Author Karen Keilt: Overcoming the Past by Spreading Hope Today

by Cyrus Webb

Some events just seem like something out of a movie. One example of this is the inspiring story of Karen Keilt. She went from seemingly having it all to experiencing one of the darkest chapters of her life.

Through the experience came the book THE PARROT'S PERCH. It was 8 years ago that I was first told about Karen and her story through a mutual friend Andrea Chilcote, and after hearing some of what she had gone through I knew it was tailor-made for Conversations. Over the years we have stayed in touch, and she has become a regular guest on Conversations LIVE the radio show. In 2019 we met in person for the first time while in Chicago, and we discussed the journey and the re-release of her book THE PARROT'S PERCH by She Writes Press.


KAREN KEILT ON THE DECISION TO SHARE: 
"It came about in an interesting way. I had moved on with my life, not wanting to tell anyone. One day in yoga one of my teacher's themes was about forgiveness. What she said was that forgiveness was about letting go of the hope that your past could ever be different. That resonated with me for several days. I realized that though I had gone on with my life I hadn't forgiven and gotten past the events of my life. I knew I had to tell the story."

KAREN KEILT ON THE PAST:
"When I was 22 years old I was falsely arrested and imprisoned in Brazil where I grew up. Within a matter of hours my entire life was turned completely upside down. I was raped, my husband and I were beaten and tortured on a device called the Parrot's Perch."

KAREN KEILT ON HER STORY RESONATING:
"I believe the reason the story resonated with people is because torture and crime and corruption are extremely common in Brazil. Human rights violations are happening every day."

KAREN KEILT'S HOPE:
"I think that this matter is so important that people take a look at it. It needed to be told. I sent a copy to Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and President Obama thanked me for the courage to tell my story. My hope is that something really positive can come from it.

"These events happened to me but don't define me. I consider myself very blessed that what happened did happen to me and that somehow I had the strength to come through it. There's a purpose for everything. I didn't know that I could come back from what happened. Now I have the strength and ability to help people to become more aware. I'm the one who found the voice to talk about it."

Karen's message for us is this: "I really believe that all of us have much more strength than we expect. There were many times when I didn't think I could get through this. My mom used to tell me 'This, too, shall pass.' That's important for all of us to know. We can get through whatever it is. "

To stay in touch with Karen and to get your own copy of her book The Parrot's Perch visit www.theparrotsperch.com. The book is also available on Amazon.com.

TAKE TEN with Marcella D. Moore, Author/Motivational Speaker

1. Marcella, glad to have you as part of our Take Ten series. I met you because of your contribution to the book 31 Ways of Influence which focuses on the Proverbs 31 woman. Share with our audience what it’s been like to see the response to the book.
I am grateful that this book has blessed so many women.  This is the benefit of collaboration; several women with different stories of hope and triumph.  I am honored that God chose to use my story of pain, disappointment, uncertainty and low self-esteem to encourage others and show them that they can live beyond their circumstances.

2. You have made a name for yourself in business as well as through your work as a motivational speaker and author. What has it been like to see how your gifts have benefited others?
It brings me great joy to know that my stories have brought so much life to others.  This is confirmation for me that I am walking and living out my purpose. 

3. In your chapter of the book 31 Ways of Influence you share about your own purpose and dealing with challenges. What was that like for you to show others, especially women, what they could overcome?
While experiencing my challenges I did not know that it was something I had to go through in order to be where I am today.  Every time I receive feedback and testimonies from women of how my story helped them it brings another level of confidence in my life and provides a clearer understanding of who God has called me to me.  Initially I did not get it; I felt abandoned and unloved but I now have clarity and that clarity helps me speak life to others, encouraging them and reminding them that they can overcome too.

