taught her to ride bareback and shoot a rifle, but then he chose a “perfect lady” for a wife—a real Southern belle, who’s now expecting a baby. Heartbroken, Becky signs up to be a mail-order bride to a Seattle man, sight unseen. She resolves to squelch her hoydenish ways and become a “perfect lady” for her future husband.

If logging-operation owner Isaac Jessup had wanted a bride, he’d have chosen a sturdy frontier woman, not some fragile lady from back East. Ready to explain the mistake, honorable Isaac takes one look into Rebecca’s vulnerable eyes…and knows he’ll marry her, even though this delicate waif is obviously unsuited for wild Seattle.

Could an unexpected marriage be a match made in heaven?

Book One in The Brides Series

Sweet Historical Western Romance / A Mail-Order Bride Novel

This book is available for pre-order in ebook now!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo

 

A Giveaway!

One winner will receive a book locket necklace from the Lily Pickford Etsy shop, as well as a paperback copy of The Unexpected Bride. Open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only. Simply join via a Rafflecopter giveaway form.

 

 

 

Read An Excerpt!

The lean-to was chilly and not for the first time, Isaac considered boarding it up proper and calling it a barn. He sat on the stool and began milking the goat, all the while mentally preparing for the worship service they planned to go to later that morning. The Scriptures he’d read first thing that morning were fresh in his mind, and his prayers kept returning to the problem of Rebecca. One inner voice urged him to send her back home, but another voice spoke of commitment. He’d said vows before God to love and keep her till death do them part. Those weren’t words he was willing to dismiss lightly.

“What’s her name?” Her voice was suddenly in his ear, quite close.

Isaac jumped. The goat bleated at him.

“Sorry, girl.” He patted her side and resumed milking her with slow, careful hands. He glanced over his shoulder toward the subject of his thoughts.

Rebecca stood watching him, leaning over the rail and peering in at them with curious eyes. He was surprised to see her out this early. She usually left him to his morning chores, and most times he’d get back inside the cabin and find her already up preparing breakfast.

“What’s her name?” she repeated.

“Name? The goat?” He looked at the goat dumbly. It was a goat. He’d never gotten much further than that. She gave them a daily supply of milk, but other than that she was generally a nuisance. She liked to butt down the stall door. And whenever she got loose, she’d eat what few vegetables he was able to grow in the summer. She also liked to nip at his shirts and underthings when he hung them out on the line–if he was lucky. Most times she’d tug the whole line down and drag it through the mud.

“Yes, the goat,” Rebecca said, a pleasant-sounding smile in her voice. “Don’t tell me she hasn’t got a name?”

There was something nice about hearing a woman’s voice in the morning. It reminded him a little of when he was young, and his mother had chatted with him in soft tones while they ate breakfast. As if speaking too loud would jar them too quickly out of whatever dreams they’d had the night before.

Rebecca’s soft voice put him much in mind of those times.

“All right. I won’t.” Isaac focused on his milking.

“She doesn’t have a name?” Rebecca pressed. “How can you have an animal that doesn’t have a name?”

“Never gave it much thought. She’s good for milk, but other than that she’s nothing but trouble, always munching on the laundry.”

“Well, then I think your choice is clear. Either you call her Milky or you call her Trouble.” Her teasing tone brought a reluctant smile to his lips.

“Well, then, if I have to choose, then I guess she’s Trouble.”

The real Trouble was standing behind him, her elbow propped against the top of the rail, her chin cupped in one dainty hand.

 

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About Lena

LENA GOLDFINCH writes romance and fantasy for adults and teens. She’s a sucker for a good old-fashioned romance, whether it’s a novel, novella, or short story, young adult or adult, fantasy or realistic, contemporary or historical. Elements of romance, fantasy, and mystery have a way of creeping into her writing, even when she’s writing historicals or something light and contemporary. Lena has been a finalist in several national writing contests, including the RWA Golden Heart and ACFW Genesis contests. She lives in a scenic small town in Massachusetts with her husband, two kids, and a very spoiled Black Lab. Visit Lena at www.LenaGoldfinch.blogspot.com.

Filed under: Author Feature, Book Excerpts, Book Feature, Giveaway, Stories Tagged: Historical Romance, Lena Goldfinch, The Unnexpected Bride

Interview & Guestpost! ~ Filmmaker, Nadine Lee

Folks, not long ago, I discovered Nadine on twitter (I know, I know! I’ve said that a lot recently). She’s in the process of preparing for a project, the subsequent movie to the film, Wheeler. We chatted a little, and I really got interested in her project, as I’ve never seen or heard of the topic of ghosts dealt with in a Christian movie. So I invited her over to talk about it a bit. Maybe it will pique your interest as it did mine? After her post, you can find our chat.

Here’s Nadine!

 

Summary for Wheeler

Do you believe in ghosts?

Find out in this gripping supernatural suspense thriller who or what is responsible for killing patients in an old veteran hospital.

Synopsis

(Short version)

Wheeler is a supernatural suspense thriller set in a VA hospital in the fictional town of Las Verdes in San Diego, California.

