Intimate Conversation with author Joy Turner and Ella Curry of EDC Creations Media GroupJoy Turner is an accomplished musician, vocalist, composer and author born and raised in Baltimore MD. As a published songwriter and writer/editor for her church newsletter, she has embarked upon her first published literary work "Content...Right Where I Am". Joy is also a devoted single mother, teacher, intercessor, minister in training, and entreprenuer.
Ella: Joy, tell us about your passion for writing.
I actually started writing not to become an author but used it as yet another outlet for creative expression. In a sense it was also therapy and healing for some emotional baggage that I had been carrying around for a long time. I never dreamed of being an author, in fact I always thought I would be more involved in music. Music is definitely still a passion of mine but now writing is definitely something I will continue to do as well. I enjoy it and I am very pleased that my writing has inspired others.
Ella: Introduce us to your new book, Content... Right Where I Am.
Content... Right Where I Am is a personal journey towards finding my source of contentment. For me, this involved a spiritual awakening and allowed me to tie in the things going on in the natural with the spiritual things of God that have allowed me to see things in a different light. I also suffered from depression for all of my teenage years and most of my adult life.
This alone was breeding grounds for cultivating discontentment. I share with my reader a very personal and painful isolated incident that occurred in my life causing major setbacks that spiraled into years of depression, turmoil and utter dissatisfaction with life. The triumph in being able to see some light at the end of a dark and dismal tunnel is the hope that I share with my readers.
It is my prayer that this book will not entertain but will minister, encourage, reach and touch many lives so that I won't be the only one who can say "I'm content, right where I am". In the book there are prayers, activities, and times of reflection as well as biblical references that I use as tools to reach my goal as not just an author but as a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Ella: Joy, finish this sentence: I am Powerful because...
I am Powerful because...I acknowledge my weaknesses. The irony in that is truly the center of my faith in God through Christ and acknowledging that there is a source much greater and much more powerful than myself. I wouldn't be powerful all by myself.
Ella: Why is celebrating Black History important 365 days a year?
First of all we must dispel the notion that Black History is only for Black people. Our history is a part of our nation's history and even our world history. Growing up as a child in the public school system we took one month to learn about the same (yet equally significant) figures year after year but our history is so much more rich and so much more in depth than what we are able to learn in one month. Black men and women have made contributions to this world and it will take all 365 days of the year to celebrate how beautiful, how wonderful, how talented, how strong we truly are and to honor those who have paved the way for our successes and even future achievements.
Ella: Where are you from? How did you start your writing journey?
I am from BaltimoreCity (East side to be exact but I now live in AnneArundelCounty). I grew up in a very musical family. I began playing the piano when I was 4 and went on to sing, play other instruments and write songs. The only experience that I really ever had with writing per say was writing songs. I felt it (writing) was a creative outlet because I was so shy growing up. It helped me to express myself and still does.
Ella: Who are your two main characters and what do you like most about them?
My book is a motivational/inspirational type of book so I really don't have main characters so to speak, however I do give my reader a taste of my own personal life and testimony.
Ella: What makes your book stand out and would entice a reader pick it up?
I've been told that the title as well as the cover (blue butterfly on the front) actually stand out. I've had people actually purchase the book simply based on the title. I think my book will stand out because it comes from a very personal and intimate part of me that can relate to so many others on many different levels. I think everyone wants to be content and I believe that this quest is not unattainable.
Ella: Why is celebrating Black History important 365 days a year?
First of all we must dispel the notion that Black History is only for Black people. Our history is a part of our nation's history and even our world history. Growing up as a child in the public school system we took one month to learn about the same (yet equally significant) figures year after year but our history is so much more rich and so much more in depth than what we are able to learn in one month. Black men and women have made contributions to this world and it will take all 365 days of the year to celebrate how beautiful, how wonderful, how talented, how strong we truly are and to honor those who have paved the way for our successes and even future achievements.
