PUBLISH YOUR BOOK NOW WITH THESE TOOLS

 

STRUGGLING TO FIND A PUBLISHER FOR YOUR DEBUT BOOK?

No longer HOW TO WRITE FOR SUCCESS remains a question that is unanswered for many.

The book written by BRENDA MOHAMMED, inspired the author to establish a Literary forum with three sub-forums and growing membership.

This bestselling book received a five-star review from Readers Favorite one month after it was published in December 2017.

In August 2019 it topped all the books in the Non-Fiction category of Connections Emagazine Readers' Choice awards and won the gold medal in the category of non-fiction.

It also placed second in all categories and won the silver medal. The irony of this was that Brenda's romance novel, 'Stories People Love,' placed first in all categories and won the gold medal..

The merits of the book HOW TO WRITE FOR SUCCESS were featured in a review in the Ethiopian Herald Sunday Edition on February 16th, 2020.

EXTRACT OF READERS’ FAVORITE REVIEW

“If you are now getting into writing read this book before you begin. The ideas generated will be of great help to you as Brenda uses her own experiences as she said, from her trials and errors in her writing journey. You will learn a lot from the Questions and Answers Segment of the book. I did.

The courage and creativity of writing a book are only surpassed by the eager willingness of those more experienced than we to take the time to offer their wisdom.

I say to all who have something to say, if you aspire to say it, then say it well, but take the time to learn from others who have not only experienced success but are willing to teach.

This book offers such valuable information for all of us experienced or not!

Thank you, Brenda!”

GET YOUR COPY ON AMAZON. CLICK HERE

 

HOW TO WRITE FOR SUCCESS is a question that remains unanswered for many.

HOW TO WRITE FOR SUCCESS, the book written by BRENDA MOHAMMED, inspired the author to establish a Literary forum with three sub-forums and growing membership in excess of 13,000 members.

This bestselling book received a five-star review from Readers Favorite one month after it was published in December 2017.

In August 2019 it topped all the books in the Non-Fiction category of Connections Emagazine Readers' Choice awards and won the gold medal in the category non-fiction. It also placed second in all categories and won the silver medal.

The merits of the book HOW TO WRITE FOR SUCCESS were featured in a review in the Ethiopian Herald Sunday Edition on February 16th, 2020.

Using her own experiences, the author focuses on the essentials of writing a book to which readers will gravitate.

New and aspiring authors will read all about plotting, writing dialogue, narrative, building a story world, choosing a book title, writing the blurb, what an author should do before and after publishing, choosing categories, creating an author brand, book marketing, and most of all how to get sales and reviews.

A multi-award-winning and best-selling author herself, Brenda Mohammed shows how you can achieve recognition in an author's world and become successful.

She shows you how to become a best-selling author and an award-winning author.

The book teaches skills to achieve your dreams and goals.

GET THE BOOK ON AMAZON

A LEAP FROM A SICK BED TO A BEACON TOWER

 

I cannot thank Alem Hailu enough for publishing my interview, Parts 1 and 2 in the Ethiopian Herald on 7th and 10th November 2021. Part 2 has been published today in the Wednesday Ethiopian Herald. It is also published on Poetry Fest - Exquisite Art Studio, a blog. He even published it on Linked In. This is the full interview at Poetry Fest.

READ IT HERE

A LEAP FROM A SICK BED TO A BEACON TOWER

By ALEM HAILU - DEPUTY EDITOR IN CHIEF

To uplift the mood of the bedridden whose life despair has eclipsed, and to enthuse emerging authors, they could climb to ivory tower even dragging their last leg from a morass with perseverance, there could be no better example than the footpath of internationally-published-renowned-author-poet Brenda Mohammed.

This journalist has got the privilege of e-mail interviewing her. Excerpts below.

Could you brief us about your upbringing, your family, and neighbours with your village, country, and school as a backdrop?

