Yolanda Magee

 

Yolanda Magee, was born in Memphis TN, however she considers herself a native of the Carolinas since that is where she lived a number of years. She grew up in a military family and much to her surprise she says she married a soldier. Yolanda, currently resides at Fort Lee, Virginia with her husband and two children. When she is not writing she spends most of her time with her family. Yolandas’ first recollection of her first writing was in the fifth grade, it was a poem. When she turned it into the teacher she was sure she had gotten an A instead she ended up with and F. The poem was so in-depth until everyone was convinced that she had copied the poem out of a book of course she was devastated, but still did not realize that she had anything special. It wasn’t until some years later in the tenth grade when her English teacher Ms. Evans, gave each student the freedom to use the vocabulary words for the week in any form we chose. That was when she began to create poems, music, stories whatever she felt inspired to do......This opened a door for Yolanda, one that hasn't closed from that point on a love and a passion for writing and creating was birthed in her whatever form came to mind whether poems, short stories, plays and even lyrics......... Yolanda has always had a special gift for working with children and has worked as a tutor, mentor and Director of Children Programs in the local church. But Yolanda, feels that each child holds his or her own gift and it is up to us as adults to find and nourish that gift. But it wasn’t until years later that she would embark upon writing her first novel entitled Ida Caught by Grace, This is the first book in the Caught by Grace Series. This series was birthed in order to give teens and young adults something to reach for, to ignite and inspire the dream that they already have inside of them. Other writings Yolanda has written include drama performances for churches and one community Play entitled "Choices". As well as the second book in the "Caught by Grace Series" series entitled, "Clandestine Prayer" which is soon to be released in May. Visit Yolanda online at www.caughtbygracetheseries.com

"Magee gives us a story of love, forgiveness, and self- exploration that focuses on the relationships between women and how anyone can overcome anything with faith, trust, belief and love. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading future books by Yolanda Magee." Review by Tee C. Royal

 

Pageonelit.com: Where did you grow up and was reading and writing a part of your life? Who were your earliest influences and why?

Yolanda Magee: Half of my childhood I grew up in Memphis, TN and the other half in Fayetteville, NC. Writing in some form or another has been a part of my life since I was in the fifth grade. And from that point on, writing has become a very important means by which I chose to express myself sometimes in a song and then at other times in a poem or even a short story.

My earliest influences where do doubt my (Grandmother, i.e.) my foster mother, She was and is one of my biggest influences. She not only instructed me as to right and wrong but she was also a wonderful example for me. In essence she showed me through her life the very character of God. Throughout the years the essence of who she is has remained the same, her fight and her zest for life are still strong. Now at the tender age of 90 she is still going strong. When I need that something extra I often find myself thinking of her.

Pageonelit.com: Why did you write, Ida Caught by Grace?

Yolanda Magee: "Ida Caught by Grace," was written to give hope and inspiration to mothers’, daughters’ and sisters’ to help them realize the importance of our relationships to let them know that where ever they are, there is hope.

 

Pageonelit.com: Tell us about Ida Caught by Grace.

Yolanda Magee: Ida Caught by Grace, is about a young girl named Ida, who faces some pretty tough challenges as she grows up. But her biggest challenge, she is surprised to find is in finding out who she is herself. She is a young girl like many other girls who don’t want to be defined by their family or friends but whose only true intent is to find themselves and their place in the world. Ida, wants to be her own person, she has her own mind, why must she believe in the God of her mother, and sister, doesn’t she have the right to chose? Ida Caught by Grace, tells of a family’s ups and downs, trials and tribulations. Of a young girl who evolves into a young woman who struggles to find balance and meaning in the relationships in her life.

This book focuses on the voice of America as well as the complexity of our relationships, particularly that of women. Empowering us to unveil emotions that entangle and divide us, and dispels the fear and the passion that keeps us searching for someone to trust. Thereby enabling us to forgive and unite as women of destiny.

 

Pageonelit.com:At book signings, what do readers say to you about their interpretations of "Ida Caught by Grace?" What do they like about the book?

Yolanda Magee: The first question they usually ask is, who is Ida? Then next women really compliment me on the cover, they say that they love the colors on the cover of the book. After reading the book they always seem to find that the character Ida reminds them of someone in their own family.

 

Pageonelit.com: What general advice do you have for writers who just completed their first book? What do they do now?

Yolanda Magee: If someone has just completed a manuscript the next thing I would recommend is investing in a couple of good books on the publishing industry. I feel that this will help them understand a little more about the industry, as well as which publishing process is best for them.

Meanwhile, they will need to get their manuscript typed and ready to be submitted to possible publishing companies. It is important to correspond with the publishing companies that you are interested in before submitting material, they will have their own set of guidelines that you will need to follow for the submission process.

Pageonelit.com: Tell me about your publishing experience - is it a difficult process to publish on your own?"

Yolanda Magee: For me publishing has been very rewarding, after all I started reading books on the industry years before I published the first book, so I knew what I was getting into. Publishing can be very rewarding but it also can be the most pain staking thing you will ever do if you do not plan properly and be realistic about your goals. That is why I strongly recommend investing in a couple of good books on the industry.

The publishing process itself is not difficult, however you must remember that publishing your book is only a small part of the business. There are other areas that are as equally as important if not more so, i.e., marketing and advertising, book keeping, promotion, working with distributors, fulfillment etc. The publishing industry is definitely a business and just like any other business you should be prepared to stay for the long haul.

 

Pageonelit.com:Are you working on a follow up? Or something totally different?

Yolanda Magee: The second book in the Caught by Grace Series entitled, "Clandestine Prayer," will be released by Horeb Publications in May 2002. This book picks up where the first book left off, where the adult Ida finds her very own identity and her own passion as she learns to use the things she’s learned to affect her world.

 

Pageonelit.com: What was the last book you read?

Yolanda Magee: The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen R. Covey. I really enjoyed this book, it helped me to better understand different personality traits and how they affect the working environment but most of all how I could better work with other people to come up with a win / win situation for all parties involved.

 

Pageonelit.com: Do you have any hobbies? What are they? How do they enhance your writing?

Yolanda Magee: In my spare time I enjoy running, singing and playing the keyboard. In addition to spending quality time with my family. These all give me a great amount of relaxation and refreshing in a short amount of time which gives me a sense of renewal and I am energize and able to better concentrate on my writing.