GO INSIDE: Who is Gladys Belle Jennings?

Who is Gladys Belle Jennings? If you read Zion’s Road, she was the soft-spoken wife of the Pastor that was simply known as “Misses”. In Zion’s Road I wanted her to remain a mystery; yet still had a compelling role that sheltered Harold and Thomas for the night. Also, this is where the storyline thickens with the misdeeds of the main character’s past and how he has to face them.

Since the novelette is a forty-eight page drama, I didn’t want to give the Pastor and the Misses names, because if I did, I had to delve further into their backgrounds. I wanted to stay true to the storyline with Harold narration. More importantly, this was also an introduction to these secondary-characters for the novel with identities of, George and Gladys Jennings. When you read The Journey of Ruthie Belle (TJRB), you’ll read more in-depth of whom they are, and the vital roles they take part in Zion’s Road.

Gladys is what I called a “sleeper character” – her demure spirit will resonate through the story; yet the voice of reason in this family saga. The oldest daughter of Ruthie Belle and the best friend of Mary Beth Smith (Harold’s mother), Gladys proved living in a dysfunctional family does not and should not define anyone as a person. I hope when you read both stories, that it’ll leave a lasting impression about love and friendship with this character – and see how a beautiful soul never dies.

To read excerpt to The Journey of Ruthie Belle http://www.imaniwisdom.com/Ruthie_Belle_Excerpt.html

GO INSIDE: Who is Harold Smith?

Who is Harold Smith? He’s what I called, the non-perfect character to be the perfect character. Seven years ago as I was writing this novelette, I knew I wanted an emotionally flawed person to tell a socio-forbidden love story. I wanted to convey a point-of-view that goes into an individual prejudice mind. The what’s, how’s, and why’s, were so important for this character of Zion’s Road – what racism can do to the innocent? How a child’s negative environment can be detrimental to their growing psyche? And, why is it so easy to hate people that don’t look like you, worship like you, or carry political beliefs like you? Harold Smith is the epitome of all of these questions; yet that is why he’s the perfect character to tell this story.

I’ve been told by a few readers that Zion’s Road was difficult to read because of the racial epithets. Remember, he was a former Mississippian Klansman. What he had been taught as a child, and the environment he had been a part of, was all he knew. I’m not saying his beliefs were right, or excusing his misdeeds of his past; I’m saying question the messenger who planted that seed.

Harold will be hated by most readers – what person would not be if someone express their views as to why others races are second-class citizens. However, as you read into this story, I hope you will leave from it – not feeling sorry for racists, bigots, homophobics, or the like – but to tell yourself that the cycle will never stop unless a courageous heart breaks free from their ignorance.

To read an excerpt to this powerful novelette, visit my website: www.imanwisdom.com

Character Interview: Thomas

What is Zion’s Road?

Uhm, what is it? It’s an indescribable place that’s difficult to put into words. It can be seen to the naked eye, but unknown by many. Desperate souls would seek it, while others question its mere existence. Detailing this place is a disservice to the reader. Perhaps, hearing it from someone who’s already there can answer this simple question.

Me:        Readers want to know, what is Zion’s Road?

Thomas: I’ve been here for a long time, and anyone here cannot tell you exactly what Zion’s

Road really is. What I can say is this place isn’t different from where you are. Here, the sky is blue, the river has its streams; the grass is green; the breeze blows to whatever direction, and the people, here, are just…people. My home really is no different from yours, except…

Me:          Except, what?

Thomas:  Except, these people, here, have seen things you would not want to see. They walked

                their paths and understood a lot of truths that were painful to some, but eye-opening to

                others. But, Miss Imani, I’m already telling too much as it is. If your readers want to

                know what my home is, they have to found out their selves – and hopefully that won’t

                be anytime soon.

Me:         I understand, Thomas. So, I have another question. As a seven-year-old, tell me about

               your young life?

Thomas:  I’ve never been asked that before. Well, let’s see, I’m not

                an ordinary seven-year-old. I have duties like anyone who’ve traveled down Zion’s

                Road, like, becoming one’s guide to new arrivals…

Me:         New arrivals? Explain to the readers, what are new arrivals.

Thomas:  Oh, okay. New arrivals are first-timers on Zion’s Road who must experience their

journeys before moving further…uh oh…wait a minute…I can’t tell you this part this    part, either. It’s forbidden.

Me:          Not even about the new arrivals?

Thomas:   Nope – not even about them either. They’re the bind that keeps Zion’s Road alive.

