In Times of Trouble By Yolanda Sanders (Interview & Giveaway)

In Times of Trouble

by Yolonda Tonette Sanders

 

 

About The Author:

Yolonda Tonette Sanders took a leap of faith in 2004 when she resigned from her job with the State of Ohio after only three and a half years to focus more on writing. It was a leap that she has never regretted. In 2005, her debut novel, Soul Matters, was published by Walk Worthy Press and Time Warner (now Hachette Book Group). In 2008, her second book, Secrets of a Sinner, was published by Harlequin/Kimani Press. That same year Yolonda started Yo Productions, LLC, a Christian based literary services and theatrical entertainment company, which she used to launch and create her first stage production. The theatrical version of Soul Matters debuted successfully in September 2009 at the Capitol Theatre in downtown Columbus, Ohio. Since then, Strebor Books, an imprint of Simon and Schuster, is planning to release four of Yolonda’s titles by April 2015. Currently, Yolonda resides in Columbus, Ohio and is the loving wife of David, proud mother of Tre and Tia, and joyful caregiver of her mother, Wilene.

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Genre: Christian | Contemporary | Inspirational

Publisher: Simon and Schuster/Strebor Books

Release Date: April 23, 2013

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Book Description:

Divorced, single mother Lisa Hampton is grateful for a fresh start after a humiliating scandal forced her to relocate from Maryland to Ohio. Her biggest issue nowadays is dealing with her rebellious teenage daughter, Chanelle, who is one smart comment away from being toothless!

Other than the stress of dealing with Chanelle, life is perfect. Lisa has a new beau and a steady job that allows her the opportunity to rub shoulders with very wealthy and influential people. She is best friends with Isaac and Olivia Scott, an extremely rich and powerful couple.

When Chanelle accuses the Scotts’ son of rape, Lisa learns how quickly her friends become enemies as Olivia and Isaac use their wealth and power to manipulate justice. The Scotts prove that they are willing to go to extreme lengths to protect their son, even if it means destroying both Lisa and Chanelle in the process.

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR WRITING JOURNEY.
It “officially” started around 2002/2003 as I was searching for my purpose in life. I had a good job, but it wasn’t fulfilling and I did not believe it really tapped into my potential. I got an idea for a story and I decided to see it through to the end. Thus, my first novel, SOUL MATTERS, was born and then the other ideas kept coming.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A WRITER?

I enjoy the flexibility in my schedule and the chance to impact the lives of others in a positive way.

WHAT IS THE HARDEST ASPECT OF WRITING?

For me, it’s turning “off” the characters of a story on which I’m currently working. There are times when I seriously just need a break from them, but even when I shut off the computer they find a way to keep speaking to me; sometimes even in my dreams!

HOW MUCH RESEARCH GOES INTO YOUR STORYLINE?

A LOT! I am a very detailed person, so I want to make sure I have the facts straight even if the majority of those facts never appear in my story. I use a variety of methods to gather my information, including searching the internet, interviewing/emailing people, or even visiting locations such as the time I took a tour of the local jail because of a beginning scene in one of my books.

HOW DO YOU PLAN YOUR STORYLINE?

I usually sit down and make a basic outline. Sometimes I only do the first few chapters and then I jot down notes about everything else that is to take place. I re-work it as I go.

WRITERS ARE SOMETIMES INFLUENCED BY THINGS THAT HAPPEN IN THEIR OWN LIVES. ARE YOU?

Yes. Though none of my stories are autobiographical in nature, there are some scenes in which I have drawn emotions or loosely based scenarios from circumstances in my own life.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PUBLICATIONS/AWARDS IF ANY?

I have three publications to date: SOUL MATTERS (Hachette Book Group: September 2005), SECRETS OF A SINNER (Harlequin Kimani Press; June 2013; May 2008), and IN TIMES OF TROUBLE (Simon & Schuster/Strebor Books; April 2013). All of these are stand alone novels. I have two other publications scheduled for next year, which are the first two books in a mystery/suspense series. I have also been featured multiple times on Essence Magazine’s Bestsellers’ list.

WHAT IS THE MOST SURPRISING THING ABOUT WRITING/PUBLISHING THAT YOU HAVE LEARNT?

One of my biggest lessons would be patience. I used to be very impatient, but writing/publishing has taught me to have patience, not only when it comes to my literary work, but in other areas of my life as well. I appreciate the character development in me as a result of having to wait for some things.

DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR NEW WRITERS?

Finish what you start. I encounter so many people who say, “I’ve started a story, but I did not finish it.” My question is “Why?” and usually the answer is that they didn’t have the time. You will never have time to write because something will always be more pertinent. You must make the time! You can do it; you have to believe you can and not settle for anything less. Finish it, if not for publication, then for the self satisfaction of accomplishing a goal.     

OTHER THAN WRITING, WHAT ELSE DO YOU LOVE?

I like to exercise, read, watch movies, and spend time with my family/friends.

WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE AUTHOR AND WHY?

I know this sounds horrible, but I don’t have a favourite author. I read such a variety of things that I don’t feel like I have followed the works on any one author long enough to deem anyone my favourite.

IF YOU HAD A PREMONITION YOU WOULD BE STRANDED ON A DESERT ISLAND, WHAT 5 BOOKS WOULD YOU THROW IN YOUR BAG?

My Bible for sure as it is the only thing that would keep me sane. Then, I would likely include Anne of Green Gables because I’m sure I will need a good laugh while on that island. I would also take some kind of survival book because I probably would not survive the elements for too long without it. Also, I think I would take a picture book to remind me what the real world looked like in case my memory started to fade. Lastly, I would probably grab a photo album as a memento since my family won’t be with me.  

WHAT FIVE WORDS BEST SUM YOU UP

Focused, Organized, Protective, Sincere, Silly  

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