Interview with Inspirational Author Jae Henderson

It is my pleasure to interview Inspirational Author Jae Henderson today on Conversations.  She's talking about her new book SOMEDAY!  If you love inspirational stories, check it out!

Here's a little bit about Jae:

BIO:

After embracing careers as a radio talk show host, marketing and media professional, freelance writer and voice over artist, Jae Henderson is making her debut as an Christian/Inspirational romance author.

Through her website, www.imagoodwoman.com, Jae is constantly motivating women to embrace their virtue and accomplish great things. The I’m A Good Woman series, beginning with her debut novel, Someday, is an extension of that spirit of success and will impart lessons of love, perseverance and triumph. Join Jae as she uses her wit and way with words to take us on a most entertaining journey that imparts some sage wisdom and assists readers in further realizing that we may not be perfect but we serve a perfect God.  

Jae Henderson is a graduate of The University of Memphis where she earned a BA in Communications and an MA in English. She is the former host and producer of On Point, a popular talk show geared toward youth and young adults. Other accomplishments have included serving as a contributing writer for the award-winning, syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show and a successful career as a voice over artist. Her signature voice has been heard in hundreds of commercials and even a couple of cartoons. Jae currently resides in her hometown of Memphis, TN.
 

Someday Book Summary  

As a child Tina “Tee” Long dreamed of having it all and as one of Memphis’ most sought after event planners everyone believes she's achieved it. Even though creating breathtaking events and rubbing elbows with the social elite seems fulfilling, there’s one thing missing from her fairy tale life—her prince charming. After a string of failed, faith-challenging relationships this woman of God refuses to give up on meeting the man of her dreams. Tee knows in her heart that God will answer her prayers--SOMEDAY. Until then, she tries to remain prayerful and content by occupying her time with work, her sister’s drama-filled marriage and counseling wayward youth. When Tee is introduced to an incredibly handsome, retired NFL player named Michael Stokes, it seems that someday has finally arrived. There's one problem. He’s been marked for death.

Michael Stokes thought life was over after a knee injury claimed his career as a NFL superstar. He realized just how wrong he was after dedicating his life to Christ and beginning on a wonderful new path as a motivational speaker and book author. He even meets Tee, a woman that makes all the other women he’s dated seem like a waste of time. But when his past comes back to haunt him Michael’s greatest fear is not the loss of his lucrative contract but losing the woman who must be heaven sent. Will Tee accept a man who has a killer on his trail and a surprising new addition to his family? Someday is full of adventure, excitement, thrills, laughter and love as Tee and Michael fight to stay alive in order to stay together.




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Lisa: What type of stories do you write?  What is it about those stories that draws you to that subject?

Jae: I write urban inspirational romance. I enjoy being able to share God’s love for us while depicting Christians in realistic, fun and relatable ways. We, as human beings, are flawed but with faith and God’s help we can overcome our trials and tribulations. My stories illustrate that. 

My books also contain what I call moral messaging. I am concerned about the decline of morals in America, especially in the African American community. It has been proven that women set the standard within American society. We may not be looked at as the traditional head of a family and we may be considered the weaker sex but we have always been the backbone of society. We support and encourage our mates while rearing the children--teaching them how to behave, manners and right from wrong. We determine the type of respect we receive from the opposite sex by determining what is and isn’t acceptable. I’ve noticed that there seems to be a lack of positive role models and influences in the home and many women and men are looking to television and other forms of entertainment for guidance. For example, women now refer to themselves as female dogs and allow men to do it as if it is a compliment. That used to be unacceptable from a man or woman. Women are running around half naked and it’s considered cute. Bedding multiple people or sleeping with every person you date is talked about as if it’s appropriate behavior and having babies by several different people is starting to be considered the norm. Much of the entertainment we are presented with contains messages about casual sex, money, materialism, drugs and other negativity.

I wanted to offer an entertaining alternative with Someday and the I’m A Good Woman literary series. I wanted to create something full of positivity, light and love that helps people to understand that we are contributing to our own detriment and that asks people to think before they act. Living in the moment isn’t always harmless. There could be serious consequences to deal with afterward.

So, I guess my short answer is I’m drawn to asking people to try things God’s way because the way of the world isn’t working. We are hurting ourselves.

Lisa: How did you start your career as a writer? 

