Interview with Feleshia R. Mahoney-Thomas
Feleshia R. Mahoney-Thomas is an Author/Publisher/Marketing Agent. She is speaking with us today about her book, Girlfriends’ Circle. The girlfriend’s in Girlfriends’ Circle get together to talk about the lives, knowing that whatever they say will not leave the room. It illuminates the need for real friends. This book has inspired a movement.
Sensations: Feleshia, thank you so much for agreeing to do this interview for us. Let me start by saying that I LOVE your book. I feel as though I know each of your characters personally. What was your motivation to write Girlfriends’ Circle?
Feleshia: The greatest motivation in writing Girlfriends’ Circle was when I had written Booty Parlor and gave it to the publishing company only for them to turn around and tell me they wanted me to find another title. I was blown away for Booty Parlor was not about anything sexual, the book itself tell the story on how the title came about but they insisted on another title or another book. Hmmm, all the other written books were sequels of Booty Parlor so I sat down and decided to write another book. I sat and laid on the bed and looked through my phone book at the time each time I saw a name, I thought of the name I was looking at and all the issues that girlfriend had. As I looked and thought, I laughed and got on my computer and started writing it took me a whole 10 business days to write my book.
Sensations: The girlfriends in Girlfriends’ Circle are dealing with a myriad of issues. What message do you hope that people will take away from this book?
Feleshia: In writing Girlfriends’ Circle, I thought of my own life, my own mother and grandmother, where I was never allowed to tell anyone about anything going on in our lives. Everything was a well kept secret. I was never allowed to confide anything to anyone. How I became such an open and sharing person today is beyond me. I wanted others who read the book to understand, it is okay to discuss your issues for there very well may be someone out there who is walking the path you have walked, understand your pain. It is okay to share with others and let go of the hurt and voice your opinions; it is truly okay.
Sensations: Amen to that! I’m sure anyone who reads your book will be able to identify with at least one, if not several, of the girlfriends. This is such an amazing book. Why did you decide to self-publish?
Feleshia: lol I self published because I produced the book to the publishing company and when we got ready to settle on a contract, the conversation was not in my favor. Sounds more like I was not going to profit as much as the Publisher was and I am the originator of the book. NO. If my mother did not teach me anything else she thought me how to add and I was never allowed to use a calculator, it was either my fingers or stick figures (lol), seriously, my mom’s very business smart and I carry her trait so I knew the deal did not smell good, and if It don’t smell right its not right, as my momma would say. I went on the internet and decided the same thing they’re doing, common sense will lead me down the path to allow me to do it for myself and that I did. I am less stressed and I work on my books at my pace.
Sensations: Good for you!! Not everyone has the strength of character to walk away when a publisher is waving an advance check in front of your face. And you are right; sometimes the deal is not in the author’s best interest. What was the most challenging aspect of self-publishing?
Feleshia: The first time around, it was printing. They printed the book upside down! After two months of going back and forth, that company was fired. The 2nd company that I am with, we had a few issues but worked it out, and we are full partners now. The next matter was the fear of my books not selling, but with my wonderful husband who is my best friend, he got the word out. My daughters also network my product and sold books, and before you knew it, things were looking good. It’s hard to get a store to take you for they deal with distributors but other than that, the whole lesson has been an experience I value and thank God for giving me one of my life dreams.
Sensations: Well, you are to be commended on the success of Girlfriends’ Circle. Is there another book in the works?
Feleshia: There are 10 books, total, to come. You will see Holla Back, Booty Parlor, You're On The Air With Foxy-Talk To Me, If, 1025 Bloomsbury Street, Like Sisters, Secrets, Phone Sex Operator, and On This Day. Hope I remembered everyone.
Sensations: Your readers have a lot to look forward to. Besides writing and promoting your book, what other things are you passionate about?
Feleshia: I am a becoming more and more a professional event planner. I am passionate about it because, I found a way to please God. All my events are geared towards people in shelters where a lot of the proceeds go to those people. I have an upcoming 2008 Exhibitors Auction With A Twist, Saturday November 29th 2008. Proceeds from the event will go towards purchasing items for children in shelters for the winter. I am a gift from God. I have grown to accept that for it pleases me dearly to do for others and I don’t look at what I don’t have or what I won’t have. I find ways to give to others for I know I am blessed and I know God shelters me.
Sensations: Amen, Feleshia. Your light shines brightly through your work. Thanks for taking the time out to speak with us. We wish you Godspeed in all of your endeavors. And we look forward to having you back for your next book.
Feleshia: Thanks for the interview.
Get your sample read of Girlfriends Circle: http://www.thomascreations.net
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