Me:          Really??? Well, okay. So tell me this – what do you love most about Zion’s Road and       what you don’t like about it?

Thomas:  Honestly, Zion’s Road is not my home. I only come here for assignments and to visit

                my friends and family. My actual home is in the Promised Land. That’s where the

                new arrivals go when they complete their journey. As for what I not like about it, it has

            its moments. But, still, its home to many.

Me:      You have family in the Promised Land and Zion’s Road? So why are you not living with the family who are on Zion’s Road?

Thomas: Some who choose to live on this road, do it because they’re destine to do so. If it’s not

  meant for them to be on this path, then it’s not meant to be. This place isn’t

  different from where you are. There are choices and they are consequences. Just because

  you crossed into the Promised Land does not protect you from the choices you make.

  Most of my family who choose to stay in the Promised Land do it because Zion’s Road

  is not for them. And, besides, this place is more than meets the eye.

Me:        Really? This place seems to be paradise. What am I missing?

Thomas: Well, I’m really not suppose to tell because it’s forbidden…but I’ll share something

              with your readers. Look, things aren’t the way it seems – it never, ever does. Your eyes

              can play tricks on you – and if a new arrival isn’t careful – they could end up like

              one of my family members: trapped in two worlds. And that’s all I will say, Miss Imani.

Me:        You make it sound like this place is scary more than its tranquility.

Thomas: Nah! It’s not scary – it just place that’ll give you a “good whooping” when you need it.

Me:        All right, one more question. Without given too many details, what was your journey

              like?

Thomas:  I never had been on one.

Me:         Never? Why is that?

Thomas:  Now, Miss Imani, if I tell you it’ll ruin it for your readers. They have to wait until    The Journey of Ruthie Belle comes out. All the questions they’ve been wondering will be answered, plus more.

Me:         Well, I guess you’re right. The novel will explain everything.

Thomas;  That’s right! Now to change the subject - would you care to join me for chess pie? It’s

                 not far from here.

Me:          Sure, but I’m a trying to watch my weight.

Thomas:  You sound like the new arrivals. Your kind worries too much and don’t know how to

                live. Come on…this place is right over this hill. And I also want you to meet a special

                person. She could better explain everything you want to know.

TO BE CONTINUED…

Character Interview: Harold Smith

I’m Imani Wisdom, the new author of the Inspirational book, Zion’s Road: A Love Story about Faith and Redemption. This story takes you from Tulla Springs, Mississippi to a place of the unknown as former Klansman, Harold Smith, goes on an adventure with an unlikely traveler to delve into his past and finds a shattering reality. Left to wonder that everything he knew in his life contradicts these revelations, how will this new discovery affect Harold’s pursuit to redemption? Will the heartfelt pain be too unbearable to complete his journey? 

As it just so happened in 2006 I took the liberty to interview Harold Smith before the unexpected turn of events. Although his life in the KKK had been long gone, he still carried those beliefs of racism. When I arrived at his home on the outskirts of Tulla Springs, Mississippi, I noticed how immaculate he kept his yard—a perfect green lawn with a colorful array of tulips and roses that lined in front of his two-story white house.  

As I walked toward the yard, I saw Mr. Smith sitting in an oak rocking-chair, swaying back and forth with a cigar perched on the side of his mouth. The stare he presented as I extended my hand for a formal introduction sent chills down my spine—I could tell he wasn’t very pleased to see me.

Mr. Smith’s eyes followed me with a chilling stare. I sat on a nearby porch chair observing the wrinkles on his face that spoke of eight-two years of wear and tear. Feeling intimidation was an understatement yet I did not waver at his expense.

Me:  Good afternoon, Mr. Smith. The main thing I would like to know is looking back on your life, do you have any regrets?

Smith: Gal, I ain’t got no regrets! My life was perfect. Besides growing up with the name “Smith” in this town spells clout! No one wouldn’t dare mess with us—especially the Coloreds. Why I remembered back in 1937 when my Granddaddy died—God rest his soul—the town stopped during his funeral. There were no stores, bars, and schools opened for miles. So that goes to show you, gal, that “Smith” is the name you don’t want to mess with.

Me:  But sir, you didn’t answer my question. Do you have any regrets during the eight-two years of your life?

Smith: (billowing his cigar smoke) Gal, I told you I ain’t got no regrets. My life was like Heaven—so much so that Jesus could pat me on the back saying, ‘job well done’.

Me:  Let me phrase this question another way, if you went back through your life as a young man and discovered everything you went through in that life was a lie. How would you feel?

Smith:  Gal, what are you insinuating?