*

My father was a school principal. I was born when he was principal of the Union Village Presbyterian school in Trinidad, my home country. I had six sisters and three brothers. Because of my father’s status, we were well known and respected by all in the village. Neighbours and friends regularly visited our home to seek his help in getting their children accepted at the school.

The principal’s home was in the same yard as the school and church, and we attended church and Sunday school regularly. My father held positions of responsibility in the church too. My oldest sister was the church’s organist, and at times she sang in the choir.

When I was seven years old, my father was transferred to another village in South Trinidad, and the setting of the home, school and church was the same. The people were just as nice.

My father was granted a Government scholarship to further his studies in the United Kingdom, and my mother took charge of the home and cared for us singlehandedly until his return.

I won a scholarship to attend a prestigious high school in San Fernando, but after one year my father was promoted to Senior Inspector of Schools and transferred to East Trinidad. I and one of my sisters were therefore sent to St. Augustine Girls’ High School, another prestigious school in the east, from where we both graduated.

*

How was your educational pursuit? Does the profession you qualified in cross-fertilize with authorship of both books--fiction and nonfiction?

*

My life in the early years was based around my father’s career and moving from place to place. He was again transferred to the south, and he built a brand new home for us in Marabella in South Trinidad. After graduation, I did not want to return to school to do higher studies. Although I was just sixteen years old, I wanted to work at a bank and I got the job.

I also pursued studies in banking on a part-time basis and was successful. I received promotion after promotion and achieved managerial status. As a Commercial Credit Manager, I was required to visit large businesses, assess their worth, write proposals for finance, and send them to our Head Office for approval. Most of the time I received clean sanctions, meaning that they were approved with no questions asked.

That built up my confidence in writing. To answer your question, my profession cross-fertilized with the authorship of both fiction and nonfiction books. In fact, I wrote a story, ‘Dead Business,’ and part of the setting was in the morgue of a funeral home that I visited to assess finance for a crematorium.

*

You were combating cancer? How was it like the life you spent? You have a book about how you overcame the dark spot in your life to flicker a ray of optimism. Will you allow as a chink into the book by way of a synopsis?

*

I consider my near-death experience with cancer to be a blessing in disguise.’ I Am Cancer Free,’ was the first book I published. It became a bestseller and motivated me to keep on writing. It was an award winner in the category Health and Fitness in Readers Favorite International Awards 2018, and winner of Mc Grath House Indie Book Awards 2016 in the category Best Non-Fiction. It received a five-star review from Readers Favorite, and I will share the review instead of a synopsis.

Completed on:02/16/2017

Review Rating:5 stars!

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

“I Am Cancer Free by Mrs. Brenda C. Mohammed is a poignant memoir of the author's personal battle with cancer.

Her faith in God and proving that ovarian cancer need not be a death sentence are what make this memoir a heartrending read. The author's 'never say die' attitude, the decision not to give up in life, and finally being cancer-free will encourage everyone who has been diagnosed with the disease or who has suffered from cancer.

The memoir recounts from the time of diagnosis the experiences the author went through during the treatment, her emotions, fears, finances, until the successful treatment of the disease. It is a courageous story of survival, faith, and strength.

The author chronicles every step of her journey methodically, without leaving anything out, making the narration very personal, honest, and palpable to readers. The presence of God in everyone's life, a positive attitude, and the power of prayers run through the memoir.

The author reiterates the fact that faith in God removes all obstacles in life. The conversational style of writing connects well with readers, making it easy for them to understand her journey.

The author has also shared the poems she wrote during that phase in her life, where she again speaks about her story, faith in the Lord, and a Higher Power.

For all those who are suffering from cancer and are battling the disease, this book is a must-read as it will give them hope, strength, and courage to fight the disease.”

*

As a prolific and decorated author displaying a meteoric rise in the literary firmament, from where do you get the stamina to climb from one rung of the ladder to another, and still keep the tempo, which proves to be the difficult thing?

