AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

Queenie: What inspired you to become an author, and how does your faith influence the themes in your writing?

Dr. Velma Bagby: Writing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I did not consider myself a writer until sometime later. While growing up in church, I wrote skits for the children’s church and youth groups. As a Bible Study teacher, I created content for class discussions, as well as the degree courses for the school of biblical studies. Later in my work life, I designed and developed programs, conducted continuous process improvements, as well as created training modules for new managers. As I look back on my career, I discovered that my favorite aspect of my job as a Deputy Administrator in the State government was my love for continuous improvement—whether it was a program, a process, or a person looking for a career. This experience helped me discover my love for making a program or process more efficient and client driven. Driving this work was my desire to improve the experience of the staff who performed a service, while also improving the benefits a person received after accessing the service.  Later, with my daughter’s encouragement, I wrote my first book after retiring from my state government job in 2012. A Christian non-fiction relationship-focused book based on our conversations about men and in response to their question, “Mom, why are men so slow?” recall my effort to respond to their question, by spending time digging deeper into the scriptures for answers before I responded to their question. I set aside all the ‘how-to’ books in my library and studied the scripture. My two registered nurses were not interested in fluff, and I knew they would expect a more in-depth discussion. It was important that I familiarize myself with what the scripture said about singles and marriage and as a result, discovered some new things I hadn’t seen before.

Queenie: Can you share a specific instance where a reader's life was profoundly impacted by one of your stories?

Dr. Velma Bagby: Many of my readers, interviewers, and podcasters have all stated, that they could not believe the fish analogies, and some said they met all the fish in the stories. One even said she wished she had my book earlier in her dating life. I was shocked to learn of the local senior center, where a woman introduced my book during one of our discussions. The women in that group again shared how they met the fish in the stories.

The one story I was most blessed to hear was the one where the secretary at my doctor’s office was given a book. She told me of a friend she and others were trying to leave an abusive relationship. I suggested she give the book to her friend and suggested she tell her friend to read chapter six. She later reported that she followed through on my suggestion and said her friend finally found the courage to leave.

Queenie: Your commitment to empowering women in their faith and ministry calling is evident. What advice do you have for women navigating their spiritual journeys?

The book became a call to action for single women and it resulted in my messaging to date—to “date with intent,” “date for marriage” and the fact that “marriage belongs to God—we just get the benefit of having a mate.” As we began having regular conversations about God’s process of presenting their mates, with a focus on working on themselves, they found what I shared intriguing and wanted to know more. As our conversations progressed, they shared our talks with friends, and those friends wanted to know more—soon, my daughters encouraged me to put our conversations in a book.

. My debut as an author occurred with my first published nonfiction book in 2018, “Your Adam Is Asleep Until God Opens His Eyes—A Conversation Between a Mother and Her Daughters about Men.” This was my first book about dating, relationships, and marriage. It was a call to action for singles, who focused more on the search for a man than taking time to prepare themselves for marriage, and married couples looking for a reset

Queenie: What inspired you to write Contemporary Christian fiction, and how do you choose the themes for your stories?

Dr. Velma Bagby:  I found Christian contemporary fiction a genre perfect for sharing Christian principles without being preachy, and based on the reader responses, has appealed to those unfamiliar with scripture—in the church and outside of it. In my first Christian contemporary fiction book, The CATCH Series books one and two, I used fish analogies to show the dating mistakes of the charactersthe catfish who loves garbage, the sturgeon who likes to nibble, the salmon who refuses to get caught and the pufferfish who is handsome until agitated.

Queenie: As the CEO of Adoni Publishing, what inspired you to selfpublish your spiritual fiction and nonfiction works?

Dr Velma Bagby: When I began my writing journey, I decided to use a boutique publisher to learn the process. It was convenient, in terms of making payments for the package I chose. I finished the payments before I finished my book. After reading self-help books on publishing and understanding the process better, I decided to self-publish. I not only published my books but helped my granddaughter with her three children’s books as well. Currently, I have 16 books published.

Dr. Velma Bagby: It is never too late to realize your dream. If I can begin my writing journey at age 64, you are not too late. I’ve always been involved in ministry as an Ordained Minister and Women’s Ministry Leader. What I do know is that God will make room for what he has given you to do. If it is to become an author, I suggest you put in the work. Read as many “how-to books” as you can to understand what’s required for the genre you plan to write. Read books of others within the genre you are interested in so that you can learn from published authors. This is not an island experience, connecting with other authors for support and to learn is helpful. Sign up for their blog, especially if they blog about the writing journey. As with anything concerning ministry, stay true to what God has given you as your passion. It will never grow old, and you will never get tired. Always seek his wisdom and ask him to connect you to the right people along the way and keep you from the wolves/hustlers out there. Be consistent in what you have been given and approach it wisely, with dedication and honor.

Queenie: What do you hope readers take away from your Contemporary Christian fiction novels, both in terms of entertainment and spiritual reflection?

