Moody Holiday's name caught my eye, her books grabbed my attention and her writing has secured her a place on my favorite authors' list. Learn more about this up and coming author who's making waves and doing things her way.
Interviewed by Joy Farrington
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No, when I was a young girl, I wanted to be a veterinarian. My sister stimulated my interest in writing. She encouraged me to write poems and short stories because I had a fancy for telling tall tales about people and acting out different scenarios. In high school, I loved to be behind the scenes writing scripts and story ideas. I am also a people watcher and once I absorb a person, stories come to life. Writing is like having a conversation with myself when no one else is around. Trust me, I talk a lot, so I"m better off writing and sharing it with the world.
What obstacles have you experienced since you started writing?
Defining what "self publishing" really means. It took two books for me to really understand that I needed to "own" my publishing company and obtain my "own" ISBN numbers. That way I have the last word regarding ownership, printing companies, book covers
Additionally, in order to get your name out there, you have to market the book which costs money, of which I don"t have to compete with the main stream authors. So I have to hit the streets, barber shops, hair salons, trains and anyone else who will listen to me.
But trust me, take the negative and turn it into a positive! I keep a journal to remind myself of these temporary struggles.
What inspired you to write Wild Innocence: A Tale from the Eighties?
I used to volunteer for a teen pregnancy program in Orange, New Jersey. I gave lectures on child support, father"s rights and the importance of higher education. They were out of touch with me because I was older and I was not a teen mother. I made a promise to them that I would find a way to communicate with them and other women without standing on a soap box. Wild Innocence is testament to my promise and a tribute to them, many of whom have become successful young women.
When did you decide to make Wild Innocence into a trilogy?
Wild Innocence exploded the first week. People began stopping me in downtown Newark and asked when the next book was coming out because they loved "Derrick" so much. I knew I left issues unresolved and I was going to wait to write the sequel, but when the emails started coming in, I changed my mind and started cranking out my second book. I must say that I needed to split the book up into three parts to cover three themes, dysfunctional issues in adolescent life, (Wild Innocence) relationship issues (Sweet Redemption) self assessment and closure (Love"s Twilight)
Of course! That"s why the book read true for so many readers. I love commercial fiction, but I love to write about the dirt and grit life has to offer. I wanted people to "invest" in Shanelle"s life as a way of looking at one"s self. Small hints of me are, playing basketball, a garnet ring and taking endless flights of fantasy. I have a tough job and a fast paced life as a mom, wife, lover, cook. So many women relate to this lifestyle. When it"s time to relax, a good book and a glass of wine makes a big difference!
Overwhelmingly, the readers loved Derrick! Perhaps by the last book they will really appreciate Alex, but I think the tone for most people is that Derrick would have let Shanelle blossom without controlling her. I think readers got swept up by Alex in Wild Innocence, let's face it, he did his thing for Shanelle in the end and treated her the way a woman should be treated during the first time. Well, after Sweet Redemption came along, perceptions changed.
In Sweet Redemption, Alex wanted to live his dream of what a family is supposed to be so much, he slowly started to make Shanelle feel that she had to fit the image of the perfect wife. Was it your intention to show the readers how subtlety a man can start controlling a woman life, without her realizing it?
Absolutely! There are so many degrees of psychological warfare. Steven was clearly the master, but Alex was another dimension, particularly when it came down to using intimacy as a means to control her.
Steven, Shanelle's brother, is the scene stealer in the book. Were you surprised by your readers reception to him?
Steven needs his own TV show! I talk about Steven more than any character in this trilogy. So many people said, I know somebody like Steven or my cousin, brother or uncle is flip like Steven. Some people couldn"t read it because of Steven but I thought it was "light" stuff. Also, there was such a dark comedic element about him, despite his problem. That's what made people love him and hate him.
For body type and demeanor, it would have to be "Sanaa" I hope I spelled her name right. She has a sweet way about her but she also looks like she can go off. Then again, that girl from Soul Food, with the short hair cut that is having marital problems. She needs some meat on her bones, but I think she would be a good cast.
I've heard you're writing a book about Portia, a character from Wild Innocence. What characteristics of Portia are most different from Shanelle?
Portia is going to use sex as a weapon and will no doubt be a female mack. Her personal wealth and lack of empathy will affect her relationships with others, especially Malik, he will be the only one to pierce her heart.
Love Twilight will be out soon. What can your readers expect in the book which I understand is the last of the series?
Shanelle will have finally have closure on issues that plagued her life. This book will also end on a positive note and bring hope to anyone who has overcome adversities.
Visit Moody's website at www.moodyholiday.com
Yes, Yes, Yes. The smallest indiscretion can change the course of your life in an instant. I know that this stage of development is a crazy one. Raging hormones, feeling invincible and trying to find your place in the world is scary and exciting at the same time. I"m not saying that you can"t have fun, but one must think. That"s why I gave Shanelle "Nemesis" because I know that we all have that voice that pulls us in positive and negative directions. We all need to be more conscience.
Shanelle's first love, Derrick, was such a gentlemen, which is rare in young men today. Did you intend for his character to be a fantasy or was it your intentions to remind readers that young men, of his character, still exist?
Hello world I have an announcement to make: Right now, as we speak, mothers are doing their best to raise young men with good moral values. They do exist! I"m raising two of them right now. Yes, Derrick was an eighties boy, but they are out there. Perhaps during our youthful stage, we are looking for the bad boys, but I do believe that there are worthy young men out there. As a side note, Derrick could have exercised some patience in his throws of passion, but most importantly, he understood that no, meant no.