The Neo-Soul Lit Author

January 01, 2008 | Kenda Bell - Most Outstanding Breakthrough Bestselling Novelist of the Year!!!
DRUM ROLL PLEASE!
THE 2007 YGA NOMINEES & AWARD WINNERS ARE...


For Immediate Release: When the clock struck 12am Midnight on the cusp of New Year's Eve December 31,2007-January 1, 2008, Disilgold Soul Literary Review Magazine Celebrated the YGA Award Winners of 2007 on the Literary Legends Ball at www.Disilgold.com with an Online Spectacular Event of the Year honoring awardees in over 250 YGA Award categories decided by the prestigious and honorable Disilgold Top Advisory Board and the TOP 5 AWARD CATEGORIES decided by the growing community of book lovers, Disilgold Literary Network Association and YOUnity Guild of America Members of Excellence.

Highly anticipated and one of the most exciting online award shows, Disilgold Soul Literary Review Magazine's YOUnity Reviewers Guild Awards was founded by Heather Covington, author of Literary Divas™L The Top 100+ Most Admired African American Women in Literature (www.Amberbooks.com www.LiteraryDiva.com), A NAACP IMAGE AWARD NOMINATE book for Outstanding Literature, Educator, Promoter, Publisher, Author & Poet, who spearheaded the YGA Awards in 2003, and launched a live YGA Awards Show in 2004, 2005 & 2006 bringing out the most notable professionals and YGA awardees from multi-industries such as Michael Baisden, Tony Rose, Bruce George, Lawrence Wayne, James Lisbon, Tonya Ellington, Layding Kaliba, Heather & Aalim Elitou,Marc Medley, Omar Tyree ( A co-host), Deborah Peterson, Charlene Luke Skipworth, Rosalind Graves Baker, Helen Foster, Dale Benjamin Drakeford, Baba Evan's Moore, Bea Joyner, Calvin Grace, Denise Campbell, Max Rodriguez, Troy Johnson, Bill Clayton, Charmaine Maraugh, Darshell DuBose Smith, Kenda Okes, Def Jam Poets Karen Roc& Kayo, Angela Darling, Angelique Pickett Henderson, Deborah Maisonet, Gina Philips, Rosette M. Union, Joe James, Glen Thornton, Harold Antoine Anderson, Alex Lopez, Stephanie Wills, Kim Perkins, Kim Fuller, Seitu Oronde' Steve Caravello, Francis Ray, Big Suge, William Frederick Cooper ( A co-host), Rich Simmons, Sho Love Da Poetic, and many more distinguished guests.

The YGA's has received proclaimations for YGA Award winners at live events, honorably inducted Double Emmy Award Winner and Journalist, Bill Mc Creary alongside Gil Noble (mentoree) which made headline news in all nationally syndicated papers, has been granted honorable endorsement by Barry Maestro Mason on 98.7KISSFM to millions and announced by the literary community's "Urban King of Literature" who started the literary craze, the one and only Michael Baisden on his very own nationally syndicated radio show.

The YGA's had the extreme privilege and honor to announce the YGA Awards and Disilgold Soul Magazine live on air during the Circle of Sisters Expo to millions of radio listeners alongside Hal Jackson, Eddie Love and guests like Al Sharpton, Les Brown and WBLS's Bob Lee who have granted the Disilgold Soul family interviews.

Throughout the years, Disilgold SOUL Magazine has been honored to interview top worldwide figures from multi-industries who have symbolized our committment to excellence on our journey as responsible journalist for several media resources like Hill Harper, Tavis Smiley, George C. Fraser, Paul Robeson, Jr., Susan Taylor, Haki Madhubuti, Wade Hudson, Cheryl Hudson, Max Rodriguez, Clara Villarosa, Marva Allen, Joe James, Donna Hill, Leslie Esdaille Banks, Terry A. O' Neal, James Lisbon, Tony Rose, Yvonne Rose, Zane, Nikki Giovanni, Terrie Williams, Ruben Santiago, Camille Yarbrough, Joe and New York's own favorite radio personality Wendy Williams.

