Published:

Kenda Bell Releases New Novel "For Every Love..."

By Michael J. Burt

Kenda Bell!

Novelist Kenda Bell, a native of Baltimore, MD, will release her new novel "For Every Love There Is A Reason" on Valentine's Day 2007 (February 14, 2007, Xpress Yourself Publishing). Bell is extremely excited to be a member of a traditional publishing house. Her first book entitled "My Soul Craves A Touch," was self-published due to numerous rejection letters that unfortunately 90% aspiring writers face. Despite of the frustrations that come along with self -publishing Bell still pressed on and landed a deal with Xpress Yourself Publishing, to publish her newest title.

Bell is an enthusiastic and dedicated writer that only wants to intrigue her readers, so readers can expect a thought-provoking sophomore effort from Bell.

The back of "For Every Love There Is A Reason" reads "For Every Love There Is A Reason takes the reader into a multi-layered tale of choices and consequences of thirty-something best friends, Keilah and Norelle, who slip and slide with laughter and tears through their own mistakes, as they try to make sense of love on their own terms."

I had privilege to ask Kenda Bell some questions about her life and about her new book "For Every Love There Is A Reason." Let me introduce you to Ms. Kenda Bell...

MJB: Many writers have alter egos that they use when they write. Do you have an alter ego? Who is Kenda Bell the author? The person? Are they the same?

KB: You are starting off with a really deep question. (Smile) I wouldn't say I have an alter ego as an author. All the characters that I write about are all extensions of each and every one of us, the good, the bad, and all that quirky stuff in between that makes all of us human. I will also say that with creating and developing my characters, I was able to explore ideas and thoughts that I have not been at liberty to explore so maybe I do have an alter ego floating along the pages as I think about it now.

MJB: Describe your journey to becoming an author? Were you ever rejected in the past by publishers or agents? If so, was it an extensive amount of times? How did you keep pressing on?

KB: My first book, My Soul Craves a Touch, was self-published due to a lot of rejections from both traditional and smaller independent publishing houses. Neither entities were feeling a non-fiction spiritual book from an unknown; if I wasn't Juanita Bynum, all they were looking for was hip-hop lit or erotica. So I saved my dollars and self published. It was a lonesome and hard walked path that involved horrible editors, over priced POD companies and little love for self-pub authors. I made a small wave and learned a lot. Those connections I made are valuable nonetheless and will help me as I set out with "For Every Love There Is A Reason". I just kept reassuring myself that an opportunity would present itself so I had to be prepared…so I kept writing. This go around I have a great publisher who has knowledge, an excellent editing pen and gives a lot of support.

MJB: Most books now have very raw and provocative characters. Who inspires these characters? Do they have characteristics that you have?

KB: "For Every Love There Is A Reason" is everyone's story. The novel deals with the undeniable humanity that is in all of us. There are no clearly defined villains and victims in "For Every Love There Is A Reason". Each character is flawed in their own way, some may be more severely afflicted then others but you can still see the humanity. All the actions that each character takes are motivated by love. Love of self, love of a friend, love of a mate, love of a child, lack of love and all the other aspects that encompass this intangible emotion all humans crave and exercise to some capacity each and everyday.

Two characters in particular, Norelle and Alisha, I purposely positioned in similar situations but with different variables. Their courses of actions are understandable to some while unforgivable to most, all based upon each characters indirect connection to one another. I can't wait for the feedback on these two ladies.

Keilah was built upon so many aspects of a thirty something woman. She is confident yet at times uncertain, determined but not quite on the right course, wounded but resilient, quirky yet sincere and most importantly reluctantly vulnerable. Keilah is the type of woman that all women regardless of age or race could identify with. In the sequel, the readers will see her growth.

The men in the book are pivotal to the story line. I especially give one particular male character dialogue on a sensitive subject matter that is not openly discussed from a man's point of view. I hope that male readers will appreciate having their say, so to speak.

MJB: Who are some of Kenda Bell's favorite writers?

KB: I like Octavia Butler; she gave me a whole new appreciation for sci-fi. She will be missed. J. California Cooper is another one; she has such artistry with words. Alice Walker and Toni Morrison are without a doubt my idols in terms of writing style. Alice Walker can mentally paint a mood while Toni Morrison can take a simple task of peeling an orange, put it on paper and make it central to the meaning of the whole passage with such depth. I hope to mature to these ladies level as I work on my craft.

MJB: What are some of Kenda Bell's favorite books?

KB: Kindred and Wild Seed by Octavia Butler. She was a bad sister, she dealt with racism and sexism in a sci-fi thrillers and it worked. Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison, the layers upon layers of story lines was phenomenal to me. The Temple of My Familiar by Alice Walker; how love was defined and redefined over and over again with in the same characters at different points of time and space was pure artistry. And last but not least The Street by Ann Petry. This book gave me the flip side of Native Son and I dare say it was the first book to deal with urban life from a single mother's point of view.

MJB: What inspires you to write? Is it the love for written expression or the paycheck at the end of the day? (I must ask)

KB: Expression!!! I love being the scribe for the varied emotions and thoughts of people. That does not negate that I would love to be compensated; I still have to live. Being a starving artist isn't a good look.

MJB: How did Kenda Bell become who she is today?

KB: I was raised an only child in Baltimore, MD. I come from what I considered a working class family structure, we weren't living "Good Times" but we were far from "The Cosby Show". I still had to use the pliers to change the TV when the knob came off but I never came home to no food or electricity. I always wrote from a young age due to my stuttering. Writing became the clearest way to express myself. Stuttering was torturous to an extravert such as myself. As with most artist types, I bounced through countless courses of study and vocations. I still work a 9-5 and don't shun it. While it doesn't feed the creative aspects of who I am, it is a place where I can earn an honest living amongst an awesome group of people, feed my belly, and keep the lights on. Humility is something I keep with me every day I am blessed with. As a single mother, I have endured worst circumstances than where I am presently and know the value of the simple things. Having a warm coat on my back or being able to purchase a new pair of sneakers for my son is a luxury to so many. I take nothing for granted.

MJB: What is next for Kenda Bell?

KB: Promotion, promotion, promotion! Aside from that, I am working on a non-fiction version of "For Every Love There Is A Reason" where readers can express their own reasons for love; whether good or bad then I will tie up the loose ends of "For Every Love There Is A Reason" in a sequel. Depending on the response, I may begin working on a script for "For Ever Love There Is A Reason". I will let the readers tell me if they would like to see it on stage and/or screen.

Kenda Bell currently resides in Baltimore, MD with her son and works a regular 9-5 as well as being a dedicated novelist. For more information on Kenda Bell, please visit her online at www.myspace.com/foreverylove!