*

I am humbled that you have seen my accomplishments in such a remarkable light. My secret is, that I pray to God for guidance for each step I take. I give all credit to God.

*

Stunningly, not only being prolific you are also versatile in genres. What can you say about that? Do you conduct thorough research before writing books? The language fine-tunes with the theme to render your book palatable. Could you say a word or two about that?

*

Your question made me examine the genres I have written - memoirs, science fiction, romance, self-help, mystery, children’s books, psychological thrillers, poetry, and poetry anthologies.

My memoirs and children’s books are based on my careers and travels.

My Life as a Banker begins with my childhood and continues with my career in banking.

After leaving banking, I worked in Insurance and qualified for the Million Dollar Round Table, the Premier Association for Financial Professionals, several times. I travelled abroad to several conferences, and my books, Retirement is Fun and Travel Memoirs are filled with those experiences.

With science fiction, mystery, romance, and thrillers, I used my imagination and did some research too. Most of my poetry are motivational compositions. My self-help books are about writing, and I wrote this to help aspiring authors.

*

You have bagged numerous awards. Tell us about the bright spots in your life concerning your authorship. What is the upside of giving an award? What must be the method of nomination (some complain about race/color... discrimination)?

*

I have won several literary awards in the USA, Peru, Kazakhstan, Seychelles, Nigeria, India, Romania, Argentina, Morocco, Philippines, Hong Kong, Barcelona, Indonesia, and the UK.

I made headlines in several newspapers around the world.

Many of my books were bestsellers when newly released and many received five-star reviews from Readers Favorite International.

In November 2018, I won two awards on the same night, from Readers Favorite International for my science fiction book, ‘Zeeka Chronicles,’ in the category Young Adult Thriller, and my Memoir, ‘I am Cancer Free,’ in the category Health and Fitness. I received those awards in a magnificent ceremony at the Regency Hotel in Miami.

Three of my books won gold awards in Connection EMagazine Readers’ Choice Awards - Zeeka Chronicles, in the category science fiction, [2018] Stories People love [2019], in the category romance, and How to Write for Success, in the category non-fiction. [2019].

In Sept 2021, my mystery book, Barry Holmes Mysteries, won me Best Writer - Fantasy Award in the CLR [ Culture, Literature, and Research] Awards.

My science fiction book, ‘Zeeka and the Zombies, has been approved by Cinebooks.com to be made into a cinematic book, and it is presently in production.

To answer your question, awards motivate a writer to improve and that is the upside. I do not think that race or colour should be factors when nominating someone for an award.

I give awards in my Literary forum to poets who are deserving and are considered five-star poets. Awards should be based on a writer’s work and nothing else.

*

Given your talent and the impacts your books about cancer and How to Write for Success, among others created, many wonder when is it you bag a Nobel prize in literature. What is your take on this?

*

Alem, to win a Nobel Prize, someone who has already been nominated for one, must nominate a writer. I do not know any of the nominees or winners personally. It seems way out of my reach, but with God nothing is impossible.

*

Have the five-star reviews you received motivated you for a further thrust into literature?

*

Yes. They certainly have.

*

Your poems appear in reputed journals. What inspires you to write poems that some think is a restricted domain to the select few? You have a circle of poets. Would you relate to us about that?

*

I do not think that writing poems are restricted to a select few. In fact, I believe there are more poets than writers of fiction and non-fiction. I am a member of numerous poetry groups on Facebook, and I am being invited to join more new ones, which are being formed every day.

Of the 42 books I have published to date, ten are poetry books. I expect to publish my eleventh one for my birthday on 1st December.

*

How and why did you establish a literary network on How to Write for Success?

*

I started the How to Write for Success Literary Forum in February 2018, with a mission to spread Literary Talent Worldwide. At that time, I had the help of four Administrators.

In 2019, we were concerned with the number of suicides in the world, and decided to publish an anthology with poems to prevent suicide. Since it was our first attempt at an anthology we kept it low-keyed.

