Interview with Glenora Wells-Sanders, Author of To Quierra, On Life and Trinny Bear and Dallas

Author’s Bio: Glenora Wells-Sanders is the author of To Quierra, On Life and Trinny Bear and Dallas. She is the director of Social Services and a Certified Dementia Practitioner for LifeBridge Health. She is also an adjunct professor at Coppin State University in Baltimore.

What inspired you to write your book? 

I was inspired to write my latest children’s book Trinny Bear and Dallas in memory of my grandchildren's grandmother who passed away in 2011 from Ovarian Cancer. I wanted to keep the memory of their grandmother in their hearts and minds, and I also wanted to bring awareness to the disease of Ovarian Cancer - also known as the silent killer in the area of the woman's reproductive system.

Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?

I've always enjoyed and been greatly influenced by those authors and books that helped me become more introspective and want to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Some of my most motivating authors during my younger years were authors like Maya Angelou – I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, The Autobiography of Malcolm X, Nora Neale Hurston - Their Eyes Were Watching God, and any one of Langston Hughes books.  As I became an adult, I looked to books that helped me realize the importance of the power of one's thinking in realizing his/her wants and dreams - Iyanla Vanzant, Oprah Winfrey, Dr. Scott Peck, Joel Osteen, and Dr. Wayne Dyer - The Secret, were most influential. However, if I had to name only one book, it would be Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach - I never forgot that book!

Is this your first book? How long did it take to start and finish your book?

This current book is my second book. It took about two weeks to write this children's book.

Do you write with an outline, or just let it flow organically?

I do a little of both depending on my mindset.  I find that when working with an outline, I am able to let those thoughts that flow organically have a place to be deposited.

Do you listen to music when you write? If yes, is there a theme song for this book?

I generally write anywhere: while driving, in my head, at home in front of the computer with the sounds of the TV background noise, while at a doc's appointment - waiting to be seen, or in complete silence. Complete silence is when I get the best of my writing done.

What are the keys to success in getting your book out to the public?

My success has been the basic traditional routes: signings, work place colleagues, church functions, and personal friends.

What advice would you give to new authors?

To the new authors I would say invest in yourself.  By that I mean be prepared to spend a little money to have a product that is well-written and appeals to your prospective readers. I also say continue to do all that you can to get your book out and read.  There are so many wonderful books out there, so one has to utilize all opportunities to get his/her book in the hands of everyone you can.

How about sharing an excerpt from Trinny Bear and Dallas?

Synopsis

Watching out for a younger brother or sister is a big responsibility. In the exciting new children’s book Trinny Bear and Dallas, see what happens when a baby bear joins the family.

Mama and Papa Bear are very proud of Dallas, their well-behaved and carefree son, who was named after the Dallas Cowboys. When Trinity is born, Dallas is expected to always look out for his younger sister and set a good example. However, this is not always easy because Trinny has so much energy that she always makes a mess and she loves to disappear playing hide and seek.

Dallas now has the job of keeping their room neat, which Trinny loves to mess up, and must watch over Trinny when they go to bear school. When the time comes to visit Grandma and Grandpa Bear during summer break, Dallas is delighted because he thinks he no longer has to watch out for his little sister. On the train ride to their grandparents in West Virginia, Dallas becomes annoyed with Trinny for hiding on the train. Suddenly, there is a screeching noise when one of the train cars jumps the tracks.

Dallas thought Trinny was right behind him, but she has gone missing! What could have happened to Trinny?

What’s next for you?

I am now working on my third book entitled:  The Courage to Die With the Spirit to Live, (And If I Wake-Up Tomorrow, I'm Gonna Be Pissed!). This book is written in memory of my late husband who died from lung cancer. It is a testimony to his courage, strength, and of course, his humor, as he lived the remainder of his life with the knowledge that his time in this life's journey would be ending.

Where can readers find out more about you and your book(s)?

My books - To Quierra, On Life, and my current children's book - Trinny Bear and Dallas can be found online through  Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, the publisher website, and one can go to any book store and order it through the sales personnel.

My website is http://sbpra.com/glenorawells-sanders/

It’s been a pleasure having you here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to know you and your work.

Dee - Thank you for the opportunity to talk about my latest book and have you share it with your readers!