Steven Crane, a lonely Iraq war veteran admitted for an infection of an old wound finds himself almost murdered in his hospital bed. He finds out the attempt on his life is not unusual for this hospital, only unique in that he is the only patient that survived the attack. He is now a part of an investigation set against the backdrop of a political battle brewing between the investigative detective and the hospital administrator who is determined to keep the suspicious deaths under wrap. Steven befriends a psychiatrist, Dr. Stacey Reed, who tries to help him unravel the mystery behind his unbelievable encounter. Who is killing the sick veterans and what is their motive? Will you believe the answer when the truth is revealed?

-###-

For To Be A Person readers, I will reveal that the movie Wheeler delves into a subject that many are deceived about. The Spiritual realm and the phenomenon of ghosts. What really happens to people’s souls when they die? What are people actually dealing with when they see ghosts? I will tackle this mysterious subject from the biblical perspective and reveal a truth to the world and many in the Christian community are mostly ignorant about and because of that misperception, many have fallen prey to the oppression of forces they do not understand and have been lead to believe are innocuous and sometimes harmless.

WHEELER introduces the subject and the beginnings of the knowledge about it. The subsequent sequel I am working on affords me to delve into it deeper because the characters have already been introduced and established in the first film. It is a revelatory film and I can’t wait to share it with you and the world on the big screen. It is a truth long overdue to be known.

Nadine is currently accepting crowdfunding for this project. You can be a part of it, too! Goodies for doing so include having access to all inside information of the making of the movie, being part of some of the executive decisions, and having your name appear in the movies appreciation list. Watch this video to learn more.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rarwP-M3E7s&feature=youtu.be

 

Join Our Chat!

 

 

Me: Hello Nadine! Glad to have you here at To Be A Person. Please tell us a bit about yourself.

Nadine: Hello, so happy to be here! I am an island girl born in Jamaica, went to high school in New York and lived most of my life in South Florida. I love God, sunshine and rainy days, clean sea breeze air, and spending time at home with family and friends. I am a total homebody.

 

Me: Sweet! Nadine, how did you find God?

Nadine: Miranda, God found me. I was 19 years old and in the midst of a depression. I had taken pride in my intellectual abilities most of my life and was very proud of invitations from Ivy League colleges to apply to their universities. I even took an entrance exam for one of Oxford University’s college for pre-medical studies. I had a great future ahead of me. After deciding on Dartmouth College and getting accepted early decision, reality set in. I could not afford it, even with scholarships. It just was not feasible at the time. My hard working single mother (who was widowed many years before) could not afford to send me. After taking a year or two off from attending college, I decided to go to a state run university in New York. It did not fit the lofty ideals I had in mind or the plans for my life. I was disappointed, disillusioned, and dissatisfied with my life. Looking back I can clearly understand the place I was and am not perplexed by my reaction to my circumstances. That is what happens when one trusts and relies on anything but God as a foundation or sense of self. It is all shifting sand, liable to make one fall and even sink.

Deep in a state of hopelessness – one night, alone in my room I recall getting on my knees and doing something I had not done for many years since I was a child and my mom used to send me to Sunday school. I prayed. Actually, I cried out to God and asked Him for help. After praying, the thought came to me that I should visit the church I knew a relative attended. I went, and during the teaching of the word, felt a strong pull by the Holy Spirit to respond to the invitation to trust in and receive Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I do not recall what the sermon was about, but I knew one thing. I needed Jesus. So I went running to Him. It was the very best decision I have ever made and though being a Christian has been a challenging and sometimes very difficult journey – it is worth more than anything this world or life could ever offer. His gift of salvation is truly priceless.

 

Me: What an amazing story! Truly inspirational!

What led to your passion for making movies?

Nadine: Lol… Oh the thoughts that went through my head at this question. I went from studying to become a doctor to being passionate about something I never once thought of, much less desired doing for a living. It is such a 180 turn from the trajectory of my thoughts and life goals I can only see the hand of God in it. Short answer? I began writing scripts from a need to create vehicles for me and my friends to act in. Am I an actor? No. Why did I want projects to act in? I needed to create a reel so I could get auditions for commercials which I heard paid very well. You see, I was on a mission to pay off my student loans. After an obstacle arose in my path on my way to practicing medicine, I decided to go spend some time with my best friend in California to clear my head. In California, I became friends with actors in the entertainment industry who told me by doing commercials; it was possible to earn enough to pay off my student loan debt. I was sold! I had always been a writer. I wrote poems and songs constantly as a creative outlet, but never thought of making a living with my writing. It was a gift I just enjoyed sharing with friends and family. Being in LA and getting the opportunity to work on sets and seeing how everything came together from just an idea fascinated me. Before I knew it I was jotting down story ideas. It was only when I was encouraged to write something so that I could create content to build a resume to get to the desired holy grail of a national commercial payday that I started developing my ideas into scripts. What really turned it into a passion for me was when I saw how much I could do with the stories I was creating. I could create movies that could help in the sharing of God’s word, I could create entertaining experiences that was not officious, and I could help give struggling artists gracious their big break. That is what started it all for me, what made me persevere when projects didn’t work out as planned. I had begun creating and producing small projects and my actor friends were so gracious lending their time, talents and often money to help. It was always a great struggle and huge learning experiences, but with each project that did not make it off the ground, it only made me more determined. Especially because I saw how hard these artists work and how much the industry rejected them because they were not stars, yet no one was willing to give them a chance to make a name for themselves. If you are unconnected in this industry – it is brutal. I wanted to make my movies, so I could offer opportunities. That became my chief motivation. It was after a period of great spiritual growth   after drawing closer to the Lord by committing to the discipline of spending time in his word daily that I started to understand and appreciate the tools he had put in my hands to share His love and salvation with the world. I began re-editing my first film script with that purpose and goal in mind and it turned an original and ordinary script into what I truly believe has the capacity to be a ground breaking film. One I cannot wait for the world to see because it sheds truth and light about a very little understood subject -the spiritual realm – that this world is so deceived about and unfortunately many believers are also ignorant of because they do not read the whole Word of God.

