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ReShonda Tate Billingsley, a national bestselling author has published seventeen books with Simon & Schuster/Pocket Books which includes her most recent adult novels, The Devil is a Lie, Can I Get a Witness and teen novel, Friends 'Til the End. Her other projects include the #1 Essence Magazine Bestselling Book, Let the Church Say Amen, the bestselling sequel Everybody Say Amen, and the national bestseller I Know I've Been Changed (all of which are currently being made into movies where she will serve as Executive Producer). She is also the author of the multiple Essence bestseller The Pastor's Wife and the teen inspirational novels, Nothing But Drama, Blessings in Disguise (which was voted a #1 pick by Ebony Magazine), With Friends Like These, Getting Even, Fairweather Friends, and Friends 'Til the End, as well as a non-fiction title, Help! I've Turned into my Mother. ReShonda is also a contributor to the bestselling anthologies Have a Little Faith, Four Degrees of Heat and Proverbs for the People.
ReShonda has won numerous awards for her journalism, fiction and poetry writing skills. My Brother's Keeper was originally rejected by publishers. ReShonda decided to step out on faith and established her own publishing company, releasing that debut novel. The book was later republished by Simon & Schuster/Pocket Books. Let the Church Say Amen was voted best Christian Fiction book of 2004 by the Library Journal. ReShonda's upcoming projects include The Devil is a Lie (July 7, 2009), Holy Rollers (2010) and the teen books, Caught up in the Drama and Drama Queens. She also has a book of poetry called Something to Say: Poetry to Motivate the Mind.
Vanessa Davis Griggs: Welcome, ReShonda! You have accomplished so much. Share with us a little about yourself.
ReShonda Tate Billingsley: I am a writer who loves what I do so much, that I would do it for free. The great thing is I don't have to! I am a former television news reporter and mother of three. I also co-host a literary talk show www.fromcovertocovershow.com.
Griggs: As the mother of three children (ages 8, 7, and 2), how do you manage all that's required of you and manage to do it so well?
Billingsley: I believe every minute you spend talking about what you don't have time to do, could be spent doing it. You make time to pursue your passion. You don't make excuses why you can't. I would love to say I'm just this severely organized individual, but I'm not. I just write every chance I get - at the dentist's office, on long commutes, even at stop lights if necessary.
Griggs: You left your job as a reporter with KRIV, Fox 26 News in Houston to write full time. What's the best thing about what you're doing now?
Billingsley: I get to travel more because I'm not burdened by that whole "you only get two weeks vacation" thing. I also love setting my own schedule. If I want to go have lunch with my daughters, I can. But truthfully, I was more productive as a writer with a full-time job. I think that's because I knew I had to get X,Y,Z done in this little time. Now that I'm a lot more flexible, I have to be a whole lot more disciplined.
Griggs: You have quite an impressive collection of books published. Please tell us about your most recent release: The Devil is a Lie.
Billingsley: The Devil is a Lie is about a woman (Nina Lawson) who wins $16 million in the Texas Lotto. She and her fiancé ecstatically begin planning their future.But while counting her millions, Nina didn't count on one other astounding twist of fate: her ex-husband, Todd Lawson, isn't her ex anything -- since the paperwork for their divorce was never officially filed. Now he's shown up with his money-hungry girlfriend, Pam, to claim half of Nina's winnings. Add to this the relatives coming out of the woodwork to seek a payday for themselves, and Nina must ask herself if scoring a fortune in cash comes with too high a price tag. With a little bit of luck, Nina will discern the real wealth in her heart, not just her bank account -- or risk losing everything -- to find out what matters the most.
Griggs: When you write a book, what is your "intent" for that work (feel free to be specific if different intents apply)?
Billingsley: I always strive to entertain and inspire. I want readers to have laugh out loud moments, yet still walk away inspired and fulfilled.
Griggs: When you reflect back over your life, what are some of the things you're most proud of? What do you hope to accomplish that you haven't as yet?
Billingsley: My children and the fact that I don't let anyone but me and my God determine my destiny. I've had many people who didn't believe in me and my dreams over the years. But I've always believed in myself and that was fuel enough to keep me going. It's funny, everything I ever said I wanted to be growing up, a TV news anchor, a talk show host and an author - I've accomplished. The only goal I havent met is to be an actress and that's coming when I sneak into one of my movies!
Griggs: You write for both the adult and the teen market. What are the challenges, if any, in doing something like that?
Billingsley: You have to keep the voices separate. Teens can recognize an adult writing as a teen if the voice is not genuine. That would be the biggest challenge. Oh, and accepting that I'm not as hip as I thought I was.
Griggs: As one of her magazine columns, Oprah has a section where she speaks on what she knows for sure. ReShonda, what do you know for sure?
Billingsley: I know that you shouldn't let anyone but you and your God determine your destiny. I know that your greatest joy will come when you pursue your passion, when you ask yourself what is it I would do for free, then you do it. And I know life is too short to dwell in negative energy.
ReShonda, you truly are making a difference in so many lives. Thank you for being such a great you!
- To visit ReShonda's Web site, go to: www.ReShondaTateBillingsley.com
- Copyright © 2009 Vanessa Davis Griggs All rights reserved
- Interview by: Vanessa Davis Griggs, Author of: Promises Beyond Jordan, Wings of Grace, Blessed Trinity, Strongholds, If Memory Serves, Practicing What You Preach. (Web site: www.VanessaDavisGriggs.com)
- For permission to use this interview, contact Vanessa Davis Griggs at Vanessa@VanessaDavisGriggs.com
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