Author Interview with Brenda Mohammed

Interview with multi-genre author Brenda Mohammed
Posted: October 10, 2018 | Author: kayelynnebooth | Filed under: Author Profile, Books, Fiction, Interview, Memoir, Nonfiction, Science Fiction, Travel, Writing | Tags: Author Interview, Brenda Mohammed, Memoir, Science Fiction, Travel Memoir

Brenda Mohammed Portfolio

I have the pleasure of interviewing independent author Brenda Mohammed today. She is not only a multi-genre author, but a multi-award winning author, who seems to dabble in a bit of everything. She comes from a background in finance, but became an author when she wrote a memoir about her battle with ovarian cancer. Since then, she’s written several other memoirs, as well as a science fiction series, a horror novel and a crime novel, as well as a wonderful self-help book for aspiring authors. She has done so much, and made so many travels, and I’m thrilled to have her share all that with us here, on Writing to be Read. Please give a warm welcome to Brenda Mohammed.

Kaye: When did you know you wanted to be an author?

Brenda: I never planned to be an author. I was a successful Bank Manager for many years. After I retired from the Bank at an early age, I became an Insurance Professional. I loved working in Finance and helping many people achieve their financial goals. In 2005 I was stricken with ovarian cancer. My doctor in Trinidad told me that she could not help me, and no other doctor in Trinidad at that time was qualified to do so. I sought treatment in Miami and gained a new lease on life. In 2013 I wrote a book about my cancer ordeal and recovery, I am Cancer Free. That was my first book and I have never stopped writing after that. To date I have written nineteen books.

Kaye: You’ve written 6 memoirs, 2 children’s books, a science fiction series, a crime novel, and a nonfiction book on writing. What’s the secret to tackling so many different genres?

Brenda: There really is no secret to writing in multiple genres. I have always loved a challenge and constantly seek out new opportunities. I write whatever I feel passionate about.

Kaye: You have written books in multiple genres: science fiction, memoir, self-help, etc… What are some of the differences you run into in writing different genres?

Brenda: When I am writing science fiction I maintain my focus on science fiction, and similarly with the other genres. The secret is to stay focused on the plot or the subject to achieve the end result. However, the problem I faced was in promoting my books.
I discovered a way around that and made Facebook Author pages for each genre. I have seven Facebook author pages. I also joined several Facebook groups that specialise in genres in which I write, to promote my books.

Kaye: Which genre is your favorite to write in? Why?

Brenda: I really enjoyed writing my science fiction series because it took me to another world for a while. When I wrote it I found myself becoming the hero or heroine and doing impossible things.

Kaye: You won a Readers’ Favorite Award in the 2018 International Book Awards for both your YA science fiction series Zeeka Chronicles,and your memoir I Am Cancer Free. What, if anything do these two books have in common besides both being Reader’s Favorite Book Award recipients? What makes them award winning books?

Brenda: Strange. I think I just answered that question above. The books have nothing in common yet there is a common thread. One is a futuristic thriller and the other is a survival story. As I said above when writing science fiction. i.e. Zeeka Chronicles, I found myself becoming the hero or heroine. In I am Cancer Free I am the heroine.
Seriously though, I quote from Readers Favorite: “Contest entries are judged all year long and are given a rating score based on key literary elements. The judges simply read the book and score it based on its merits.”

Kaye: Those are not the only award winning books you’ve written. Two other memoirs, My Life as a Banker received a second place award in memoirs in the Metamorph Publishing’s Summer Indie Book Awards in 2016 and Your Time is Now received IHIBRP 5 Star Recommended Read Award Badge. What can you tell us about those two books?

Brenda: My Life as a Banker is a memoir about my life in Banking. Banking was my first love. I always wanted to work in a bank. I love serving and helping people and seeing them prosper. Banking gave me the opportunity to do so and especially when I climbed the ranks to Commercial Area Credit Manager and was able to help business people with startups and expansion. Banking allowed me to play my part in building the economy of my native country, Trinidad.
Your Time is Now is intended to help people understand their own lives and to realize that we are all here on earth for a purpose.
The reviews for both these books speak a lot for them.

