"The Interview with T.A. Terrell"

THE ROCK: Who is Terrell, tell us something about you?
Terrell: I am spiritual woman that feels blessed to have crossed the paths of so many people from different cultures and races. I’ve found if you sit down and talk to people from different backgrounds that we have more in common than we think. I’m also a single parent so I understand emotional and financial challenges, like loneliness, disappointment, and the brink of bankruptcy. But through the years I’ve learned that God will give me what I need to make it through the ups, downs, and roadblocks on my life’s journey.

THE ROCK: Where are you from, and currently residing?
Terrell: I’m from Charlottesville Virginia and currently reside in Woodbridge Virginia.

THE ROCK: Are there any other writers in the family?
Terrell: The gift for writing is in the family. I have a cousin that has been working on a manuscript for years; however, I’m the only published member of my family.

THE ROCK: When did you start writing?
Terrell: I remember writing a poem about a diamond in elementary school. The teacher published it in the school news letter. I really didn’t start writing until I was in my late thirties. I was going through a rough patch in my life and I started to write as an escape.

THE ROCK: What prepared you to become an author?
Terrell: Life prepared me to become an author. And the stories that I’ve witnessed, been told, or just lived through make great material for novels. And everyone that has touched my life had the potential of becoming a character in one of my stories.

THE ROCK: What inspired you to become a writer?
Terrell: I would love to say that I read this great novel and it inspired me to write, but the truth is adversity and divine intervention inspired me to become a writer. Sometimes you don’t realize your gift or talent until your backs against a wall and you seek God for answers.

THE ROCK: What inspired you to write your book?
Terrell: The lack of smart intelligent black women in roles of power or leadership in the media caused me to write this book. Black women are usually portrayed a bitchy, uncooperative, and poor. Most of the time the story’s outcome was predictable. I wanted to write about a woman that came from an upper middle class family. I also wanted to write a story that all races could relate to and enjoy.

THE ROCK: Tell us about your newest creation. What is the premise?
Terrell: My newest book, "I Crossed the Line," the journey begins is a story about choices and consequences. In this book the characters make choices based on pride, survival, or just selfish reasons. So the premise of the story is to show the consequences of a person’s decision. I wanted to show how one wrong decision can not only change the destiny of their life, but the lives of generations to come.

THE ROCK: Any publishing contracts in the working?
Terrell: There are no publishing contracts in the works.

THE ROCK: Have you ever self-published? Why or why not?
Terrell: Yes, because I wanted to have total creative control over my project. And I didn’t want to deal with form rejection letters from people that are probably overworked and receive hundred of manuscript submission everyday.

THE ROCK: What are "traditional publishers" looking for?
Terrell: I’m really not sure what "traditional publishers" are looking for. I can tell you that most "traditional publishers" are like most big Hollywood studios they stick to the proven formulas. It’s profitable, but it doesn’t offer much diversity. That’s why, I think, a lot of people have turned to self-publishing.

THE ROCK: If you were a publisher, what would be your niche? Why?
Terrell: If I were a publisher my niche would be dramas with a message. The books that I published would have a diverse cast of character, because they world is filled with people from all walks of life with a story to tell.

THE ROCK: For an author, is having a publishing contract with a "traditional publisher" important professionally? Why?
Terrell: I think for an author the ultimate goal is to have a contract with a traditional publishing company. It’s a little less stressful and you do not assume any of the financial risk. However, there is a trade off. You loose some creative control.

THE ROCK: What are some of your professional achievements?
Terrell: I really do not have too many professional achievements. I work in the accounting field and I really don’t have the stomach for corporate politics. So the consequences for not playing corporate games, my professional achievements are few and far between. Getting my book released has been a highlight of my budding writing career.

THE ROCK: What are some of your personal achievements?
Terrell: On of my personal achievements is being able to raise my daughter in a relatively safe environment with good schools. Also I received my Bachelors degree in my forties.

THE ROCK: Who are some of your favorite authors?
Terrell: I really don’t have a favorite author, because I read for informational purposes. However, I think authors like E. Lynn Harris, Zane, Terry McMillan, and Maya Angelou to name a few represent the diversity in writing styles in the African American community.

THE ROCK: Where do you want to be in 5 years?
Terrell: In five years I want to be able to quit my full-time job and publish other writers.

THE ROCK: Where can readers find you?
Terrell: Readers can find me on my website www.thestorycontinues.com or email me at TATerrell@thestorycontinues.com

THE ROCK: Thank you.
Terrell: I would like to thank you for letting me introduce myself to your audience. What you do is valuable to the artist and the community. Take care.

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