 

Me: What a journey, Nadine. And, now, I’m curious to know, what do you hope to achieve through making movies for God?

Nadine: I admit in the beginning making movies was more about what I could achieve. Now as with everything in my life, I ask the question – how may I serve You, Lord? Before I was all about telling God about my plans and asking Him to give them to me, open doors for me, conform to my plans and wants. Ha! Well God graciously made me aware of a truth I so needed to hear, and understand, and live! God is not here to serve me. God created me to worship and serve him! I recall my pastor (here in South Florida) made a statement that struck me to the core. He said, instead of asking God to join in on your plans, why don’t you ask God if you can be a part of what He is doing. I can tell you that this changed my way of thinking, and changed my life, because it has brought great peace into my life. My plans for me, my life, is always subject to circumstances and failure, which brings uncertainty. God’s Will will always be done! God’s Will and purpose is what matters in this life. He already loves me more than I can fathom and will always provide my needs. I will never be fulfilled or satisfied until I walk in the purpose God has for me, so why not get on board with His program? So when the storms blow in (and it will), I can trust and be secure in the fact that it is His plan, and He allowed/is allowing me to go through that particular storm for a reason, and, His reason always means me and/or others good. Whether it is to strengthen me, protect me, correct me – I do know He has my eternal salvation, sanctification (becoming more like Jesus), and my very best interest in mind, and can rest securely in His trust. I trust God. I really do. And, so, I have and am letting go of trying to control everything, including my life and the plans for my life. I hope to achieve what God wants me to achieve with my films. So far he has made me understand and change Wheeler (my first film script that I am trying to produce) in a way I could have never fathomed. The question I ask now is will this glorify God? It is the question I ask when editing the script, when I begin casting–will be asking when I shoot the scenes, and when I consult with the editors in the editing room. After they are a box-office hit, lol? I will ask God, where do you want me to give? Who do you want me to help? I have many ministries in mind that are faithfully sharing the Word of God with the world that I can’t wait to give more to. I give now. I have learnt that any blessing God gives to me no matter how great or small is not only for my benefit, but to share with others. He gives me so I can give to others. That is what I intend to achieve with this gift of movie creating – both tangible and intangible. Give to others in the name of Jesus my King.

 

Me: Wow! I’m blown away by your testimony of faith! I pray God takes you all the way, and keeps you, too.

Why should a Christian [with the skill/talent] go into filmmaking? What do you believe filmmaking can offer the world from a Christian perspective?

Nadine: Christian filmmakers can offer so much! They are story tellers. Communicators. They can communicate truth and knowledge, wisdom and understanding, all in an entertaining package, in a format the world is used to, and want to consume. People love going to the movies but are wary of religion because man and Satan have corrupted it with lies, self interest, greed and the ultimate sin of pride; the pursuit of power in the desire for self worship. Movies allow people to let down their guard in order for the film to take them on a journey or adventure. They are open to hear whatever is communicated in the tale. What an opportunity! What a way to be used by God to do His work! Sharing His truth and love with the world. The world is on its way to hell. Satan has deceived them that all is well. It is a chance to join in on God’s plan and do what Christ commissioned us (His church) to do. Go tell the world I came to save them! It is exciting work – being a Christian. Using filmmaking as a means of doing this work is just an added bonus. Other filmmakers cannot claim such a calling in delivering the greatest and most important news – a message that can save their souls from eternal damnation! My favorite film this year was ‘God Is Not Dead’. It was not the best produced or the best acted film I have seen this year, but it soared because of the message! I was a one-woman marketing team, telling everyone I know, and did not know, to go see this film! ‘Guardians of the Galaxy came in second place in terms of entertainment value for me. It was good, but ‘God Is not Dead’ was everything. It entertained, it drew me in, it offered God’s truth – a perspective the world and many movie goers have not heard. Now that is rad and very much needed. It delivered!

 

Me: “Movies allow people to let down their guard in order for the film to take them on a journey or adventure. They are open to hear whatever is communicated in the tale. What an opportunity!” You got me with that!

When you make a movie, what message do you hope to pass across to viewers?

Nadine: Whatever the message I want to impart from a particular story, and the lessons from the characters whether good or bad. Everything we do, every action has consequences and nothing we do exists in a vacuum. It affects others around us and it affects our souls. Every person brings their own perspective and experiences into a viewing, so I cannot dictate what each individual will take away from a story, but there are certain things, certain conditions of our existence that are hard to manipulate even in the telling of a fictional tale. In our world today absolutes are a negative, but it does not change the fact that there are absolutes. Truth is truth no matter how I may perceive or want to manipulate it. If I make a film about planting a seed in the ground and the truth is revealed on screen with the camera recording the seed growing into a plant, then a tree – that is the message. The viewer may argue I manipulated the image or regardless of what they see, an alien or fairy replaced the seed with a plant, the plant did not come from the seed. Regardless, it does not change the truth presented – that the seed grew into a tree. Most will get it and choose to incorporate this knowledge as a part of their understanding. Some will manipulate themselves into rejecting the message. As a filmmaker, I am mostly responsible for showing the message on the screen. In my case, because I am a Christian, I have an added responsibility to offer a perspective of truth (God’s revelation declared in his word) in contrast to the worldview. If no one tells them, how will they know? Whether it is the truth about the spiritual realm in my supernatural suspense thriller ‘Wheeler’ or the consequences of behaviors and actions displayed by the characters in hopefully my next film – a nineteenth century romantic adaptation of a Jane Austen novel.