Ella: Where are you from? How did you start your writing journey?
I am from BaltimoreCity (East side to be exact but I now live in AnneArundelCounty). I grew up in a very musical family. I began playing the piano when I was 4 and went on to sing, play other instruments and write songs. The only experience that I really ever had with writing per say was writing songs. I felt it (writing) was a creative outlet because I was so shy growing up. It helped me to express myself and still does.
Ella: Who are your two main characters and what do you like most about them?
My book is a motivational/inspirational type of book so I really don't have main characters so to speak, however I do give my reader a taste of my own personal life and testimony.
Ella: What makes your book stand out and would entice a reader pick it up?
I've been told that the title as well as the cover (blue butterfly on the front) actually stand out. I've had people actually purchase the book simply based on the title. I think my book will stand out because it comes from a very personal and intimate part of me that can relate to so many others on many different levels. I think everyone wants to be content and I believe that this quest is not unattainable.
Ella: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
I want people to be encouraged. I want people to be uplifted and not focus on the negative things that hinder progress. I want people to motion towards finding their own healing and deliverance. Everyone's path is different but I definitely want to offer some encouragement. We're going through some tough times in the world today but there is hope through the gospel of Jesus Christ. The sun may not shine every day but neither does it rain each day.
I want people to be encouraged. I want people to be uplifted and not focus on the negative things that hinder progress. I want people to motion towards finding their own healing and deliverance. Everyone's path is different but I definitely want to offer some encouragement. We're going through some tough times in the world today but there is hope through the gospel of Jesus Christ. The sun may not shine every day but neither does it rain each day.
Ella: What is the one most surprising thing you have learned in creating books?
How much work is involved AFTER the book is published! LOL.
How much work is involved AFTER the book is published! LOL.
Ella: What would you say has been your most significant achievement as a writer? Getting the book published. I've tended to be a huge procrastinator in the past and I am just very happy to be able to say that I am now a published author. This is my first book so this is significant in and of itself. I did it through the strength and grace of God and with the support of my family, friends and a very wonderful network of business associates. My publisher has been a tremendous blessing with walking me through the process and giving me all of the knowledge required to become a published author. I did not choose to self publish this time but I have no regrets. I may choose to do so in the future but I am very pleased with the business relationship I developed with my publisher.
Ella: What advice would you give a new writer? Would you change anything?
If you're a writer, you have to write. I am surprised at how many people tell me that they have this book and when I ask them more about it they tell me that it isn't finished or that they haven't even began to write it down, it's still in their head or in their heart. I would advise a new writer to make sure that they continue to write down everything. Do your homework, educate yourself and even re-write if you have to. It will only strengthen you as a writer.
Ella: Name 3 things that it takes to make a successful author, in your opinion?
Creativity (the ability to think outside of the box whether you're writing a textbook or a novel is what will separate you from the masses), Perseverance and Patience.
Ella: What can we expect from you in the future?
Only God can know it! LOL Probably many more books, articles and other publications. I'm on my church's newsletter ministry and I have actually thought about a magazine. I'd love to continue on with doing something in the music realm as well be it teach,
Ella: Share with us your latest news, events or upcoming book releases.
I am really excited to be a part of a Christian author book tour that kicked off in November (2008). The tour has grown and there are probably a little over a dozen of us on the tour promoting our books and reaching out to the communities to give others input and knowledge on the book writing and/or publishing process.
For more info on the tour you can visit www.christianauthorsontour.com. Individual authors are highlighted on the site and I believe that February will be featuring yours truly in the spotlight. In addition I am open to speaking and teaching engagements to pour into others all that I am able that will bless someone else. I have several book club invitations to do a "meet the author" type of event. I absolutely love the smaller more intimate settings. I will be all over the place in 2009 so the best way to find me is to catch me on the web (www.joyturner.net) and I'm also a part of the Facebook online family.
Purchase your copy of the book today: http://www.try3jesus.com/books.htm
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