I am an avid book reader and an author (Portia, Love Has Many Faces, Spiral, Long Walk Up, Rosetta's Great Hope, and Love Pour Over Me @ www.chistell.com). My favorite male singer is Maxwell. Aretha Franklin is my absolute favorite female singer (have been loving her sound for years)! Love to travel and visit with my family. The one and only, Gwendolyn Brooks, is a writing inspiration.
BPM: Share with us the history of the Book Lover's Haven . How did you get started? Do you host events during the year?Founded the Book Lover's Haven ten years ago. Over 1,000 avid subscribers read the literary magazine monthly. In March 2010, founded the Book Lovers Haven Network. It's a Ning site that is free for writers and readers to join. Forums, blogs, chats, book reviews, etc. are posted at the Book Lovers Haven Network. Also host the annual Chistell Writing Contest (short stories and poetry). The contest is going into it's 11th year!!
BPM: Speak to the writers, what would you like to see written in books?
I'd like to see more literary pieces (i.e. James Baldwin, Edwidge Danticat) and intricate storytelling (i.e. J. California Cooper). I'd also like to read more autobiographies of people sharing their personal stories of struggle, faith, and triumph (i.e. The Pursuit of Happyness).
BPM: What impact has reading had on your life? Has there been any books that help shape your life or gave you inspiration during a trying time in life?
Currently reading Paula Deen's, "It Ain't All About The Cooking." Her book (as do other books that I read and enjoy) encourages me, lets me know that focus and perseverance yield tremendously good rewards. Gwendolyn Brooks' and other poets' work have inspired and enlightened me as well. I love the lessons that J. California Cooper teaches through her stories.
BPM: Would you say you read more for escape, for educational purposes or for entertainment?
I haven't been reading as much as I used to. My average reading is about two books a week. I read for escape, inspiration and entertainment.
BPM: Do you prefer a hard copy book or a digital book, such as a Kindle book? I prefer hard copy books (print).
BPM: Do you think the writings of today's authors are leaving the same legacy as authors from other generations? Do you see others following their path? If so, who?
Yes. Urban erotica and other urban literature that focuses on dysfunctional relationships has become popular. But there are many books (and writers) that respect and continue to hone their craft. The same Source that brought us the Mayas, Octavias and Alexes is still at work in the universe gifting us with great art.
Finish these fun loving sentences with the question and answer:
BPM: Favorite book when you were a child:
Pippi Longstocking books
BPM: Book all readers should own excluding the bible:
A journal (so they can pen experiences from their own life journey)
BPM: Book you gave as a gift:
Long Walk Up, Spiral and Portia
BPM: Favorite line or couple from a book:
Something to the effect "The calvary ain't coming. If you want to change or do so something, you've got to get out there and make it happen" -- from "The Pursuit of Happyness"
BPM: Book you most want to read AGAIN much slower, to savor:
A Course in Miracles
BPM: Favorite genre, series or sequels:
Autobiography, inspiration
BPM: Book that should be a movie or play:
Loving Donavan by Bernice McFadden
BPM: Name three authors you would like to do a phone chat with this year.
Bernice McFadden, Jamaica Kincaid, J. K. Rowling
Ella, thank you again for the opportunity!!
Denise Turney, Author - Long Walk Up
Website: http://www.chistell.com/
Off The Shelf Radio Host
Denise host the international radio program Off The Shelf which airs on Blog Talk Radio live from 11AM-12PM on Saturday and 24/7 throughout the rest of the week.
Brought to you by EDC Creations and Black Pearls Magazine. Visit the magazine here: http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/