4. Your faith has obviously guided you along the way, Marcella. When did you realize that you were created for a specific purpose?
I love this question.  When I was a little girl I knew that there was something special about me but I had no one to cultivate and help me understand what it was.  As I grew older I knew that I was supposed to encourage and help people.  I knew from attending church as a child that God called people to ministry.  In my mid-twenties I was told by a minister that God called me to teach.  While not clear about what that meant I continued to encourage others.  My mother was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2012 and during her treatments she brought people to me who was diagnosed with state 3 and 4 cancer asking me to encourage and pray for them.  During that time I became 100% clear about my purpose.

5. Has it been easy for you to embrace your own greatness, especially when things don’t seem to be going your way?
I still second guess myself at times but every time I get in that space God sends someone to remind me that I helped them.  When I find myself facing challenges, I constantly remind myself that something great is at the end of the process.  I also use the tools that I teach to others and remind myself of whose I am.  While it can be overwhelming at times I am committed to the mission and to the woman God has called me to be.

6. One of the things you talk about is seeing ourselves as God sees us. That’s not always easy. What has helped you to do that?
This at times is one of my biggest challenges especially in this world of social media.  I think women rule when it comes to comparing ourselves to others.  When I start feeling unworthy and less than the woman God has called me to be, I quickly go to the scriptures and remind myself of whose I am.  I rehearse scriptures like Genesis 1:27 and Psalms 139:14. I also become intentional about spending time with people who are secure with their identity, I create affirmations that speak life to me and I pray. 

7. So many people get stuck, allowing either their past or others to define them and what’s possible. What has helped you not to get stuck in that trap?
I constantly tell myself that my past does not dictate my future but it creates lessons that I can use to empower me today.  I work hard not to become isolated, isolation can be a dangerous space.  I remember the tools that have helped me throughout my journey and I practice them and I remember my why.

8. I know 2020 is going to be an exciting year for you. What are some of the things we should be looking out for?
The last couple of years I’ve focused mainly on my non-profit organization, Motivate and Pray, Inc.  This year I will focus more on expanding my business, Marcella D. Moore, LLC.  My business goals include more collaborations, my own book and continuing to create empowerment events that encourage individuals to live a more productive life.

9. Thanks for your time, Marcella. Glad we had a chance to connect. How can our audience stay connected with you?
Thank you for this amazing opportunity to be a part of your platform.  Readers can connect with me on my website www.marcelladmoore.com, Facebook – Marcella D. Moore and follow me on Instagram and Twitter @celladmotivates.

10. Finally what advice do you have for readers about the importance of realizing who they were created to be?
It is mandatory that you understand who you were created to be.  When God released us in the earth from our mother’s womb we cried and I believe that cry was an announcement to the world that I AM HERE!  During that announcement purpose was released with us and when you understand that you have something special to offer the world you will cancel out the negative energies that try to keep you down.  God has not nor will He change His mind concerning the purpose He has for your life, when we believe this we can embrace the different processes of life and understand that they are necessary to fine-tune and develop us so that we can be effective in the earth.  You are amazing, you are special and you are God’s beloved.

[The J Spot with Shari Alyse] Your Flaws Are Beautiful

For years I tried to be perfect. I didn’t want people to know that below these shoulders was a body that didn’t fit my thinner face. I didn’t want people to know that I wore hair pieces and wigs. Somehow, I thought that by being perfect, I would be more loved.

The only ones that loved me more were the people who cared about that kind of thing. And the thing about those kind of people, they were ultimately the ones I didn’t want in my life and wouldn’t stick around through the tough stuff anyway.

The kicker about all of this, the more and more I hid who I really was and presented what I thought others wanted, I was the one that didn’t end up liking this person. I was the one who always felt discontent, inauthentic and a mere shadow of myself.

The beautiful thing about you and I are our imperfections, our flaws, quirks and crooked smiles. The beautiful thing about us is that we were created to be exactly who we are and each moment that we choose and allow ourselves to show up in all of our imperfect perfection, is truly when we begin living.