Kaye: What is it like to receive notification that your book is the recipient of a prestigious award?

Brenda: I have won many awards before in both Banking and Insurance.in my home country.
However, as this was an International Award it was a most joyous feeling to tell my friends and family that I won two prestigious awards with Readers Favorite International and will be attending the Awards Ceremony in Miami. In November.

Kaye: What’s something most readers would never guess about you?

Brenda: I dabble in art, poetry, and graphics in my spare time. Some of my art work hang on the walls of my home.

Kaye: What time of day do you prefer to do your writing? Why?

Brenda: I prefer to write in the still of the night. When everyone is asleep I find peace to think and write.

Kaye: What is the biggest challenge of being a writer?

Brenda: Only a few days ago I penned this poem about writing:

Writing takes me into a fantasy world.

Sometimes I find myself in a black hole.

I edit and fight to come out of it

But not before I get into a fit.



My books have gathered great reviews

Won awards and made the news.

Is it worth it, I sometimes ask?

Writing a book is a great task.



A writer’s life is a rather lonely one.

All day behind a computer is no fun.

An author must make the time

Read others’ books and go out and lime.



Do not sit at your computer all day.

Join the family in travel and play

Love of a family is life’s greatest gift

When you need to relax they give you a lift.

Kaye: Is there anything unique or unusual about your writing process?

Brenda: Before writing a story I write an outline of the entire plot in a couple of pages. I then use that to build my story. It sounds simple, but it is not.

Kaye: Your book on writing is titled How to Write for Success: Best Writing Advice I Received. Can you briefly share what the best writing advice you ever received really was? What is the main message of this book?

Brenda: The Best Writing Advice I Received was “Keep the Reader in mind when writing. In other words write for the reader and your books will sell.”
To answer the second part of the question I will quote one of the five-star reviews. The one from Readers Favorite is too long so I will share this one from an Amazon Reviewer:
“Having read a couple of Mohammed’s books, I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed in this self-help book, and I was not. The book covers not only the gamut on the art of writing, but the formulation of an idea for a book, to proofreading, and eventual marketing of his/her book. This is an excellent book for anyone who finds him/herself contemplating becoming a writer. With Mohammed’s book in hand, there should be little, if any, room for error. I highly recommend.”

Kaye: You like to travel. Do the places you travel end up in your books?

Brenda: Yes they do and they did. I wrote Travel Memoirs with Pictures: Exploring the world. It is an illustrated picture book filled with reflections of my travels around the world.

In this pictorial travel book of my priceless memories, I describe places visited and the wonderful times I and my family had in our tourist trips. The book is great to read while on a vacation or for some travel inspiration.

I want to thank Brenda Mohammed for joining us here today and sharing a little about her lovely books. You can learn more about Brenda and her books on Amazon at: http://Author.to/BCM786. I love how she turned her own life experiences into books to be shared by all.

Like this post? Follow Brenda on Amazon.

Author Spotlight with Brenda Mohammed

Short Bio

Brenda, a multi-genre author, lives on the beautiful tropical island of Trinidad in the Caribbean.
A former Bank Manager and Insurance Professional, she turned to writing after she retired from the corporate world.
Brenda loves to travel. She has written sixteen books to date: six memoirs, one children's book, four short story collections, and a horror
series of five books.


When choosing a name for your characters, what do you consider about them that determines what you finally call them?

I think about the role I have planned for my characters before I name them.
For instance, in one of my books, Revenge of Zeeka – A Trilogy, I introduced a female robot and named her Miranda.
One reviewer could not help but refer to her in his review.“The highlight is Miranda (oh, Miranda!), whose presence gives a lot of weight and realism to the futuristic theme and setting of 2036.”

Did you have a collection in mind when you were writing them?

I wrote four collections of short stories. “Heart- Warming Tales,” “Stories People Love,” “Revenge of Zeeka – A Trilogy,”
and "Zeeka Chronicles."
At first I wrote several stories as kindle short reads, but later on, I put all the stories into the above books.