 

Me: Your words are something to reflect on. I’ll keep them in mind for my personal use. Also, Jane Austen adaptation? Super yay!!

Do you have any other passion(s) apart from filmmaking? What are they? What role do they play in helping you become a better filmmaker?

Nadine: I do love studying the Word of God and discussing what I have learnt. I love spending time with the Lord and I purpose for it to be my greatest passion. To love Him and serve Him, and those He places in my path. My favorite subject to talk about is God and the mysteries He reveals about himself, the world, and heaven in the bible. It fascinates and delights me. I also like the practice of medicine and although I am not a practicing physician, I do in some form practice my diagnosing skills by giving advice to friends and family. I love the beauty of God’s creation, whether it’s the ocean, the sky, animals, nature – you name it, I am in awe of His imagination and the beauty of it all. All of it has made me into a better filmmaker because it has instilled in me not only knowledge, but appreciation for the origin of knowledge, wisdom and beauty. Our work cannot help but be an extension of ourselves. My work is better for these gifts God has bestowed upon me.

 

Me: Wow! Your passion is contagious!

What project are you working on now?

Nadine: I am working on several things right now. I have two feature length film scripts and a short of a sci-fi project ready for production. I’m currently shooting a comedy for the web and TV, and developing a consumer product which profits I hope will eventually help in financing future film projects. I have of course prioritized the production on the films because just getting one produced involves a herculean effort. The first major film project I am currently raising funds to produce is the supernatural suspense thriller – WHEELER. My second film project is a nineteenth century romantic film adaptation of a Jane Austen novel. The third project is a demo short film of a 3D live action animation story I would like to develop for different markets including a film franchise, television and gaming. The title of this ambitious project is ZUR. Think Lord of the Rings by J.R.R Tolkien. I am also in the process of writing the sequel script to ‘Wheeler’.

 

Me: Goodness! Your projects have gotten me so excited! can’t wait!

What actors do you hope to work with?

Nadine: I confess my priority is to work with new talents that have not been given a chance in Hollywood. I know very talented, passionate, hard working actors, many who are Christians who have just not been given a chance. I hope to be able to give them their break, especially minorities. It is a hundred times harder for them to break in. I intend for all my films to have a very diverse cast. I also intend to work with some known actors – for my first film ‘Wheeler’ I will cast 1 to 2 known and widely recognized actors in roles in order to get distribution deals for the movie in the international market. As for specific known actors? I do think Lupita Nyongo would be a great fit for the lead female role of Dr. Stacey Reed in ‘Wheeler’, and Henry Cavill for the male lead in my nineteenth century Jane Austen adaptation.

 

Me: Henry Cavill? Triple YAY!!!

Do you intend to work with other filmmakers also?

Nadine: I would love to. There are many I admire and think I could only learn from those who have been doing it for a while, and there are many just like me who have not made their mark yet that I welcome creating and growing with.

 

 

Me: How would you describe your experience so far in filmmaking, and in the industry as a whole?

Nadine: Challenging, frustrating, difficult, exciting, exasperating, disappointing, exhausting, adventurous, rewarding, and hopeful. That and many more describe my experiences in filmmaking. For me, every project has been easy to write, tedious to edit, hard to get off the ground because of the difficulties in obtaining financing, difficult to sustain and keep going because it involves working with many individuals and when has it ever been easy working with such a large group of personalities? So many variables and personalities and contingencies sometimes beyond your control are very challenging to manage. But the creation, finished product, usually makes it all worth it in the end. Just as birth pains are never lovely but the fruit of the labor is its own reward.

The entertainment industry is staid and mostly afraid of the risks inherent in innovative ideas and new talent. The studio system that dominates it is run by executives who are neither creative nor about originality. They regurgitate the same formula because they are only concerned with the bottom line. It is hard to carve out a place for new ideas and discover new talent in such a closed environment. Unfortunately it is also a world where Christian ideals are an anathema to what they want promoted, but that is not surprising as it is the same in every area of the world. Even in the religious. All is tolerated but the things of Christ. Christian filmmakers whether well funded or not, find themselves in the same arena as independent filmmakers – trying to forge out a place for themselves in the market place. It has become easier because of unprecedented access to the viewing audience to market and build an audience through social media and access to many through the web. Also the success at the box office of recent Faith based films has Hollywood taking notice. There is one thing they love more than their own worldview – money.

 

 

Me: Those are some hard facts to swallow, Nadine. But I’m glad you mentioned them. Thank you for that.

In what way is the Christian movie industry different from the secular? Any advantages or disadvantages? What can be done to make it better?

