Thursday, July 10, 2014

Shades of Brown by Cassietta Jefferson Review & Interview


Genre: Inspirational/Christian Fiction
Paperback: 182 pages
Publisher: Virtuous Ink Publishing LLC (April 29, 2014)
ISBN-10: 0988625903
ISBN-13: 978-0988625907

About The Author
Cassietta Jefferson is a contemporary Christian author, publisher, editor, and blogger. She is the newest book reviewer for Prophetic Worship Intensive Christ Unit (PWICU); a faith based Radio and TV media platform. She is also the founder of Virtuous Ink Publishing LLC where she seeks to provide her readers with the best in contemporary Christian literature.
Cassietta earned her Bachelors of Applied Science in Business Administration from Wayland Baptist University and after traveling the country currently resides in Las Vegas Nevada. She is married to a proud retired United States Air Force Master Sergeant and together they have raised three children. Cassietta the youngest of ten siblings; seven older brothers and two older sisters who in addition to her wonderful parents help to shape her life.
In 2012, Cassietta published her first novel, Be Still & Know and published a novella, Timing is everything, the following year. Her latest book, Shades of Brown, is now available in print and ebook versions. To find out more about Cassietta Jefferson, visit www.virtuousinkpublishing.com/author-cassietta-jefferson.html.


About The Book
Asami, Bonita, Morgan, and Sienna have shared everything including their laughter and tears. No matter the challenge, they always emerged stronger with their friendship intact. No one ever expected that they would be tested again so severely.
These women soon learn that although life brings its share of storms, it’s what they do in the midst of those storms that define their character. While navigating the worst storms of their lives, these captivating women discover the true meaning of friendship, faith, and family.
What will they do when faced with devastating life situations that shake the very foundation that their lives are built upon? Follow this group of audacious women as they stare down the most tumultuous year they have ever had to face.

Social Links:
Email: CJefferson@virtuousinkpublishing.com
Website: http://www.virtuousinkpublishing.com
Twitter handle @MsSetta
Buy Links:
Amazon: ebook: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JGUPNJS/ref=s9_simh_gw_p351_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=14MBJ3R2W9CAHVTNAEPJ&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1688200382&pf_rd_i=507846
Amazon: paperback:


Interview:
What advice would you give to writers just starting out?
Keep working at your craft and never give up on your dreams!

Do you ever suffer from writer's block? If so, what do you do about it?
I do suffer from writers block; I think most writers do. There are a couple of things that Ive learned on this journey that help me get through it. First, of all, I believe that what I write is given to my by God, so I pray. Sometimes I find that my writers block comes from me getting off track. Also, getting up and out of my office helps; taking a walk or working from a cafe boosts my creativity. Sometimes just stepping away from a project gives me a fresh perspective.

Who is your favorite author and why? 
My absolute favorite author is the late Francis Ray. Her writing style is very romantic and chivalrous. I love that her characters and how they can be a bit unattainable, but at the same time, very much relatable. Her books revolve around friends and family, much like my own (or maybe thats the other way around). Theres drama and conflict, but at the end of the day, theres love and thats what initially drew me to her.

What books have most influenced your life?
The Bible. I love how God teaches us using parable. Whatever Im going through Im reassured through reading the bible that it doesnt come as a surprise to God and that he cares and has taken the time to provide direction for me. Also, Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg and Sweet Expectations by Michele Hoskins.

How did you deal with rejection letters?
I knew they were coming and that at some point I would be rejected, but as much as you think you are, youre never quite prepared for them. I just know that my books arent for everyone, everyone is not going to appreciate or get them, and thats okay. My books arent mainstream and I knew going in that it would be rejected so I just kept that in mind and I prayed for a spirit of understanding.

What tools do you feel are must-haves for writers?
I think that where theres a will theres a way, so I wont include material tools like a computer, certain software, etc. I will say that writers much have patience in abundance! There has to be creativity and an active imagination.

Where do you as an author draw the line on gory descriptions and/or erotic content?
I detest gore, so I dont write it. I draw the line at any type of gory descriptionsI just dont do it. I also avoid explicit erotic content. I do write about love and marriage, so in that vein I do end up writing about sex. I think sex is good and appropriate and so I talk about it and elude to it, but thats pretty much where I draw the line. I dont ever get into specific details; my work is not erotic in any way.

What's the weirdest thing you've ever done in the name of research?

Probably driving to Corpus Christie, Texas, renting a room on the water and just enjoying the beach. Ive never done anything out of the ordinary in the name of research. For me, research entails talking to people and visiting different places.
Where do you hail from and what do you love most about your hometown?
Im from Las Vegas, Nevada. It can get pretty hot here, but what I love about it is that its a pretty versatile city. Theres hiking, great mountain views, shows, shopping, wonderful food everywhereIm a foodie, I love great food. The hotels offer lots of opportunities for stay-cations and if thats not your idea of a fun time, California, Phoenix, and Utah are not far.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? 
I remember when I was a little girl I wanted to be Wonder Woman. At the time she was played by Lynda Carter and I loved how she was both beautiful, smart, and strong. Plus, she had some pretty amazing power. :)

Tell us about your latest book.  
Shades of Brown is a combination of interwoven short stories that have been compiled into one book. It tells the story of four women who have managed to remain friends throughout the many twists and turns their life has taken. Where we meet these women in the book, theyre facing some challenges that manage to turn their lives upside down. Shades of Brown is not necessarily about the challenges, but more so about how they face those challenges.
Do you have anything new in the works and can you tell us a bit about it?

Im actually working on the follow up to my first novel. Its going to be the second in my Reigns Family Series. As all of my books are, this one is a love story and my intention is for it to illustrate how important it is to seek God in the choices that we make. I hope my readers will get from it how the choices we make every day can affect our lives and the lives of those around us is some ways we may not expect.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging about writing?
For me, its the editing and rewriting process. It can sometimes be a bit of a challenge for me to know when to stop editing and when to leave well enough alone. I tend to struggle with altering the storyline a little after Ive typed the last the end.

My Review:
This was a great story about strong women. The author did a great job creating characters that have real life problems that I could relate to. I felt for these women and I felt the same emotions that they did. The strength of their friendship helps them to deal with their issues. I liked that the characters were all having issues at the same time, rather then there being a sequel. There was so much going on, like in real life, and there was stuff that happened that I did not expect. I am giving this book a 4/5. I was given a copy to review, however all opinions are my own.

1 comment:

  1. Thank you for having me and featuring Shades of Brown on your blog! I'm so glad you enjoyed my book - thanks so much for taking the time to read and review it.

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