ON SALE for $0.99
And I Trusted You
by Jamela
The short story collection And I Trusted You is only one of the books by Jamela (also known as Ms. J) which are now ON SALE for only $0.99. You can also read my interview with the author below.
Description
It takes a strong woman to survive, no matter what the trial. Remember, it’s temporary.
Denise married her high school sweetheart, but things have changed over the years. Or have they?
Leslie is committed to her family, but other people have their own ideas about her life. Wonder what they have planned?
Samantha has tried everything, now there is nothing left to do but let him know how she feels. Who will walk away?
Adrienne wants this man so bad she can taste it and she knows he wants her, too. She finally gets him, but can she keep him?
Jessica has always been self sufficient, but did she put her trust in the wrong man?
Tasha loved her job and her boss loved her. How will she handle things with him and at home?
We can survive anything, from betrayal to violence as long as we are strong. Find your strength in one of these stories?
Excerpt (from "Because I Love You")
Denise was surprised when she felt Damon’s right hand slam into the side of her face. He had never done anything like this, because he knew better. Maybe he was just having a bad day. She covered the right side of her face holding her head down as she listened to him ranting and raving about nothing, once again.
“Don’t you ever make me choose between you and my career! I’ve told you time and time again what my career plans are. You don’t have any right to interfere with them. Do you know how long I’ve been working to get here?” Denise nodded her head slowly. She had never seen him this upset about anything.
“Apparently you don’t. I’m not gonna have this conversation with you again. And to think, you’re raising my children.” He mumbled. “You are so stupid. Please, Lord, don’t let my children grow up to be like her!” Damon said as he strode into the bathroom and slammed the door shut. She hoped that he would take his medicine and then go to sleep. It was getting more and more difficult to live with him and no one else knew what she was going through.
Review
By Bella
I'm really not into short stories but boy this was definitely a great read. I enjoyed them all! Someone out there can at least relate to one of these stories if not more. Yes, I would recommend to a friend.
Interview With the Author
Hi Jamela, thanks for joining me today to discuss your book, And I Trusted You.
Which writers have influenced you the most?
Alice Walker, William Faulkner, Ray Bradbury, Toni Morrison, Mary Higgins Clark, V. C. Andrews, Dean Koontz, Barbara Taylor Bradford, and so many more.
What age group do you recommend your book for? 20-99.
What sparked the idea for this book?
Questions on how I've stayed married for so long.
Which comes first? The character's story or the idea for the novel?
The idea.
What was the hardest part to write in this book?
The first story which deals with domestic violence, it was inspired by some close to me.
How do you hope this book affects its readers?
I hope they realize that every relationship will have it problems, but if it is meant to be and both parties are willing to work at it, then it can last. It’s a testament to survival.
How long did it take you to write this book?
A few months.
What is your writing routine?
Now I write ever chance I get, I’m busier than ever with my education, my family and authors. Therefore I have to schedule time to write, which is why I have strict office hours to allow for this.
How did you get your book published?
I have a business partner and she published it for me.
What advice do you have for someone who would like to become a published writer?
Research. There are ways that it can be done for free, if you want to hurry and get your book out. You can also do it independently, as I did. For those looking to publish with one of the big companies, get an agent.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
Read, play with my grandson, sing and cooking relaxes me.
What does your family think of your writing?
They say they are proud of me and they were the ones to encourage me to publish my writing.
Please tell us a bit about your childhood.
I was born in Baltimore, but was raised in South Carolina during the 70’s. I’m the oldest of six children born to a single mother who taught us to be good citizens and love God.
Did you enjoy school?
I loved school. I still do.
Did you like reading when you were a child?
Yes. I read all the time. My mother would fuss at me for trying to read in the dark with only a little light from the street.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
When I was ten years old. That’s when I started writing.
Did your childhood experiences influence your writing?
Yes and I believe that is the reason I like short stories.
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
I do hear from my readers. They have said that they love my style and appreciate that it is not full of sex and profanity. They have commented on how I am able to put the reader directly in the middle of the story. Often they ask for second parts to something I’ve written.
That's great! What can we look forward to from you in the future?
In early 2014 a fiction novella, Kidnapped In Love, is coming.
March 2014 The Journey: Domestic Violence is coming. This is a co-ed anthology of men and women with true stories or poems directly related to domestic violence. The is the secon Journey book which was started by Aija M. Butler, my business partner, as a part of her recovery series.
Mid 2014 Jamela’s Flash Fiction and Short Stories volume will be published.
Revenge is coming in the fall of 2014.
That is all I am aware of at the moment. However, I generally release at least 1-2 flash fiction pieces a month, as well as a short story or two. All of these are under Ms. J.
Next year, No Swerving, the sequel to Stay In Your Lane published by our company, will be out during the late spring or early summer.
Sounds like you'll be busy! Thank you for taking the time to stop by today, Jamela. Best of luck with your future projects.
About the Author
Jamela, who also writes under the names Ms. J and L. J. Thomas, has been writing for 30 years. She currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia, with her musician/videographer husband, who calls her a "lover of words". She reads almost anything and writes mainly fiction. She dabbles in poetry, prose, and other nonfiction works. She has been published in regional magazines and newsletters.
Jamela has several collections of short stories, which include And I Trusted You, What Is This World Coming To?, and The Run Trilogy. She also has a few standalone short stories and flash fiction pieces: Quickie, Cruel Intentions, Your Love, and Family Gathering. She is the co-author of the Trill Blood series.
She enjoys, reading, singing and obviously, writing. Jamela believes everything good will take hard work and is worth having, especially if it benefits others.
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