We opened a sub-forum to collect the poems and named it - Poems for Prevention of Suicide Literary Forum.

Poets from around the world participated in A Spark of Hope: A Treasury of Poems for Saving Lives, The Kindle versions of the book were given free of charge, and the book achieved Amazon's No 1 bestselling ranking within a couple of days.

In 2020, we published Part II of A Spark of Hope, and that too earned Amazon's No 1 bestseller ranking.

The Covid pandemic started in early 2020 and caused chaos in the lives of citizens all over the world. There was a rise in Domestic Violence and the Administration felt there was a need for an anthology against Domestic Violence.

Another sub-forum, - Literary Forum for Poems Against Domestic Violence was created for this purpose.

Volumes One and Two of Break the Silence: An Anthology of Poems Against Domestic Violence were published in 2020 and 2021.

Again, the Kindle versions of the book were given free, and both volumes achieved Amazon No 1 bestseller rank.

With the success of How to Write for Success Literary Network and the popularity of my book How to Write for Success, many members published books. We saw the need to establish the third sub-forum, Library of How to Write for Success – Books only.

The fourth sub-forum, Grupo Hispaniomundial De Escritores - UHE Trinidad and Tobago was formed as a result of my appointment as National President of UHE Trinidad and Tobago, by the President and Founder of Grupo Hispaniomundial De Escritores, Carlos Hugo Garrido Chalen.

Today, we have sixteen efficient persons who help with different aspects of the Administration of the Literary Network which comprises the main forum, four sub-forums, and members in excess of 13000.

In February 2021 we started a half-yearly magazine and have published two issues in March and September 2021. The next issue will be on the fourth anniversary of the network.

We also have a website and YouTube channel.

*

Did covid-19 and the economic meltdown affect your penmanship? (Some say on the other end covid-19 promoted readership)

*

Covid19 brought about many changes. It stopped me from travelling, but I spent the time writing. I believe it also promoted readership because book sales have increased.

Do you have a plan to be a publisher and help emerging authors?

Becoming a publisher would entail hiring a big staff. I do not have future plans to do so. However, I believe that if I have succeeded in mastering self-publishing, every writer can do it. My reasons for publishing’ How to Write for Success Volumes One and Two’ are to help emerging authors master the art of self-publishing, and save the expense of hiring a publisher.

*

Do you have a plan to write fiction about Trinidad so that others enjoy the story of your motherland?

*

Some of my fiction books are set on the beautiful island of Trinidad. They are The Gift of Love, The Axe Murderer, What Happened to Mary Loo, Barry Holmes Mysteries, and Heart-Warming Tales. I may write another one soon.

*

You are an advocate against domestic violence and suicide. What works did you (and friends) do to such effect?

*

Together with several bestselling authors from my literary forums, we have published four Amazon No 1 best-selling anthologies for these causes: A Spark of Hope I and II: A Treasury of Poems for Saving Lives, and Break the Silence I and II: An Anthology Against Domestic Violence. We have had many heart-warming reports that these books have helped to save lives.

READ THE INTERVIEW IN THE SUNDAY ETHIOPIAN HERALD. Read Page 8

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Two sisters from Trinidad and Tobago created a Poetry vaccine

 

This article was published in The Ethiopian Herald on October 25, 2020, about CHAOTIC TIMES: POETRY VACCINE FOR COVID-19 written by Brenda Mohammed and Florabelle Lutchman with Foreword by Shiju H. Pallithazheth
THANK YOU, Alem Hailu
https://www.press.et/english/?p=29431#

"Everyone is hoping for a vaccine to prevent them from getting the Coronavirus. However, to date, no vaccine for Covid-19 has been invented. Hundreds of thousands of people are getting sick and dying all over the world.

What can we do? Our lives are simple but in these times we need hope and encouragement and general information concerning this devastating disease that is overpowering the world.

The Lockdown periods have caused much anxiety and stress emotionally, physically, and financially, and many have become suicidal.

