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Interview with Min Carenda Deonne (Lady C), Author of Perfect Patty Messed Up Devotional


Author’s Bio:  Min Carenda Deonne (Lady C) was born and raised in Baltimore, MD.  She received her Marketing Degree from The Fashion Institute of Technology.  Lady C received her license to preach in August of 2007.  Min. Carenda is a vibrant and pulsating speaker who has a heart for women.  Her motto is, “Don’t live life on the premise of impression, but live life on the promise of impact!” Min Carenda not only enjoys encouraging others through the word of God, but is an author of three books. (Soul of a Poet, The Wait to Success (Contributing Author) and Perfect Patty Messed Up Devotional).  Lady C also owns a Christian women’s magazine entitled FAR (Far Above Rubies).  Min Carenda does a weekly Podcast (the Lady C Show) Tuesdays at 8:30pm EST and also has a weekly prayer call Wednesdays at 8:30pm EST.  In addition, Min Carenda does a yearly women’s conference that brings a message of hope and a ministry of deliverance.  Lady C is also a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.  Above all, Lady C is committed and devoted to her love for Christ and her husband, the Rev. Dr. Michael Anthony McCray Sr.

DL: What’s the inspiration for writing your book?
MCD: There are so many of us as women who put unnecessary pressure on our lives. We appear to have it all together, but struggle with real life issues.  This devotional searches the heart of women who are hard on themselves, especially if and when they make mistakes.  If Perfect Patty could forgive and be honest with herself, she would find wisdom to move forward gracefully, even through her flaws.  This 40-day devotional challenges you to STOP crying over spilled milk!  Put your pride aside Perfect Patty and let healing begin.

DL: Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?
MCD: I honestly don’t have a particular author or book that influenced me.  I personally read an array of subjects from self-help, spiritual and even political genres. 

DL: How long did it take to write your book?
MCD: It only took one year for me to write Perfect Patty Messed Up.  This book is a refection of myself and life experiences. 

DL: Do you write with an outline, or just let it flow organically?
MCD: I did not write an outline.  I truly flowed organically.  I have something they call “stream of consciousness.” I could be driving to the grocery store or watching something on TV and suddenly words, thoughts and ideas just began to flow like a running faucet.  Therefore, I must keep a note pad and pen and the smart recorder app close by always.  If I don’t capture it at that exact moment, I will lose it.  I am also a creative person so having an outline would give me extreme writer’s block.  I would also tape myself and play it back later.  This not only allows me to tweak my writing but put thought into my content to challenge my readers but also give clarity.

DL: Do you listen to music when you write? If yes, is there a theme song for this book?
MCD: I do not listen to music when I write. However, I listen to music before I write.  I am a huge fan of wrestling.  Before I preach or write, I listen to the theme music to wrestler, Somoa Joe.

DL: What are the keys to success in marketing your book(s)?
MCD: You must not only know your target market or niche group, but you must know their lifestyle.  When you know one’s lifestyle you have an opportunity to market your book and message your target audience on multiple platforms.  Don’t just put your money in one media outlet but discover and define the lifestyle of your target audience, and place marketing material and information multiple places and or venues that they will see, hear or watch.  Also, have a marketing plan. 

Writing your book is not going to yield a profit, but a plan will.  Be strategic and relentless in your planning. Do absolutely whatever it takes to stay focused on your marketing plan. The key is not to do your plan once your book is published, but prior too.  In addition, social media is great but always have a call of command for your audience and be consistent.  Last but not least, branding is imperative.  Study someone who has branded themselves well and implement ideas that would work for you. Oh, and how can I forget the importance of having a strong graphic designer. I would tell any author, don’t cheat the cover of your book; a high-quality cover makes all the difference in the world!

DL: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
MCD: Do not depend on family or friends to support you.  Don’t rely on your “click” or the in crowd to support you.  The key to success is introducing and talking to people outside of your comfort zone.  If you only focus on the people you know, you have just limited your measure of success.  Also, I am a big fan of having a mentor.  Don’t focus on this person becoming your friend, but instead someone that you can be accountable to.

DL: How about sharing an excerpt from Perfect Patty Messed UpFear Not!

Perfect Patty has the tendency to place limitations on herself. Truth be told, even though Perfect Patty is a very confident woman she also is at times very fearful.  She knows the word of God and quotes quite frequently the scripture that says, “for the Lord has not given you the spirit of fear but of love, power and a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7) Many people that know her would never guess she succumbs to FEAR. However, there are many occasions that Perfect Patty had so much FEAR she thought she would faint. 

Fear continues to limit her.  Fear has caused Perfect Patty not to enjoy the fullness of her life and blessings.  She has the “What if” mentality. What if I fail? What if I don’t succeed? What if it doesn’t work out? What if my plan doesn’t work?  These fearful cognitive thoughts create boundaries, that keep her from moving forward. 

If Perfect Patty doesn’t have full control she feels the weakest.  However, it is in the letting go that she will gain so much power.  If Perfect Patty would just learn how to let go, it would be the most monumental moment in her life.   She will see a whole new array of colors. Colors that she didn’t knew existed.  It’s time for Perfect Patty to rise. 

It's worth burying FEAR so that you may conquer! You will have a different mindset than you've ever had before.  You will experience love that you never experienced before. You will experience life that you never experienced before.  Write that list. That list of FEAR’s you must conquer. Write it and look at it and say, “By God’s grace, I will conquer.”  Never say never.  It can place a wall to where your destiny is leading you to.  Never is a powerful word and should only be used sparingly.  It should not be a word you use freely.  Using the word never is a substitute for I can’t.  No! YES YOU CAN!  Write those things that you are fearful about and say, “I will never say never. This too I shall conquer.  This too I shall have victory, This too I shall prevail.”  It’s time for you to experience some things of color that are right there waiting for you. FEAR NOT!

PRAYER POINT:

O Lord, anoint me for my destiny journey. Remove any roadblock of FEAR in my way.

DL: What’s next for you?
MCD: Writing another book with my spouse. To expand the book and magazine to an international platform and continue to preach, with power, the word of God! I will not stop until Perfect Patty Messed Up and Lady C Ministries is a household name.

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

·       Website: www.farenterprises.biz


·       Facebook: Pefect Patty Messed Up and Far Enterprises

·       Twitter: @faraboverubmag or @cdpgem

·       Blog: www.ladycspeaks.blogspot.com

·       Book Buy Links: www.amazon.com or www.createspace.com



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




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