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