Intimate Coversation with Dr. Linda BeedDr. Linda Beed is an author, educator, speaker and Children’s minister. Her zest for supporting the arts has been displayed through not only her own writing, but also as Co-Chair for the Faith Based Arts Conference, Co-Coordinator for the African American panels and workshops for the 2006 and 2007 Romantic Times Convention.
As founder of On Assignment Reviews she is sought out by industry professionals to provide pre and post publication reviews for a wide range of authors. In addition to co-moderating the online writing group BWChristianLit and supporting its sister blog BWChristianLit, Dr. Beed is the founder of The Damascus Road Authors a collective of Christian authors with the common goal of ministering through the arts. She is also book review editor for KDGospel Media Magazine, contributes a monthly column to Shades of Romance Online Magazine as well as articles for Victorious Magazine. She is also a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Seattle Rainbow Bookfest, the Seattle chapter of the Professional Women of Color Network and Blacks in Government.
Her debut novel, Business Unusual has been described as “Christian fiction in its purest form.” The novel has been endorsed by literary notables Jacquelin Thomas and Stacy Hawkins Adams as well as Dr. Myles Munroe, President/Founder and Senior Pastor of Bahamas Faith Ministries International. It was also a Good Girls Online Book Club Book of the Month.To schedule speaking engagements, book signings, online/telephone conference contact Dr. Linda Beed online at lindaonasignmentllc@yahoo.com
Ella: Dr. Beed, tell us about your passion for writing.
I cannot imagine a day with writing something. Through the gift entrusted to me I seek to provoke thought, ignite a sense of pride in self and a sense of community beyond a personal comfort zone.
Ella: Dr. Beed, please introduce us to your book, Business Unusual.
Those looking peering through the windows of Bernadette’s life often believe that all that glitters in her life is golden. Bernadette’s shared view is challenged when she is beset seemingly overwhelming challenges. The first is the insurrection of a key employee, the reappearance of an estranged grandmother and involvement with a man she has been warned to be careful with. Through the pages of Business Unusual readers are given a view of what godly relationships can be. It also brings you face to face with the necessity of forgiveness, obedience and the option of choice.
Ella: Dr. Beed, finish this sentence: I am Powerful because...
I am Powerful because...I believe that I am all that God says that I am!
Ella: Why is celebrating Black History important 365 days a year?
What we are exposed to is what we become familiar with, learn from and draw life lessons from. Therefore, Black History is important 365 days a year, for everyone.
Ella: Where are you from? How did you start your writing journey?
I am a native Washingtonian. My formal writing career began with a short story contest entry in 1998. The entry is actually the first chapter of Business Unusual. The joke is that I'm still waiting for my 'Winner' confirmation.
Ella: Who are your two main characters and what do you like most about them?
Bernadette Lewis and Hayes Davis are the main characters of Business Unusual.
What I like about Bernadette is that she is confident, stylish and full of fun. She is a shoe-a-holic and has no intensions of getting into a deliverance line in order to curb the passion. She wants so much for others to experience the love of God and is a hard lover who will wear a groove in a floor praying for the need of another. Her style is showing you a sermon (her lifestyle and giving nature) rather than preaching to you. In the process of life, she has stumbles like the rest of us.
Hayes is not afraid to be who he is. From his diction, how he carries himself , conducts business and his style he exudes a confidence most only dream of possessing. Many more seek it, but consider his ways and actions pure arrogance. To a degree it is, but you will come to love an ordinary man most view as extraordinary. He too is a hard lover and is loyal to those he allows inside his inner circle.
Ella: What makes your book stand out and would entice a reader pick it up?
Authors must have a strong marketing plan in order to get their books into the hands of the reader. One of the first strategies we learn is to have a dynamic cover. I believe I have one. Along with that is the back cover synopsis.
Ella: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
My desire is that readers exit this book understanding how valuable they are to God and that stumbles along the way does not change His plans for our lives.
Ella: What is the most surprising thing you have learned in creating books?
Believe it or not, the most surprising thing to me has been how discouraging others can be as you seek to achieve your dreams.
Ella: What would you say has been your most significant achievement as a writer?
At this moment I would say my most significant achievement as a writer has been how well Business Unusual has been received. It is humbling to receive messages from readers who are thankful for the writing of the story and the biblical answers or direction toward answers they sought.
How did I do it? I was able to accomplish this by remaining true to the original vision of why I was writing and learning all I could about the craft and business of writing.
Ella: What advice would you give a new writer?
The best advice I can give to a new writer is:
Seek God for what it is He desires from your gift.
Learn the craft and the business of writing.
Writing, editing and publishing is a process. Don't be in a hurry.
Don't blame others for what you are unwilling to do/learn.
Ella: Would you change anything about your journey?
In terms of my journey, I don’t believe there is anything I would change.
Ella: Name 3 things that it takes to make a successful author, in your opinion?
Wow, I believe that answer rests in the individual definition of the author. For myself I would say: Remain true to the central theme of your story rather than going with what is popular.
In order to produce the best project possible, do not forego wise counsel or industry standards.
Above all -- Believe in yourself
Ella: What can we expect from you in the future?
In the process of publishing I have developed a passion for helping authors understand the business side of writing. That passion led to the development of the BWChristianLit blog. It s purpose is a blogspot developed to help writers. Stay tuned for information on another project being developed for assisting writers.
This is my second year promoting with the Damascus Road Authors. Our goal is to support one another’s writing ministry through online, and when opportunity permits, in person events. Locally I am involved with two projects. The first is children’s literacy. The second is the Seattle Rainbow Bookfest, an entity with the goal of giving voice to author’s or color in the Pacific Northwest.
Ella: Share with us your latest news, events or upcoming book releases.
My latest news is that I am one of three authors being honored at Festival Sundiata this month.
In terms of upcoming releases there will be two anthology releases later this year. One in Gumbo for the Soul – Honoring Women: The Special Pink Edition and another in Breakthrough: The Triumph of my Soul III. The second installment in the Covenant Series, Continued Business has a late 2009 release date. I am also working on a historical fiction.
Contact information:
Dr. Linda F. Beed
3703 - S. Edmunds
Suite 16
Seattle, WA 98108
(206) 725-9847 / (206) 427-1922
www.lindabeed.com
http://www.myspace.com/lindabeed
http://lindabeed.blogspot.com
http://bwchristianlit.blogspot.com
http://www.myspace.com/damascusroadauthors
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