Nadine: Today in regards to the quality of production, actors and marketing to a generalized audience – there is not much difference. Christian films are now competing with main stream films in the general market place and not only holding their own but they are competitively winning the box office and some are even making bigger profits than their competition. The reason for this is that the Christian films are mostly marketable to a wider audience due to their wholesome content. What I also like that I have been noticing with the recent crops of Faith based films is that the wholesomeness does not come at a price of portraying life’s gritty realities. There was a perceived notion from audiences in the past that Christian films were too cheesy and of poor production value. To some degree this was true because in the past Christian films were burdened with the lack of investors and the quality of production suffered. I am happy to see things have changed exponentially. Christians are realizing that films are a great tool for sharing the gospel with the world and are investing their time, money and talents to get these films made. Films have the capability of reaching a worldwide audience and that is what the great commission is all about. Reaching people for Christ.

 

 

Me: All you said, so true!

What advice has been most helpful to you as a filmmaker, and as a person?

Nadine: The same advice I would give to anyone pursuing any dream. Seek God’s will. Walk, work, and live in His will and ways, always putting Him first. He promises to direct our path if we abide by this. If you are seeking God, walking with God, whatever obstacles or challenges comes your way – he allowed it. No need to panic. He is building your skill sets for eternity and it can be used in your vocation. Operating with this in mind, I am less stressed, I am more hopeful and setbacks do not devastate me. Perseverance is important. If God decides to re-route you, like he did with me and my medical career – don’t give up. Your life isn’t worthless because you lost a dream. He helped me to get through the disappointments and gives me a peace that truly passes all understanding. I have a M.D and I am not practicing medicine. I am trying to raise funds to make a movie! How unexpected is that?! Life with God is an adventure. I have learnt to be content where I am, BECAUSE I trust God. So the key is – stick to God like glue and you will A.O.K.

 

 

Me: PERFECT!

What advice would you give a filmmaker just starting out?

Nadine: Just do it. Make what you can when you can. Do not wait for the perfect circumstances, or the perfect set up, or the right people. If it’s only you and you have no budget, equipment, cast or crew – make something anyway. Take your phone and use the video function to make a short using inanimate subjects or yourself or a pet as the cast and put it on youtube. Distribution to the masses has never been easier. Use whatever is at your disposal. Keep making films. Experience is your best teacher. Mistakes can be your greatest innovation as you problem solve how to reveal the mistake on screen or hide it. All the greatest filmmakers had to start somewhere and Hollywood always rejects the next best thing until they see they missed out on it and become band wagonners, but they have to SEE it first, which means you have to MAKE the film.

 

 

Me: I especially love your answer because it’s a principle I’ve applied to my work–Just do it, perfect or not. In fact, don’t wait for it to be perfect. You’ll learn as you go. There’s never a perfect time. That has got me moving at lightening speed always, unless God says stop, wait, or don’t. Thank you for that!

Where do you see yourself in the next five to ten years in filmmaking?

Nadine: Wherever God leads me. Personally – I am hoping Jesus returns by then. If not? I purpose to be closer to him and continuing to ask him each day – “How may I serve you.” I don’t know what His plans are from day to day, so I ask each morning and just go along for the ride.

Me: “I am hoping Jesus returns by then.” That made me chuckle!

 

 

 

THIS or THAT

Blue or Green? – Blue

Pink or Yellow? – Yellow

Orange juice or Lemonade? – Orange Juice

Summer or Fall? – Summer

Spring or Winter? – Spring

Music or Books? – Music

Gym or Outdoor? – Outdoor

Coffee or Tea? – Neither. Really?

Boots or Sandals? – Sandals

Flats or Heels? – Flats

Dresses or Pants? – Dresses

Ice cream or Shakes? – Ice cream

 

Thank you for having me, Miranda!

Most welcome, Nadine! It was a pleasure having you! I enjoyed this!

 

This post is also on facebook.

About Nadine Lee

Nadine Lee, a writer born in the irie Island of Jamaica, has lived most of her life in the United States. She attended high school in New York and then moved to South Florida, where she obtained a bachelor of science degree and a doctorate in graduate school.

Gifted with an expansive imagination, Nadine has been channeling her creative energy in different forms of writing since learning the alphabet. She has written children books which are currently available on Ibook, Kindle and other retailers.

Having lived in Southern California for three years, she had the opportunity to work on film and television sets. She found herself fascinated with the collaborative efforts of the cast and crew and spent her time learning how all the pieces fit together to create a finished production. Not surprisingly, her creativity took flight in this new medium and she found herself writing and producing scripts for film, television and the web for her friends who were looking for projects to be featured in. The production side was a harder curve to learn but experience is really the best teacher and novelty the best creative freedom.

Nadine has completed a crime drama pilot script for tv, a romantic nineteenth century film adaptation of a Jane Austen novel, a sci-fi demo for possible television/film/video game production, a comedy webisode serial, and is currently working on the sequel to Wheeler (a supernatural suspense thriller).

As a devoted Christian, Nadine infuses her work with a refreshing perspective missing in many mainstream entertainment productions today which takes her productions beyond mysogeny and mindless gratuitousness. Her perspective is neither naive or unrealistic, but offers a broad perspective including a Christian worldview often ignored or ridiculed by many filmmakers today. Whatever the genre, she endeavors to entertain her audience without them having to sacrifice their intelligence, dignity and morals.