I know it can be tough when the world around you seems to demand more from you. When you find yourself unconsciously comparing yourself to the more successful person, the flatter abs, the ‘always’ vacationing couple, the seemingly ‘always' happy person and the ‘fill in the blank’ of anyone else or anything else you compare yourself to.

 I get it. It’s right in your face wherever you turn. But the important thing to note is that there is nobody that has it all together. There is nobody that is perfectly happy in every single area of their life - from health, relationships, career, looks, etc. We all have been dealt a hand that has been tailor made for us - a hand that helps us grow, expand, heal and love. A hand that simply wants you to begin to understand your worth and value and one that knows that only you can offer your kind of greatness.

So enough with this hiding! Enough with the sitting on the sidelines of your life! And enough with the dimming of your light! We need you. The world needs you. Your flaws are your strength and your personal power. Use them. Embrace them. Be proud of them. They are yours and not a soul on this planet will ever be able to carry them the way that you do.

And for the record, I now post full-body pictures online. I now have spoken very openly about my hair or rather the hair I bought and I even use the hashtag #wigs when I do. You see, the day that I decided to take a real good look within, was the day that I saw all of me. And all of me and all of you is pure and indescribable beauty.

Your flaws are unbelievably beautiful and unbelievably YOU.

Shari Alyse is the best selling author of the book, Love Yourself Happy. She is also a motivational speaker and self-love coach. If you’d like to work with Shari, you can find out more about her at www.ShariAlyse.com. 

Author/Speaker Tiffany James: Enjoying the Blessings From Walking In Purpose

by Cyrus Webb

Having been introduced to motivational speaker Tiffany James through her book LIVING IN THE LAND OF I AM it is clear that not only does she have an inspiring story, but she is committed to helping others find their own personal fulfillment and happiness. Enjoy our conversation.

Tiffany, a big part of your work has had to do with words. When did you first realize the power of words for yourself? 
Ever since I was a little girl, I loved the beauty of words, however, I didn’t recognize the power they possessed until April of 2006 when one of my poems was entered in the International Poet Competition. After reciting a poem entitled “Life” that I wrote, several women came up to me afterwards expressing how my words encouraged them as they openly shared the trials they had been going through. I was beyond moved and although I did not win, I left Vegas with a greater prize-fulfillment!

When I returned to work and shared with my co-workers the poem I had chosen to recite, to my surprise I was asked if they could have a copy. That same night I printed copies of the poem out on a beautiful card stock and placed it in a very inexpensive frame. They next day I handed them out to those who requested a copy. It was humbling and to be honest it felt a little uncomfortable because they refused to take it without paying for it. This opened the eyes of my imagination to the possibility that my words had value and could change the world.

I love that in LIVING IN THE LAND OF I AM you are able to take us through the challenges or the valley all the way to the mountaintop of your journey. What was it like to reflect on where you started and where you are today? 
It was euphoric Cyrus!  It was also very liberating to finally be at a place in my life where I could tell my story while guilt and shame stood on the sidelines speechless because they no longer had the power to silence me. It also gave me the desire to share with others who may still be in the valley what I learned. 

I consider us all a work in progress, every day giving us the chance to become better. How has that outlook helped you to be forgiving of yourself? 
That’s a great question. In short, I would say understanding that I can’t change my past, but I have the power to choose to be a better version of myself with each new day.  The key is also learning from your past mistakes and not allow them to define you. I always say my mess has become my message for someone else who might be or have been where I was. 

Faith is a major aspect of your life. How has that kept you grounded as you have found success? 
Cyrus, my book, “Living in the Land of I Am,” is one version of my story, but there is another version of my story that has never been fully told in written form yet. With that being said, I know that what I’ve gone through nobody, but God could have brought me through those painful seasons of my life while transforming me into the woman I am today. I truly understand apart from Him I can’t do anything, nor do I want to. My faith reminds me that there is a purpose behind my passion. If I lose sight of that then I lose sight of who I am. My faith is the reason that I am fulfilled.

