Intimate Conversation with Carla S. Pennington
"In
order to succeed in life, you have to get out of your own way. You can
be your own worst enemy and critic at times. Close your eyes, breathe
then tell yourself that today is a good day to be YOU."
--- Carla Pennington
Author Carla S. Pennington was born and raised in Prichard, Alabama where she continues to reside with her family. In 1995, she graduated from Mattie T. Blount High School, an all black school. She became a teen mother in 1992 and was advised that she couldn’t return to school for an entire semester after giving birth. This devastated Carla, but she refused to be held back. Her dedication and hard work paid off. She ranked number five in her graduating class and received an advanced diploma with honors.
In 1996, Carla was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Over the years, the disease has halted her, but she refuses to let it stop her. She is currently working on a number of other projects that she plans to have published in the near future. In 2002, she received her Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in journalism from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama. After graduation, Carla decided not to pursue her career in journalism. Her heart and mind were elsewhere. She wanted to write fiction novels and short stories, something that she had been doing since she was a young girl.
In 2005, Carla published her first novel, Fling and from there several short stories which appeared in anthologies across the country. Finally, she landed a book deal with Life Changing Books which released the wildly anticipated novel, the Available Wife in January 2011.
Not wanting to limit her love of writing to short stories only, in 2010, Carla joined forces with one of the most booming independent publishing companies, Life Changing Books (LCB) where she released her anticipated novel, The Available Wife and in 2011, its sequel, The Available Wife part 2.
Stepping out on faith, Carla self-published an erotic e-short "The Escort." Readers flocked to it causing Carla to supply the demand of its sequel which is currently in the works. Carla is currently involved in a number of other projects that include but not limited to working with Life Changing Books, Zane/Strebor Books, Peace in the Storm Publishing, Nayberry Publications.
BPM: Carla, tell us about your passion for writing. What impact do you want your books to make?
Carla: My passion for writing began when I was in elementary school. Once I started reading, I became fascinated with words. At first, I was into poetry and that turned into short stories and that turned into full length books. I write because it feels good. Writing is a de-stressor for me, my escape from reality. It’s my drug of choice. What drives me to write is the fact that I can write what I want. It’s my choice to do a love story, an erotic piece, an abusive relationship, etc. The impact that I want my books to make on readers is: “I want to read more books by this author. She is fire!”
BPM: Introduce us to My Counterfeit Husband by Carla Pennington.
When it comes to love and marriage, things aren't always what they seem. After the untimely death of her parents, Kenya Franklin thought she'd lost it all until the smooth and strikingly handsome, Myles Whitaker entered her life. Unable to pull away from his magnetism, Kenya falls head over heels; eventually becoming emotionally obsessed and married to Myles against her better judgment.
But the fairytale doesn't last long. After giving birth to her daughter, things start to change and pieces of the puzzle slowly come together causing Kenya's happy life to shatter. When she learns about her husband's ultimate betrayal, and realizes Myles is a counterfeit husband, Kenya can't help but ask herself, who the hell did I marry?
BPM: Introduce us to The Available Wife series.
Carla: Niquole Wright seems to have it all; a loyal and devoted husband, two children and a rising record label that she dedicates more time to than her family. Everything is perfect except for one thing...her husband Germaine. She has run her course with him and he needs to be replaced. When the handsome and seductive Kingston enters her life, he becomes the perfect substitute. Clueless to his wife's plan, Germaine continues to be a loving naive husband while Niquole's full blown affair quickly becomes her obsession.
Desperate to start a new life with her new man, Niquole does everything in her power to push Germaine out of the picture. However, little does she know Kingston plans are different from hers. Sit back and see what happens when a wife learns that the price of betrayal can have a shattering toll.
With this book, I am offering the reader a chance to explore the side of a selfish adulterer, an emotionally abused husband, a dysfunctional mother/daughter relationship. The list goes on. Readers can check it out here.
BPM: Were there experiences from "your world" incorporated into your books?
Carla: I originally wanted my books to be a love stories with a not so happy ending as I’ve seen happen on a number of occasions. As I dug deeper into the writing, my direction changed. I began thinking about a few dysfunctional relationships that some of my girl and guy friends as well as I have had where we thought we were in love and vice versa. Some of the crazy thoughts we shared amongst each other over the years swarmed my head so the entire concept of my books was changed. So, I guess you can say that some of my world was incorporated into the storyline.
BPM: Who do you want to reach with your writing and the message within your books?
Carla: I would like to reach men and women, young or old. Don’t lie! Don’t keep secrets! Someone will always get hurt if you do. If you’re on a relationship where you’re being abused, Get out! If you’re in a relationship that you don’t want to be in, Get out!
BPM: What are some of the specific issues or problems addressed in your books?
Carla: Adultery, lack of communication in marriages, betrayal, collective lies, family secrets are all discussed in the books. You can’t make someone love you and you have to love yourself first before you can love another.
BPM: Finish this sentence- “My writing offers the following legacy to future readers...”
Carla: My writing offers the following legacy to future readers and authors: to the readers, read with your eyes AND mind open. To the authors, be you at all times. If you can imagine or think it, you should write it. You should never be afraid of your imagination and thoughts. That is what makes you stand out from the rest.
BPM: How can our readers reach you online?
