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Urban Reviews: Tell our readers about Strawberry Mansion.
Julia Press Simmons: Well, Strawberry Mansion is about... drama. Dramatic is one of
many words used to describe Strawberry Mansion: A Philadelphia
Story, a story based on a strong, often dismissed notion: the sins
of the parents can and often do embed themselves in the children,
creating devastating effects. The story is centered around three
young women, friends, who must rely on their connection to each
other to weather tragic storms. Tabitha, 19, lost her freedom in
high school when she hooked up with a boy who would impregnate her
and make her his punching bag. Lisa, 17, is deemed “the strong one”
by her friends, but her own past of sexual abuse and pregnancy at
the hands of her step father keeps her one second from falling apart
as the drama builds. Shanice, 14, is a hellion, ready and willing to
let any boy have her just to get the affection she believes her
mother has withheld. As their world spirals out of control, they
cling fast to one another in the hope that love, friendship, and
strength will not only keep them together, but will also move them
to a better place in their lives
Urban Reviews: Where did the idea for this novel come from?
Julia Press Simmons: I was 16-years-old when I first became a victim of domestic
violence. My innocence was completely shattered and I watched my
girlfriends experience similar pain. I decided that I was going to
shed light on what I kept in the dark for so many years. I decided
to speak out in the only way I knew how--Strawberry Mansion was
born. The very first attempt of writing this story was burned by my
abuser in our backyard. It took me 15 years to gain the courage to
finish the book, but after I committed to finishing, I was done in 6
months.
Urban Reviews: What are your goals as a writer? Is it something you would
like to do long-term?
Julia Press Simmons: I would like to do this for the rest of my life. Writing is my life.
It’s who I am.
Urban Reviews: What kinds of roadblocks have you faced in your journey to
being published?
Julia Press Simmons: I’ve faced them all. I made countless mistakes with my debut, from
editing, to marketing, from printing, to pricing. You name it, I’ve
made it. However, I am growing and learning from those errors. I
would caution the new author to go slow, and gain all of the
knowledge they possibly could about the industry before jumping in
head first! Seek out a mentor and explore all of your options.
Urban Reviews: What things are you doing to help promote your book to the
masses?
Julia Press Simmons: I’m a direct marketing kind of gal. I love to connect with the
readers so I am always doing signing, and visiting book stores and
street vendors. I am taking Strawberry Mansion on a grass roots
campaign focusing first on a regional base and then pushing down the
coast. I don’t advertise much because I can’t afford to at this
time. But, when I get my chips up, it’s going to be a whole new ball
game!
Urban Reviews: How do you feel about the state of African-American fiction?
Did you know it would be this competitive?
Julia Press Simmons: I am happy about the state of AA fiction! The more the merrier! My
motto is as follows. “I don’t have competitors, I have colleagues.”
I am an avid reader so it is hard for me to view other authors as
competition. When I finish a book, I am always on the look out for
another.
Urban Reviews: Are you working on an upcoming project and when can do you
think it will be released?
Julia Press Simmons: I am working on my sophomore novel Begonia Brown: A Philadelphia
Story and I hope to have it completed by the end of the year!
Urban Reviews: Do you have any favorite authors or books that you enjoy
reading?
Julia Press Simmons: I am currently reading If It Don’t Hurt…It Ain’t Love by Junnita
Jackson.
Urban Reviews: What do you like to do outside of writing? (hobbies,
activities, etc.)
Julia Press Simmons: I am a Star Wars, Star Trek, space junkie, so when I’m not working,
I’m veging out in front of the TV watching my DVD’s.
Urban Reviews: What else would you like to share with us about yourself or
your debut novel?
Julia Press Simmons: Every quarter Queen Midas Books will sponsor a different domestic
violence abuse shelter or program. This quarter a portion of the
proceeds from every book sold will go to the YWCA of Greater
Harrisburg Violence Intervention and Prevention Program.
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