It’s one thing to know what is possible for yourself. Share with our audience what it’s been like to share it with others. It’s one thing for others to believe in you but it’s empowering and life changing when you realize and can embrace it for yourself.  Every time I share it with others it’s a confirmation that this is what I called to do. I am always in awe that when I step out and share with others how it empowers them to step out and own their truth of who they were created to be!

On social media you not only share your book but inspirational messages. How has social media helped you to spread the word about your work?
It has helped me encourage people that I know and those that I may never meet in person.  People from different states, race, pedigree, and beliefs. It is because of social media that my book release was such a huge success. It’s nothing like being able to send out a mass invite by the click of a button! Cyrus, social media has also been a great audition tool for me being a speaker/storyteller- many doors of opportunity have opened through people watching my video online.

Being unique is not always easy. You encourage readers of the book to rethink what they have been told about thinking outside the box and staying within boundaries. What has given you the courage to do what others haven’t been able to achieve?
Well, you mentioned it earlier: my Faith. Not only that, I surround myself around people who encourage me, as well as challenge me in my journey. Cyrus, I also challenge myself by constantly stepping out and trying new things. If a creative idea come to me, I try to move on it immediately (writing it down, talking about it with my inner circle, praying about, and moving on it in small ways with excitement even if I don’t have the big picture yet) before I start contemplating all the things I must do in order for it to be successful. When I begin contemplating & calculating that’s when I lose my creativity and if I’m not careful will talk myself out of it especially if it’s outside of the box.

Tiffany, I also mentioned your success earlier. When you look at the path, you’re on, how has your idea of success changed along the way?
I can be honest, like many people today, I thought being successful was all about who I was associated with or how much money I made. However, I learned that true success is truly about personal fulfillment. It’s about being true to who you are. There was a point in my life where I thought I had reached some level of success, but I was unfilled and unhappy. It was not until I started to embrace who I was created to be and the purpose that I was called to fulfill that I understood what success was. This truth started to spill over into every area of my life. Cyrus, I heard Oprah say in a speech that she was not special or better than anyone else, but that she simply answered the call of the dream. Again, we all have a dream and we must answer the call!

What should our readers be on the lookout for from you next? 
I have recently partnered with a Christian radio station – TruthFM to do a 1 to 2-minute encouraging word for the day every Friday.  You can find them at https://truthfmlive.com  or on Facebook TruthFM. The show airs at 6am-8am PST. They are recorded audio messages that I will also be sharing on my social media platform and website. There will be times that they will have me on during the show by phone to elaborate on the word I shared. I am also starting a live book reading of my new book, Living in the Land of I Am. It’s one of those new and creative ideas I mentioned earlier! Cyrus, I’m so open to the future and anything is possible.

Thanks again for the time. Excited about what 2020 has in store for you. How can our audience stay connected with you?
Thank you, Cyrus it has been an honor. My website is www.encouragingtouch.com , email : tiffany@encouragingtouch.com , Instagram : @ncouragetouch, Facebook: Tiffany James or Encouraging Touch Enterprises.

WARRIOR SPOTLIGHT: Jacqueline "Lulu" Brown, Author/Speaker/Entrepreneur

by Cyrus Webb

Author and Speaker Jacqueline “Lulu” Brown is able to show by example what you are able to achieve when you don’t allow your life to be led by fear. I had a chance to interview her because of her part in an anthology 31 WAYS OF INFLUENCE, but her work goes well beyond that. In this chat we talk about what she has done, how she has been able to impact the lives of others and what’s to come. 


Lulu, you have literally been able to travel the world, sharing your gifts with individuals that you meet. What has it been like for you to reflect on what you have been able to achieve?
It’s been truly amazing to reflect and see how God enabled me to accelerate and literally “ascend” in Ministry which began with the role of Deaconess and Sunday School Teacher, and now, Licensed Minister, Reverend, Entrepreneurship as a Women’s Empowerment Consultant, and retired Information Technology Executive Leader. The learnings and experience working with other cultures across the world continues to blow my mind even now.