We've shared our members most cumbersome journeys and stories as family. Sometimes we've endured the painful news of member family deaths, travesties, heartache, pain and suffering. Other times we have endured stories of members, triumphs, aspirations, dreams, hopes and goals and pursuit of success. We've had our own ups and downs with an office fire, complete failure of a main computer line which STAPLES OFFICE SUPPLY staff helped us find a backdoor to retrieve all historical documents, but it took from sun up to sun down to transfer, store and save all. We've learned valuable lessons of the human strive to succeed, endure and surpass all obstacles so it is befitting to say that Disilgold's heart , abridged for "Diamond, Silver & Gold" beats for the YGA.

Our new staff and supporters are committed to chronicling YGA members journey. We're also committed to joining the Legacy of African American Publishers with the relaunch of Disilgold Publishing, and thank the YGA community for your support throughtout the years.

So withour further await... Disilgold Soul Literary Review Magazine presents...
The YGA Awards 2007 TOP 5 AWARD CATEGORY WINNERS like:

[see www.disilgold.com for complete list]

May 20, 2007 | DisilgoldSOUL Announces YOUnity Guild of America 5 Star Reviewed Authors-See Who Made the List for May 2007!
For Every Love There is a Reason by Kenda Bell

PerSOULnally reviewed by Heather “The Literary HEAT” Covington

Hold on! Isn’t there another book out by William Frederick Cooper with similar title? Kenda and I discussed this over the phone, and indeed, William and Kenda know each other well and have wished each other good luck. His book title hit is “There’s Always a Reason.”Now you don’t hear that in the literary world. Regardless, “For Every Love There is a Reason” has an original plot that even Shelia M. Goss has named Kenda, ” A fresh new voice who has a flair for drama.”

A tumultuous and intensified story that begins like a soap opera straight out of a scene in hell as Keilah holds her breath intently to hear Andre loquaciously beat around the bush to drop a BOMB, he finally tells her that he’s got another woman pregnant. Uh,oh!

So how many women have heard their man come home and say this line?

I love the way Keilah’s mind “races back to a rainy Friday in June when she let their love get sucked out of her.” Don’t you just love Kenda’s vivid imagery?This author has got pure literary talent! Andre’ or Dre is such a beautiful man, it’s hard for Keilah to hate that “Bastard.”

She’s crying inside with tear-filled bursts of pain readers can feel. You just want to cry for Keilah. The 1st chapter ends with, ” I never really prepared for our winter, because I held onto our summer.” Woowee… this author is one “bad ass” writer folks, but she’s crazy humble in real life!

Why? Well, when she called the Disilgold residence, I could not hear one word, so I was just about to hang up the phone in thinking it was a prank call. Then Kenda finally spoke with a choppily voice, but when she got a hold of herself, she spoke with the class of Maya Angelou. “Okay,” I said,” Kenda has a speech impediment”.

I wanted to break down for her because most media would just hang up, but something miraculous is happening to Ms. Kenda Bell these days. She’s getting calls everywhere for speaking engagements and folks are sitting through her occasional stuttering spells to hear her talk about her NUMBER ONE BOOK that is by far one of the best written drama fiction works to date. She’ll be debuting her book with Donna Hill at Hueman Bookstore the day after her signing at the BOOKEXPO w/ DisilgoldSOUL at Booth 223. (Check it all out at www.Disilgold.com).

Don’t feel sorry for the lady who is going to sell millions of books! That’s right I said it.

By chapter 2, she opens her door and lets Norelle inside. Norelle is your classic trouble maker friend with issues! She married Raymond,but bore a child named LT by Tariq, a past junior highschool flame. She claims she loves Raymond. Norelle has the nerve to give Keilah advice on her own relationship with Dre and asks, “You are going to let Dre ride off into the sunset with another woman?” This is where the story unfolds folks…

She asks herself questions about Dre’s side fling after Norelle leaves her home like,” Was she short or petite, tall or skinny, breasts slightly firmer, hair curlier, did she wear locs that smelled of patchouli musk and was she a slick corporate chick with a silky weave down her back?”

