WHEN I CHOSE WRITING AS A CAREER

My father was a school principal and he had a huge library of books.
In that library, he had a large section for children's books, and I must have read every one.
However, I had no desire to become a writer.
English and Mathematics were my strong points and I wanted to work in a bank, which I did.
I received several promotions and when I was transferred to the loans and overdraft department I helped my superiors write Financial proposals for customers to our Head Office.
Many times we received clean sanctions, ie no questions were asked and the proposals were approved.
My superiors at both the branch and Head office recognized my ability and promoted me to managerial status.
I was then required to visit my customers' businesses and submit written proposals for required finance.
Customers, staff, and Head Office all benefited, as the village where the branch to which I was assigned developed rapidly.
The once insignificant village turned into a bustling town.
The bank's profits increased and I was promoted to a bigger branch.
I kept on getting more promotions until I took early retirement and moved into the Insurance field.
However, I was struck by cancer and almost died.
I sought medical treatment in Miami, and after being laid up for more than seven months, I miraculously recovered.
I wrote the book, I AM CANCER FREE to tell people in similar positions that cancer does not have to be a death sentence.
The book became a best seller and won two awards.
I was then encouraged to continue writing and wrote twenty-four books to date.
You can find more details about my banking career in another one of my publications MY LIFE AS A BANKER.
CHECK OUT MY BOOKS ON AMAZON. CLICK HERE.

WHAT IS THAT DREAM GOAL THAT YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE BEFORE YOU DIE?

I was asked this question on my website by a reader.

WHAT IS THAT DREAM GOAL THAT YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE BEFORE YOU DIE?

My answer was my dream goal is to have ZEEKA CHRONICLES made into a movie or a TV Series.

ZEEKA CHRONICLES: REVENGE OF ZEEKA by Author Brenda Mohammed, a multi-award winning science-fiction novel inspired by the recent scare of the zika virus, set in the year 2036, where zombies and robots take centre stage, will blow your mind.
It is a mind-blowing, bold, and original 'other world' book to capture your imagination.
You will be taken on a futuristic journey into the year 2036.
The highly imaginative tales within would keep you spellbound.
Zeeka and The Zombies is the first episode in the five spine-chilling episodes set on an imaginary Caribbean island called Gosh in the year 2036.
Zeeka and the Zombies serve as an introduction to this mind-boggling series.
Integrated into the mystery is a love story as well as a family drama.
The combination of these three aspects in this collection makes it an exciting read.
Persons who enjoy detective novels, romance fiction, or science fiction will love this book.
The main character in Zeeka and the Zombies is Raynor Sharpe, a gynecologist who works at the main hospital on the island.
He, together with the hospital's director and another doctor, Mark, were working at the hospital twenty years before when an outbreak of the zika virus occurred.
The hospital delivered fifty-one stillborn babies from pregnant women who were infected with the virus during their pregnancy.
However, it turned out that the babies were not buried but were, in fact, taken by someone evil, injected with a serum to bring them to life, and turned into programmable zombies, with the exception of nine which were flesh-eating ones.
The secret is revealed when one of the zombies, Number Nine, appeared at the hospital, having been sent by the vengeful and evil Master Zeeka, to survey the scene so that he could attack the hospital in the future.
But was he a real zombie?
In the meantime, Raynor's love interest, Janet, also a doctor at the same hospital, told Raynor that she is engaged and plans to marry another doctor.
She sent out invitations to all her colleagues, including Raynor.
Raynor was always secretly in love with Janet but had never proposed to her although he had bought an engagement ring intending to do so.
The plot thickens when the wedding invitation reveals that Janet's fiancé is Dr. Jason Stephens, who the police suspect of being Master Zeeka.
Jason calls off the engagement with Janet and disappears.
Raynor finally proposes to Janet and she gladly accepts.
The police cannot find Master Zeeka, but Raynor and his new bride enjoy a magnificent honeymoon.
The story continues in Zeeka's Child.
The search for Master Zeeka intensifies.
It turns out that the main suspect, Jason Stephens, is actually innocent.
The real culprit is revealed and is a person who had kidnapped Jason when he was a child.
Jason is Raynor’s older brother, Dr. Steven Sharpe who returns and reunites with his brother.
Steven is the real hero in the series.
Steven marries Mandy, Janet’s older sister.
The police force launches a massive hunt for the real killer.
In the third installment Zeeka Returns, the police hunt down the real killer and the nine flesh-eating zombies that accompany him in the jungle.
These scenes are full of suspense and tension as we wonder whether the police officers would capture Master Zeeka or whether the zombies will destroy them.
It turns out, however, that he is eventually captured, not by the police, but by Miranda, a beautiful female robot who had been employed by Raynor and Janet.
Zeeka commits suicide while in custody.
Just when you thought the story was over Zeeka returns in Zeeka's Ghost: Revenge of Zeeka 4.
Zeeka is back but not how you expect.
Unresolved issues, regrets, love, and a ghost, with the right mix of startling plot twists, makes this story a thrilling read.
Who would want to kidnap Mandy, and why?
Can Steven save her from the clutches of the kidnappers in time?
A questionable character returns from one of the previous books in Resurrection: Revenge of Zeeka 5.
He causes even more disarray in the lives of Steven and Mandy.
Dr. Steven Sharpe's reputation is on the line when he attempts an unimaginable cure to help a man desperate for a new life.
One more burning question is answered in this episode. The identity of Number Nine is revealed.
This story closes Zeeka Chronicles: Revenge of Zeeka series on a high note.
The many twists and turns in this series make it exciting, thrilling and suspenseful.