Ironically the two of us connected because of your contribution to the bestselling book 31 WAYS OF INFLUENCE: The Tools of the Proverb 31 Women to Successfully Impact Nations. How does it feel to be able to share your story and your testimony with people and know it’s benefiting them? 
It is exhilarating to share my story with others and my God inspired testimony. It was the many stories of others that motivated and inspired me over the years. It is an honor to now give to others through writing. Originally it felt a little scary to go from sharing my story during speaking engagements with a limited audience - too sharing my story with an unlimited number of people across the world.

Conversations’ theme for 2020 is “Embracing Your Greatness”. Tell us what it’s been like for you to embrace your God-given abilities.
Embracing my God-given abilities is a freedom that brings about liberation on a whole new level for me. If one can image, previously, a woman “dressed to the nine” and “boardroom ready”, successful by the secular definition, yet; this woman has chains around her wrists and ankles. Embracing God’s greatness in me and operating in my God-given gifts is now “KNOWING” what it means to operate from a “real” seat of power. 

In the chapters you contribute in the book 31 WAYS OF INFLUENCE you share the balancing act of success in your personal and professional life. Have you found that to be striking a chord with women reading the book?
Yes, I’ve received feedback on  striking that chord, however; what I’ve shared in 1:1 conversations takes things a little deeper. I’ve also learned that there really wasn’t a “balancing personal and professional life” as much as I thought it was at the time. I found that this “balancing thing” was more auto pilot of “getting it all done”. Today, there is no balance, rather, there is “INTEGRATION of it all. Balance made me feel that I had to do all things equally. Today, I prioritize, make better choices, and most importantly, I integrate all that I do across all aspects of my life. As an example, my Husband travels with me everywhere I go. He is integrated into all aspects of what I do. While he might see himself as a supporter, I see him as a partner in ministry and my business.

Transparency is another facet you discuss in the book. What has that conversation been like for you to have with others about being authentic in their dealings in life?
The conversation around transparency and being authentic is very difficult for those that are not ready to have the “REAL CONVERSATION”. I’ve found that many women are offended by the slightest hint that they might not be living in total authenticity. Today’s world and “the world’s system” can keep us in a place of “superficiality”. A person can see everyone else’s mask, yet, they don’t see their own mask. For those women that are ready to experience their “highest self” and “ascend” to a place far beyond their current success, the conversation of authenticity is extremely easy. These women are ready to come out of the “matrix”. They are willing to do the work around “awakening”, dig deep into “self-discovery”, take the “transformational healing journey”, and “ascend”.

For those who are just discovering your work when did you realize that you were given a gift that was meant to share? 
I knew I was meant for something major from the age of five (5); I didn’t know exactly what however. I’ve always known that I was different. My full name is Jacqueline “Lulu”, but I’m fondly known as “Lulu”. I was named Lulu after the endearing and mischievous cartoon character, Little Lulu. For those discovering my work it is important to know that I didn’t arrive to this place without a lot of lessons learned; many of those lessons almost took my life. I’m not a fan of “pimping my pain”, therefore; I keep the focus on being victorious. I’m never a victim. The glory is in the victory. Accepting accountability for all my experiences both good and bad is one of many keys to success.

Lulu, fear is one of those things we talk a lot about, because it seems to be one of the things that keeps people from moving forward. How have you not allowed yourself to be paralyzed by fear in your life?
How I don’t allow fear to paralyze me is to stay true to myself and make sure that the mask I once wore is destroyed forever. And, when the mask is presented back to me by others, well let’s just say, I know where to tell folks to go with that mask. In the beginning I allowed fear to keep me from breaking free of those chains I spoke about because fear was my chain.