Jae: I’m a writer by trade but I mainly do public relations related pieces--press releases, bios, web site content, letters--that type of thing. One day I sat down at the computer and started writing a fictional story and the words began to flow. I haven’t stopped since.  

Lisa: Tell us a little bit about your current book?  Is it a series?

Jae: My current book is Someday and it is the first book in a three-part series. The sequel, Someday, Too, is due out by the end of January. Someday is about a woman named Tee who is going through what I call “The Someday Factor.” She has worked hard to achieve success on her own but now that she has the lucrative job, the nice house and the nice car she is yearning for someone to share it all with. She knows he’s coming--Someday. But while she’s waiting on her prince unfortunately, she’s had to kiss a few frogs. Then, one day she meets a gorgeous retired NFL player named Michael Stokes who appears to be everything she ever wanted and much more but there’s one problem. He has a stalker who is convinced Michael should be with her. The story takes an interesting twist from there as they fight to stay alive in order to stay together.

Now, the I’m A Good Woman literary series will probably be comprised of everything I write. Positive stories that encourage women to be the best they can possibly be in their personal lives and their careers. The Someday books are just the beginning.

I really hope your readers will take the time to check it out. For the month of January, the online version of Someday is only 99 cents.

Lisa: What was it like trying to get your story published?  Did you have many rejections from
publishers?  Did you need an agent?

Jae: I’m self-published but I’m blessed that my good friend, Latrivia Nelson, is a book publisher and accomplished author. She read my book and agreed to allow me to become a part of the RiverHouse family and helped me get my book out. I didn’t have to deal with rejection because I didn’t go the route of trying to get signed by a traditional publishing company and at this point, I don’t have an agent.

It feels so good to have something you worked very hard on in completed form. Such a sense of accomplishment comes with that. I’m on cloud nine!

Lisa: Is this book inspired by personal experience?  Where did the idea come from?

Jae: This book is based off my experiences and the experiences of thousands of other single women. Dating, love and relationships can become a challenge. Especially, when you are trying to live according to God’s will. Yet, there are also some wonderful aspects of it too. You have no idea how many women have told me that I was peeking into their lives. They see so much of themselves in Tee.

I’m proud of the response I’ve gotten. Someday not only has romance but comedy and suspense. I’ve had people tell me repeatedly that they love the humor in it and they can’t put it down. It feels so good to release a product people enjoy. I am very blessed!

 Lisa: What do you do for promotion?  Booksignings?  Online chats?

Jae: As a self-published author, I’ve made myself responsible for my own promotions and I do whatever I can. If I’m invited some place to do a booksigning, I definitely try to get there. If I’m invited to a book club meeting, I’ll go whether it’s in person or via Skype. I’ve done interviews for radio, television, Internet and print publications. I love connecting with readers.

I also help promote the book with my website,www.jaehendersonauthor.com. The first three chapters of my book, my schedule and a few interviews I’ve done can be found there. I also have a blog for single women called My Side of the Single Life and a women’s motivational website, imagoodwoman.com, that helps women stay encouraged. People can sign up for my e-newsletter on both sites. I am able to stay connected to my readers and update them that way as well.

Lisa: What is the oddest or most challenging thing you had to do to research this book?

Jae: I really didn’t have any challenges researching this book. God told me to do this. He wanted me to put out a book that entertained women while encouraging them to live a life that is pleasing to Him. I had to be obedient. The hardest thing for me was writing a full-length novel. I’m used to short projects. It took me a little while to get into the swing of things but once I did, I completed the book in about a year.

Lisa: How can readers find you and your books?  Twitter? Facebook?

Jae: My book can be purchased at any retail bookstore and if they don’t have it in stock, they can order it. It can also be purchased on my websites as well as Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com and other online bookstores. I also have a Facebook page and fan page, www.facebook.com/imagoodwoman. You can find me on Twitter as well, www.twitter.com/imagoodwoman.

Lisa: Tell me about the sequel.

Jae: The sequel, Someday, Too, picks up where the first book left off. This one not only focuses on Tee and Michael but Tee’s best girlfriends. One is dealing with animosity toward men gained from a failed relationship, another has weight issues that are affecting her marriage and another is learning how to be self-sufficient after breaking up with the married man who took care of her and their son for years. Each has her own challenges, unique personality and a story to tell.

Of course, there’s plenty of romance, suspense and drama involved.
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