Here is the latest Review by an Australian Reviewer:
“A reviewer said: "An entertaining read filled with suspense. A science-fiction story with lingering themes on human flaws and goodness.
As a teacher/student this would make a great comparative study to Frankenstein or Shakespeare's plays, with love, lies, and revenge as persistent human traits. Set in 2036 the unnerving accuracy of being in an era where we encounter robots as part of our daily lives takes the reader on a journey through time where human values, some negative and some are imperative to the improvement of the human condition.
If you're not a zombie fan, this book will draw you --destined to shock and delight."

N.B.
Zeeka Chronicles: Revenge of Zeeka was an award winner in the Category Young Adult Thriller in Readers Favorite International Awards 2018, winner in Science Fiction in SIBA Awards2017, winner of the gold award in the category science fiction in Connections EmagazineReaders' Choice Awards 2018, and winner in the top ten finalists for science-fiction in the Author Academy Global Awards 2018.

DO YOU BELIEVE DREAMS CAN COME TRUE?
READ THE BOOK ON AMAZON. CLICK HERE

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.
Check out the article at this link. CLICK HERE

TWENTY FOUR BOOKS YOU MUST READ

Here is a list of books written by Author Brenda Mohammed that you must read in 2019/2020. 
They are available at Amazon Stores Worldwide. CLICK HERE

I am Cancer Free: A Memoir is the true story of a Cancer Survivor.
You will learn that cancer does not have to be a death sentence.
It won two prestigious awards
1. Winner in the Category Non-Fiction in the McGrath House Indie Book Awards 2016.
2.Winner in the category Health and Fitness in Readers Favorite International Book Awards 2018.

My Life as a Banker: A Life Worth Living is a motivational memoir of Brenda's life in banking.
You will be inspired to find the courage to go on, never giving up, even when the road of life curves.

The book placed second in the Category Bio/Memoirs in Metamorph's Publishing Summer Indie Book Awards 2016.

Revenge of Zeeka: Horror Trilogy comprises of three stories in an award-winning series.
It teaches a great lesson.
Revenge does not pay.
The book received a five-star review and five-star seal from Readers Favorite on 14th September 2016.

Retirement is Fun: A new Chapter is filled with travel adventures after the author moved on from a banking career.
You will learn when one door closes, several others open.

Zeeka Chronicles: Revenge of Zeeka: How can one man misuse science for revenge?
This multi-award winning science-fiction novel inspired by the recent scare of the zika virus, and where zombies and robots take center stage, will blow your mind.
It will take you on a futuristic journey into the year 2036.
This science-fiction futuristic thriller won four awards.
1.Winner in the Category Young Adult Thriller in Readers Favorite International Awards 2018.
2. Winner of the gold award in the category science fiction in Emagazine Readers' Choice Awards 2018.
3. Placed in the top ten finalists in the Author Academy Global Awards 2018.
4.Winner in Science Fiction in SIBA Awards 2017.

Memoirs of Dr. A. M. Khan: Journey of an Educator. Get a glimpse into life in the days of Indentureship in Trinidad and Tobago.
The book received four five-star reviews from Readers Favorite in 2018.

Stories People Love - Six exciting short stories of crime, adventure, and love.
The stories are very alluring. The book won two gold awards in Connections EMagazine Readers Choice Awards 2019 - one in the Romance category and the other for topping all genres.

Adventures of Squeaky Doo - Five exciting travel Memoirs of a Teddy Bear. Children love Squeaky Doo.
You will too.