How did you choose which stories to include and in what order?

The first collection, “Heart-Warming Tales,” are four stories based on real life events.

One reviewer had this to say about the book,“Heart Warming Tales is a short book of stories with intriguing plots and pleasant characters. Although each story is set within the real world, there seems to be a fantastical quality to each. The style of the writing is satisfyingly simple and easy to follow.”

The second collection, “Stories People Love” contains four short stories of crime, adventure, and love.

A reviewer referred to this book as “a collection of stories all connected by the common theme of hope.”
Another said, "This is a neat and extremely readable collection and shows an author who is able to write fiction and non-fiction elements seamlessly. It's not an easy combination and yet the author pulls it off admirably."
The third collection, “Revenge of Zeeka – A Trilogy,” was only released on 4th May 2016.

The story, which is set in the year 2036, was told in three parts, which are also available as Kindle short reads.
The book received a five-star review and five-star seal from Readers favorite in September 2016.
I thought of ending the series at that point, but Zeeka got into my head and I wrote two more books making the number of books in the series five.
That is why, I published Zeeka Chronicles, the fourth collection of short stories.

The series is all about Zeeka, and his intent on revenge for something that occurred twenty years before.

Do you have a “reader” in mind when you write stories?

I write for both young adults and mature audiences.


What do you do to get book reviews? What is the best review you ever got?

I depend on purchasers of my books to do reviews, but that does not always happen.
I had several Free promotions on Amazon Kindle Publishing and had thousands of downloads, but I received no reviews from these promotions.
I received Five Star reviews for most of my books from verified purchasers, and it is hard to say which is the best review I ever got.
However, I do like this review for Zeeka Chronicles as I found it quite perky.

"5.0 out of 5.0 stars

Teens and up will adore this book
By Amazon Reviewer
March 9, 2017
Format: Paperback
I was thrilled to receive my advance copy of this book because it contains all five Zeeka stories, which are among my favorite spooky reads.
This series is about the havoc the sinister Zeeka and his Zombies unleashed on a little island in the Caribbean and the impact on people who live there.
The darker side of humanity is explored with unforeseeable plot twists taking the reader down a sometimes grisly path.
Thankfully, there is light at the end of the tunnel and I eventually emerged with feelings of redemption and satisfaction.
Future tech is highlighted throughout the series making me desire one of the book's robot helpers who does dishes and kicks butt too."

What does the word “story” mean to you?

A story is an account of real or fictitious events.
The plot and characters must be appealing to readers.
When I write, I bear this in mind.


Have any of your books won any awards?

"I am Cancer Free: A Memoir' won the McGrath House Publishing Award in the Category Non-Fiction in November 2016.
The book also received a five-star review and five-star seal from Readers Favorite in February 2017.

My Life as a Banker: A Life worth Living was voted second in Bio/Memoirs in the Metamorph Publishing Summer Indie Book Awards in September 2016.

Retirement is Fun: A New Chapter was also a Nominee in the Metamorph Publishing Summer Indie Book Awards in September 2016.

Would you like to share something with your Readers and Fans?

I want to encourage my readers and fans to continue to read my books and do reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.
Your reviews help me to be a better writer.
Please follow me on Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and visit My website atAllAuthor page for continuous updates.
Without readers, there is no point in my writing.
I need every one of you.
I do not only promote my books.
I promote those of other authors as well.
You will read reviews and post of books by other popular authors when you visit my Facebook Author page.
I have started a new Facebook Page for Video Book Trailers. Please visit and like it.

Use the Contact Form at my Website to get in touch with me.
AllAuthor page

Get a Free Ebook when you buy Paperback Books of Short Story Collections.

Get the Books at Amazon Universal Link

Video of Book Publications by Brenda Mohammed

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brenda Mohammed is a Trinidad and Tobago-based multi -genre writer and former Bank Manager who has written sixteen books to date. She loves to travel and is a fan of photography and art. Brenda loves to interact with her readers and other authors on social media.