On the radio show Conversations LIVE you discussed your faith and the role it is has played in getting you where you are. What do you want people of faith to realize, though, about the struggle they still have to face when it comes to achieving their purpose? 
The most critical thing to remember is that “to whom much is given, much is required”. It takes more than operating in one’s greatness, gifts, and brilliance. It takes standing the tests, perseverance, and showing up in excellence at all times, including when we don’t feel like it. Everyone will not agree with the path that God gives us as individuals. We must be willing to accept the calling when it is not a “popular” message or popular thing to do at the time. Finally, know the difference between the voice of flesh and the voice of God. This is achieved with fasting, much prayer, and lots of meditation.

You have a busy 2020 planned. Tell our audience some of what you are excited about. 
I’m honored that I am hosting a twice weekly segment on iWorship96 Internet radio Mondays and Fridays, 10:00 A.M EST. January started Revolution Ascension's "Your Ascension” Academy. The Academy is a 3-month program where participants tap into their DIVINE FEMININE SELF, take the reigns of their life and walk on a path of ASCENSION. And, let’s make this clear: Revolution Ascension is not “just another women’s support movement.” Clients walk away with insightful, thought-provoking solutions that they can implement into their daily lives with ease and grace. The program repeats 4 times during the year. 

Thanks so much for the time, Lulu. How can our audience stay connected with you?
Thank you for the opportunity to have this interview and the audience can connect with me on Facebook www.facebook.com/revolutionascension on the web at www.revolutionascension.com or email at jacquelinelulu@revolutionascension.com.

TAKE TEN with author Doris H. Dancy

by Cyrus Webb

1. Doris, you and I have had a great chat on Conversations LIVE the radio show, so I am glad we get a chance to catch up here.  Let’s talk about the reflection first. What has it been like for you to write your books and to see the way that readers are able to relate to them?
Writing my novels has been one of those unexpected joys…the joy that comes with the unpredictability of life.  I have spent my career teaching the skill of writing, but one day God whispered in my ear that He wanted me to embark on this awesome journey of sharing my special messages with the world through Christian Romance…and what a journey it has been.  Often, my readers bring tears to my eyes when they tell me how much my messages have made a positive change in their lives.  One young man said to me, “Mrs. Dancy, don’t tell my boys that I read a romance novel, but I loved it, and I learned a lot of important things that I’ll never forget.  Don’t stop writing and helping us learn to value one another.” For me, having this kind of impact on the lives of so many has been invaluable.

2. Did you know when you began the journey that you wanted to entertain readers as well as inspire them?
Yes. As a lifelong educator, I have always wanted to inspire; however, for me, entertainment was secondary. My goal in life has been to enlighten … to help others see the best path for them to take and to encourage them.  I enjoy helping people become the best that they can be.  That’s the teacher in me.  In my Christian novels, I don’t preach, but through the twists and turns of events, I hope my readers understand the value of overcoming the many obstacles that life puts in our path no matter how difficult they may seem at their inception. In my writing, I consistently demonstrate how available God is and how He never leaves or forsakes when we trust Him.

3.Your characters have always been so real. What has it been like for you to travel the world with them and to see the world through their eyes?
Traveling the world with my characters and seeing the world through their eyes has been intriguing, incredible, and life changing. I’ve felt their pain, learned their inner secrets, enjoyed their triumphs, accepted their weaknesses, and marveled at their outstanding walk through a maze to find redemption.  It’s always fascinating for me to view the unfolding of characters, and watch them become “real” as they reveal their voices, set their tones, create their moods and dive into the action that brings them to authentic life.  When I finally completed my second novel, Shattered Pieces, I had no idea where that end would lead me until I heard my character, Summer, say, “I have a story to tell.”  …and what a story she tells!   She cautiously reveals why she allowed herself to be abused by the man she claimed to love and why she felt such a strong desire never to forgive so many people in her past.  Writing her truth was amazing.  It was like watching the layers of her life unfold, displaying a story so many women in our world never find the strength to tell.

