Chelle Ramsey Answers Linda Fegins’ Questions About Her Book and Her Journey
Tell us about your current book?
BeJeweled is the first novel in a four book series. Each story focuses on the main character: Olivia, the salon owner; and one of her stylists, nail techs, or masseuses. There are other background characters that you get to know, who will have their own story.
BeJeweled: The Flight of an Angel focuses on Olivia and Angel Franklin, a hard working stylist with dreams of owning her own salon. However, with being berated by another co-worker, constantly finding herself in the center of BeJeweled’s gossip, and her husband’s constant infidelity, she’s losing hope quickly. With years of looking the other way, she realizes that she can no longer ignore his “side chicks” when it hits close to home. Angel may have to make a decision that may leave her raising their only son alone.
Olivia is working on opening a second salon, but when things in the shop spiral out of control, she finds herself being torn in several different directions. A spiritual woman, Olivia attempts to inspire her workers to rise above their adversities. Yet, her attention is diverted when the only man she has ever loved returns to Atlanta. Questioning his return, the status of his marriage, and his intentions, Olivia finds herself once again laying her heart on the line. With the possibility of finally discovering love, she realizes an old promise she made will be tested. Between the drama in the shop, and her own drama surfacing, Olivia finds her faith tested.
Oprah always asks, “What do you know for sure?”
That I am finally where I belong. I have a sense of fulfillment and walking in my purpose when I write. There are many life challenges that we all must face. Our attitude determines how we come out on the other side of that obstacle, if we come out at all. When you give your absolute best to a situation, you will have peace at the end knowing that you gave it your all.
What is the toughest test you faced as a writer or in your profession and how did you overcome the problem?
Marketing my work. This is a work in progress, because I enjoy writing not necessarily the promotional aspects of it. Initially I am an introvert, who is learning to come out of her shell. As I continue to grow in this world, I am learning to make the connections, build the relationships, and do the work. I believe having belief in my abilities, putting in the hard work, and having faith, I will reach my goals.
What is something readers would be surprised you do?
Have a big whine fest before every great challenge. This occurs in the process of designing book covers, as well as certain routes I want to take in terms of content of the book. I actually begin a squabble with my husband over something silly about the process and somehow it brings the best of both of us together, and then we get the best out of my books. I can be a big baby during the process, despite the fact that the other side of me is very inspirational and grounded. Laughing out loud!
Can you give us one do and one don’t for those aspiring to be a writer?
Do your research in determining which routes you want to take in this area of your career, to prepare yourself for the journey. You want to be as knowledgeable and educated as possible on the journey, despite the fact that you will make mistakes.
Don’t allow others to dictate how and what you write. If you do, you will later realize that you have not been true to yourself on the journey at all.
How can writers get in contact with you?
Website: www.cmichelleramsey.com
Blog: www.writingmydreams.comFB: Author Chelle Ramsey
Email: books@cmichelleramsey.com
Twitter: @ChellesBooks
Pinterest: authorcmramsey
About The Author
An avid reader since her primary years, Chelle saw books as an escape mechanism. Excited by the worlds, and characters that could be created with a touch of the imagination, she began writing her own stories at the age of 12. The more enamored with storytelling she became, the more she wanted to create stories about the suffering, and hardships she saw others enduring, with one twist…her characters would rise above their adversities and limitations, but not always with traditional endings.
This busy wife, and mother of three, exchanged her Girl Scout Leader pins for her creative writing pen, as she began to focus on publishing her novels. In her spare time, when she isn’t writing, she enjoys reading mystery novels, watching the NBA, remodeling their home with her husband, and spending time with him and their children. Having received her MBA in Human Resource Management, she says she cannot wait for the day when writing becomes her full-time career. “If I can show my readers they are not alone, in dealing with their challenges, and that they can rise above their limitations, I have achieved my goal,” Ramsey says.
Purchase the Book Online at:
Amazon.com
BarnesandNoble.com