Brenda Mohammed and Florabelle Lutchman, two sisters have come together to bring hope, encouragement, and amusement to all in this Anthology, “Chaotic Times: Poetry Vaccine for Covid 19.”

The poems of these authors are the right vaccine for our soul in this austere, even dramatic space and time we are going through.

It will prove to be an unforgettable remembrance of what we all went through in 2020, a year that really never was.

A reviewer of the book had this to say. “The vaccine for Covid 19 has not yet been discovered, but the poems of the great authors Brenda Mohamed and Florabelle Lutchman are the right vaccine for our soul in this austere, even dramatic space and time we are going through. “CHAOTIC TIMES” is a volume of poetry with extremely positive reflections, bright valences, and lyricism of calm reconciliation with the chaotic rhythms of the existence of two charming spirits that offer to the reader a true therapy through poetry. Between the pages of this volume is a multitude of solutions to various human turmoil. I am sure that the grace, the dexterity of the mind, and the sensitivity of the authors’ souls will vibrate for you as they vibrated for me.” Corina Junghiatu

CHAOTIC TIMES: POETRY VACCINE FOR COVID-19 was published on October 13th, 2020, and became an Amazon bestseller in Inspirational and religious Poetry after three days on October 16th, 2020. It is available in Paperback and the Kindle Version on Amazon. It is Free to download.

Readers can take advantage of this opportunity and download the Kindle book at the following links:

Amazon US https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08L6HGMCL

Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=B08L6HGMCL

Amazon India https://www.amazon.in/dp/B08L6HGMCL

The Ethiopian Herald October 25, 2020

A NEWSPAPER ARTICLE ON HOW TO WRITE FOR SUCCESS

I received a beautiful surprise from Alem Hailu, Deputy Editor of the Ethiopian Herald.

HERE IS THE LINK
I have transcribed the review below.

Book Review
How to melt the world into words

Book: HOW TO WRITE FOR SUCCESS
Author: BRENDA MOHAMMED
Number of Pages: 196
Review: By ALEM HAILU GABRE KRISTOS
Publisher: Amazon
Price: US $9.00
BOOK LINK

Aside from relating how the author-poet Brenda Mohammed in an exemplary manner consummated her life journey full of hairpin turns and precipices, and with success navigating the twists and turns of the arduous track of life engaging in different walks of life like insurance and banking, her book entitled HOW TO WRITE FOR SUCCESS renders a handy comprehensive toolkit for writers, critics, and editors.

As a novelist, book reviewer, and editor myself, I wish I had this book by my bedside for reference in my previous literary pursuits, for unlike other books I made recourse to, in a bid to fathom the literary devices authors, as well as book reviewers, are expected to well digest, HOW TO WRITE FOR SUCCESS profits a wide array of writers if they, in good time, upload it in their backpacks.

In demonstrating the devices, presumably at the tip of her fingers, in a vivid and lucid as well as friendly manner, no instructor comes close to Brenda Mohammed, who was in the chalk and talk business earlier in her life, before she branched off into literature.

For instance, tragically as it may sound, most of the books I read recommended “Better show than tell,” while they had the propensity of telling.
In sharp contrast to this trend, in her book “HOW TO WRITE FOR SUCCESS!” Brenda pragmatically displays the merit of show over tell by inspiring writers to go for it, reviewers to sniff it, editors to weed out flaws, and readers to know what is encumbering them to read fast, and thereby tell a good book from one that compels critics to say the game is not worth the candle.

Substantiating theory with palatable examples that remains seared on the mind, Brenda walks readers of her book through the jungle of literary devices promising a safe return.
This way HOW TO WRITE FOR SUCCESS portrays by what means authors unerringly sail to readers’ hearts.

As it is true of the other brainchildren of hers like “I'm CANCER FREE,” this one too inspires people to go for their burning dreams with a spirit of never say die against the teeth of daunting and innumerable challenges.