Kenda is very thorough…You have to read chapter three. This is a very intense chapter as Norelle comes over to Keilah’s home again, and this time Andre arrives. Keilah and him exchange dialogue on her recent illness that required a hospital visit. Why is Dre’ here? Isn’t the relationship over? Norelle’s whispering, “Andre wants you to talk him out of leaving with that other woman?” Norelle is no dummy. She’s been studying to pass her bar exam, and eventhough she doesn’t know her own family matters are about to spin out of control, but she is focusing on her friend’s life.

She lets Dre know K is in the back. He sits down and pours more than a few drinks. K finally appears in the same sweats she use to wear around the house, but this time they are tighter. She lands the bomb on him, ” Dre I am pregnant.”

You would never guess what kind of emotions fuel Andre’s response.

Will Dre stick it out with Alisha or will he let Keilah back into his life with a series of text messages and last minute attempts to stop him from marrying her? Another twist unfolds as Alisha gets a hold of Andre’s text messenger.

Darn it, this book is exciting!Keilah hasn’t heard from Dre in a month, but receives a text message. Is it Dre? Will he stay with Alisha or get back with Keilah? Which one is the right choice now that he is supposedly the father of two children? Decisions… decisions… amask until Dre discovers a true shocker that leaves him stuttering at the bitter end when he realizes the decision he makes may be as far fetched as South Africa. You’ll have to read the book to figure out what that means.

Kenda Bell, as seen in Honey Magazine and Baltimore Magazine has got herself a winner. She may harbor a speech impediment, but her writing style is vividly clear and remarkable!

I told Kenda I would reveal her speech difficulties so folks won’t hang up the phone or turn their backs on a NEW LITERARY STAR on the RISE! Folks, I don’t make a habit of revealing my personal phone conversations with YGA members at www.Disilgold.com, but Kenda says she doesn’t mind the publicity factor of it all because she feels good about her book! Hey, I do too! She aced this one! Nothing will stop Kenda, whose taking her book to the top and writing talent that speaks for itself! The book is designed by www.thewritersassistant.com . Fab work here!

April 26, 2007 | For Every Love There Is A Reason challenges Hip Hop Lit Readers
For Every Love There Is A Reason challenges Hip Hop Lit Readers


For Every Love There Is A Reason by Kenda Bell leaps well above the shelves of hip hop/urban lit readers to go deeper.
Raw reality smoothed along the edges with poetic prose
Apr 26, 2007 -- /prbuzz/ -- Xpress Yourself Publishing author Kenda Bell boldly bypasses the expected with freshman
novel "For Every Love There Is A Reason" [ISBN-10: 0-9722990-9-2 ISBN-13: 978-0-9722990-9-1]

Kenda Bell is a self-described cultural sociologist who loves to dictate the unspoken words of the heart for the masses,
with creativity along with a large helping of sass, which apparent from the very beginning of For Every Love There Is A
Reason.

At the start of the For Every Love There Is A Reason, it becomes clear that Kenda Bell is an author who knows how to
take a reader deep inside a character. Kenda knows how to show with clarity what motivates a character. The thought
provoking and attention grabbing events illustrated throughout the book do not happen in a vacuum. The story&
characters are multi-faceted. They are fully developed and seem like the reader&good friends. Readers do not
have to suspend reality to enjoy For Every Love There Is A Reason which is a welcomed bonus.

It is hard to read For Every Love There Is A Reason and not see glimpses of yourself. The story itself and what happens
between the couples featured in the book, refuses to be ignored.
The life lessons included are helpful to all who are open and ready to listen. This book provides an awakening to the
spirit of true love. A greater appreciation of the essence of love will be gained. Indeed, for every love there is definitely a
reason. But on the flip side, for every choice there is a consequence. This is also a pivotal theme modeled throughout
this book. The consequences suffered are due to generations of wrong choices made for the sake of love.