Three of Brenda's books have received recognition.
'I am Cancer Free: A Memoir' was the Winner in the Category Non-Fiction in the McGrath House Indie Book Awards 2016. The book also earned a five-star review and five-star seal in February 2017 from Readers Favorite.
'My Life as a Banker: A Life Worth Living' placed second in the Category Bio/Memoirs in Metamorph's Publishing Summer Indie Book Awards 2016.
'Revenge of Zeeka: Horror Trilogy' received a five-star review and five-star seal from Readers Favorite on 14th September 2016.

Brenda donates books to children's hospitals, national and school libraries.

Brenda’s other publications are as follows:

"Memoirs of Dr. A. M. Khan" - [2014] – Journey of an Educator.

"Stories People Love" (2014) - Four exciting short stories of crime, adventure, and love.

"Adventures of Squeaky Doo" (2014) – Travel Memoirs of a Teddy Bear.

"Your Time Is Now: A Time to be Born and a Time to Die" (2014) – Powerful words of wisdom connect to events in the author’s life. The book includes Inspirational poems.

"Retirement is Fun: A New Chapter" (2014) – A Sequel to “My Life as a Banker.” Retirement can be Fun.

"Heart-Warming Tales" (2014) – Four Tales of Crime, Love, Unhappy Marriages and Dead Business.

"Travel Memoirs with Pictures: Exploring the world." [2014]- A Pictorial memoir of the author’s travels.

“Revenge of Zeeka: Zeeka and the Zombies [Book 1]” [2016] – First book in a spine-chilling novel.

“Zeeka’s Child [Revenge of Zeeka Book 2]” [2016] – Mystery surrounds Zeeka’s Child.

“Zeeka Returns [Revenge of Zeeka Book 3]” [2016] – Zeeka decides his fate.

“Zeeka’s Ghost [Revenge of Zeeka Book 4]” [2016] – Zeeka’s Ghost haunts Steven.

“Resurrection: [Revenge of Zeeka Book 5]” [2017] – Sudden appearance of a stranger, concerns Steven.

Zeeka Chronicles [2017]- Mis-use of science by one man for Vengeance.


Brenda's Books are available at Amazon Universal Link and other popular online retailers.

Happy Valentine's Day

Whatever you do please have a Happy Valentine's Day.
If you are looking for a good book to read check out this list from P.D. Workman
Her recommendations are sound.

Click here - Friendship Before Flowers

Zeeka's Ghost:Revenge of Zeeka Book 4

The Zeeka stories continue with Zeeka's ghost appearing to Steven.

Synopsis:

Swift. Silent. Ghostly.
Zeeka's Ghost appears to Steven.
Does the ghost have evil intentions?
Are Steven and Mandy targets of unknown enemies?
Are their lives at stake?
Steven must find a way to hunt down and apprehend these ruthless maniacs and save his beloved wife.
Will he succeed?
Is Zeeka's Ghost here to harm or help?
Zeeka's Ghost is the fourth story in the series Revenge of Zeeka.


REVIEW:

"A thrill ride
Extending from her Zeeka and the Zombies trilogy is Mohammed's most nostalgic offering, Zeeka's Ghost. Zeeka is back but not at all how you expect. Unresolved issues, regrets, and love are all splendidly woven together with the right mix of startling plot twists the author is masterful at. Fans of the series will not be disappointed and new fans will be caught up to speed in no time. Another thrilling read!"

Amazon Reviewer

If you want to read the first three stories in one book then get "Revenge of Zeeka: Horror Trilogy"

Five Star Review from Readers Favorite International.

"In Revenge of Zeeka by Brenda Mohammed, the island of Gosh is under attack by an army of zombies under the command of a vengeful science genius. In the year 2016, the Zika virus broke out in Central and South America with life-threatening effects for pregnant women. Given a choice to save the mothers or the unborn babies, a decision was made to save the mothers. The tiny stillborns were securely and secretly buried. Only a few people knew of this. Unknown to everyone, however, a certain scientist managed to get hold of all 51 bodies, bring them back to life, and condition them to follow his command, creating himself a perfect army of zombies. Now, twenty years later, the evil scientist seeks revenge on those he holds responsible for the stillbirths. Only three of the current doctors at Central Hospital - Raynor, Mark, and George - witnessed the unfortunate events of 2016. The three have strong suspicions about who might be controlling the zombies. Meanwhile, Zeeka is lying in wait for the perfect time to unleash his army onto the island. Zeeka has big, evil plans and this is just the beginning. In a desperate search for answers, and with very little to go on, the doctors search for the elusive Master Zeeka. Will they save the islanders from Zeeka and his zombies, or will it be too late?

