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Thursday, November 15, 2007

Conversations Presents.. Bestselling author Brittney Holmes




Brittney, we are so honored to have the opportunity to talk with you. We know you are busy, so we’ll get right to the discussion. I first have to ask you how you are able to coordinate all that you do?
Well, because I am involved in a lot of extracurricular activities, in and outside of school, I have to prioritize and for me school always comes first. There are times when I have to forgo participating in something I really like because of school or literary events. I am able to be a part of so many activities, though, because I make sure that I don’t schedule events at the same time, and if I don’t have any other choice, I make sure that I place what is most important at the top of the list.



I read your book LIVING CONSEQUENCES in three days, and I found it to be one of the most powerful novels I have picked up this year. Tell our readers about the inspiration for it and now that some time has passed what has been some of the feedback you have receieved.
I always say that “Living Consequences” was divinely inspired because I had no intentions of writing this book. I was planning on writing a personal journal concerning something I was dealing with in my life at the time and when I sat down to do so “Living Consequences” began to form. I honestly believe it was something God wanted the world to be exposed to. Since the book’s release, I’ve only gotten positive feedback. Most of my readers are teens and young adults, but even those a few years older have expressed how much they enjoyed reading “Living Consequences.”

You are part of a growing list of Christian authors. Are you comfortable with the “label” and do you think that some of the books that are advertised as such confuse readers as to what it is suppose to represent?
I am very comfortable with being labeled as a Christian author because Christianity is what I write about. I feel that since God has blessed me with the gift, I should be gracious enough to share His word with the world. As far as other Christian or inspirational writers possibly confusing their readers due to the content in their books…it happens. I’ve read books where characters who are supposed to be Christians are living in a way that would make anyone question the validity of their spiritual walk. Christians aren’t supposed to be perfect, but they are supposed to be examples and I feel that Christian authors should make sure this is depicted throughout their books.

Your mother is Kendra Norman-Bellamy, another bestselling author. How much does her example encourage you in your literary journey?
My mom is one of my greatest inspirations, aside from God, and I feel like her passion and desire to please God and reach His people using her gift of writing has encouraged me to do the same despite the fact that every one of my books may not make the top ten on the bestseller’s list. She has made me realize that it’s not about selling out of books, but it’s about reaching those few whose lives could be changed just from reading my book.

I talked to your mother about the pressure she feels with so many other authors on the market. What about you? Do you think more is expected of you because of your mother?
I feel like I have very big shoes to fill, but I know it’s a path I’m more than willing to follow. I don’t mind having a literary career as blessed as my mother’s and I’m sure others expect me to have chart-topping books, but I try to concern myself with what others want from me, but what God has planned for my career. Focusing on that keeps me humble.

Brittney, I have heard some authors talk about their work as their ministry to the world. What does writing do for you personally and what do you hope it does for others?
Personally, writing keeps me from stressing out about day-to-day issues that could have me losing my mind. Writing keeps me focused on my goals and aspirations and allows me to clear my mind so that I can hear from God when I need to. For others, I hope it does the same. Everyone should be able to read an inspirational piece of work or write down their feelings and in the end have a sense of peace within themselves.

Do you think that young people think enough about the consequences of their actions, especially at a time when the media feeds into the idea of young people being invincible?
Strangely enough, I do believe young people think enough about the consequences of their actions, I just think that they believe if they take commercialize precautionary measures they won’t be susceptible to those consequences.

For the young people that are reading this interview, what would you like to say to them about the issues they might be facing in their personal life?
In all of my works, I want the readers, especially the young adults, to realize that no matter what they may be going through—whatever the trial, situation, or setback—God is always with them, walking with or carrying them through it and, if they genuinely trust in Him, they will come out victorious.

What projects do you have in the works?
My next book, “Testing Relationships,” which is the sequel to “Living Consequences,” is scheduled for release in June 2008.

Thank you Brittney for the time. How can our readers get in touch with you and find out more about your upcoming project.
Thank you for allowing me to share aspects of my literary experiences with you. Readers can find me on my website, www.brittneyholmes.com, or on Myspace, www.myspace.com/authorbrittneyholmes.

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