Our author spotlight features seasoned writer Angela Vernon Menchan, author of Fifteen Years Delayed. The novel portrays a story about a man returning to his hometown after fifteen years to find the woman he has loved for so many years. It’s a love story that Angela sits down to give us insight into the story and her journey as a writer.
Sistah’s Place: How did you start writing?
Angela: I started writing stories in elementary school. It was a way to be other people and in other places. My imagination was boundless and it still is. Everything is book food.
Sistah’s Place: What inspires you to write?
Angela: My thought life is an inspiration but more than anything that I’ve seen, heard and experienced. I am quiet, travel a lot, and pay close attention to things I use as inspiration. Songs also inspire me. Once I was on a bus in St. Maarten that broke down, I wrote a three book series, entitled Lost In St. Maarten based on that twenty-minute adventure. I recall my husband nudging me and saying, “You are mentally writing, aren’t you?”
Sistah’s Place: Tell us about your latest novel
Angela: Fifteen Years Delayed is a love story. James Broadnax is sentenced to twenty-five years at age twenty-two, leaving behind his first love, Crea Flournoy. For fifteen years there are no visits or communication, twelve years of James being incarcerated and three years living in another city…
Synopsis and excerpt:
If you need lots of drama and angst, this isn’t for you. Fifteen Years Delayed is about adults who have been through… and are ready to love and be loved… no gaming. James returns to the scene of the crime, so to speak and Crea is still there…
Damn… there she is after fifteen years, still, even button-upped, a living breathing wet dream in the flesh. Feeling breath on her neck, Crea Flournoy turned to find James inching behind her. It had been years since she saw him but it was definitely James Broadnax, her first lover, and love. Backing up, she nearly stumbled but he caught her, pulling her up the step. Lightheaded, she balanced herself, snatching away.
“You’re on steps, and that concrete has no give.” He said in that lazy voice she once lived to hear.
Sistah’s Place: Is there a message in the story that you like readers to walk away with?
Angela: Yes, that love can and does last through all kinds of situations. It’s based on the strength of family and knowing oneself.
Sistah’s Place: Is there someone who influenced you as a writer?
Angela: J. California Cooper influenced me because short stories are my first love. No one could write so much in so few words with as much meaning. A few years ago, when a few readers started referring to me as the Short Story Queen, I felt ah… perhaps I am figuring this thing out.
Sistah’s Place: As a seasoned writer, what is your favorite story?
Angela: It’s always my current novel. I love my characters and their travels and travails. There are characters; however, I am more partial to, Cinnamon Black and Malcolm Black from My Black Series and Zen Cooper Jones from Zen Cooper stories.
Sistah’s Place: If you could collaborate on a story with another author, who would it be & why?
Angela: I’ve collaborated with several authors over the years. I’ve never collaborated with a male author. Writing with Colin Channer would be the ultimate. I love how Mr. Channer fully fleshes out his women characters. It is clear he took the time to know women.
Sistah’s Place: How can readers learn more about you and get to know you as an author?
Angela: I’m active on Facebook daily. I also am on Instagram as Angelia Menchan and Twitter as @angelmenchan Readers can look up my Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AngeliaVernonMenchan/ and visit my website to learn more about me Website: www.angeliavernonmenchan.com
It was a pleasure talking with you Angela and we wish you nothing but success with your latest novel Fifteen Years Delayed. Be sure to support our authors and follow Angela on her social media platform.
Article featured in Sistah’s Place Magazine issue June/July 2018