Welcome to Interview FoxSeat with guest author Brenda Mohammed
Brenda, a multi-genre author, lives in 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 and enjoys a game of Scrabble when she is not writing, or reading books by other authors. She has written thirteen books: – six memoirs [one on her travels], one children’s book, three short-story [fiction] collections, and three kindle zombie thriller short reads.
Book blurb: Brenda’s latest book is a zombie mystery trilogy, “Revenge of Zeeka – A Trilogy.”
It is the complete trilogy of a multi-layered zombie tale, set in the year 2036 in a small exotic island called Gosh. The story is told in three parts, which are available as kindle short reads. Zeeka and the Zombies is an intriguing introduction to this story of futuristic zombies, and it leaves you wondering what will happen next. In Zeeka’s Child, the plot gets more complicated, and after many twists and turns, Zeeka is revealed. In the final episode, Zeeka Returns, this very exciting three-part series concludes in a most surprising way.
This is what one reviewer said, “I’m happy to see all three stories together in one package because they make for an easy read and a thrilling one too. The author skillfully thought of not telling just another zombie story. Since the stories are based in the future, she included technology unheard of before. Also, there are plot twists that will leave your head spinning and an exciting hunt for the clever mastermind, Zeeka. Young adult and adult readers will enjoy this trilogy.”
>Why do you write?
I write because I have stories to tell. I believe readers can learn something from each of my books.
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When did you decide to become a writer?
I decided to become a writer after I left the corporate world. I was a former Bank Manager and Insurance Professional.
What genre are your books?
I am a multi-genre author. I write fiction as well as non-fiction.
How long does it usually take you to complete a book?
It all depends on the plot. Short stories take about two months to complete, but larger books take up to a year or more.
What made you decide to sit down and actually start something?
I wrote a biography of my father while I was still employed at the Bank. I did that book out of love for my deceased father who was an Educator. He wrote all his notes in diaries and scraps of paper and I gathered them all up and did a book. I thought that his life was worthy of recording. However, I did not publish the book at that time. I revised it in November 2014 and published it in both kindle and paperback. I started writing seriously in the year 2013. My first book was a children’s story. It was about the adventures of a teddy bear with a wonderful family. After that, I wrote my own autobiography, “My Life as a Banker – A Life worth Living.” The positive reviews I got from those books just led me on to write more books.
Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?
At first, I wrote at nights but nowadays, I just write anytime I have an urge to do so.
What have you written?
I have written the following books:
“Memoirs of Dr. A. M. Khan” [2014] – The book is about the life of my father. One reviewer has described this book accurately. “There is a need for books like this one- books which document the struggle of the first generations of immigrants and their children to carve a place in their society, and then provide the foundation for the next generation to achieve even greater success. In broad terms, this is general knowledge. What is valuable in this book is the step-by-step description detailing the road map by which one successful educator did so.”
“My Life as a Banker: A Life Worth Living” [2014]- Brenda’s autobiography.
In this book, I related how banking evolved from manual operations to the sophisticated computerized system, which staff and customers now enjoy. I recalled the days when banks were small post office like structures and the hard work involved in bringing them to modern day standard. It is also the true story of the determination of a sixteen-year-old girl to succeed in what was a man’s world in those days. The book also reveals some very personal details about my life. It is a Memoir with a difference. It is both motivational and inspirational.
“Retirement is Fun: A New Chapter” (2014) – This book is a sequel to “My Life as a Banker.” I learnt through my many experiences that retirement is a time to enjoy life. I faced many challenges such as cancer, deaths of loved ones, and an accident, which made me realize that life is very short. On the other hand, I landed a new job, and had numerous travel opportunities. I proved that when I retired from my job at the bank, I definitely did not retire from life.
“Stories People Love” (2014) – This book contains short stories of Crime, Adventure, and Love as follows: 1. A Headmaster’s Daughter – In the fifties, when little value was placed on education for girls, a passionate young girl finds true love. 2. Travel Dreams of Yesterday – Two young adventurous girls take a trip across the world. 3. The Dirtiest of all evils – A thrilling murder mystery that will keep you guessing as to how it will all end. 4. Age Difference – A Love Story. True love knows no bounds but can there be a limit to the age of your partner? One 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.”
