Buzzin’ about with Brenda Farrar-Ejemai May 9, 2008
Hello Brenda!Thank you for the opportunity to spotlight you on All the Buzz.
First, tell me more about The Family In the Car.
The Family In The Car is a documentary about my family’s experiences while we were homeless.The documentary time-lines that period in our lives. It describes our experiences from living in our car, to finding a permanent home.
What is the message that you hope to convey to your readers?
The message I hope to convey to others is that even when life seems to be at its toughest point, that it’s not the end of life.Even if things are unbearable, don’t give up, or give in.You will look back and wonder, “How you got over”.Another important message I wish to convey is that the face of the homeless is changing.The message is that the homeless is not only criminals and mentally ill.Homeless can involve the middle class, as well.
What was the hardest part about writing this story?
The hardest part about writing this story was putting our names in it.When I first started writing it, I was writing it as a novel.Then in 2004, I was prompted to go ahead and put our names in it.Before that, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to disclose that part of my life.
What has been the response so far to The Family In The Car?
The response has been encouraging.People have written to me explaining how they have gone through the same or similar experiences, and that they were happy about the book being published.
What obstacles have you faced in your literary journey, and how have they affected you?
I think the hardest obstacle I’ve faced is financing the promotion of the documentary.Although I know this topic is relevant and timely for this point in time, it has been costly to get the information out the way that I would like to.
Why do you write?
First, I write because it’s my purpose.It’s why I am here on this earth.Also, I write because I can say whatever I feel to say.When I write, I feel free.I can vent about the things that I’m going through that I don’t like.No one can dictate to me what I can or cannot write.I love the freedom it gives me.
When you’re not writing, what keeps you busy?
When I’m not writing I’m promoting the book.I am also a board member of the United Black Writers Association.I’m the Training Director, so I’m always going to meetings and conducting trainings.I’m also invited a lot to speak at conferences.On top of all of that I teach school.Oh, I can’t leave out that I love to travel.
What is the one book that has most influenced your life, and how did it impact you?
The one book that I can think of at this moment is, Rich Dad, Poor Dad.It has taught me the basic skills about money management.It has influenced me to take charge of my financial health.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
Amiri Baraka and James Baldwin are a few of my favorite author.
What’s next from Brenda Farrar-Ejemai?
My next project is to put together a compilation of stories about people’s experiences in the foreclosure epidemic.
Thank you again for allowing me to spotlight you on All the Buzz!It has been a pleasure, and I wish you continued success in all that you do.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Hello Brenda!Thank you for the opportunity to spotlight you on All the Buzz.
First, tell me more about The Family In the Car.
The Family In The Car is a documentary about my family’s experiences while we were homeless.The documentary time-lines that period in our lives. It describes our experiences from living in our car, to finding a permanent home.
What is the message that you hope to convey to your readers?
The message I hope to convey to others is that even when life seems to be at its toughest point, that it’s not the end of life.Even if things are unbearable, don’t give up, or give in.You will look back and wonder, “How you got over”.Another important message I wish to convey is that the face of the homeless is changing.The message is that the homeless is not only criminals and mentally ill.Homeless can involve the middle class, as well.
What was the hardest part about writing this story?
The hardest part about writing this story was putting our names in it.When I first started writing it, I was writing it as a novel.Then in 2004, I was prompted to go ahead and put our names in it.Before that, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to disclose that part of my life.
What has been the response so far to The Family In The Car?
The response has been encouraging.People have written to me explaining how they have gone through the same or similar experiences, and that they were happy about the book being published.
What obstacles have you faced in your literary journey, and how have they affected you?
I think the hardest obstacle I’ve faced is financing the promotion of the documentary.Although I know this topic is relevant and timely for this point in time, it has been costly to get the information out the way that I would like to.
Why do you write?
First, I write because it’s my purpose.It’s why I am here on this earth.Also, I write because I can say whatever I feel to say.When I write, I feel free.I can vent about the things that I’m going through that I don’t like.No one can dictate to me what I can or cannot write.I love the freedom it gives me.
When you’re not writing, what keeps you busy?
When I’m not writing I’m promoting the book.I am also a board member of the United Black Writers Association.I’m the Training Director, so I’m always going to meetings and conducting trainings.I’m also invited a lot to speak at conferences.On top of all of that I teach school.Oh, I can’t leave out that I love to travel.
What is the one book that has most influenced your life, and how did it impact you?
The one book that I can think of at this moment is, Rich Dad, Poor Dad.It has taught me the basic skills about money management.It has influenced me to take charge of my financial health.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
Amiri Baraka and James Baldwin are a few of my favorite author.
What’s next from Brenda Farrar-Ejemai?
My next project is to put together a compilation of stories about people’s experiences in the foreclosure epidemic.
Thank you again for allowing me to spotlight you on All the Buzz!It has been a pleasure, and I wish you continued success in all that you do.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Shades of Romance Magazine
SORMAG
Interview with Brenda Farrar Ejemai
June 3
THE FAMILY IN THE CAR, A Revelation, which the author describes as “on-time”, time-lines the journey of a struggle. It shows how members of a family who were all their lives sheltered, as well as privileged, now were without. “The trauma was so unbelievable, I felt that period in my life was a dream and not actually lived,” Ejemai said. Although it was written in 2004, the author felt led to release it in 2008 and reveal the true characters in the documentary. It is impacted with trials, but ends with triumph. This documentary will not only encourage, but will inspire those who are experiencing or have experienced this trauma.
There are a number of middle class Americans living secretly homeless today.