Dr. Velma Bagby: I love writing about dating with the intent to marry, love, and marriage. I’ve spent 30-plus years counseling and ministering to single women in pre-marriage and marriage counseling, and I found some of the same problems surfacing over and over, which couples could have avoided if it were taught to them. It all points back to the training churches at one time provided but has all but gotten lost. I feel writing books on these topics serves to fill that need.

Scriptural, we are told to teach wisdom to those coming up after us. I chuckled when looking in the mirror recently, at 68, I recognize that I’m now the Titus 3 woman.

Queenie: With over 30 years of counseling and coaching singles, what inspired you to write a relationship-focused book for single women?

Dr. Velma Bagby: I experienced multiple stages during my journey. It is my practice to pray about the book topics and the order in which to write them. At the start of each year, I keep a list of ideas and apply Proverbs 3:6 which states “In all your ways acknowledge him…” The original language's meaning of acknowledging is to invite in. I consult with God when choosing the order of my projects and what I should tackle first. I had not written about dating, relationships, and marriage since I released my first book in 2018. At the beginning of 2021, I prayed to God, “God, what should the topic of my next book be?” After that prayer, I heard my husband speak a message to the single women at the church one Sunday. What he said stuck with me, “If the fish aren’t biting ladies, it’s time to try a different bait.” Although I assumed this would become the title of my next book, it did turn out to be the subject matter.

Next, I had to figure out if this book would be Christian fiction or nonfiction when it came to the question about the genre. Many in the Christian community rejected fiction stories. My answer arrived when I browsed through a friend’s blog post. A post provided me with an important reminder, it referenced the fact that there were over 50 parables written by Jesus and we know that the parables, considered allegories today, are fiction stories. I sought a distinct answer, and then realized I would craft my book as Christian contemporary fiction, weaving my stories in the style of Jesus. Jesus drew on everyday objects and experiences to explain his stories, helping the listener to connect with them. His stories were never preachy, but woven in his stories is the opportunity for redemption or change. In the end, it was up to the listener to decide if they wished to change Now comfortable to write a fiction book, I called my brother as a part of my research because he is a fishing expert. I asked him to share his favorite fish to catch and the details concerning what it takes to catch them. My brother shared the details about each fish: where they are found, the bait used, and their unique personalities. I immediately associated them with a specific male character in my book: the catfish, who loves garbage; the sturgeon, who likes to nibble; the salmon, who hates to get caught; the pufferfish, who is handsome, until agitated. With book three, I used insects, animals and a toy as the female characters who represented the wrong women men should not date.

Queenie: How do you strike a balance between incorporating Christian values into your narratives while ensuring your stories are engaging and relatable to a broad audience?

Dr. Velma Bagby: By weaving biblical principles in the stories like the parables Jesus’ told. Creativity isn’t stifled by the Christian values I weave into my stories. Because I’ve met many of these characters in my life, it’s easy to create the stories which will resonate with the readers.

Queenie: How has your 48-year marriage influenced your approach to counseling and mentoring others in their relationships?

Dr. Velma Bagby: We celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary on February 16th. The scripture encourages those who are seasoned in years, like in Titus 2, to teach the younger. It also encourages everyone to be open to instruction and wisdom from those who can provide it. I’m asked regularly how my husband and I made it this long. After answering the questions multiple times, I realized what my husband and I have been blessed to achieve, should be shared with others so they can experience a long-term marriage, too.

Queenie: How do you engage with your readers, and what kind of feedback or responses have you received from your audience regarding the Christian themes in your fiction?

Dr. Velma Bagby: I shared some of their feedback in my answers above, but here are some specific ones.

Book One:

“The use of fish analogies was genius.” Chandra Sparks Splond, West End Publishing, LLC

“The 5 different types of fish/men is something to behold. I will be purchasing one for my co-worker because she is dating a catfish. LOL!”

Stubbornbull

“Tackling everything from intentional dating to open/honest discussions and discoveries about faith, the book really does show that to CATCH the right one we have to make sure we have gotten ourselves together first.” Cyrus Webb Presents/Conversations Live

Book two:

“…While reading the WRONG CATCH, I encountered a largemouth bass and I recognized it because of this book. This is a great book for single or married people...” Marsha

Book three:

“This book had me on my toes from start to finish. I will never look at microwaves again in the same light!” Jacquiline

“Whoa! You came out of the gate with golden nuggets for men. I am purchasing some books to give to my son’s friends, who are dating. The men in there cutting up! First chapter.” Wendy

Queenie: How do you balance the roles of a pastor's wife, mother, and grandmother while maintaining a vibrant and impactful ministry?

Dr. Velma Bagby: Writing or ministry does not take precedence over my husband and family. I’m always aware of where my priorities lie. Although I am called to write, this assignment has its place and I learned to use times that are the least busy for me and write during those times.

