Behind the Book with Noelle Vella

Interview by King Brooks

Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with the ladies behind the pen name Noelle Vella. They just released the third book in their ‘The Witches of Salix Pointe’ series. So, pull up a seat and enjoy this interview with Nikki-Michelle and Gabrielle as they discuss ‘The Reckoning & The Reaper.’

King Brooks: Hi Noelle, how are you? Noelle: Good, Thank you!

KB: Congrats, on your new book ‘The Reckoning & The Reaper.’ What can we learn in Book 3 of The Witches of Salix Pointe?

NV: Readers will learn a lot of history; Black History to be specific. We took our time and did a lot research to ensure that even with creative license, we were as accurate as possible. So, the readers will not only be entertained, but educated as well.

KB: Where did the inspiration for ‘The Witches of Salix Pointe’ come from?

NV: We wanted to create a small town, full of mostly Black people who harnessed magic(k). Black Magick to be specific. We wanted characters who represented everyday Black people, flaws, and all.

KB: How long did it take for you to write ‘The Reckoning & The Reaper?’

NV: Far too long. We didn’t set a schedule and it made writing this all the more strenuous. We won’t do that again, that’s for sure. LOL

KB: What kind of people are the characters are Elisa & Tasmin?

NV: They’re Black women who come from a long line of Black witches.

KB: Will you continue the series, and how many more books do you think this series will reach?

NB: Yes, there will be one final book to the series. So, four books in total.

KB: When you wrote the last word, what did you do afterwards?

NV: Gabrielle: I went to sleep.

Nikki: I took part in herbal Medicinals. We were stressed! LOL

KB: What has writing this book taught you about yourself and others?

NV: Nikki: This book taught me that we don’t know half the things we think we know about God and religion. Gabrielle: It’s taught me that not everybody can handle true history and would rather rewrite or stifle it to hide the truth.

KB: Please give the readers a brief bio on you and as a writer and author?

NV: The writing team of Noelle Vella is two talented authors making their mark on the literary scene. Both authors began writing at an early age, and they continue to write novels, short stories, and poetry. The authors of Noelle Vella are hard at work on their next novel. During their downtime, they enjoy spending time with their families.

KB: What is your writing process?

NV: We send chapters back and forth. So, if Gabrielle writes chapter 1, I (Nikki) will write chapter 2 and so forth and so on. We research and bounce ideas off one another.

KB: What advice would you give to writers wanting to publish a book?

NV: Take your time in deciding how you want to publish your book whether you want to self-publish or go the traditional route. Both have pros and cons.

KB: If ‘The Reckoning & The Reaper’ is made into a film or series, who would you like to play Elisa & Tasmin and others? Why?

NV: Elisa: Danielle Brooks

Tasmin: Teyonah Parris

Azazel: Nick Sagar

Octavian: Lamon Archey

Dafari: Damson Idris

Rufus: Wendell Pierce

KB: What makes you happy when you sit down to write?

NV: Creating stories that center the Black experience that make people think. Also, when readers tell us that we have taught them something new or that they must go look up things we mention, we know we have done our stories justice.

KB: What book was a transformational read for you as a reader or as a writer?

NV: The Vampire Huntress Legend Series by the late L.A. Banks.

KB: And what is next? Have you started working on your next book? What can readers look forward to?

NV: Of course! We have book 2 of the Upgrade You series coming and book 3 of the Weekend Affair series. We’re always eagerly working on our next projects. Readers can look forward to well-written salacious drama focusing on the Black experience!

KB: How can readers get in touch with you?

NV: Readers can go to https://www.noellevellabooks.com/ to keep up with what we have coming next and find links to our socials!

If you’re ever traveling through the south stop by a place called Captain’s Quarters in a little town called Santee South Carolina. If you blink you’re going miss it.

While traveling recently for some “me time”, I stopped by. Upon arrival, on a Friday night, I was told the wait list was about 25 minutes because the golfers were in town and I didn’t have reservations. It was a very classy seafood and steak style atmosphere.

Finally, after waiting an hour to be seated, I was able to order. My choice selection was the thirty dollar 10oz medium Ribeye steak and baked potatoe with salad and a glass of red Cabernet. The environment was relaxing and the steak was so tender. Actually the best steak I’ve ever had. The server was a sweet little old lady who looked just like my grandmother Nelda. God rest her soul. The waitress has been working at this restaurant for over 30 years. This beautiful wrapped around place was an old country money feel. I liked it.

Will I go back? Probably not. The hostess wasn’t as friendly or hospitable as I thought she could have been. I felt she was maybe overwhelmed with the crowd and because I didn’t have a reservation, she didn’t seem to care we waited an hour to sit. But when leaving, she was apologetic. I think it was because some one may have overheard me speaking outside on the porch that I was a food blogger and told her.

When choosing locations to eat and deciding to visit a second time, its more than just the taste of the food. It’s the whole package of the room.

Although I may not return is probably because I’m not sure if I’ll ever visit that little town again, not because of the food or the negative energy from the greeting.

#Tastefultipsandtrips #FocusForwardwithrobin #robinshockley #Aventuretraveler #FoodBlogger #magazinecolumnist #FoodReviews #captaincorners #SanteeSouthCarolina

Tasteful Tips & Trips with Robin” is not just an ordinary food blog! It’s about fun, adventure, and a lot of tasty foods as I travel to places along this journey road called life. I am all about traveling and experimenting food flavors and the mixtures of them. So what better way to spread the word to others about places that I visit and help promote businesses!

If you would like for me to visit your venue or restaurant please email me at Booking@robinshockley.com the name of your restaurant and location.

You may just see me show up unexpectedly one day with my big smile and readily appetite!

Robin Shockley is the Founder of “Focus Forward with Robin” she is a Writer of magazines, TV Talk Show Host, Actress, Community Servant-Leader, Entrepreneur, Motivational Speaker, and Author of books. She believes there is freedom to move forward in life to think, believe and achieve a thing. Contact Robin for future bookings to host your event or be a Speaker to help empower your audience. www.robinshockley.com