National bestselling author Eric Pete said " When a masterful storyteller and riveting storyline come together, it's a
beautiful thing." while best selling author Shelia Goss describes Kenda as a " fresh new voice that has a flair for drama."
One reader mused "If Toni Morrison wrote Urban Lit, it might read like this." But is it Urban Lit?
Heather Covingtion of Disilgold.com declared "For Every Love There Is A Reason" as a "must read of the year" and
voted it "Best On Becoming an Adult Transitioning Urban Book of the Year". So as hip hop is to Neo-Soul , For Every
Love There Is A Reason is to urban lit ...relative and raw yet smoothed out with eloquent verses between rapid
heartbeats... the birth of Neo Soul Lit...

"For Every Love There Is A Reason"[ISBN-10: 0-9722990-9-2 ISBN-13: 978-0-9722990-9-1] is available on
amazon.com , barnesandnoble.com and bookstores everywhere. (If they do not have it on the shelf, as for it !!)
Distributed by Ingram Books and Baker & Taylor.
Visit www.myspace.com/foreverylove , www.xpressyourselfpublishing.org/kendabell.htm &
www.xpressyourselfpublishing.org
Contact Kenda Bell directly for book signing and /or speaking engagements (at) info@kendabell.com
PRBuzz - Free Press Release distribution
http://www.prbuzz.com Powered by Joomla! Generated: 13 December, 2007, 12:09

March 01, 2007 | The Nubian Chronicles - Straight From Da Pen Interview
There are those who believe that a writer should be ready to pitch his or her story at a moment's notice. In 50 words or less, tell us about your latest release, FOR EVERY LOVE THERE IS A REASON.
-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.



Just to make it even harder on you, give me three adjectives that describe your novel.
-unapologetically deep … emotionally riveting … unavoidably real



What is FOR EVERY LOVE's backstory; how did you come to write this novel?
-Life and all its issues; plain and simple. I wanted to write a novel that was mature in its content yet naïve in its approach. In saying that any of us deal with issues of life, specifically relationships in individual ways. We never know how we will handle life changes until they show up. I am a self-defined cultural sociologist, so the whole who, what, when, why, and how totally fascinates me. The everyday can be intriguing if you choose to look at it from different perspectives. So when I began “For Every Love There Is A Reason”, I took the broad issue of love and specified it based upon characters that I felt were relatable to any readers, regardless of age or race. Love is the quest of humankind, whether it is in the giving or the receiving. We all need it and want it. How we identify it and acquire it is what makes the journey crazy at times. Of course, I backtracked a bit to my own choices and many late night conversations I had listened to over the years.



Your novel is published through Xpress Yourself Publishing. How did you get the connection with them for your book? How has the journey been with them?
-I saw a post by the Jessica Tilles requesting submissions and submitted. Then I waited, and waited …then waited some more. Cyber stalked her until she threatened to block me. (smile) I am joking but am also serious. I pursued her and kept my name fresh in her mind; she signed me on. This is not a normal occurrence nor do I advise working a publisher's nerve, but be persistent with tact. Respect boundaries. Joining the XYP family has been a wonderful experience. I share the roster with some great writers who happen to be great people and have an awesome mentor in Jessica Tilles. With her being both a publisher and a best selling author, she is able to see both sides of any situation and never misses an opportunity to teach.



I know that you originally self-published your first book, a non-fiction work titled MY SOUL CRAVES A TOUCH. Can you tell us about your experience going through self-publishing? What were some of your joys and pitfalls throughout the process?
-Boot camp!!! Just when I thought I had it right, I missed yet another step. It was hard and expensive, yet I will not curse the experience because I was able to learn a lot about the business and meet people who can help me at this next level. Universal knowledge, never fails only grows you.



What's your favorite thing about FOR EVERY LOVE THERE IS A REASON?
-Hmm, it is unto itself yet identifiable. I love that there is an essence of humanity in each character that motivates the reader to get a little revelation about himself or herself and the people they love or think they hate. I like that people come away feeling and thinking about the characters… that let’s me feel like they get it.



Are you an outliner or a jump-right-in writer?
-Before I begin writing, I begin playing with ideas and visualize what my characters look like. Once I get a mental picture and dialogue going in my head, I give them names and get to writing. I write as I go and piece sections together as the story begins to take shape. I have tried the outline thing, and it really doesn’t help me unless I am doing non-fiction.



