Cyrus Webb Presents... A Conversation with author Pamela Mshana

Pamela, it’s great to have you as part of Conversations Magazine as we celebrate the year that was 2022. What has it been like for you to reflect on the year and all you have done?

My 2022 was quite eventful with some personal challenges and loss of grandmother; but, I also had so many personal victories. As an author it’s been a dream come true to have my novel in the hands of readers who have responded to it overwhelmingly positively. I’ve been promoting my novel, girls in search of cover, at in-person events and virtually— it’s been a whirlwind of fun and learning! I feel like I’ve been at it for much longer because I’ve presented workshops and spoken on panels at conferences such as Christian Book Lovers Retreat (CBLR) and The Romance Slam Jam (RSJ). These events have broadened my author and reader circles and I enjoy getting to know so many beautiful and creative people. I love the way we support each other and I’m thankful for every person who has reached out to me to let me know how much they enjoyed reading my novel. I’ve even had many authors and readers on my, enVision Together: Going To Our Next Level of Best podcast and that has increased my subscribers and caused people to purchase fellow authors books. All of this has been a blast! I’ve even been blessed to have you as a new friend and someone who is such a wonderful supporter!  

We were introduced through your book GIRLS IN SEARCH OF COVER where you give us some memorable characters that are dealing with some relatable issues. What has it been like for you to see the response to the book?

I’ve received feedback that makes me glad I wrote a novel that’s entertaining and equally helpful and inspiring to people (both male and female). While a major topic of the book deals with sexual abuse, some feedback has been unexpected because of the way some men have responded to my novel, seeing themselves in the characters and pondering some of their feelings of being outcast and/or misunderstood. Other people have pointed out the exploration of the issue of racism in the book and have shared how this book touched them and promoted thoughtful reflection and understanding.

How did the idea for GIRLS IN SEARCH OF COVER come to you?

It was quite simply an inspired work that came from within. It was a story writing itself over years of my life and it was finally ready to come out. I experienced sexual violation at a very young age and while my conscious mind suppressed it my subconscious mind was writing the story. While this book is a fiction, it’s a somewhat autobiographical fiction because the main character’s thoughts and feelings about all the events and situations she in are mine— even the pain expressed. I believe it’s a story God inspired me to write because writing it healed some places inside of me and now it has helped others. I pray it continues to do so.

Out of the women we are introduced to in the book who did you connect with the most?

I connect most with Ma Evans because she’s such a complex character. She’s a ball of strength made so by her times of weakness. She endeavors to leave a positive legacy: strength, financial well-being and love to her family. She’s the rock of this generational tale. I like to think that that is what my life is all about…being a type of pillar for those within my sphere of influence. Anything I’ve learned, the resources I have, and all that I can pass to others to make life easier for people and to help make the next generation better is why I get up each morning. I’m flawed but I’m trying to live out being that person.

Thanks to the internet we are able to connect with people all over the world. How has this helped you when it comes to spreading the message about the book?

Great question and I think my earlier statements shared about my podcast answers this best:  many authors and readers have been on my, envision Together: Going To Our Next Level of Best show and that has caused people to purchase fellow authors books.  I’m also able to share about my own writing through this space that reaches around the world. I’ve already had listeners in over 50 countries and my podcast is on the apple podcast chart. Virtual conferences and participating with your Amazon Live Interviews has helped me to spread the word too. The internet is a game changer in so many ways to spread the word about my novel, I could go on and on, but I won’t. (laughs)

We know from the back of the book that GIRLS IN SEARCH OF COVER is only the beginning of a series of books. I know you can’t tell us everything but what other themes are you looking forward to exploring?

Well, I’ll just say that readers should look forward to getting the history behind the relationships between the older women in the story. After all, who we are today is the total sum of all of our experiences and I’m gonna show what makes them really tick and how they ended up where they are (conflict) when we’re introduced to them. I will also explore the male characters and their perspectives more thoroughly. More importantly people will see more clearly the generational impact of a legacy of strength, standing on the shoulders of ancestors and overcoming.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers out there about pursuing their own dreams?

It’s simple, the best advice I ever got is, “Write what you know.” I’ll add to that just write, polish it later. Too many aspiring writers get caught up in perfectionism and procrastination and they never actual put a word on the page. I find once I write the first few pages, the story then practically writes itself. Let the characters do and say whatever they want in your first draft. They will tell you who they are, want they want, their pain and pleasure, etc.

Thanks for your time, Pamela. How can our readers stay connected?

The easiest way to stay connected is to use my name, Pamela Mshana, to find me on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Facebook and my website: pamelamshana.com or girlsinsearchofcover.com. I’d love to hear from everyone! Thanks Cyrus for this interview and for your kindness always!