Using short, simple, and toothsome sentences she is a past master at making true modern style never fail to arouse readers’ appreciation.
They are showcases of the power of the pen for authors who have to emerge tall scouting the footprints of literary giants like herself.
It exemplifies poetic prose that glues to the pages of the eyes of those who happen to pick the book. Literariness is how to make things picturesque without using pictures.
Brenda is gifted in doing that simply leaning on word pictures.
She knows how to use the best word at the best place as she is a poet too, and as she states, “to make readers gravitate to you!”
Make your expressions flowery she says in flowery words.
In short, she melts the world into words inviting writers to follow suit.
It is not only in how to use the writers’ craft the page-turner book stands tall, but it also hones emerging authors’ skill demonstrating how to trim unnecessary words and expressions.
For instance, it practically shows how to avoid weak verbs or verbs modified by adverbs.
She demonstrates to writers, “He sprinted,” is by far better than “He ran quickly”.
She also shows the advantage of avoiding hidden verbs “We will announce the winner next week” to “We will make an announcement of the winner next week.”
This is a good tip for those engaged in editorship as well.
Such useful tips she raises, apply to non-fictional works too if the balance mix is well checked.

Observably, her background with an educator like her father has lent her the necessary skills to drive her point home effortlessly.
Author-poet Brenda recommends the writer has to lean on his/her intuition to effectively portray body language.
This lulu that shot up to the global helm of success advises writers to put themselves in the shoes of the character under description.
By way of exemplifying this, she says the way the writer’s body gives away his/her emotion to flattery could be easily adapted to the characters, whose behaviors and physical features have to be well expressed.
She capitalizes on the need to focus on characters’ internal dialogues, (monologues) as well as the external ones.
To engage the readers in using their feelings, HOW TO WRITE FOR SUCCESS shows the importance of using action than dialogue tags that slows the story’s pace. << Instead of “Yes,” he said>> it is better to use<< “Yes” he nodded.>>

Writers have to come up with a clean sheet as much as possible as spelling and grammatical errors could belittle them in readers’ eyes and strips them of credibility.
In a world full of skeptics, one typographical error, especially on cover pages, could make readers put an axe on the neck of the author.
It is no secret that book stations back off if a reader draws their attention to such mistakes.
I know firsthand that most publishers, even those that claim they publish for free ask for payment to correct such silly mistakes even if they know most authors are financially constrained and live in a country where the transaction of hard currency is virtually impossible.

Books that sell like hot cakes standing out from the crowd are ones that have a good blurb, advertisements and book reviews.
She advises authors to take time to produce works that wow their target readers and attract attention to the sale of their books.
“Use active voice to passive voice,” is also among the writing tips she demonstrates with better examples.
Regarding novels and short stories, the story premise must be clear for readers to keep track, she stresses.
To ram this home “Believable characters are the lifeblood of the story,” she points out.
Life in the story must not reflect a bed of roses, nor must characters be flawless and physically striking, she recommends to authors expected to evade the relegation of their work to the category prosaic.
The protagonist and main character should face physical or other shortcomings they have to overcome
Though show not tell, is recommendable narration and dialogue must be in the right mix, advises Brenda.

When painting, the setting be it historic setting— with political and cultural wrangling— or otherwise, writers have to conduct research to avoid mistakes like an anachronism.
As the story has to be believable double-checking things is a must-do.
She substantiates this with the study she conducted to craft a science fiction.
“Take readers on a literary pilgrimage!” and “Create a believable world!” “Use all of your five senses,” Brenda recommends.

Though it is recommendable to design plots at times, characters could allow the writer a room to go a bit astray in so far as this action does not contradict the main plot.
“A story arch is not set in stone!” she says.
She underlines the need to focus on subplots as well.
She appreciates plot summaries before attempting writing to evade getting sucked in a black hole.
When it comes to the narrative she advises limiting description and avoiding ramblings resorting to intriguing and dramatic situations. The problem and the story must be well-grounded.
The premise has to be clear.

