Interview with Author Eartha Gatlin

 

1. What inspired you to write this book? I was inspired to write this book as the final installment to my Bria Twon series. You see, I have written two prior books, The Chronicles of Bria Twon and Hey You, What about me Bria Twon?, I aimed to showcase Bria's transparency, imperfections, and her journey towards confidence and self-acceptance, inspiring other women to embrace their flaws and understand their worthiness and lovability despite imperfections.   

2. What exactly is it about and who is it written for? Who Told You Family Was Perfect, Bria Twon? unveils the evolved and unapologetic life of 60-year-old Bria. Joined by her vibrant girlfriends on a transformative trip to South Africa, Bria's world is shaken by an unforeseen pandemic. As humor intertwines with realism, Bria, her adult children, and her imperfectly perfect family navigate the roller coaster of emotional highs and lows. With intimate glimpses into their lives, readers will witness the resilience of a family facing the unexpected. From secrets emerging to age-old sayings tested, this tale explores the enduring bonds that define family. Get ready for a riveting journey as Bria's family confronts challenges that resonate with the heart, leaving readers captivated page after page.  

3. What do you hope readers will get out of reading your book? I aim for readers to find my books relevant and relatable, offering a lighthearted perspective on life. I hope to leave them with the message that while some of what we go through is happenstance, some is of our own making, and we always have the choice to stay put or change our circumstances. My hope is that readers find inspiration to discover what works for them and take action whether through experiencing others’ stories in my books or movies (lol).  

4. How did you decide on your book’s title and cover design? So, I chose the title and cover design for my book based on the theme of my previous works. A lady wearing a hat symbolizes regal-ness which aligns with the message I wanted to convey to my readers. The title reflects the themes explored within the book.  

5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers – other than run!? My advice to fellow writers echoes what I share with anyone pursuing dreams or goals, don't just talk about it, be about it, meaning, take action. If there's a story you want to write, start writing. You have to begin somewhere and before you know it, your vision will become a reality, it's as simple as that.  

6. What trends in the book world do you see -- and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading?  In the book world, two key trends stand out in my opinion, there’s still an enduring popularity of books and the demand for relatable stories that evoke emotions and leave a lasting impact. I believe this is what readers want versus lengthy novels. I don’t believe the latter is as essential as creating stories that are sustainable and memorable. Additionally, with shorter attention spans, likely influenced by the pandemic, there's a growing interest in audio books as an alternative format for readers.  

7. Were there experiences in your personal life or career that came in handy when writing this book?  Absolutely, my personal experiences have been invaluable when writing this book. While my writings are loosely based on my life experiences, I do embellish on purpose for entertainment. Real life experiences often provide material that's relatable and engaging for readers making for entertaining and meaningful storytelling.  

8. How would you describe your writing style? Which writers or books is your writing similar to? I would describe my writing style as similar to authors like Terry McMillan and other fiction writers. My stories focus on ordinary women navigating funny, inspirational, and thought-provoking experiences in a relatable and educational manner keeping the narratives grounded in reality.  

9. What challenges did you overcome in the writing of this book? In writing this book I overcame challenges related to building my self-worth and belief in my abilities. I’ve learned firsthand that it's never too late to start or pivot. Writing and mental therapy helped me overcome insecurities, emphasizing the importance of self-care as journaling has always been therapeutic. I hope my journey inspires others to pursue their goals, knowing they are achievable regardless of the obstacles. 

10. If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should it be yours? People should consider reading my book because it comes from someone relatable not a famous figure. Readers can see themselves in my story and realize that achieving goals is possible even without being in the limelight. My aim is to show that success comes in many forms and anyone can serve as an example for others, offering hope and inspiration through their journey. 

About The Author:  Born and raised in Rockford Illinois, Eartha Gatlin is the talented author behind two captivating books, The Chronicles of Bria Twon and Hey You, What About Me Bria Twon? notably her latest work, Who Told You Family is Perfect, Bria Twon? the third installment in the Bria Twon series, marks Eartha’s continued exploration of fiction. As a leader and mentor, Eartha crafts relatable situational woman's fiction with the aim of inspiring women to embrace their best selves. Through her writing, she humorously engages readers, inviting them to see aspects of themselves through the lens of her compelling characters. Beyond her role as an author, Eartha is the proud owner of Ahtrae Publishing, LLC where she has successfully self-published five books, including notable works like Conflict of Intere$t and No Hope by author Tyress Cunningham. Currently residing in the dynamic DFW Metroplex, Eartha Gatlin continues to contribute her unique voice and perspective to the literary world. Stay connected with Eartha Gatlin on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Threads at Author_Eartha Gatlin. Please this for more information:  https://www.therealearthagatlin.com

 

Need PR Help?

Brian Feinblum, the founder of this award-winning blog, with 3.6 million page views, can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com  He is available to help authors promote their story, sell their book, and grow their brand. He has over 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres. Let him be your advocate, teacher, and motivator!

 

About Brian Feinblum

Brian Feinblum should be followed on www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog ©2024. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog. His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent.  This award-winning blog has generated over 3.8 million pageviews. With 4,900+ posts over the past dozen years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.” For the past three decades, including 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and director of publicity positions at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler. He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, Morgan James Publishing, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.