Carolyn
Pickens Coleman is the author of Happiness Hurt Healing, The Re-Entry
of Gentry, Gentry’s Journey, and Gentry’s Circle of Friends. And
has spent more than 36 years of experience as a critical care nurse and five
years as a nurse case manager. Carolyn also serves as the Chairperson of the
Outreach Committee and is the current President of the Bessemer Public Library
Trustee Board. She has a big heart and volunteers in her community.
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step."
LS:
A black woman who can write is powerful. What does that power mean to you? What
made you want to write?
CC:
The ability to express yourself responsibly.
When you express yourself you can be a voice for others. Helping others to see
they are not alone. I have always wanted to write even as a teenager, life was
my delay. Timing is everything. This present time is when it should have
happened.
LS: Describe your pen style in five words? What do you admire most about your pen?
CC: Cathartic, entertaining,
passionate, goal oriented, real life even when I write fiction.
LS: Where does your creativity flow? How
do you avoid burning out?
CC: Life, no one has a perfect life,
making the best of any situation. As far as avoiding burning out I enjoy line
dancing and eating out with my friends.
LS:
If you could change anything about the literary industry, what would it be?
CC: Make it easier to get your
voice/work into the industry safely.
LS: You’re one of the dynamic pens in
“The Breaking Point” anthology, what do you want readers to experience and
learn?
CC: Even when you are facing a left
changing moment, you have to make some tough decisions that you feel would be
best for you. Your setback can be your
greatest setup.
LS:
You inspire so many people; how does that make you feel? CC: Humbled, I am appreciative that others
can find a healthy path through my writing.
LS:
Tell us about the vision behind the Gentry book series?
CC:
Gentry started out being a stress reliever. I needed it at the end of the day.
I ran for a local public office. At the end of the day, I needed a way to
unwind healthily. Campaigning is work, you are constantly, thinking of your
next move, the next venue, asking for donations, meeting the citizens, shaking
hands, and ignoring the negative. The one book turned into others by popular
demand. I would get questions: Why did you leave me hanging? Will you and
Victor get back together? What is Jazie up to?
LS:
What do you want readers to experience with your latest release?
CC: I am a registered nurse by profession;
I want to experience nursing as more than what they think; it is what we go
through. I love nursing, I love patient care, we are judges, the jury, the
therapist, the referee, the consoler, the interpreter, and the comforter.
LS: There is a high cost to pursuing and
pulling your vision together. What has been the most challenging part of
your journey?
CC:
Getting my work out to the public. You have to be careful of scammers.
LS:
What are your top five most essential elements in creating a powerful brand?
CC:
It has to represent you, quality, not quantity, Making good connections, asking
questions, do not be afraid to invest in yourself.
LS:
Budding authors face many challenges that can be overwhelming and, at times,
complex for them to handle. What advice would you give to encourage new authors?
CC: Pray about your decisions, ask for
guidance; Talk to people who care about you. Do not be afraid to invest in
yourself, take that first step.
LS:
What can we expect from you next?
CC:
More fiction at this time, another anthology is possible.
Connected
with Author Carolyn Coleman: @ Facebook: Carolyn Coleman, Instagram: Carolyn
Coleman Website: in progress
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