1. What inspired you to write this book?
I drew from decades of listening to women’s
stories and from one of my own destructive, negative, and fragile marriages.
This is a work of fiction loosely based on my
life. 'Madness In Memphis' is not a book about me. It is a book for all women
who have experienced and are still experiencing violence in intimate
relationships. I was married to a man diagnosed with bipolar and a severe
personality disorder. My desire to understand these behaviors led me to pursue
a master’s in counseling.
The statistics drove me to write. In Australia,
the United States, and the United Kingdom, one in four women lives in a
domestic violence situation. I believe a nonfiction book filled with statistics
and comprehensive data might be ignored. Fiction, however, forces the reader to
live through the fear. It helps you understand why a woman cannot simply
"just leave" in many instances.
2. What exactly is it about — and who is it written for?
Morgan Sage is a divorced woman, mother of two
to Ollie and Opal, and Dixie, their four-legged, furry family member, and a
stockbroker by trade. She is savvy, bright, successful, sensitive, and
loves her kids more than anything on Earth. She thought bringing a man, a
father figure into the fold of the family, was just what they each needed to be
whole again. She had no idea the man she delivered to her children would be a
monster. Against all odds, she got away, supported by the most amazing people
woven into her life. Her mother, her best mate, her outstanding work colleague,
and her new compassionate and wise attorney see only the best in this woman as
they witness Morgan's fierce struggle to escape her predator. The monster is
not about to let Morgan go. Those people closest to her are shocked and
horrified by the relentless terror the monster concocts. It is the day-to-day
battles that prove to be harrowing. Everyone needs a safe place to next -
getting there is the unknown.
The book is dedicated to the women fleeing
domestic violence, thinking about fleeing, making plans to flee, or shutting
down because they do not know were to start. There is help. Make a plan. Gather
your circle of support together. If you don't have a tribe, visit your closest
community help center. Start there.
3. What do you hope readers will get
out of reading your book?
Has tv or the movies made us believe that
victims are under-educated, non-educated, poor, or working only in entry-level
jobs? Nothing could be further from the truth. Domestic violence does not
discriminate. If a man (or anyone) has their sights set on control and they
have determined their ‘prey’ the individual can be from all walks of
life. Profession does not matter, religion or culture, race or color of
skin, financially fluid or poor as a church mouse, if a male is determined to
control the female in his life, he will go to great lengths to do so. If a
woman is in a higher position, earning more money, powerful in her profession,
this ‘can’ make the deal sweeter - the package more attractive. He may
have to work harder to earn her trust but that would only make his ultimate
goal loftier. I am talking in broad strokes here. A man who must control
will find ways to do it and if his demands are not met or he feels threatened
by the thought of losing the person in whom he has invested time and energy,
‘he’ will begin to feel out of control and lash out, beginning with threats and
moving on to violence.
4. How did you decide on your book’s title and cover design?
Well, that's an easy question! I was
born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee and I have experience living in a
marriage with a husband who was diagnosed with serious mental health
issues.
I wanted the book to have a dark cover to
depict its dark subject matter; the deep black and blue on the cover could be
symbolism for Morgan's bruised body or it could be for the deep, dark waters of
The Mississippi River around midnight.
5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers –
other than run!?
Do I understand your question correctly?
You are asking for words of wisdom from writers - not from women fleeing
domestic violence, right? Apologies. I did have a little chuckle
because there is nothing more daunting than entering the world of
publishing. To All Writers, I say this to you. Writing is a gift.
Writing is therapeutic. Please continue to write. Are you writing only to
please others? Yes, we are excited to see our story come together and,
perhaps, find its way to a publisher but IF YOU are pleased with what you have
written - can you not relish in that joy for a moment? IF you are writing
because you are determined to be the next #1 New York Times' Best Seller - good
for you. I applaud your zeal and determination. Remember though -
there are millions of good books enjoyed by readers which never make it to the
NYT's list. That's okay. I have readers emailing me, sending text
messages, FB messages and this story is resonating with many. I find
satisfaction in that. You will feel naked, exposed, and vulnerable
because putting your book out there is like placing yourself on a platter for
people to immediately judge or put under the microscope. Hang On for the Ride.
Do not doubt yourself but DO ask 'why' do you want to write 'this' story.
What makes 'this' story so important to you? I could not stop writing
until my story 'left my body' and landed on the pages; I simply could not stop.
I want to relive that exact feeling again and again.
6. What trends in the book world do you see -- and where do you think
the book publishing industry is heading?
