What's up my people, I am Carla of Sista to Sista Magazine. I had to find the author of this hot new book I just read titled "Girlriends' Circle" the book just blew me out the water. Its crazy how I stumbled upon the book, I was reading some reviews on APOO book club and came across the review Margaret Ball did and was like I might want to check this author out- Sure Enough it was all that. I did some snooping and tracked her down. Help me welcome my new girlfriend "Feleshia".
Carla- What inspired you to write?
Feleshia- I have always been filled with ideas, stories and information. I started off writing plays, short stories and just ventured from there.
Carla- Tell us about you the author
Feleshia- I am married to one of my best friends;John Thomas. We have three daughters- Margarite (Nikki), Jaclynn (Jackie) and Tiffany. They have developed into lovely young women. They are at this time 20,18 and 15.I am currently working in the Medical Field. My only passion is writing.
Carla- I read the book and felt I was apart of the Girlfriends' Circle", tell the readers a little something about the book.
Feleshia- Girlfriends' Circle, is based on women coming together, sharing their trials and tribulations. Mentoring each other, listening, communicating pain, resolving inner conflicts and learning how to heal. The book offers a variety of day to day crisis and one brings their story to the table and release what they have gone through and the others provide feedback. Its where girlfriends agree to disagree, but in the same token lift each other up.
Carla- Tell us how long this book took to gather the information and write the book.
Feleshia- It took me two weeks to write this book, it took longer getting it published and out than it did writing the book itself.
Carla- Is there anything you want your readers to walk away with after reading this book?
Feleshia- Yes, as women, African American women, we tend to feel we can not trust each other. We need to shelter our pain and suffer alone. Truth be told we are not alone. I am not saying run out here and tell your friends all your business, but in the same token if you see someone hurting- take a moment and inquire, when you hear what someone else is going through you or a love one could of went through that same experience and you can provide that healing, that kind word or just that ear that person need. We need to communicate for we have all been down the same road, maybe not at the same time or experience the same thing but we walking the same road and the name of that street is called- LIFE. It happens and we need to stop acting like things dont affect us for it does.
Carla- Margaret said she would of given you four stars if the editing was better, what happened?
Feleshia- The book was written in two weeks. I am not a editor, I am a writer. No excuse but that is my thoughts. I had someone editing but they were not living up to the standards. My daughter Tiffany who is my number one Assistant- tried helping she did the best she could do and then I hit the deadline of the publication so we went for it. Editing is not a easy job as some would think. I appreciate Margaret review do not get me wrong, but that was somEthing that unfortunately could not be helped.
Carla- I loved it, it was fine to me. Tell me about the other books to come for I will be waiting for the next book to drop. I am sure ALOT of the readers are waiting for the next book.
Feleshia-I have many to come- There is "Holla Back (the sequel to Girlfriends' Circle), You're On The Air With Foxy-Talk To Me, Booty Parlor, 1025 Bloomsburty Street, Secrets, If, Like sisters, Phone Sex Operator, On This Day, Complicated Man". Not in that order but they are coming. I been slacking alot.
Carla- I can't wait make sure you drop me a line when the next one hit. A friend of mine told me, you spoke at her book club she said you were one of the best author she have ever dealt with. You catered the meeting, you did Q & A with prizes and you did a raffle. I am at awe at the way you gave back.
Feleshia- Yes, I offer the Give Back Program, where up to $5.00 of the proceeds is given to the charity of your choice in the name of Thomas Creations and the purchasers name. The win a dinner event is a contest, I do that when I have three groups or more, put the names in the hat we draw and you can win a catered dinner. Your group must reside in Maryland/Virigina/Delaware/Washington or New York. I also do a 25.00 VISA Gift card raffle.
Carla- Now that is a person with a big heart. I want to thank you for sharing with our readers, I see you going far in the future and we will be in touch
Feleshia- Thanks for calling me and asking me for the interview. I look forward to reading your magazine.
INTERVIEW WITH Julie Williamson of A Good Book Store- www.agoodbook.biz
Title: Girlfriend's Circle
Price: $15.00
Date Published: June 2006
THE INTERVIEW
What inspired you to write?: I love to write. Orginally, I wanted to be a journalist and
work for a newspaper, however I didnot finish that dream so I decided to write whats in my
heart
Can you tell our readers a little about your most recent book?: Girlfriend's Circle is
about women getting together to share their stories with others, where other women will
realize they are not alone, there is someone out there who have been through what they
have been through.
Some stories you can appreciated and some stories will disagree with however it is getting
to hear about other peoples trials and tribulations and seeing that yours may not be so
bad after all.
How long did it take you to write your book?: It took me ten days to write this book,
however the other books were much longer
Which character did you have the most fun creating?: All of them for it got me to think
outside of the box, getitng out my comfort zone and living inside the characters that I
were creating
Is there anything in particular you want people to come away with after reading your
book?: Yes, to not hold back and be afraid to come out and share your stories. So many of
us have gone through major issues and instead of talking to someone who is going through
something simillar where you can encourage or enlighten we stay bottled up and hold it in.
A rape is a tragedy nothing to be ashame of but when you find the words and courage to
come forward you can help someone else. We are all raped in some sort of way. Rape of our
dignity, rape of our success and dreams. Rape is a very violent act and at times we need
to look inside of who we are and realize we may be victims but we need to teach others how
not to be a rape victim
What other books if any have you written or contributed to?: I have written ten books. I
am in the process of proofing or trying to proof- HOlla Back, Booty Parlor, 1025
Bloomsbury Street- etc
Is your storyline based on past experience?: Some, alot of my books are from things that
just come to mind, folks I have talked to, people I have encountered, things I have seen
at one point and time have analyze it into a story
How did you come up with the title?: I wanted to have a title where women can come
together and share and nothing like a circle.
What female author do you admire most? Why?: I admire Terry McMillian, she is down to
earth and her stories are good
What male author do you admire most? Why?: Eric Jerome Dickey
I love his style of writing and his stories
What is your favorite book?: All of Eric Jeromes Dickey books
What is your favorite food?: Seafood
What is your favorite movie?: Waiting to Exhale
What type of music do you listen to? Favorite artist?: Jazz
What can we expect from you in the future?: Stories that will bring alot of people back to
the literary world.
What is your favorite pastime? Why?: writing, it relaxes my mind
Did you self publish your book or are you with a publishing house?: self published
What is the name of your self publishing company, in any?: Thomas Creations
How did you come up with that name for your publishing company?: I am Feleshia Thomas and
I am full of creations
What are you doing differently in 2007 to promote your book(s)?: I am going to fax fliers
to various companies about my book and myself. I also want to do a retreat to introduce
myself and I do this by inviting many women organizations.
What advice can you give to an aspiring author?: I would say to hang in there and if there
is anything I can do= email me
fthomas21@aol.com
In what stores can your book(s) be found?: A good Book Store