Before publication, it sure is good for readers to get their book perused by friends or relatives who are avid readers.
Beta readers and editing software could render invaluable services in weeding out errors and checking self-contradictory issues.
It sure is good if a seasoned editor sees the final output before publication because a professional has experienced eyes in rendering the masterpiece a finishing touch.
She also shows how novelists could keep on writing to the end in a three months’ time setting, with a program of writing, say 500 words per day.
She also highlights the advantage of quietude such as night time, while writing as a distraction is formidable of creative art.
Her book also throws light on the significance of growing in a close-knitted, well-educated and reading family.

Above all, she capitalizes writers must well know their target audience to tailor works accordingly.
They as well should have a worldview to make their work a hit.
As I found the writer imperfectly perfect I could not find any flaws in the book.
Check this must-read yourself.

GET THE BOOK ON AMAZON.

SUNDAY EDITION OF THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD

BAGGING INNUMERABLE AWARDS PINNING HOPES ON LIGHT AT THE END OF THE CHANNEL.
By Alem Hailu

The Ethiopian Herald Special Sunday’s Edition is all out to scout for gurus that stamped a gargantuan footprint on the global arena thereby to enthuse others to challenge their limits cognizant that success is at arm’s reach if one tooth and nail fights to circumvent pitfalls stationed all the way on the rocky road of life.

In the Success column of this edition, we have stood the opportunity of interviewing
a prolific author on the other end of the Atlantic Ocean. She goes by the name of Brenda Mohammed. Aside from helping many authors, she uses literature as a vehicle to troubleshoot challenges borrowing lessons drawn the hardest way from dark nights of the soul.

Excerpts:
The Ethiopian Herald: Greetings from Ethiopia. Thank you for accepting our request to be our guest.

Brenda Mohammed: I am happy to be a guest on The Ethiopian Herald Special Sunday Edition and thank you for this opportunity.

Herald: To begin with could you brief us about yourself--where you were born, your upbringing and your educational pursuit and also your country?

Brenda: I was born in Trinidad in the Caribbean and still live there.
Trinidad is an oil-rich nation and is known as the land of the calypso.
I am a former Bank Manager of a large international bank in Trinidad, and hold a Diploma in Banking from the Institute of Bankers in London.
After banking, I moved into the Insurance field. I obtained a Diploma in Life Underwriting from the American College, USA and qualified for the Million Dollar Round Table, the Premier Association for Financial Professionals, six times in a row.
Life Membership in MDRT was conferred on me.

Herald: Do you remember how and when you were drawn to the wonderland of literature?



Brenda: My writing career sparked after my near-death experience with Cancer and my miraculous recovery.
I wrote the book, I AM CANCER FREE to tell people who were in similar positions that cancer does not have to be a death sentence. The book became a best seller and gave me the encouragement to continue writing.

3) How is it like the twists and turns you gone through before you made a prolific author-poet of yourself? How many books do you have?

Brenda: I wrote twenty-four books to date. Some of my books won multiple awards as follows.
1. I am Cancer Free - Readers Favorite award in category Health and Fitness 2018 and McGrath's first-place winner in Non-fiction 2016.

2. Zeeka Chronicles was an award winner in the Category Young Adult Thriller in Readers Favorite International Awards 2018, winner in Science Fiction in SIBA Awards 2017, winner of the gold award in the category science fiction in Connections Emagazine Readers' Choice Awards 2018, and winner in the top ten finalists for science fiction in the Author Academy Global Awards 2018.

3 August 2019 Stories People Love was a winner of two gold medals in Connections EMagazine Readers' Choice Awards. First place in Romance Category, and first place in all genres.
4. In the same contest How to Write for Success won a gold medal in the category Non- Fiction.

5. My Life as a Banker - 2nd place Bio/memoirs in SIBA Awards.
Several of my books and even an Audiobook are bestsellers.