Revenge of Zeeka, by Brenda Mohammed, is a one of a kind novella trilogy that delivers an incredible story guaranteed to give readers an absolute sci-fi treat. I especially liked how Brenda used current events as the pivotal point from which to build this amazing sci-fi horror. This made the story even more relatable. More importantly, however, I admired how she owned her story and created this captivating version of events. She captured with amazing depth the setting, characters, plot, and emotions in such few words. If you are looking for a thrilling short read, this fast-paced, sci-fi action novella will give you the time of your life."


And here is an extract of a new five-star review I received yesterday

The many twists and turns in this trilogy make it exciting, thrilling and suspenseful. The reader wants to keep reading to find out what will happen next. The first book ends on a cliffhanger and a wrong assumption of who the real villain is. One is forced to continue reading the second book to find the answers. The second book builds more suspense as we discover that the real culprit is not the one we had assumed. We have to read the last book to find out if the guilty person was really apprehended.
The book is very carefully thought out and planned. Gosh appears to be a symbol of the author's native country. It describes the carnival celebrations and the pleasant weather. Justice prevails and the evil doer is captured. Jason, whose real name is Steven, finds happiness at the end and marries Janet's older sister. The book illustrates clearly the crime definitely does not pay. The good are rewarded and the bad are punished.
All in all, this is a well-written trilogy that makes interesting reading, keeps the reader in suspense, and encourages the reader to continue reading to see what will happen next. The author exhibits creativity in the way she manipulates the plot and creates a solution to tie up all the loose ends.

Books available at Amazon Universal Link and Create Space for Paperback

My Inspiration for Writing Fiction

I started writing and publishing my books in the year 2013.
I wrote seven memoirs and two books of short stories, which were fiction. I tried my hand at Fiction because of something that my brother said to me in one of his letters prior to his death.
He wrote in reference to my book, ‘A Life Worth Living,”

“Your book makes very pleasant reading, and your literary expression is superb and easy to follow. You have an excellent talent, and I think you should follow up on a leisurely basis with perhaps publishing a book of short stories. With fiction, you will have greater opportunity to use your imagination and your undoubted descriptive ability. You used the word “fantasize” to create a situation. This is an outstanding quality, which you should continue to use because it is imagination, which disposes of everything, coming from within. It creates beauty, justice, and happiness, which are everything in this world.”

I took my brother’s advice in the year 2014 and wrote, ‘Heart-Warming Tales,’ and ‘Stories People Love.’ Both books got five-star reviews from a few people but I still felt that I needed to write some more exciting stories.

In 2015, I stopped writing altogether. I was even thinking of giving up writing completely. However, in January 2016, one of my Facebook Author friends invited me to an event. I had lots of fun with other authors at that event. The next day an author messaged me and asked me about my books, and what was I writing at that time. I told him that I had stopped writing and did not intend to write anymore. He told me that I should not stop writing and maybe I just had writer’s block. He was very encouraging, and that night I thought it over.
The next day an idea came to me after reading the newspapers about the spread of the zika virus. That was the day the Zeeka science fiction series were born.

Writing those books is no indication of my insensitivity to people who contracted or may contract that disease. My works are pure fiction in a world that does not exist.
There is a bit of romance in the stories, but nothing steamy.

In May 2016, I combined the first three books in the series,
Zeeka and the Zombies [ Feb 2016], Zeeka’s Child [ March 2016], and Zeeka Returns [April 2016] into one book, Revenge of Zeeka: Horror Trilogy.

Revenge of Zeeka;Horror Trilogy received a five-star review and five-star seal from Readers Favorite International in September 2016.
That gave me more encouragement to keep on writing fiction.

