Author Spotlight: Joy K Massenburge

I’m super excited to introduce Joy K. Massenburge on my very first Author Spotlight segment. Her latest novel, A Heart Surrendered, published by Harambee Press, is gaining rave reviews from readers everywhere.

I first met Joy at Lena Nelson Dooley’s Critique Group. I was a terrified writer still practicing the words I am a writer when Joy burst into the room full of life, excited to be there after a personal hiatus. I immediately fell in love with her and her story. Each week I waited breathlessly to hear her read the next 10 pages of her work-in-progress (WIP). Her passion and strong voice mesmerized me. Every word hung in the air, painting beautiful, larger-than-life characters in my mind.

Take a peek at a recent interview with Joy, sharing more about who she is and behind-the-scene details of A Heart Surrendered.

Kelley: Tell us a bit about Joy.

Joy:

I’m the last of six children born to Reverend Henry and Evangelist Elaine Blackmon. I was raised in a small town, population 700.

Kelley: What/who was the inspiration for A Heart Surrendered?

Joy:

Growing up in the church, you see a lot of things. There were people I watched growing up and wondered what happened to them. It was during a thirty-minute writing sprint exercise that I asked what would have happened if this person had actually got to date the person they secretly adored. And because I base all my books on Scripture, the rich young ruler came to mind and Sharonda’s story was born.

Kelley: Which character(s) is/are your favorite? Why?

Joy:

For me, it was Sharonda’s father. Although he isn’t perfect, he loves his family. He endures many things. He sets the spiritual tempo for his household. And when it seems all will fall apart, he holds to the word of God and leads his family with a gentle hand.

Kelley: With whom or with which scene do you most relate?

Joy:

I probably relate most to Sharonda’s sister, Janice. I was the unsaved sister that defied all the rules in the house, but loved my family, especially my sister. I meant well, but went about things in a such a worldly way that my parents often reprimanded me.

Kelley: Is there a sequel in the works?

Joy:

Yes! Janice and Derrick have a love story that has to be told. So, I plan to let the sequel pick up during the wedding preparations for Sharonda and Carl Ray. The maid of honor will have to work closely with Carl Ray’s best man who knows to avoid trouble, party girls like her. 

Kelley: What do you hope readers will take away from this story?

Joy:

God wants us to serve Him with our whole heart. Like the rich young ruler story, there is usually one thing we are not willing to surrender that keeps us from receiving the many blessings God has for us.

Kelley: Who is Harambee Press?

Joy:

Harambee Press is an imprint of Lighthouse of the Carolinas for ethnic voices. Eddie Jones teamed up with Managing Editor, Edwina Perkins, to start publishing stories where the main characters are people of color. 

Kelley: What advice do you have for budding writers?

Joy:

Know why you write! That will cause you to study your craft, write when you don’t feel like it, and keep you writing when you face rejections from agents, editors, and publishers.

Kelley: Where can readers learn more about Joy and future projects/appearances?

Joy:

To be honest, Facebook is the first place I post information. It should be my website, but I struggle with the technical knowledge it takes to upload the information, therefore it receives information last. However, if the readers signs up for my email list, they will receive notices on new releases and calendar events.

www.joykmassenburge.com

Facebook.com/authorjoymassenburge

Instagram.com/joykmassenburge

Kelley: Thanks so much for agreeing to be featured on my first Author Spotlight and sharing yourself with us. I loved A Heart Surrendered and believe my readers will as well. Keep being you and writing wonderful stories!

P.S. Check out Joy’s debut novel, A Cry for Independence, available on her website.