Besides awards for my books I was awarded the following:

1.In October 2018 Appointed as Honorary Member of the World Higher Literary Academic Council of WORLD NATIONS WRITERS' UNION of Kazakhstan.
2. On 29th December 2018, awarded the World Laureate in Literature by World Nations Writers Union.
3. On 30th December 2018, I received a Global Literature Guardian Award from Founder of Motivational Strips and Associates, World Nations Writers' Union, and Union Hispanomundial de Escritores.
4. On 31st December received a Certificate of Honour for serving as a juror in an International Poetry Contest sponsored by World Nations Writers Union.
5. For efforts in maintaining and spreading Global Peace, Motivational Strips and its Nominating Authorities awarded me with a Golden Dove of Peace Award in 2019.
6. Appointed June 2019 National President of the Union of Writers, Union Hispaniomundial de Escritos for Trinidad and Tobago."
7. In August 2019 received a Diploma and World Poetic Star Award from World Nations Writers Union.
8. On 31st August 2019 was honoured by the Seychelles Government Accredited Literary Society [ LLSF]for her contribution to World Poetry, creativity, and writing expertise.
9. On October 16th, 2019 I was awarded the Order of Shakespeare Medal by the Founder of the Facebook group Shiju H Pallithazheth for selfless service imparted to keep the ambiance of world writers on a rightful and progressive path, as well as in helping the forum in maintaining the modus operandi of Motivational Strips secure since its inception a year ago.


Herald: On what areas do the themes of your work revolve around? Do you espouse art for art sake or art for life's sake (edifying works) or do you choose the middle ground?


Brenda:I write in multiple genres. I have written children’s books, memoirs, romance stories, science fiction, mystery and thrillers, self-help, and any genre I feel to write in.


Herald: As we see on Facebook you encourage others, especially young authors to emulate accomplished writers like you. You as well use literature to address societal problems. Could you tell us about the circles like Writing for Success and Prevention of Suicide?
Pertaining to meeting your objectives how do you assess this task of yours?

Brenda: You are right, I founded the group How to Write for Success to give back to the world and to celebrate my miraculous recovery. I named the group after my award-winning book, ‘How to Write for Success.’
In just over one year since I established it, it has gained over 5200 members who all love to post their work and receive a valuable comment from me. Many of them are publishing books now using the information I have uploaded on the group’s website https://howtowriteforsuccess.net and that gives me a great deal of satisfaction. Because of the growing increase in published books I opened another group named How to Write for Success Library.
My work in Literature for Suicide Prevention is recognized worldwide.

I was the driving force in the production of A SPARK OF HOPE: A Treasury of Poems for Saving Lives in February 2019.
Forty-nine poets contributed poems towards this life-saving venture.
The book topped the charts on Amazon and made Best Seller No.1 within the space of two days.
We have had reports from members that the book helped save the lives of many individuals.
I have opened a second Facebook group, Poems for Suicide Prevention to collect poems for Part II of the book which I hope to publish in 2020 and only the most suitable poems will be selected.
I believe that I should also mention that I have affiliated the group How to Write for Success with the Facebook group Motivational Strips, whose dynamic Founder is Shiju H Pallithazheth. That group has over four million visitors monthly and I am on the executive administration team to oversee operations. One year ago he appointed me as Vice-Chancellor of Motivational Strips Academy for Literary Excellence and Wisdom.


Herald: Many writers say "We are writing for the labor of love!" in light of the little or no financial returns they get. Is that why you opened a poetry circle to help such authors?

Brenda: The answer to that question is Yes because you can only become perfect at something if you keep practicing doing it.
The more you write, the better you will become at it, and even make it to bestseller and award-winning status.

Herald: If you have a message to convey to young writers in particular and the global community, in general, you are welcome.

Brenda: My mantra in life is NEVER GIVE UP, and I am sending a message to all young and aspiring writers to never give up.
Sometimes success is waiting behind the next closed door.
If you do not open it, you will never fulfill that dream.
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