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with Kendra
Norman-Bellamy
Award-winning novelist,
Kendra M. Norman-Bellamy was born in Palm Beach, Florida. In addition to
writing novels, Kendra is also founder and president of KNB Publications,
LLC, a contributing staff writer for online Christian magazine, Divine
Eloquence Ezine, a recurring contributing writer for Precious Times Magazine
and serves as an Editorial Consultant for Booking Matters Magazine.
She is also a motivational
speaker and facilitator, traveling the globe to teach her much-applauded
signature 4-part aspiring writers series, "The Writer's Cocoon" as well as
workshops on how to successfully write for a Christian audience. Kendra is
an active member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the
founder and moderator of The Writer's Hut, an online critique and support
group "for writers only".
With multi-book deals with both Moody Publishers and BET Books, Kendra
describes herself in a single word: "Blessed". With a God-given
talent for the pen, Kendra is now pursuing a career in writing faith-based
novels that tell stories of drama, intrigue and passion in the Christian
community.
Today, Kendra resides in Stone Mountain, Georgia with her husband, Jonathan
and daughters, Brittney and Crystal.
Urban Reviews: Tell us about
Crossing Jhordan's River?
Kendra-Norman Bellamy: This novel is one that addresses issues of love,
trust, betrayal and the importance of releasing hurt and anger. In it, the
main character, whose name is Jhordan Adams, is haunted by the pains of his
past that are threatening to destroy his entire future. He, like many men,
chooses to harbor his anguish rather than face it or talk openly and
honestly about it. Therefore, it eats at the very core of his soul and
jeopardizes his relationship with the woman he loves. Because of the
distance that Jhordan’s “demons” have put between him and his wife, Kelli
becomes open prey for another man who is more than willing to give her the
affection that she hungers from her husband.
UR:
Did you always want to be a writer?
KNB:
Not hardly. LOL. I’m not one of those writers who knew from childhood that
their life’s path would lead to them becoming the creator of bestsellers. I
always loved reading and writing, but I had no idea that God would take my
creative imagination and put it to use for Him through fictional novels. I’m
ecstatic that He did.
UR:
What made you jump into the Christian fiction genre as oppose to other
genres?
KNB:
For me, there was never a decision to make. When I began crafting
full-length fictional stories in the very late 90’s, what came out of me
onto the paper were stories that were dramatic and romantic in nature that
also glorified God. I’ve never had a desire to write anything other than
Christian fiction. My gift was given by Him and I want to use it for Him.
UR:
You are the president of KNB Publications, what made you decide to start
your own publishing company?
KNB: I
wanted to give self-published authors of inspirational/Christian-related
materials another choice. I began my career as a self-published author, so
I know first hand how important it is to feel that the company you select to
get your book in print will do a professional job. Helping to make the
dreams of other aspiring writers come true is a blessing to me. I’m very
proud of the work that KNB Publications, LLC has been able to offer
Christian writers.
UR:
Do you think that the Christian fiction genre is getting the recognition and
respect that it deserves?
KNB:
For a long time it didn’t, but now, the industry is beginning to acknowledge
and appreciate the strength of Christian fiction more than ever. Yet, there
are people who are still just discovering our genre. So, I think that the
popularity of it will increase even more in time and for both the authors
and the readers, I think that is an awesome thing.
UR:
In Crossing Jhordan's River there was some sensuality between
Jhordan and Kelli but it wasn't over the top.
Is it difficult to do that given the genre you write?
KNB:
To be able to create love scenes without being graphic takes a lot of
creativity, but it is not difficult for me because I write what I would want
to read. I welcome the challenge and readers have repeatedly told me that
they enjoy it when much is left to the imagination. I think it is important
that we (Christian fiction authors) show that there is intimacy and passion
in Christian marriages. The Bible tells us that God is love. Therefore if
anybody should know how to express it, Christians should. However, doing it
tastefully is important.
UR:
What are some of your current and future projects?
KNB:
Well, Thicker Than Water just released October 5th through
BET Books. That is an anthology that I wrote a short story for along with
two other Christian fiction authors who also submitted short stories. I will
be promoting that one for a while, along with my other titles. Meanwhile, I
am anticipating the release of More Than Grace, which will hit
bookstores in the spring (April 2006). It is the final installment in the
three-book “Grace series” that I wrote for BET.
UR:
How much time does it take for you to complete a novel from beginning to
end?
KNB:
That differs from novel to novel. Through my own publishing house, I
released a book called Three
Fifty-Seven A.M. in August of this
year. I co-authored that novel with a national poet by the name of Hank
Stewart. To date, it is the quickest novel that I’ve written (22 days). So
far, the novel that has taken me the longest time to write was A Love So
Strong which took about five months to complete.
UR:
What would you say to people who read other types of fiction and not
Christian fiction?
KNB: I
would tell them not to limit themselves. Don’t let the label fool you.
Many times, people shy away from Christian fiction because they believe the
book will be preachy in nature or that it won’t be dramatic enough.
Christians are regular people who deal with the same issues and temptations
that non-Christians do. It’s our faith in God that makes the difference in
how a situation may turn out. However, our journeys of getting us to the
point of victory are still just as captivating as others.
UR:
Is there anything else you would like to add?
KNB: Yes.
I’d like to express my gratitude to all of the readers everywhere who have
embraced my books. Likewise, I’d like to say “thank you” in advance to
those who will be picking up copies and reading them in the future. I make
it a daily habit to thank God for life’s little things. So, big things such
as the people who have helped me get to the point where I am in my career
certainly do not go unrecognized. Without them, I wouldn’t be successful.
Read more about Kendra Norman-Bellamy at her
website:
http://www.knb-publications.com
Don't forget to check out the review of Crossing
Jhordan's River in the AA Fiction section.
