Rambling with Angelia Menchan

Hello Angelia how are you!

1. Tell us, what led you to write Re-Rambled?

The stories running through my head and all the things I have seen and experienced...

2. What genre is it?

I write fiction, non-fiction and young adult fiction

3. What is Re-Rambled about?

My most recent non-fiction title is Re-Rambled: Food and Thought and that is about the experiences I have had that can potentially help others. Mrs. Black? Is my most recent fiction title and it is about a woman who loves two men and has for years making a spiritual choice for her life and future.

4. Are any of the characters you or someone you know?

I plead the fifth. :}

5. Introduce us to your characters and what do you like most about them?

Cinnamon Brown-Black the woman with everything, including a cheating husband and a lover...

Malcolm Black, community minded millionaire who loves nothing more than his best friends wife, Cinnamon and will do anything to be with her, anything.

William Brown, a man who loves his wife but cannot remain faithful and has ‘allowed’ his wife to be close to his best friend, too close.

6. You have another book coming out also, let’s chat about that

Mother Wit is an anthology I am doing with Dera Williams, it is chock full of timely stories about mothers and daughters and their impacts on each other lives.

7. What were the easiest and the hardest parts to write?

Writing is like breathing to me, however, it is sometimes hard to be a out-there as I would like to be, there is still a bit of holding back in my writing, but I am working on it.

8. Has writing given you any AHHH HAAA moments?

Writing has given me many AH Ha moments, to be sure.

9. Has a fan, ever realized a point in your book, that you failed to realize?

Probably, though I can’t recall ever being told that, most of my ‘fans’ simply want me to write, write, write and then talk about it...they are THE BEST...

10. Has your journey been what you expected?

Much more...
11. How many books have you written?

Nine and a half

12. Not calling any of your babies ugly, but which was your favorite?

Mrs. Black? but my first, very flawed book Black’s Obsession is a very close second.

13. As a writer, what has been your epiphany?

That I can own myself and write as I feel, that is huge.

14. Have you ever written anything that left a bad taste in your mouth?

Yes and no, when I first wrote a straight up sexy book, Cinnamon’s Universe, a couple of people tried to make me feel some kind of way about it, but after much prayer, I was good...the bad taste is so gone.

15. What else do you have brewing?

Oh so many things, I have a cache of hundreds of short stories, dying to be novels and I will write one of the Rambling books at least once yearly.

16. Who are some of your favorite authors?

James Baldwin, Pearl Cleage, Colin Channer, Nikki Giovanni, there are so many, but those are at the top of my list.

17. Why do you write?

It brings me joy and it is a God given gift.

18. What makes your book stand out and entice a reader pick it up?

The eye on Mrs. Black seems to do it and on Re-Rambled, the table with computer, coffee and plants scream Me.



19. Where do you get ideas? Where you receive motivation?

My ideas come from living and a very active mind and imagination, I am very self-motivated, very.

20. What do you do while writing? Music etc?

I listen to music, always. Anthony Hamilton has sang in my ear through many a book.
21. When you finished writing How do you celebrate?

I usually read it several times through...with a glass of cabernet...then move on.

22. Which of your books was the most difficult to write?

Probably Schae’s Story, I was burned out when I took that one.

23. Which of your books has bought the most responses from readers?
Cinnamon’s Universe and Ramblings. However, Mrs. Black has sold best.

24. Do you read you?

Most definitely I read every day, purchase over 100 books a year

25. Thus far what has been your greatest reward?

Knowing, that I can do this, just me.

26. What are a few things you’ve done to promote your work?

Online promotions, radio interviews, festivals...books signings galore.

27. Who are your mentors?

The Vernon women, were, my mom and aunts.

28. What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

To always work smart and not hard and to continue to pursue your dream and improve your craft, no one can believe in you more than you can...

29. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Retired and writing two books a year and publishing at least one book a year for other authors.

30. What do you want people to know about you?

That I am who I say I am...period.

31. What are your future plans? Any new books? Upcoming book signings? Other literary events

Re-Rambled is going on tour. I have several blog tours coming up and will be one of the featured authors at the RAW Affair in October.

32.If you could have been a co-author, with any writer living or dead who would it be?

James Baldwin, definitely.

32. What has been your greatest challenge?

Allowing myself to just let go and write...too critical of my own work.

33. What do you do for fun?
I work hard and play hard, my man and I travel a lot and we love music fests and our family.



HOT SEAT

**Other than the Bible

1. One book that changed your life:

The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley, read it first at age 12 and went, Wo!

2. One book that you've read more than once:
Just Above My Head by James Baldwin

3. One book you'd want on a deserted island
My own book Re-Rambled, I advise myself.

4. One book that made you laugh:
Just read one that was sad but the narrator voice was at times so funny, A Quiet Storm by Hazel Hall.

5. One book that made you cry:
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Bettye Smith, I first read it as a young woman and it still brings tears to my eyes.

6. One book that you wish had been written:
She’s Gone by Kwame Dawes...the language so appeals to me.

7. One book you loved to hate

8. One book that you are currently reading:

A Taste of Honey by Jabari Asim

9. One book that you've been meaning to read:
Song Yet Sung by James McBride

10. One book you've been meaning to finish:
Paradise by Toni Morrison, have been trying for years.

11. One guilty pleasure:
I LOOOOOOOOOOOOVE coffee, black with lots of sugar!

12. What’s your theme song?
I Am Every Woman by Chaka Khan

Book and Contact information?
www.angeliamenchan.com

Email: acvermen@yahoo.com