4. Recently you have been promoting the book ALL OTHER GROUND. Tell us about what inspired it?
Several things inspired this novel… Women for one!  So many women who have been strong, but weak against the men who claimed to love them inspired this novel.  Betrayal inspired it.  Understanding the devastation of betrayal and the sense of loss that can take a lifetime to overcome inspired All Other Ground.  So many people who refuse to forgive inspired it.  I wanted to give the world a sense of how important it is to forgive if you want to lift the weight from your own shoulders and live your best life.  That idea is what inspired, Summer, my protagonist.  Women in my family, young high school girls I have taught, and just women I have met along the way have some heartfelt stories to tell.

While there are some differences, they all seem to have very similar broken threads refusing to be strong enough to mend them back together again.  I wanted to give these women a pathway to mend the broken heart.  Alcohol cannot mend it. Sex cannot mend it, and  drugs won’t do it either.  I believe a close relationship with God is the Way, but “ALL OTHER GROUND is sinking sand.”

5. Social media, Doris, is one of the ways you have been able to share the message of your books. It’s the way that you and I were introduced. How has it helped you to connect with readers?
I think allowing my audience to see the real me has been the way I have connected with my readers.  I share what makes me happy, what makes me sad, the events of my life, and I participate in their lives as well.  One of the things I love about Facebook and Instagram is being able to connect with friends far and wide…just staying in touch.  A word or two now and then goes a long way to create a smile, and I love seeing their smiles.

6. Being an author, putting your work out there, is not an easy thing. I’m sure aspiring authors will want to know how you have gotten over the fear?
For me, it was prayer…knowing that this is the plan that God has for me gave me that blessed assurance that I was not alone.  I did not have to do this thing by myself.  Also, I remember listening to a Kirk Franklin song entitled  “Hello Fear” and I can honestly say that looking closely at the words to that song helped me throw caution to the wind. It helped to build my faith that I could do more than teach the skill; I could make an additional positive impact on the world by sharing powerful messages.  I think you just have to get to the point where you believe in yourself and believe you have something very important to say, and then be determined to say it.

7. It’s hard to choose which one of your children is the favorite, right? Out of the books you have released, though, is there one that has really felt extremely close to you?
This is a VERY HARD question.  I love all three of my novels because of their powerful messages: the devastation of betrayal, the self destruction of failing to forgive, as well as the result of having children before one might be ready to take on the awesome responsibilities children demand. However, I choose All Other Ground because I believe that its message ties all of the others together.  In All Other Ground, youthful rebellion creates some devastating events that just didn’t have to be.  When I speak with young people about this novel, I try to help them realize how important it is to hold on tightly to their own goals and dreams…never to allow anyone the power to destroy what they want for themselves. This theme reminds me of Langston Hughes’ poem, What Happens to A Dream Deferred.”  His imagery is profound because it depicts the hopelessness and the agony of defeat that results in relinquishing the desires we have for ourselves.

All Other Ground places this theme at center stage and it is the message that encompasses each of the three novels: sex is not a toy, children resulting from careless behavior are not toys, and raising them is no easy task.  I want kids to understand that there is a time for everything, and their youth is a time to go after dreams and goals… to value themselves enough to be a little selfish about what they are willing to sacrifice.  I try to encourage them to be careful with infatuation, go after their dreams with passion, and built a life on solid ground.  For these reasons, I choose my novel All Other Ground as my favorite.

8. Success is such a personal thing. I’m curious how your idea of success in your writing career has evolved from the time you started. 
Success is a funny word.  It all depends on how you view it.  For me, I have had a very successful life as an educator where I never stopped writing or teaching writing.  From childhood, writing has always been my passion.  It is what inspires me, motivates me, and creates that thing that you can’t stop no matter what.  My success comes when I feel that I have done my best, and I’m willing to share my ideas with the world.  If people enjoy what I write, I’m elated.  If I enjoy what I write and believe in its truth, I am elated and satisfied.  That has been my measure of success from my childhood to this very day.