Nadine Lee is a writer, director, producer, and it is from this stance of novelty birthed from the experience of exercised talent and perseverance, that she seeks to produce and direct her first feaure film -Wheeler. Following in the footsteps of first time feature film writers/producer/directors like Silvester Stallone -Rocky, Quentin Tarantino – Reservoir Dogs, Kevin Grevioux and Len Wiseman – Underworld, Diablo Cody – Juno, Matt Damon & Ben Affleck – Good Will Hunting, Bryan Bertino – The Strangers, Christopher Nolan – Memento, Andrés Muschietti – Mama, Nadine is working very hard to be a positive voice through her wok in this diverse landscape of film entertainment.

 

 

Filed under: Christian Movies, Christianity, Entertainment, Entertainment Interview, Faith Testimony, Filmmaker Interview, Guest Post, Inspirational, Movie Promo Tagged: entertainment, Filmmaker Interview, Nadine Lee Filmmaker, Wheeler Movie

Music Album Review ~ Fast Forward by The Walls Group

Album Photo

Genre

Christian/Alternate/Contemporary Rock

My Rating

***** (4.5 Stars)

My Review

This is an album that is worshipful in its presentation. Most of the songs are slow- to medium-paced with an alternate/moderate rock theme as a backdrop to the music. Others are beautifully acoustic with an easy, worshipful flow. There’s also the native hymn and urban country feel to it, allowing the entire collection to be unique in its flavor.

It’s message is a confession of love for God, a testimony of undeterred faith even in tough circumstances as well as God’s faithfulness in those tough times. This album is truly uplifting and faith-stirring. The Walls Group are indeed a band to look out for. Their music adds a uniqueness to the already familiar.

Find this post on facebook.

 

About the Band

Darrel, Rhea, Paco and Ahjah are on a fast track to music notoriety, but under the watchful eye and firm hands of parents who have instilled the Word of God into them. Ministry is the heart of The Walls Group and singing is the vessel in which to tell of the good news. Their youthful voices stand toe to toe with some of the leading gospel artist today. Worship, contemporary gospel and a blend of urban pop comes alive with their charming charisma and stage presence.

The Walls Group is incredibly talented but remain grounded in family values and dedicated to ministry. They love spending time with their granny, Bayonne Moody and are always listening to music by their favorites Kim Burrell, Kiki Sheard, The Soul Seekers, Mary Mary, and Dorinda Clark- Cole. They are just an ordinary bunch of kids, living a pretty ordinary life, but are aspiring to do extraordinary things. (Culled from The Walls Group Official Website).

 

Filed under: Entertainment, Music, Music/Album Review Tagged: Album Review, Fast Forward Album, Music, The Walls Group

Exclusive ~ Interview ~ Music Artist, Rachael Messini

It’s been wonderful interviewing Rachael. I find her truly honest and humble, and I, in turn, am inspired and humbled by what I’ve come to learn from her. When I first listened to her album, I said within myself, “Goodness! Such honesty!” I couldn’t help but seek out the person behind such beautiful music/lyrics, and she graciously spared us her time. Folks, I hope you’re inspired by her.  You can read my review of her album, and more importantly, I hope you get to listen to it as well. it’s available on itunes.

Join us below!

 

Me: Hello Rachael! Delighted to have you visit To Be A Person Please tell us a bit about yourself. Coffee or tea?

Rachael: Both. Coffee in the morning & tea in the afternoon!

 

Me: Sweet! To be honest, I’ve never in an interview had anyone say that before!

Rachael, your album is full of heart and faith. Please tell us, when did you first find God for yourself?

Rachael: I was raised in a Christian home so I was always surrounded by amazing examples of what walking with Jesus looked like, but I would say that I found a real relationship with Jesus for myself in the 6th grade.

 

Me: I’m glad God provided you with great examples while you were still so young. Not many people have that.

At what point in your life did you know you would serve God through the ministry of music. What led to that moment?

Rachael: My brothers and I went on a trip to Germany when I was in the 8th grade to make some music with a producer we met through a family friend. We came back with a seventeen-song demo that led to several record deal offers and I believe that was when we really knew that this was our calling.

 

Me: 8th grade? So young!

Your debut album, Honestly, tells your story in a remarkable way. What message do you hope to pass across to your listeners?

Rachael: My prayer is that it reaches people where they are. The album touches on a lot of topics, from gossip and using our tongues as a deadly weapon, to protecting your marriage from outside influences and listening only to God’s voice for guidance. The entire album is honest to my own stories and experiences, so in most of it I am really speaking to myself. It is more of a confession and was therapeutic for me personally, and, I hope that in that there is a message for others of encouragement, conviction, growth, faith, and honesty. The record is a musical journal of my life’s highs and lows that forced me to take a look in the mirror and I hope it inspires others to do the same. We all need to grow, every day.

 

Me: What an honest answer. Inspiring, too. Thank you for that!

Tell us about your family. How has being a wife and mother changed you as a person, and made you a better artist?

Rachael: It has changed me in every way possible! First, becoming a wife and learning to put someone else’s needs before my own in that way, and then again in becoming a mother. My family is everything to me and I feel so blessed to have them in my life. I have learned so much about what love really is and I believe that has in turn made me a better person and artist.