The fourth book, Zeeka’s Ghost was released on 9th October 2016 and has received two five-star reviews to date.

All five books were published in the year 2016.
The books are not long and are quick reads. I am working on the 5th book in the series at the moment, but I have not yet named it.
All books are available at Amazon
Revenge of Zeeka: Zeeka and the Zombies is PermaFree on Amazon, Nook, Kobo, Apple, Page Foundry, Scribd, and 24 Symbols.
Check these links out- AMAZON BARNES AND NOBLES

Heart-Warming Tales of Comedy, Crime, Love, Infidelity, Unhappy Marriages and Dead Business

Heart-Warming Tales consists of four unusual and enjoyable tales of Comedy, Crime, Love, Infidelity, Unhappy Marriages, and Dead Business, all in one book.

"The Psychiatrist and the Thief," is a short comedy- mystery.
"Her Online Predator" is an exciting mystery-thriller/romance. It is a must-read especially for young people who like to make friends on the Internet..That friend you make may not be who he/she claims to be.
"A Marriage on the Rocks," is about a young couple in an unhappy marriage. Did their marriage survive?
"The Undertaker's wife" is about a suspicious wife who doubts her husband.

Heart Warming Tales written by Brenda Mohammed

REVIEW

Heart Warming Tales by Brenda Mohammed will warm your hearts during and after reading. The stories are well-written and extremely interesting. They grab your attention and I guarantee you will not put down the book until you have completed reading it.

You will surely want to keep on turning page after page.
The Book begins with The Psychiatrist and the Thief.
This story displays the vivid imagination of the author.
It has a surprising middle and ending and will hold your attention throughout.
The next story is entitled A Marriage on the Rocks.
This story deals with the love a husband has for his wife.
It teaches us that we must try to face life's challenges and forgive each other's weaknesses.
Reading this story will surely assist us in knowing the true art of forgiveness.
The Undertaker's Wife teaches us to trust our loved ones, and never keep secrets from them.
This story will truly warm the heart.
It teaches us to understand each other's differences and not let fear and distrust rule our lives.
Reading these stories will indeed give an insight into many values and virtues which we should all practise in our daily lives. The author has to be congratulated for sharing her imagination and vision with others, making us feel the things she feels.

Here is a five-star review from Amazon:

5.0 out of 5 stars I enjoyed these short stories
By Lacey on May 12, 2015
Format: Kindle Edition
I enjoyed these short stories. Each tale was interesting and different and very enjoyable. The second story in the book “Her Online Predator” is something everyone should read. I don’t want to give away the story by giving too many details away but it’s something that people need to think about when they are using the internet. As well as being enjoyable the stories also make you think. I will be reading more from Brenda 


The book is available in Nook and Paperback at Barnes and Nobles
It is also available in Kindle and Paperback at Amazon
You can also buy it at CreateSpace

It is also available at other outlets. Click this link.

Video Book Trailer for Revenge of Zeeka - A Trilogy

Buy the book at this link CLICK HERE

Five Star review of Stories People Love

Review by John Hennessy:Five Stars
John Hennessy rated it : it was amazing
Shelves: 2016
'The Moral of this story is never give up on your dreams.' - author Brenda Mohammed.
With a title like Stories People Love,, this book already had a lot to live up to. As I read each of the four short stories in turn, the change from fiction to non-fiction made reading this collection all the more pleasurable.
As a bit of a travel fiend myself, the stand out story for me is Travel Dreams of Yesterday. The author writes this so well that you really feel you are journeying along with her.
Is it a spoiler to say each story is a heart warming one (a reference to one of the author's other works) ?
I don't think so. Each element of the collection's opener, A Headmaster's Daughter, twists and turns and demands that you keep reading.
The Dirtiest of All Evils is intriguing as a murder mystery and seems initially out of place. But reading the stories again, it feels a good fit.
This is a neat and extremely readable collection and shows an author who is able to write fiction and non-fiction elements seamlessly. It's not an easy combination and yet the author pulls it off admirably.