Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Chasity Strawder. I am married and a mother of two sons. I was a teacher for seven years in Michigan, but decided to resign in 2007 to take a break and focus on my family. In 2010, I went through a very traumatic journey that later ignited my passion to become an author. Writing has always been something that I have done in my alone time. I remember wanting to buy journals when I was a little girl, the ones that had a lock on them where no one else could get in to read my thoughts and feelings. The experience was like a private therapy session that I had with myself and God. I am an author of one book entitled, “Broken For The Promise.”
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my book is called, “Broken For The Promise.” What inspired it was a difficult journey that I had almost four years ago while pregnant with my second child. I was dying of a disease, homeless, and facing many other hardships. Earlier this year (2014), I fought myself reflecting on that horrible time in my life and felt that I needed to share my story to help others through their difficulties.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I would say that I like to write by an open window or at a beach. It is something about a cool breeze on my face and the sound of waves that opens up my mind for writing ventures.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I like Joyce Meyer’s books. She has been an inspiration to me over the years because of her willingness to share very difficult life experiences, but also ways that she has overcome all of them to be a better person.
What are you working on now?
I am working on building my speaker platform, and I am also a book on classroom instruction for minority students. I want to train educators in providing the best classroom structure possible to reach all students, regardless of color. No child should feel left behind in the classroom.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best method for promoting my book has been to network on social media with other authors, particularly on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. There are some great people out there who don’t mind sharing what has worked well for them. I take lots of good notes.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice for new authors is to explore as many ways that you can to promote your book for free or at a low cost. I am glad that I haven’t bought into some of the crazy marketing packages that can cost an arm and a leg. If you do your research, you will be surprised what you will find to push your book along successfully.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice that I have ever heard is when people show you who they are…..believe them. I live by that, and it has saved me some heartaches in life.
What are you reading now?
I am reading a book called “When Power Meets Potential” by T.D. Jakes.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I would like to write and publish at least two books in 2015.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would bring: The Holy Bible, “Born To Prophesy” by Hakeem Collins, “When Power Meets Potential” by TD Jakes, and “Battlefield of the Mind” by Joyce Meyer.
Author Websites and Profiles
Chasity Strawder Website
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