The book publishing industry has already
transformed before our eyes. Those people slapping together books or self-help
manuals for profit using AI will inundate the market and readers will tire of
repetition and garbage. And, doesn't everyone on the planet think they can
write a children's book? Well, no, they cannot; read some of them
floating around now - sad. Having typed this, I think publishers know - they
are acutely aware - there are some tremendous self-published books and traditional
publishers are not fortune tellers. Traditional publishers are having a
difficult time deciding which book by their most-treasured author will land
them the most money. They Do Not Know. One outstanding book by a
beloved author does not necessarily mean a second will follow. I think the
self-publishing trend is here to stay. I chose Hembury Books, a hybrid
publisher, because there was no way I was going on this crazy ride alone.
I distinctly remember when I was involved with a 'literary speed dating'
experience - being provided mere minutes to sit on screen in front of selected
publishers and a women representing Harper Collins in Australia perked up and
said 'I'm most interested in this story.' Her next question was, 'Where
does the story take place?' I replied, 'Memphis, Tennessee.' She
retorted, 'Well, too bad.' I soon learned this representative only wanted
Australian-based stories. Wrong and, unfortunately, incorrect thinking in
my most humble opinion. Firstly, domestic violence is a societal problem in the
wealthiest countries in the world, some being Australia, the United States, and
the United Kingdom...why wouldn't any publisher be interested in a story that
shared what women escaping abuse experience? WHY? So, what if it's
dark - the more we know about it the more we can do to banish violence whether
the book is written as fiction or non-fiction. Plus, there is not a
reader I know from my professional organizations to private friendships living
in Australia who does not enjoy books where stories are told throughout the
world. Australian readers enjoy a good story no matter its country - its
setting, at least, this is what I hear from my many friends who enjoy a good
book. Do American readers only want to read books set in America? I
genuinely hope not.
7. Were there experiences in your personal life or career that came in handy when writing this book?
My marriage to a man diagnosed with a severe
personality disorder and bi-polar certainly created a world I had never
experienced or been exposed to before in my life. Living under these extreme
circumstances is not something one easily forgets and having the privilege to
sit before other women who described their 'daily dose of abuse' almost as
normally as preparing family meals - made me stop. I am in awe and have deep
respect for the women who found the strength and courage to leave and would not
allow their children to witness cruel and foul behaviors any longer.
There are colleagues of mine who believe domestic violence does not end - until
someone dies - either the perpetrator or the victim. This 'thinking'
cannot be acceptable - ever.
8. How would you describe your writing style? Which writers or books is
your writing similar to?
My writing style is not literary fiction; at
least, not for 'Madness In Memphis' because this book is filled with action and
dialogue and moves along very quickly. If you are looking for that one
perfectly crafted sentence where a precious word has been chosen from the
Oxford or Cambridge Dictionary to be slipped into the most well-suited position
that, once read, makes your heart soar, well, then, this book is not for
you. If you want grit, punch, and a bit of realism and a fast paced story
that will have you keen to know what happens next, please, grab a copy.
Books similar to 'Madness In Memphis'
are:
The Mother by Jane Caro
You Never Know by Connie Briscoe
The Family Doctor by Debra Oswald
9. What challenges did you overcome in the writing of this book?
The challenge of putting myself 'out there'
into the world. It is a daunting process which involves sleepless nights and a
million thoughts of doubt. All okay. I feel like a million dollars for
completing my manuscript and seeing it come to life as a book. I want to do it
again. Will all of the self-doubt disappear? I certainly doubt it
and I am a counsellor. Overcoming fear and believing in yourself is a
beautiful experience.
10. If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should
it
be yours?
It should be 'Madness In Memphis' so they can
get a good grip - a good feel - of what too many females in our world are
experiencing - today. Domestic violence is an important social discourse.
The best part of the book is the undercurrent of care and concern, connection
and love running throughout. You will feel it. I am most certain.
About The Author: Born in Memphis, Tennessee, I am half American and proudly
half-Australian living a rich and diverse life in Kapunda, South Australia. A
former husband (now deceased) was diagnosed with a severe personality
disorder. I know what it is like to live post trauma and to
experience the horror of a stalker, therefore, I set out to understand how
environments and genetics impact our behaviour by studying psychological
science and sociology. In between creating stories, as a recent, mature
graduate of a Master of Counselling, I enjoy helping others on their path
towards self-discovery through therapy. Hope is the ingredient that
sees us all through. I certainly feel well-equipped to write this
story and others surrounding intricate mental health issues and the ‘beauty and
complexities’ of managing life itself. Please see: www.patriciagordonstevens.com
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For
the past three decades, Brian Feinblum has helped thousands of authors. He
formed his own book publicity firm in 2020. Prior to that, for 21 years as the
head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and as the
director of publicity 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.
His
writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s
The Independent (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/whats-needed-to-promote-a-book-successfully). He was recently interviewed by the IBPA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0BhO9m8jbs
He
hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and
has spoken at ASJA, BookCAMP, 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. He served as a judge for the
2024 IBPA Book Awards.
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.
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.
You
can connect with him at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum/ or https://www.facebook.com/brian.feinblum
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