TopShelf March 2023

Q: YOUR NEWEST RELEASE IS “THE UNTOLD LOVE STORY”, WHAT INSPIRED THE BOOK?

The Untold Love Story was inspired by the Marvel movie, Black Panther:Wakanda Forever, and The Woman King. My interest in African royalty was peaked because of the massive appeal both of these movies had on diverse cultures all over the world. Couple that with my personal desire to try a new genre and Princess Zara was born. I have five granddaughters and this was also a tribute to them and the massive possibilities the future holds for them.

Q: WHAT WAS THE FIRST THING YOU PUBLISHED AND HOW HAS YOUR FICTION WRITING JOURNEY EVOLVED?

Actually, this is my first published novella. I have over twenty published nonfiction books, most of them concentrates on author self-help. That list also includes a memoir. I’ve always romanticized about writing a novel. It’s been my favorite genre since I was in junior high school. I’ve spent numerous hours reading them and often fantasized about being behind the pen that masterfully crafted the pages of a great novel. The Untold Love Story is a dream come true for me. It is my hope that its readers will not only enjoy the adventures of Princess Zara, but also fall in love with the culture and its diverse characters.

Q: IF SOMEONE HAD JUST WRITTEN “THE END” ON THEIR FIRST DRAFT OF A BOOK, WHICH BOOK OF YOURS WOULD YOU SUGGEST THEY READ FIRST?

I would suggest they read, You Can Be a Super Author Too! , or Are You a Super Author? . These two books share stories of authors who have mastered authorpreneurship (the business side of writing) and are full of tips and tricks that help new authors with launching their writing career.

Q: HOW DID YOU PIVOT FROM BEING A FICTION AUTHOR TO BECOMING A PUBLISHING COACH?

Actually, I was publishing coach before I became a fiction author. My initial experience as a new author prompted me to become a publishing coach. I sincerely wanted to help new authors birth their book babies with limited complications. It was difficult for me to find someone to believe in my potential as an author because I don’t fit the traditional profile. So that made me an advocate for nontraditional authors. It has always been my philosophy that any one who had the passion to be an author, especially after counting the costs to do so, was the equivalent of a superhero (a super author in the making).

Q: WHEN YOU ARE NOT WRITING OR COACHING AUTHORS AND ASPIRING AUTHORS, WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS YOU ENJOY DOING?

I love to read. I also love to get lost in romantic comedies. The Hallmark and Pure Flix Channels are my brain candy. Also, the sight of a sandy beach, the serene blue sky and the bright bluegreen waters touching the shore fascinates me. I could stay on a beach bench forever.

Q: WHAT MESSAGE OR THEME DO YOU HOPE READERS TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR BOOK?

There are three basic messages:

1. Love doesn’t always come in the package you want it to come in, but if it’s true love, it’s worth the temporary inconvenience.

2. Strength can be found in the most genteel flower. Recognize, respect, and celebrate it.

3. Virtue is still a valuable commodity for the modern woman.

ABOUT SHARON C. JENKINS

Sharon C. Jenkins is the inspirational leader for The Master Communicator’s Writing Services. She offers writing and coaching services to small enterprises, non-profit organizations, and writers. With her mastery of multiple forms of media, such as writing, publishing, and speaking, she has earned the title of The Master Communicator. Her professional career has varied, with her having held a position as an editor at a big, minority-owned communications and marketing firm to a senior publishing consultant part at an award-winning publishing house. Her writing has achieved both commercial success and critical acclaim. She has expertise in the fields of business communications, entrepreneurship, book coaching, publishing, and marketing. Sharon is affectionately known as a “literary midwife,” and has helped hundreds of authors birth their book babies.

Links:

Instagram: @sharoncjenkins

Twitter: @Sharon_Jenkins

Facebook: facebook.com/mcwritingservices

TikTok tiktok.com/@theauthorpreneurcoach

Website: www.mcwritingservices.com

www.superauthorgranny.com