She Nell is an author, blogger, and reader, always searching for a great read that draws you in but does not draw you away from the Christian Lifestyle. As a believer, she is mindful of the atmosphere she creates for herself and the messages that she entertains. She admits she is mindful, not perfect. She Nell does have secular music and reading in her diet, however; she chooses to feast on Christian reading and music daily.
In a quest for edification and entertainment, she learned about the Christian Fiction Genre. It was in the pages of these books that she found the drama that not only satisfied the hunger for a juicy story but also filled her desire for spiritual truth. In the summer of 2017, she began a blog Shenellinc.com, where she reviewed Christian Fiction and interviewed Christian authors and readers. In the fall of 2017, she signed to Anointed Inspirations Publishing, and her debut book A Good Thing was released in October 2017.
She Nell is the author of The A Good Thing Series (A Good Thing, A Good Thing2 If I Be Lifted, A Good Thing 3 Vengeance is Mine), Joyful Noise: The Hot Mess Choir, The Devil Thought He Had Me, Her Pleasure His Principles, Ramsey’s bed is Never Cold, a contributor to the anthology #Blacklove Magic and a co-author of Man of My Nightmares. In 2020 she published her latest best seller Walking Crooked with Christ and became the CEO of Light and Salt Press LLC. Her blog Shenellinc.com is a go-to resource for writers and readers of Christian Fiction. She holds several nominations and awards. In 2021 she was awarded the Endie Fiya Radio Show Author of the Year and the Best Interview awards.
1) First, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me! When did you know that writing is what you were called to do? What is it about being a writer that you love the most? What about being a writer frustrates you the most?
I knew that I wanted to be a writer in high school. A group of friends read my work and I was encouraged by there love for the story. More than anything, I love readers and engaging with readers. It can be frustrating to have so many ideas and not enough time to just write and read.
2) Can you tell us a little about your book(s) and where our readers can find out more about them and you?
I write African American Christian Fiction. My goal as a writer is to entertain the reader with a great story but also edify the reader and give hem hope.
3) Where do you draw your inspiration from for the stories that you manage to weave together and the characters that you create?
I am an avid people watcher. I also have been known to wander for no reason. Basically, I am the weird person in the mall sipping Starbucks and meandering for hours lol.
4) Do you have a schedule for when you write? Do you outline your novels? How long does it generally take you to finish a novel? What projects are you currently working on?
Do I have a schedule Ha! Yes and No ideally, I like to write at night #team no sleep, however I find that I can sneak writing in whenever there is a free minute. I do use an outline and depending on the project I range from as short as a weekend to three months. Currently I am working on a short story series Living a Blessed Lie.
5) What’s the first book you ever read that really moved you emotionally? Who is your favorite author to read? What book are you currently reading?
Vanessa Miller’s Rain series was the first book I read in my genre. I am a big fan of her work and E.N.Joy. Currently I am reading Behind closed doors by Lakisha Johnson.
6) What has been your most significant achievement as a writer thus far? Where do you see yourself within your career in the next five years?
Honestly being published is a great achievement and having people read your work. In five years I hope to be a full time author.
7) How have you dealt with rejection within your writing career? What is your advice for other writers to better be able to cope or navigate their way through the publishing process, be it traditional or self-publishing?
At first honestly not very well, lol. There was a bunch of crying and cookies involved. Now I have come to understand two important things: 1) Your book is not for everyone, so some people may not like it and that is okay. 2) Be open to comments and criticism. You can not grow if you don’t know.
8) Do you find it hard to juggle the creative side of being a writer against the business side of being a writer, in terms of marketing and promotion and things of that nature? How hard has it been (or easy) for you to build up your author platform?
Yes, yes, did I say YES! It is hard to do both, but it is one of those things that MUST be done. I find that if you become comfortable with being yourself building your platform becomes easier.
9) So many writers say that they hate reading their own work. Do you ever enjoy reading your own work back to yourself after it’s out there for the rest of the world?
I can be super critical of my work so, I usually don’t reread it unless I am doing a reading for an event.
10) Do you believe that there is ever a point in life where it’s too late for an aspiring writer to become successful in this industry? Do you feel a late start would hinder their chances?
If you have breath in your body, it is not too late. What hinders the chance of success is not jumping in with both feet. If being an author is your dream – JUST DO IT!
11) I feel like writing is a remarkable tool to help people not only express themselves, but also to cope emotionally and mentally. I know for me I write to be and feel more authentic. What unique quality is there about you, about your art, that you feel represents your authenticity? How does writing help you to be more empowered in your purpose?
I like people and having fun with a close group although I am an introvert. Writing helps me connect with people and have fun! I can be me within my characters and with my readers.
Links to find She Nell on:
Walking Crooked with Christ
Website / Blog
Email / Newsletter
https://mailchi.mp/3721bd5cca5a/shenellsinnercircle
Write 2 Be Magazine 
Great interview. Congratulations.