Born on July 29, in Detroit, Michigan , Marsha D. Jenkins-Sanders is the only daughter of a Registered Nurse named Marion and a factory worker named James, Jr. She is the second oldest of three siblings, Cornell, Delbert and Tank. A scholastic achiever, she graduated Salutatorian from Inkster High School in Inkster, Michigan and continued her education at Michigan State University and University of Michigan. After graduating, she traveled the world seeking adventure and new friends.

While attending a Peabo Bryson concert at home, she met and eventually married Detroit balladeer Keith Washington. During their 16 year relationship (14 of which they were married), Marsha wrote the lyrics to Keith's biggest hit "Kissing You," which helped propel his freshmen project Make Time for Love to gold status. She also wrote the lyrics to the beautiful ballad "Closer," which is also featured on the CD.

"Kissing You" was nominated for many awards, receiving the Soul Train Music award for Best R & B Single. Marsha received ASCAP Writer and Publisher awards and "Kissing You" went on to become the background music for love scenes on the ABC soap General Hospital.

Keith and Marsha had different views of what "I do" meant. With no meeting of the minds, Marsha felt there was no real foundation to their marriage. She would eventually leave, carrying many scars and open wounds with her. After years of writing to heal, Marsha transformed these writings into her first novel, "The Other Side of Through". Although published as fiction, the drama is real. This is her version of a good fairy tale gone bad. "The Other Side of Through" was released on the Strebor/Simon & Schuster label in March 2007.

She is once again married and the mother of two boys. They currently reside in the suburbs of Detroit, MI.

Urban Reviews:  Tell us about The Other Side of Through.
Marsha D. Jenkins-Sanders:  The Other Side of Through is a fictionalized story based on real events that lead one woman on a journey to find herself after living her life for others, especially her unfaithful husband.

Urban Reviews:  Where did you come up with the idea for this novel?
Marsha D. Jenkins-Sanders:  In an effort to heal from my defunct “fairy tale” marriage to R&B sensation Keith Washington, I began to pen my hurt, bitterness, and anger. Years later, when I read what I had written, I realized my thoughts told more than the typical man cheats on wife who gave everything to their marriage, story! My thoughts were honest, my pain was real, and together they made an engaging story many readers can identify with.

Urban Reviews:  What was the hardest part of finishing your book?
Marsha D. Jenkins-Sanders:  The entire project was HARD! I cried a lot. Many times I had to walk away because exhuming what I’d buried (memories) was overwhelming.

Urban Reviews:  How did you go about getting your book deal?
Marsha D. Jenkins-Sanders:  In 2005, I saw Zane on The CBS Early Morning Show. She was looking for new authors. I sent an e-mail query to Charmaine at Strebor International. Charmaine responded two days later and we discussed my book. During that conversation she requested I forward sample chapters. After reading them and recognizing my potential, Charmaine forwarded them to Zane. A couple weeks later Zane asked for the entire manuscript. Several months later, I was offered a book deal.

Urban Reviews:  Do you still do any type of songwriting?
Marsha D. Jenkins-Sanders:  I have written a couple gospel songs, but have not written any R & B songs in years. However, The Other Side of Through could become a movie and I’d love to write for the soundtrack.

Urban Reviews:  Can you give us a sneak peak at your next novel?
Marsha D. Jenkins-Sanders:  Jealousy: A Strange Company Keeper is about two totally different women, with very little in common but their bloodline, becoming entangled in a web of deceit that is masterminded and fueled by one emotion—jealousy. As with The Other Side of Through, Jealousy: A Strange Company Keeper was birthed from my real life drama. I have told God he does not have to keep giving me “life lessons” to get me to write! ~smile~

Urban Reviews:  Have you gotten any good advice from other authors?
Marsha D. Jenkins-Sanders:  Yes I have! Tina McKinney and Shelly Halima took me by the hand and guided me through the “behind the scenes” processes. Rodney Lofton wrote my Press Release and William “Coop” Cooper gave me invaluable writing tips and techniques.

Urban Reviews:  Who are some of your favorite authors or books?
Marsha D. Jenkins-Sanders:  Benilde Little - The Itch, Terri McMillan - Waiting to Exhale & How Stella Got her Groove Back, Zane -  Addicted, Tina Brooks McKinney - Fool Stop Trippin’ (2008 release), Shelley Halima - Blinding Mirror (not yet released), Rodney Lofton - The Day I Stopped Being Pretty (2007 release), Suzetta Perkins - Behind the Veil.

Urban Reviews:  What have you learned about the book industry so far? Is it all that you hoped it would be?
Marsha D. Jenkins-Sanders:  The book industry closely mirrors the music industry. You have to make it be what you want it to be. I have been given a platform to enlighten, evoke thought, and perhaps change. I stepped out on faith and turned my MISERY into my MINISTRY by writing my book. I am watching everything unfold before me daily…and I am thankful!

Urban Reviews:  Name one thing that the world does not know about Marsha Jenkins-Sanders-the person?
Marsha D. Jenkins-Sanders:  I believe each of us has a God given gift. It is my prayer each of us utilizes it to bless the world!