Inyang Telfair is a wife, mom, daughter, sister, ministry leader, Murray State University Alumnus, small business owner, poet and Detroit native who like her name can roar like a lion or be as quiet as a river.

She conquered her dream of becoming a published author. A current Kentuckian with family, who loves to read, travel, dance, watch movies and game nights with loved ones.

She believes to write, is to be free…

 

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?

Thank you so much for having me! I knew that writing was my calling at a young age. I started writing as a way to cope with the bullying and trauma I experienced growing up. Writing became a safe space for me, where I could express what I was feeling without fear of judgment. I love that writing allows me to connect with others, to share stories that resonate with people, and to help heal both myself and others. What frustrates me, though, is the pressure of perfection—sometimes I can get caught up in making everything sound just right, which can make the process feel slower than I’d like.

2) Can you tell us a little about your book(s) and where our readers can find out more about them and you? 

My debut book, White Girl, Black Soul, is a story that explores identity, interracial relationships, and the complexities of family dynamics. It follows the Jenkins family, who live in my hometown of Detroit, MI. The title is a play on how appearances don’t always reflect someone’s true soul, and how people are often misunderstood based on their looks. I want readers, especially young adults, to learn that love transcends the outer appearance, and to recognize that it’s never too late to change your life. You can find White Girl, Black Soul on Amazon.com, both as an e-book and paperback, and on BarnesandNoble.com as a paperback only, and feel free to visit my social media pages, (FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Mind-Your-Soul-105479515562587, INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mindyoursoul22/, TWITTER: https://twitter.com/mindyoursoul22, YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@Mind-Your-Soul/ ), and my website: www.mindyoursoul.me,  for updates on book signings and other events.

3) What projects are you currently working on?

Right now, I’m focused on a few things. I’m working on my next novel, and I’ve also been brainstorming new ways to engage with my readers through workshops and speaking events. There’s always something new in the works, but I want to ensure that I’m putting out meaningful work, especially after the success of White Girl, Black Soul.

4) 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?

My most significant achievement so far has been publishing my debut novel. After years of believing that it might never happen, I’m proud to have reached that milestone. In five years, I see myself as a more established author with multiple published works. I also hope to expand my platform and reach even more people who can benefit from the themes in my stories.

5) How have you dealt with rejection within your writing career?

Rejection is tough, but I’ve learned to take it in stride. Early on, I let rejection affect me deeply, but over time, I’ve realized that it’s part of my journey, for every time I hear a No, it gives me more opportunity to experience my Yes! Because rejection doesn’t define me as a writer, I’ve learned to use it as fuel to keep improving daily and challenge myself to be a better writer than I was yesterday!

6) 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?

I don’t have a strict writing schedule, but I write whenever inspiration strikes. Sometimes, I’ll write in the evenings after our daughter is in bed, and other times, I might write during the weekend or even early mornings during the week. I don’t necessarily outline my novels in a traditional sense; with my debut novel I wrote the end first. Once I knew how I wanted my novel to end, it helped me write the beginning and middle. When I discovered who I wanted my characters to be, I completed a characterization summary, flushing out the personality, demographics, and back story of each character, this helped me to make their sections in my story more vivid and relatable. A novel typically takes me a year or two to finish, depending on how much life gets in the way!

7) 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?

I don’t believe it’s ever too late for someone to become a successful writer. My journey has been full of delays, and I know that life’s circumstances can change when you least expect it. A late start might present challenges, but it can also provide a deeper level of wisdom and experience that younger writers might not have. It’s never about when you start, it’s about what you do when you get your opportunity to start. As long as you are determined and consistent, you have already achieved success.

8) Are you an avid reader and have you always been? What’s the first book you ever read that really touched you emotionally and moved you?  Who is your favorite author? What book are you currently reading?

I was diagnosed with Dyslexia at the age of 9 and I still battle with it today. So, I have not always been an avid reader. My love for reading began at the age of 15 when I discovered books that I was able to relate to. The first book I ever read straight through, that really touched me emotionally and moved me was Fly Girl by Omar Tyree. It resonated deeply with me because it gave a vivid portrayal of a young woman trying to find herself in a complicated world, balancing her dreams and the pressures around her. The emotional growth and self-discovery that Tracy Ellison experiences felt real, and I could relate to the struggles of defining oneself in the midst of life’s challenges.

As for my favorite author, I would say that Omar Tyree stands out for his ability to create complex, relatable characters and his insight into the human condition. However, seeing as how I am a poetry fanatic, a few of my other favorite authors are Maya Angelou, Nikki Giovanni, Jackie Hill Perry, and Donald Goings.

9) Given the recent shake-ups in publishing, what are your thoughts about how the publishing industry is being represented today? Do you lean more towards traditional publishing or self-publishing as a preference? Does being a hybrid author interest you? 

That’s a good question, the publishing industry is evolving, especially with the rise of self-publishing. It’s exciting because authors, like me, now have more control over their work, but I think traditional publishing still has a lot to offer, especially for wider distribution and recognition. However, I have leaned toward self-publishing because I wanted to maintain full creative control over White Girl, Black Soul, my debut novel is like my baby you know what I mean. But I’m open to the possibility of being a hybrid author, combining the best of both worlds, especially as I continue to grow in my writing career.

10) 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?

For me, writing has always been a way to express my deepest truths and navigate my own healing. I think what makes my writing authentic is my ability to blend vulnerability with strength. I share parts of myself in all my work, both the struggles and the triumphs, and in doing so, I empower others to do the same. Writing helps me feel more connected to my purpose because it allows me to serve others through storytelling, which is incredibly powerful. My personal mantra I say often is, “to write, is to be FREE!” I believe that with every fiber of my being. As I speak it to myself, I speak it to you, To Write is to be FREE. So, as I do, now you go and live in your freedom.

Thank you again so much for having me, it was my honor and pleasure!

https://www.mindyoursoul.me/white-girl-black-soul