What is your writing inspiration?
-I keep abreast of news and watch a lot of reality television. (Laughing) Real people have some of the most fascinating stories that can be springboards for good writing material. I also engage in conversation with diverse types of people on a daily basis. I like to know what people think on a variety of subjects. Many of the points of view you see in “For Every Love There Is A Reason” are based upon men and women’s takes on the subjects I tackle in the book. Also I use music as my guide. After I decide on a premise, I gathered my CDs together and pulled out the ones that I felt evoked the variety of emotions I want to tackle. My CD player had a constant rotation of just good, deep, soulful musical artists. I will pop in anything from Erykah Badu to Mary J to Jill Scott & Lauryn Hill all the way to Nina Simone, push play and just vibed off what these sisters are saying. Anthony Hamilton, Dwele & Raheem DeVaughn serenade me too, among too many others to list here. I couldn’t write without my music; it would have been virtually impossible. I like to think of my novel as neo-soul lit…raw yet smooth around the edges… deeply rooted in what was and authentic unto what is.



There are those who believe that good writers are also well read. What are you currently reading? Who are some of your favorite authors?
-An Intimation Of Things Distant: The Collected Fiction of Nella Larson. Nella Larson is an often forgotten writer from the Harlem Renaissance. The stories she wrote dealt with female identity within not only race but more importantly interpersonal relationships with men and other women; timeless issues. Good stuff. I love Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, & Octavia Butler. Each of these women redefined not only African American literature but contemporary literature and made the black female experience relevant, whether society was ready or not. When I heard about the MSNBC Imus incident, all I could think about was Pecola in The Bluest Eye…sadly still relevant. We need novels like that now. I hope our generation will document our experience with the unapologetic depth and craftsmanship as these women.



Word Association. What comes to mind when you see the following words:
LOVE: Unavoidable lemonade to the insatiable soul
FRIENDSHIP: a treasure if it is genuine
WRITING: a treasured gift that allows me to leave a little piece of myself behind once I am gone.
BALTIMORE: a small town dangerously desperate to be a big city, yet mischievously attractive



What are you currently working on?
-A prequel that will give some info on a few characters many readers want to know more about from For Every Love There Is A Reason…of course the highly anticipated sequel … gotta tie some loose ends and a non-fiction version of For Every Love There Is A Reason that will let the readers speak on what love is to them. Oh, getting my novel in the hands and hearts of book lovers everywhere.

February 02, 2007 | The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
Date Reviewed: Feb 9, 2007

Can you ever go back?

FOR EVERY LOVE THERE IS A REASON by Kenda Bell is the wrenching love story of Keilah and Andre who were once lovers and now barely speak. Keilah has never gotten over Andre even though he has moved on. Her best friend, Norelle, is married and full of good advice for Keilah, when she really needs to be assessing her own love life. She is married to Raymond but she has some deep dark secrets. Norelle keeps pushing Keilah toward Andre even though she is also trying to move on. Then Andre calls Keilah for one last date and drops a bomb on her. Keilah is devastated and knows she has no choice but to give up her dreams of a happily ever after with Andre. Through the Internet, she meets Justus, a bi-racial African American, and gives him her attention, if not her entire heart. Things begin to look up for her as Andre’s world begins to fall apart. Will either of these two find happiness?

There are many twists and turns in FOR EVERY LOVE THERE IS A REASON. The main plot is swirling in the midst of several sub plots that are equally fascinating. All the characters are developed sufficiently so that the side stories are as interesting as the main story. All these people are intertwined even though they don’t always know each other. It is a heart-wrenching, breath-holding kind of novel as you find yourself attempting to direct the actions of the characters. Even if you aren’t a fan of romance, this tale has enough suspense and tragedy to pull you into the vortex. It is well worth reading.


Reviewed by alice Holman
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

Website: http://www.xpressyourselfpublishing.org/About%20Kenda%20Bell.htm



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Alice Holman is an avid reader, a writer and a community activist. She lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband Ray and her little dog Boo.


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Copyright 2001-2007 - RAWSISTAZ™Literary Group

January 01, 2007 | Kenda Bell Releases New Novel "For Every Love..." by Michael J Burt
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 or www.kemdabell.com

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