Your Time Is Now: A Time to be Born and a Time to Die. Do you want to find your purpose in Life?
Are you looking for answers?
The book is the recipient of the IHIBRP 5 Star Recommended Read Award Badge.

Heart-Warming Tales - Six thrilling and suspenseful tales of Crime, Love, and Unhappy Marriages, all unified by the same theme - trials and tribulations of love.

Travel Memoirs with Pictures: Exploring the world. is a pictorial memoir of the author's travels. The book is great to read while on a vacation or for some travel inspiration.

Zeeka and the Zombies: Revenge of Zeeka Book 1 is the first book in a spine-chilling science fiction series.

Zeeka's Child: Revenge of Zeeka Book 2 - Mystery surrounds the birth of Zeeka's Child.

Zeeka Returns: Revenge of Zeeka Book 3 - Zeeka decides his fate.

Zeeka's Ghost: Revenge of Zeeka Book 4 - Zeeka's Ghost haunts Steven.

Resurrection: Revenge of Zeeka Book 5 - the sudden appearance of a stranger, bothers Steven.

She Cried for Me is the heart-wrenching autobiography of a stray dog. The book is also available in Audio and is a best seller on Audible.com

How to Write for Success: Best Writing Advice I Received is a popular guide for new and aspiring authors.
The book received a five-star review and five-star seal from Readers Favorite one month after publication.
It also won the gold award in the category Non-Fiction in Connections EMagazine Readers Choice awards 2019.
The book is my inspiration for founding the Facebook group, How to write for Success, with 5200 plus members.
It is very popular amongst university students and new and aspiring authors who have written fantastic reviews about it.

The Gift of Love: Barry Holmes Investigates. is Book 1 in a crime fiction/romance which once topped the Amazon charts in all three categories of Kidnapping Thrillers, Private Investigation Mysteries, and Conspiracy Thrillers.

The Axe Murderer: Barry Holmes Investigates Book 2 is a crime fiction highlighting kidnapping for ransom.

Strength for the Disheartened: Motivational Poems A collection of poems to motivate and inspire.

Dreams of the Heart: A Poetry Collection - a selection of a number of unique poems for romantic poetry lovers.

A Spark of Hope: A Treasury of Poems for Saving Lives - The poems within A Spark of Hope are therapeutic, and some have already saved lives.

Stories that Intrigue - The love story of Sam and Julia, two best selling authors in six intriguing episodes.
The binge and wanderlust of Julia will delight every reader.

All books are available on Amazon Stores Worldwide. CLICK HERE.

A TREAT FOR POETRY LOVERS

Forty-four days to go before Christmas.
Do your Christmas shopping early.
Get these Poetry Selections by AuthorBrenda Mohammed for the Poetry Lover in your family.

DREAMS OF THE HEART - Be transported into several different worlds with mesmerizing and tantalizing poetry.
The book comprises of a selection of unique poems written by award-winning author Brenda Mohammed.
This is the author's second book of poetry and is dedicated to all Dreamers and Lovers of Literature.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy this book if you need to uplift your spirits.

STRENGTH FOR THE DISHEARTENED: Motivational Poems to empower the disheartened and discouraged.
This is the author's debut collection of Motivational and Inspirational Poems. This collection is intended to empower the disheartened, discouraged, and persons who have lost hope and self-esteem.
It is the poet's wish that the poems will renew faith in the readers' lives and be a light unto their path.
Available at all Amazon stores worldwide. CLICK HERE

Trinidadian Brenda Mohammed is a renowned, multi-genre, award-winning author, and poet who has written twenty-four books to date.

THE LOVE STORY OF SAM AND JULIA

THE LOVE STORY OF SAM AND JULIA IN STORIES THAT INTRIGUE.

The book is available worldwide on Amazon at http://Author.to/BCM786

He is trying hard to make sense of her.
Spending time figuring out her demeanour.
Convincing himself nothing is happening to him.
But she remains forever a spark under his skin.
*********************************************
She’s angelic and magical he can see,
Drowning him daily in dreams of ecstasy.
He wonders if women like her still exist.
Imagines she’d be like summer on his wintery lips.
**************************************************
She’s a woman he cannot begin to describe.
She has crazy quirks but within beauty reside.
She projects a glowing image to the world.
He’s scared to surrender his bare naked soul.
*************************************************
He knows she’s enough and always has been.
The one he dreams of to make as his queen.
She’s intelligent and ambitious, qualities he loves.
He dreams of a life with her as two turtle doves.
Copyright@BrendaMohammed.

Read the Love Story of Sam and Julia in six intriguing episodes in STORIES THAT INTRIGUE. CLICK HERE.

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