9. Any advice you would give to those looking to get started on their own literary journey?
Yes.  Think BEFORE you write. Write what you know.  Research things that you need to verify.  Write often and never be afraid to share your work. TALK about your writing with someone you trust and will give you an HONEST opinion.  That is the only thing that will really help you improve.  Never hear that this is something you cannot do, and never publish without first getting an editor.

10. Thanks for sharing a bit of your journey with us, Doris. How can our audience stay connected with you?
My email is ddancy.pen2paper@yahoo.com
My website is www.dorishdancy.com
Instagram : instagram@dorishdancy
Facebook: @dorishdancy

WARRIOR SPOTLIGHT: Dr. Teresa A. Smith, Author/Motivational Speaker/Media Personality

by Cyrus Webb

Having seen the amazing work she has done over the past two years there is no doubt in my mind that Dr. Teresa A. Smith or Dr. TAS as she has become known is a warrior. 

She's an author, motivational speaker, media personality and an individual that I am glad to call not just a client but a friend. 2020 is already a big year for her, with her own radio segment and new books in the works. This chat takes you back to the beginning. 

Hello, Teresa. Thanks so much for your time. Your book STRONGER is so inspiring and full of lessons I think readers from all walks of life can learn from. How does it feel to see the response?
It is humbling. As an author and motivational speaker, I work diligently to develop my message in a style that is intriguing and thought-provoking. When readers say my story is theirs and thank me for sharing, it’s confirmation I completed the task correctly.

 You are so candid about your life and challenges in the book. Was that an easy decision to make?
In STRONGER, it was easy to be transparent about my truth. I learned early in life not to misrepresent facts so that others are comfortable with their reality. Being candid is a necessary part of my healing.

 You have shown through your own life that we can be stronger than our circumstances, however, fear stops so many. You have a saying about fear I think readers will appreciate. Share that with us, please.
Fear is a normal emotional response to a perceived threat to one’s well-being. When experienced, we can either run away or fight. To fight for my well-being, I changed my perspective of fear to Face Everything And Rise.

 You definitely are a survivor, Teresa. What gave you the strength to press forward in life?
I found my personal mantra in God and the knowledge that my birth and following life events did not occur by coincidence. My existence is part of a broader matrix which positively intertwines my life with other people.

Not only are you an author and motivational speaker, you are also an entrepreneur. Talk with us about what it’s been like to build your own brand.
I spent much of my career working in human services and am known as a helper. As an entrepreneur, my brand focuses on assisting others with living their best life whether it’s working to repair credit, promoting medical care, or helping those with chronic pain. When I reflect on my brand, I realize giving back to others has always been at the core of my being.

 Our self-talk is so important. You address that in Stronger. Why do we have to be careful what we spoke over others and ourselves?
Self-talk is an intrinsic part of the self-fulfilling prophecy, the physical manifestation of our expectations. Self-talk is our internal dialogue usually driven by our ideas, emotions, and identity. When negative views dominate discussions about self or other individuals, we are less likely to be effective. To combat negative assumptions, we have to engage in productive exchanges with self and other people, so our beliefs support growth.

Your faith and belief in God definitely come through in the book. How has it helped you in moving forward in life?
My faith and trust in God continue in everything. My relationship with God provides reassurance that I can’t find in a man. When I might falter, God always sends a reader or DRTASLIVEAT9 listener who’ll share what my work has meant to them.

When people finish Stronger what do you hope they are able to see about what’s possible for them?
When people finish Stronger, I hope they understand challenges are normal and often bring life lessons. Further, I hope it motivates them to own their truth and devise a plan to reach their goals. I am a living example that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.

 Thanks again for your time. How can our readers stay connected with you and get STRONGER for themselves?
Thank you for a wonderful interview! Readers can connect with me via the following:
Website:  www.askdrtas.com
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/drtastronger/
Tune into DRTASLIVEAT9 live show on Facebook Monday-Friday; replays are on Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin, and Youtube
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/DrTeresaSmith
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/drteresasmith/