Queenie: As a relationship coach, what common challenges do you observe in relationships today, and how do you incorporate your faith-based perspective into your coaching?

Dr. Velma Bagby: There is danger and misery in choosing outside of what God wants for us. I’ve seen it personally when ministering to singles or speaking with couples. It’s like having over ten keys on a key ring, but only knowing where two or three of the keys fit. God has given believers the keys, but we do not know what keys we are to use to unlock a certain door. Or we attempt to use the wrong key on the wrong door. And some simply do not know how to use a key. I love writing about dating with the intent to marry, love, and marriage. I’ve spent 30-plus years counseling and ministering to single women in pre-marriage and marriage counseling, and I found some of the same problems surfacing over and over, which couples could have avoided if it were taught to them. It all points back to the training churches at one time provided. Preparation is key and waiting until pre-marriage sessions is too late to ask those tough questions. Even the life skills we were taught in high school are important and so many enter a marriage without any life skills at all I feel writing books on these topics serves to fill the void, training once filled. God describes his word as wisdom and, through it, provides believers with wise guidance. He also calls the person who does not accept His wisdom “a fool.” The Bible has plenty of stories of people who failed to obey and warnings about the consequences they suffered because of disobedience. In my book, there are two metaphorical stories where we see firsthand the tragic outcomes of wrong choices. We make wrong choices, and it is very prevalent today, but thank God for his grace and mercy, because it is important to note that there is always room for redemption—change. Readers will see redemption for the book’s character Veronica, and we can see it in the Bible story about Ruth and Boaz. Ruth’s first husband died—this can also represent the removal of someone or someone who is no longer in your life. Once removed, God blessed her when He sent the second husband, Boaz. Queenie: Can you share any upcoming projects or endeavors that you are excited about?

Dr. Velma Bagby: I’m excited about upcoming collaborations, new events, and opportunities to speak on the topic I am compassionate about. I have some marketing products designed which I cannot wait to share, from book club kits to a Deck of Fools – a fun matching game, which uses cards full of those fool scriptures I referenced in the book and more.

My Favorite Things – spending time with family, and grandchildren. Singing/worship, teaching, using my creativity

Food – crab cheese puffs, string beans and prawns

Snack while writing – low salt kettle popcorn and tea/coffee Restaurant – The Chalet Scripture – Proverbs 3:6

Past Time - Benge watching our favorite shows with my husband, studying the Word

Have you ever tried this local Latina Restaurant in Georgia called BOGA? It’s located At 5942 Buford Hwy #193, Norcross, GA 30071.

Recently one Monday before my Focus Forward with Robin Show in Atlanta, I traveled to meet a friend who wanted to introduce me to the favor of the Latin lamb chops at this welcoming cuisine place.

We sat at the bar and to my left you could see a large window where the three Chefs that day did their magic.

I had the 10oz oven roasted rack of lamb that was marinated with rosemary and house secret recipe served with a Drizzle of Balsamic Reduction. As a side dish, I had the mofongos that consisted of plantains that was embedded with fried plantains & greens mashed together with salt, garlic, and olive oil. The flavor of the lamb chops were tasty and tender but I wasn’t a fan of the mashed mofongos.

However, I also did have a few pieces of my friends sushi the Nijao rolls that was rolled with cooked teriyaki pollo -aka chicken, Philadelphia cream cheese, bacon, aguacateaka avocado, plantains and white sushi rice & seweed.

Not sure what the white drizzle was but it was very tasty. So if you don’t eat raw fish aka sushi, but would like the idea of eating it, this is the perfect dish. Mexican Chips & salsa was also served. I am a huge fan of raw fish served the authentic way called sushi but this dish was served warm and with a great taste.

On the weekends I’m told they have the bongos playing with the band members and the place has a great environment.

The owner “Tito” also served me a sample of the bean soup as us Americans call it pinto beans but with juices. I could taste the flavors it was so delicious! It had different spices and the cilantro was strong which I loved. The only thing missing was the home cooked country cornbread.

This restaurant place services various cultures but is known as “BOGA Latin Cuisine.” It is definitely a must try if you are ever in the Norcross Georgia area.

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Robin ShockleyLegacy/Visionary Leader. TalkShow Host. Community Advocate. Professional Maximizer Entrepreneur. Motivational Speaker. Actress. Author/ BLOGGER & Magazine Columnist R.Shockley18@gmail.com (864)313-4964

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Robin ShockleyLegacy/Visionary Leader. TalkShow Host. Community Advocate. Professional Maximizer Entrepreneur. Motivational Speaker. Actress. Author/ BLOGGER & Magazine Columnist R.Shockley18@gmail.com (864)313-4964

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Robin ShockleyLegacy/Visionary Leader. TalkShow Host. Community Advocate. Professional Maximizer Entrepreneur. Motivational Speaker. Actress. Author/ BLOGGER & Magazine Columnist R.Shockley18@gmail.com (864)313-4964