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