Brenda Farrar-Ejemai has taken a leap-of-faith in the writing of this documentary. With the rise in foreclosures in the United States today, this documentary is not only timely, but relevant. The face of the homeless is changing rapidly. No longer can the homeless be viewed only as the poor, criminals or mentally ill. Homelessness is involving the middle class as well.
What would you like your readers to take away from your book?
I want readers to some how be able to, after reading this book, look beyond difficulties. The reason I want this for them, is because it’s not an easy thing to do, when one is faced with trauma. It’s hard. But I do know that hind sight gives a better sense of why things happen. When people are facing trials and tribulations, they usually can’t see things getting better, so they lose hope. I would like readers to take from this book the encouragement to hold-on when they face harsh situations.
What did you learn while writing this book?
I learned that I had a story to be told that was relevant and timely.
What inspired this book?
This book was written in 2004, but I was led to release it in 2007. The inspiration for this book came from my love of writing.
What is the hardest part about the writing business?
The hardest part about the writing business, for me, is the promoting part. Writing and editing is hard enough, but getting the word out requires more work and time.
What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?
One thing I would want non-writers to understand is the writing is not just simply putting the pen to the paper. Writing is a skill. It must be well thought through. This is especially so for non-fiction writing. The message you are trying to convey must be crafted so that it is perceived exactly the way you intended it to.
What marketing have you found that particularly works well for you?
So far, live radio interviews have worked quite well. I’ve found that it draws people to the web site and thereby increasing readership. Also, book signing works well, due to the fact that it gives me the opportunity to meet and greet readers on a personal level.
What are three things you wish you'd known before you reached where you are now?
One thing is that I wish I had known a long time ago that writing was my purpose.
Secondly, I wish I had taken a Business/Marketing class in school. I believe it would have helped with the marketing of my books.
Finally, I wish I had known what a wonderful world the writing community is. Even though it has been and still is hard work, there are a lot of great people in the writing community.
This month our theme is Mainstream Fiction. Can you give us five mainstream authors you read?I have read books by Walter Mosley, James Baldwin, Margaret Atwood, Robert Kiyosaki, and T. D. Jakes.
Do you have any advice for the aspiring writer?
Just write!
How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)
My mailing address is:
P.O. Box 765
Columbia, Maryland 21045
Websites: www.TheFamilyInTheCar.weebly.com
www.youtube.com/thefamilyinthecar
To order book: www.ebookstand.com/books.grp/BR2191.html
Interview with Brenda Farrar Ejemai
June 3
THE FAMILY IN THE CAR, A Revelation, which the author describes as “on-time”, time-lines the journey of a struggle. It shows how members of a family who were all their lives sheltered, as well as privileged, now were without. “The trauma was so unbelievable, I felt that period in my life was a dream and not actually lived,” Ejemai said. Although it was written in 2004, the author felt led to release it in 2008 and reveal the true characters in the documentary. It is impacted with trials, but ends with triumph. This documentary will not only encourage, but will inspire those who are experiencing or have experienced this trauma.
There are a number of middle class Americans living secretly homeless today.
Brenda Farrar-Ejemai has taken a leap-of-faith in the writing of this documentary. With the rise in foreclosures in the United States today, this documentary is not only timely, but relevant. The face of the homeless is changing rapidly. No longer can the homeless be viewed only as the poor, criminals or mentally ill. Homelessness is involving the middle class as well.
What would you like your readers to take away from your book?
I want readers to some how be able to, after reading this book, look beyond difficulties. The reason I want this for them, is because it’s not an easy thing to do, when one is faced with trauma. It’s hard. But I do know that hind sight gives a better sense of why things happen. When people are facing trials and tribulations, they usually can’t see things getting better, so they lose hope. I would like readers to take from this book the encouragement to hold-on when they face harsh situations.
What did you learn while writing this book?
I learned that I had a story to be told that was relevant and timely.
What inspired this book?
This book was written in 2004, but I was led to release it in 2007. The inspiration for this book came from my love of writing.
What is the hardest part about the writing business?
The hardest part about the writing business, for me, is the promoting part. Writing and editing is hard enough, but getting the word out requires more work and time.
What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?
One thing I would want non-writers to understand is the writing is not just simply putting the pen to the paper. Writing is a skill. It must be well thought through. This is especially so for non-fiction writing. The message you are trying to convey must be crafted so that it is perceived exactly the way you intended it to.
What marketing have you found that particularly works well for you?
So far, live radio interviews have worked quite well. I’ve found that it draws people to the web site and thereby increasing readership. Also, book signing works well, due to the fact that it gives me the opportunity to meet and greet readers on a personal level.
What are three things you wish you'd known before you reached where you are now?
One thing is that I wish I had known a long time ago that writing was my purpose.
Secondly, I wish I had taken a Business/Marketing class in school. I believe it would have helped with the marketing of my books.
Finally, I wish I had known what a wonderful world the writing community is. Even though it has been and still is hard work, there are a lot of great people in the writing community.
This month our theme is Mainstream Fiction. Can you give us five mainstream authors you read?I have read books by Walter Mosley, James Baldwin, Margaret Atwood, Robert Kiyosaki, and T. D. Jakes.
Do you have any advice for the aspiring writer?
Just write!
How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)
My mailing address is:
P.O. Box 765
Columbia, Maryland 21045
Websites: www.TheFamilyInTheCar.weebly.com
www.youtube.com/thefamilyinthecar
To order book: www.ebookstand.com/books.grp/BR2191.html