Me: I’m not insinuating anything, Mr. Smith. I’m just asking a simple question.

Smith: And what question is that again?

Me: (releasing a frustrating sigh) You know what, I’m going to ask you another question—and it’s a very easy one. Mr. Smith, everyone has some sort of skeletons in their closest, so do you mind if you share at least one of them?

Smith: You know what sound like, gal—a liberal!

Me:      What does that has to do with anything?

Smith:  Everything, gal…everything! You’re a Colored, a woman, and you’re uppity—all that makes you a damn liberal!

Me:     *Blank Stare*

Smith:  (puffing his cigar) Don’t give me that look, gal, you know it’s true. But I tell you what, since you drove a long distance to do this interview, I’ll answer your question.

Me:     Finally!

Smith:  I regret…that…I’ve ever done this damn interview (burst into laughter).

Me:     You know what, Mr. Smith, this interview is officially over. Your personality is enough for a post anyway. You’re mean-spirited, uncouth, and a bigoted man—that should be plenty for readers to get familiar with an old bitter man like you! And furthermore, whatever skeletons you have buried in your closet, it’ll be worth to read.

Smith: *Blank Stare*

Me:     Have a nice life, Mr. Smith.

To know more about this character, go to Amazon.com to buy your copy of this narrative. You may also visit my website, http://www.imaniwisdom.com/, as well as “liking” my facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/imaniwisdom, or follow me on twitter, www.twitter.com/imani_wisdom. 

WRITING MY DREAMS: Official Blog of Author C. Michelle Ramsey: Zion's Road

WRITING MY DREAMS: Official Blog of Author C. Michelle Ramsey: Zion's Road: indaindex.com   Based in Tullah Springs, Mississippi, "Zion's Road" is a short story that takes on the controversial topic...

Let the Journey Begin...

Seven years ago, I've taken a childhood daydream and turned it into one of my most-loved stories – Zion’s Road.

The vision of tabooed-romances while living in a place of the unknown and unseen captivated me as a young girl. The story was so strong in my head that I used to stare-up at the clouds – visualizing who or what was up there. God? Angels? Or maybe one my relatives were resting on a cloud as they were smiling down to me. Still, the relief of looking to the sky – painted in its glory only the Supreme Being could do – brought forth a vivid imagination.

As a kid I didn't quite know how to transfer my thoughts to paper – I pretty much acted out anything I've imagined. Creatively, I used to play with my grandmother’s what-knots in her living room – pretending her treasured trinkets were actors and my daydreams were the movie. I would play for hours until I would hear her say, “Child, if you don’t get out of my what-knots or I’ll…”

Once she connected her sentences with - or, I’ll - that was enough for me to scattered from her living room – but I found another escape to act on my imagination: the bathroom. Again, I played with any inanimate object that became my cast of characters. So while I paused from her trinkets, I made Listerine and Johnson and Johnson’s Baby Powder my new leads.

*Sigh* Yeah, I know, I was a strange and bizarre kid. At least I was showcasing my storytelling abilities – even if they were with non-movable objects.

My awkwardness thrived into a passion. After I understood the power of words and what it could do for healing and entertaining, I went to my computer and began to write my first story by simply typing the first sentence, at eighty-two I lived a long life.

If you've guest Zion’s Road was the first short story I've ever written – you’re right! This story - which had taken three days to write - will have its prequel releasing this summer as a full-length novel with new characters, as well as returning favorites, except Jeremiah Johnson. Remember, if you've read the novelette, Jeremiah will not exist in Zion’s Road until 2006. This novel will take place in 1993 – about twelve or thirteen years before Harold Smith’s unexpected turn of events.

The story-line between Zion’s Road and TJRB are similar but also not-so similar. Both have journeys of healing and redemption, but for the leading character in the novel, her journey will fall into two worlds. She will be trapped with confusion and feared of the unknown. Yet the lingering question throughout the plot – will her truths shattered any chance of redemption? Or whatever past she had hidden, will it stop her cold in her tracks?

This week I will reveal the book cover, title, and a short synopsis of the novel. If you've read my previous work, you will see I have went out of my bounds. Forget stepping out of the box, I’d kicked it over a long time ago. Also, you won’t see pink anywhere on the cover – except the Pink Noire logo. The tagline from my website: Wickedly Sweet, Definitely Unpredictable will resonate all through the pages. With that said, my character has a sweet side but lived an unpredictable life.

So look for the post this Friday, March 8, 2013 on your favorite social media. I’m all over the internet, so you can’t miss me.

Catch you later, gorgeous ones!