 

Me: What a testimony!—one to pay attention to, too! I’m glad you speak of love this way. In the world today, many believe that selfishness and self-preservation is the way to go. I pray that with your answer, people learn different.

You have a long history with music. In what way has it grown you spiritually and closer to God?

Rachael: I think just going through all that we have in this industry has grown me as a person and in my relationship with the Lord. We have been through so many trials and have experienced so many miracles and blessings as well, and through it all God has been ever faithful. I feel like it is impossible to not grow in those times!

 

Me: I agree. The faithfulness of God does cause one to be in awe of Him. And then, in feeling honored by Him, we are humbled in the process. Thank you for that!

In your own opinion, what are the misconceptions people in the world have about the music industry, especially in regards to hard work, fame, and the road to fame?

Rachael: There are so many people that believe that if you sign a record deal they will buy you cars and mansions and, you will become a superstar overnight. But the reality is that it is a business just like any other business, and it takes very hard work and dedication to become successful.

 

Me: “Buy you cars and mansions …” Really? Unbelievable! Thank you for setting the record straight. How is the Christian music industry different from the secular? What are the advantages of one over the other?

Rachael: I think the biggest difference is the way “success” is defined. I believe that if you are a Christian called by the Lord to do music, then your definition of success looks very different than those who are in the music industry for other reasons. Reaching one person you were called to reach with the message God gave you would be considered success, even if you didn’t make millions of dollars doing it. But honestly, I feel that applies to any industry. As believers we should be working for the Lord and not men, no matter what it is we do. When God calls you to do something, He gives you the tools you need to accomplish what you’ve set out to do. I would call that a HUGE advantage!

 

Me: I pray more Christians in the industry will come to think as you do. As an author, I find your words something to hold onto.

In your own opinion, what is the one thing (or several) that the Christian music industry lacks?

Rachael: I think one thing the Christian music industry lacks is an open mind. Things have been done the same way for a very long time, and, no matter how much the world changes (in regards to sound and what is popular), the Christian industry seems to have a hard time accepting things that are new or different. I feel that is a huge disadvantage as the industry does not favor a lot of the music this generation listens to, making it hard for artists like myself to get the needed exposure via Christian radio, publications, etc. More importantly, I feel that it is a disservice to the generation that needs to hear it—the kids who love hip hop, r&b, etc—and want to find Christian music within these genres, but have a hard time finding it.

 

Me: A very thoughtful and poignant response! I hope more and more people read your answer and are enlightened by it. Also, I’m thankful for the changes we see every day, no matter how little.

Where do you see the Christian music industry in the next five to ten years?

Rachael: I hope to see a change in that (see previous answer). I hope to see the Christian industry opening its arms to promoting all music that glorifies the Lord and not just the music that fits into the format that has “worked” for so long. I remember when I first signed to a Christian record label in 2002, I read an article that said that the Christian industry was 10 years away from having a clue what to do with hip hop music. Well it has been over 10 years since then, and, yet, hip hop is still rarely played on major Christian radio stations. My hope is to see a change in that area.

 

Me: Amen to that! God is the creator of all talent, music, and skill. I pray that we come to fully understand and appreciate that.

Are you currently working on something new? What can we expect from you in the future?

Rachael: Right now I am just focusing on letting the Lord lead with the album I released in August. I didn’t approach this album with a major game plan, I felt that God was calling me to be completely honest not only in my writing of the songs, but in my expression of where I am in my life right now. I have a husband and a little girl, and am a stay at home mommy; and that is my first ministry above all else. So I am waiting on the Lord’s guidance on what opportunities to pursue from here.

 

Me: And so I pray the Lord blesses your work—all of it!—at home and in the studio!

Who are the people your heart writes for, when you write songs—the fallen, the broken-hearted?

Rachael: Honestly, I write songs for everyone—myself included. I write about whatever God puts on my heart in hopes that it will touch someone in the way God intended it to. I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to affect anyone’s life in a positive way through music, and to point them to Jesus.

 

Me: Amen to that!

Who are the people that have inspired/encouraged you the most? How have they done so?

Rachael: I would have to say my family. Each of them have taught me so much individually, most of all, my husband. He is a constant reminder of what love is, he believes in me, encourages me, teaches me, loves unconditionally, and listens when I need a shoulder. I have been extremely blessed with a loving man of God as a husband and leader for our family.

 

Me: I thank God for you, Rachael! May God keep you all, and may your story bless and inspire others! Amen.

How do you hope to serve God and impact the world with your music—Christians and non-Christians?

Rachael: My hope is that through my honesty and transparency of what my everyday life looks like, people will be encouraged that I am just like them. I go through terrible times, too. I can be a total monster, and there are times when I’m not fond of the person I see in the mirror. Without God I am nothing, and my hope is that the stories I tell, speak of a savior who can change everything for them, just as He has for me.

 

Me: Love your honesty! It will help reach others even better.

Rachael, tell us why a Christian should go into music. How powerful do you think music can be in impacting a person’s life?

Rachael: I believe a Christian should step out into whatever their calling is. I believe that if God is telling you to do something you should DO IT. No questions asked. Music particularly has a way of reaching people in a place that cannot be explained. It pulls out memories and heals brokenness in a way we can’t even put into words. If the Lord is calling you as a Christian to do music for His glory, I can’t promise you the road will be easy, but I can promise you it will be beautiful. Walking in God’s will for your life always is.