Thanks Ella and Black Pearls Magazine for the wonderful interview segment! Readers can reach me on Facebook and Twitter as: carlapennington. Email address: carlapennington@hotmail.com
Order My Counterfeit Husband by Carla Pennington
Available on Amazon Online: http://amzn.com/1934230618
Publisher: Life Changing Books - www.lifechangingbooks.net
Now available, The Escort 2! Check this out too: http://t.co/TvnjP14kIz
--- Carla Pennington
Author Carla S. Pennington was born and raised in Prichard, Alabama where she continues to reside with her family. In 1995, she graduated from Mattie T. Blount High School, an all black school. She became a teen mother in 1992 and was advised that she couldn’t return to school for an entire semester after giving birth. This devastated Carla, but she refused to be held back. Her dedication and hard work paid off. She ranked number five in her graduating class and received an advanced diploma with honors.
In 1996, Carla was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Over the years, the disease has halted her, but she refuses to let it stop her. She is currently working on a number of other projects that she plans to have published in the near future. In 2002, she received her Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in journalism from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama. After graduation, Carla decided not to pursue her career in journalism. Her heart and mind were elsewhere. She wanted to write fiction novels and short stories, something that she had been doing since she was a young girl.
In 2005, Carla published her first novel, Fling and from there several short stories which appeared in anthologies across the country. Finally, she landed a book deal with Life Changing Books which released the wildly anticipated novel, the Available Wife in January 2011.
Not wanting to limit her love of writing to short stories only, in 2010, Carla joined forces with one of the most booming independent publishing companies, Life Changing Books (LCB) where she released her anticipated novel, The Available Wife and in 2011, its sequel, The Available Wife part 2.
Stepping out on faith, Carla self-published an erotic e-short "The Escort." Readers flocked to it causing Carla to supply the demand of its sequel which is currently in the works. Carla is currently involved in a number of other projects that include but not limited to working with Life Changing Books, Zane/Strebor Books, Peace in the Storm Publishing, Nayberry Publications.
BPM: Carla, tell us about your passion for writing. What impact do you want your books to make?
Carla: My passion for writing began when I was in elementary school. Once I started reading, I became fascinated with words. At first, I was into poetry and that turned into short stories and that turned into full length books. I write because it feels good. Writing is a de-stressor for me, my escape from reality. It’s my drug of choice. What drives me to write is the fact that I can write what I want. It’s my choice to do a love story, an erotic piece, an abusive relationship, etc. The impact that I want my books to make on readers is: “I want to read more books by this author. She is fire!”
BPM: Introduce us to My Counterfeit Husband by Carla Pennington.
When it comes to love and marriage, things aren't always what they seem. After the untimely death of her parents, Kenya Franklin thought she'd lost it all until the smooth and strikingly handsome, Myles Whitaker entered her life. Unable to pull away from his magnetism, Kenya falls head over heels; eventually becoming emotionally obsessed and married to Myles against her better judgment.
But the fairytale doesn't last long. After giving birth to her daughter, things start to change and pieces of the puzzle slowly come together causing Kenya's happy life to shatter. When she learns about her husband's ultimate betrayal, and realizes Myles is a counterfeit husband, Kenya can't help but ask herself, who the hell did I marry?
BPM: Introduce us to The Available Wife series.
Carla: Niquole Wright seems to have it all; a loyal and devoted husband, two children and a rising record label that she dedicates more time to than her family. Everything is perfect except for one thing...her husband Germaine. She has run her course with him and he needs to be replaced. When the handsome and seductive Kingston enters her life, he becomes the perfect substitute. Clueless to his wife's plan, Germaine continues to be a loving naive husband while Niquole's full blown affair quickly becomes her obsession.
Desperate to start a new life with her new man, Niquole does everything in her power to push Germaine out of the picture. However, little does she know Kingston plans are different from hers. Sit back and see what happens when a wife learns that the price of betrayal can have a shattering toll.
With this book, I am offering the reader a chance to explore the side of a selfish adulterer, an emotionally abused husband, a dysfunctional mother/daughter relationship. The list goes on. Readers can check it out here.
BPM: Were there experiences from "your world" incorporated into your books?
Carla: I originally wanted my books to be a love stories with a not so happy ending as I’ve seen happen on a number of occasions. As I dug deeper into the writing, my direction changed. I began thinking about a few dysfunctional relationships that some of my girl and guy friends as well as I have had where we thought we were in love and vice versa. Some of the crazy thoughts we shared amongst each other over the years swarmed my head so the entire concept of my books was changed. So, I guess you can say that some of my world was incorporated into the storyline.
BPM: Who do you want to reach with your writing and the message within your books?
Carla: I would like to reach men and women, young or old. Don’t lie! Don’t keep secrets! Someone will always get hurt if you do. If you’re on a relationship where you’re being abused, Get out! If you’re in a relationship that you don’t want to be in, Get out!
BPM: What are some of the specific issues or problems addressed in your books?
Carla: Adultery, lack of communication in marriages, betrayal, collective lies, family secrets are all discussed in the books. You can’t make someone love you and you have to love yourself first before you can love another.
BPM: Finish this sentence- “My writing offers the following legacy to future readers...”
Carla: My writing offers the following legacy to future readers and authors: to the readers, read with your eyes AND mind open. To the authors, be you at all times. If you can imagine or think it, you should write it. You should never be afraid of your imagination and thoughts. That is what makes you stand out from the rest.
BPM: How can our readers reach you online?
Thanks Ella and Black Pearls Magazine for the wonderful interview segment! Readers can reach me on Facebook and Twitter as: carlapennington. Email address: carlapennington@hotmail.com
Order My Counterfeit Husband by Carla Pennington
Available on Amazon Online: http://amzn.com/1934230618
Publisher: Life Changing Books - www.lifechangingbooks.net
Now available, The Escort 2! Check this out too: http://t.co/TvnjP14kIz