“Adventures of Squeaky Doo – A Teddy Bear’s adventures” (2014)
This book is a short story collection related by a Teddy Bear named Squeaky Doo. Five stories are contained therein:
Squeaky Doo on the Beach
Squeaky Doo in California
Squeaky Doo in Orlando
Squeaky Doo goes on a Cruise
Squeaky Doo in Trinidad
Marge loved her Teddy bear and took it with her wherever she went. The teddy Bear never missed a family event. He was always in her arms, at family gatherings, trips around the world, or when she went shopping with her parents. The only place she could not take the teddy bear was to school.
However, something always went wrong. She would fall asleep, her parents would lift her and put her to bed, and poor Squeaky Doo was always left back in strange places. Miraculously he was found each time.
“Your Time Is Now: A Time to be Born and a Time to Die” (2014)
In this memoir, Your Time is Now - A Time to be born and a time to Die, I connect powerful words of wisdom with events in my life and the lives of others.
It is written, based on powerful words spoken by King Solomon in the Book of Ecclesiastes about times and seasons. "There is a time to be born and a time to die, and a time for every purpose under the Heaven."
The book is intended to help people understand their own lives and to realize that we are all here on earth for a purpose.
I added inspirational Poems, and I have included a section on A Brother's Wisdom.
One reviewer said, " I recommend it to all especially to you who in times when the clouds grow dark- the silver linings emerge to remind us of a light emerging on the other side."
“I am Cancer Free” (2013)
This is a true story about my battle with ovarian cancer. That was a time when that dreadful disease threatened my life and financial well-being. Writing this book gave me the opportunity to demonstrate to others the meaning of prayer and family unity. Ten years hence, I am Cancer Free. I have included my thoughts on The True Value of Insurance.
“Heart-Warming Tales” (2014)
Heart - Warming Tales consists of four unusual and enjoyable tales of comedy, Crime, Love, Infidelity, Unhappy Marriages, and Dead Business, bundled together in one book.
"The Psychiatrist and the Thief," is a short comedy- mystery for your entertainment.
"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 doubted her husband.
“Travel Memoirs with Pictures: Exploring the world.” (2014)
This is a memoir of my travels around the world. In this book I related the family adventures, described places visited, and the wonderful times my family and I had in our travels to over thirty-four countries in the world.
“Revenge of Zeeka: Zeeka and the Zombies” Book 1[2016] – This story is a multi-layered intro to a much bigger zombie tale.
“Zeeka’s Child [Revenge of Zeeka Book 2]” [2016] – The story evolves into a more complicated plot of kidnapping, suicide note, diamond necklace with tracking device, arson, flesh – eating zombies, major corruption in the Police Force and a few ‘skeletons’ jump out of the closet.
“Zeeka Returns [Revenge of Zeeka Book 3]” [2016] -This book is the conclusion to the Zeeka story and is an exciting end to the trilogy.
Do you design your own book covers or have someone else? If you use someone else would you tell us who/website?
I recently discovered a very good cover designer. She is Kim McDougall of Catellane.com
Where do your ideas come from?
Sometimes I am in the shower and I get my ideas.
What is the hardest thing about writing?
Writing is not hard. Editing is.
What is the current book you are promoting?
My latest book was released on 4th May 2016. The name is Revenge of Zeeka – A Trilogy as described in Question 2.
If your book were made into a movie, whom would you cast?
If my book, Revenge of Zeeka – A Trilogy were made into a movie, I would want Gerard Butler, Angelina Jolie, and George Clooney as the leading actors.
Join the supporters for this movie at this link
Do you or have you sat down and read your book fresh off the presses as if it wasn’t yours? And if you did, what was it like?
Yes I did. I always found that I could improve on them.
What book are you currently reading or just finished?
I just read and reviewed John Hennessy’s “Clara’s Song.” It was a psychological thriller. John Hennessy is the British author of paranormal fantasy horror for YA, psychological horror and murder mysteries, plus his own unique take on vampire lore. He has also written ghost stories and delved into high epic fantasy with a hint of romance.
What do your fans mean to you?
I love my fans. I look forward daily to their comments on social media.
Is there a book you love you’d like to recommend to others?
I would like to recommend this book by Radu Balas to all aspiring authors: “Sell More Books Using Your Author Website: The Easiest Way to Brand, Build, Market, and Manage Your Authorship.” It can be very helpful.
Many thanks Brenda! For more about Brenda and her works, follow her links.