 

Me: Wow! Need I say anymore?

Who are the artists you’ve worked with in the past? Are you working with any now? Who do you hope to work with in the future?

Rachael: On this album I had the pleasure of working with my brother Je’kob, Canon, Deraj, and Beleaf. In regards to the future, well, you never know!

 

 

Me: I’m glad you’ve gotten such encouragement from other artists. I hope you get to collaborate with even more!

How has working with these artists shaped you as an artist? What lessons have you learned along the way? How have they made you a better Christian?

Rachael: Watching other artists use their talent to glorify God is always inspiring. I have learned so much from being able to witness the way others create, and watching the Lord work in their lives as well. I feel very blessed to have been able to work with such talented artists in my career.

 

Me: I can relate. In the presence of God, iron will always sharpen iron.

You believe love and fairytale are real. What would you say to a person who doesn’t believe—someone who has given up?

Rachael: I don’t know that I believe in fairytale per say, I believe that God has a perfect plan for each of us. Most importantly I believe that His plan often looks very different than what we would plan for ourselves! For someone who has given up I would ask that they remember that you know what God can do for you by what He has done for you. When something we think is best doesn’t work out, we find that God has something so much better waiting for us.

 

Me: Thank you for that word of faith and wisdom! Also, please excuse my use of the word “fairytale”.

Rachael, is there a word you’d like to offer—anything at all!—that wasn’t covered by the questions above? We’d love a word of advice or two!

Rachael: I appreciate all of the support you have all shown me through the years! I hope that this record will inspire you the way it has inspired me and that I can continue to bring God glory through it. Thank you all for this opportunity to share my stories with you and for being willing to listen. Blessings to you all!

 

Me: You’re welcome! And, blessings to you and your family, too!

 

 

THIS OR THAT (The Fun Questions!)

Heels or Flats? Definitely heels!

Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate everything!! *smiling*

Orange juice or lemonade? Lemonade!

Boots or Sandals? Boots. Oh, yes!

Rain or snow? I grew up in Hawaii and San Diego, so I don’t have much experience with snow for long periods of time. I think it is so beautiful, but I am completely obsessed with rainy days so I’ll have to go with rain. Nice! Love rain, too!

Fruits or vegetables? Fruits.

Gym or outdoor? Outdoor.

Run or walk? DANCE :) *Thumbs up!*

Book or Movie? Movie.

Thank you, Rachael, for stopping by today!

 

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About Rachael Messini

Singer, rapper, and songwriter Rachael Messini was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1984. Rachael started dancing (tap, jazz and ballet) competitively at the age of 4 and began singing for fun around the same time. Singing and dancing became her passion and in 1998 (8th grade) Rachael’s part-time family music group “Souljahz” got a chance to go overseas to Aachen, Germany to record their first full length album with a young producer who they met through a family friend. Upon their return to the states their father took the finished album to ASCAP. A few meetings later, they found themselves sitting in the offices of Jimmy Iovine, the CEO of Interscope Records. The group received offers from several major labels including Interscope, Warner Bros. & Atlantic Records. In the year 2000, after lengthy negotiations, they ended up signing a deal with Warner Bros. Upon their first major label release in 2002, Rachael became the youngest singer, writer, and producer in Warner Bros history, at only 17 years old.

As SoulJahz, they performed alongside the likes of No Doubt, Nelly, Counting Crows, Ja Rule, Ashanti,

Garbage, Boyz II Men, and Erykah Badu on a cross country tour in support of their major label debut “The Fault Is History.” Television features followed on CNN Headline News, E!, Billboard, The WB, plus a slot on Sessions@AOL beside Christina Aguilera, 50 Cent, Shania Twain, Faith Hill and Red Hot Chili Peppers. The group’s debut album had several #1 CHR hits sand won them 2 Dove awards. But even with the tremendous amount of buzz and overwhelming fanfare, red tape soon wrapped itself around the burgeoning band, putting a long delay on what would’ve been its sophomore CD.

In 2006, the group re-emerged independently as The Washington Projects. They have since released two albums, “Commanders Of The Resistance” in 2007, and “Light Up The Dark” in 2010, of which both garnered critical acclaim and rave reviews. Between 2006 and 2010 they toured nationally

and internationally traveling twice to war zones in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait to entertain the troops, as well as headlining a tour to Italy alongside The Nappy Roots.

In 2011 Rachael took a few years off to start a family. This new chapter in her life was essentially the beginning of the making of her new album, “Honestly.” The process of making this album was unique in that she was now a wife and mother and juggling so many more roles than she had been in the past. “Honestly” is authentic and real, as it speaks about life’s lessons and what she has been through over the past decade. “So much of my life has changed since I began doing music. During the making of this album I went through a time of major self-discovery, learning to listen to God’s voice alone and to trust the vision He’s given me. God told me to be honest, so that’s exactly what I did. There was no game plan, no gimmicks, just me and the music. It took some time, but you can’t rush things that need time to grow. The process of making this record has grown me more than I can put into words. While I thought I was making it, it was really making me.” (Culled from Official Website)

Filed under: Album Feature, Entertainment, Entertainment Interview, Inspirational, Music, Music Artist Interview Tagged: Christian Entertainment, Honestly Album, Music Artist Interview, Rachael Messini, Rachael Messini Singer