Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
“Mommie’s Bright Sunshine” is my first book. I have nearly 30 years of professional clinical experience working with those managing conflict and trauma. A native Washingtonian, I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Virginia and my master’s degree in social work from the University of Maryland at Baltimore. I spent the bulk of my career, in D.C. and Maryland, working with biological parents and foster parents by securing permanency whether via reunification, adoption, or independent living. I was the clinical director of a program which provided in-home services to families at-risk of abuse and/or neglect in an attempt to strengthen and stabilize families so they would be diverted from the child welfare system. I was a contractor with an organization in which I facilitated 10-week grief groups for those impacted by homicide following my certification as a grief recovery specialist. I transitioned to being the supervisory social worker in a non-public school for students diagnosed with emotional disturbance and/or autism and then to a D.C., Title I, public school.
Currently, I am the Founder & CEO of Kayla’s Village, www.kaylasvillage.org, begun in July 2007, which strives to be the premier provider of innovative seminars and supportive resources for individuals, families, professionals, and communities. I am a full-time clinician providing counseling to individuals, couples, and families and on the Advisory Board of the Center for Infant and Child Loss. I am an active church member of Trinity AME Zion Church and the parent of two children, one by adoption and one by birth, and have hosted two exchange students. Obviously, I try to tailor my life to help others in need.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my book is “Mommie’s Bright Sunshine.” It was inspired following the unexpected death of my daughter. Death is an expected part of the completion of life. We know that everything born has a designated time to die and sometimes death arrives much earlier than we could have ever anticipated. Those who have a child diagnosed with an illness often have to watch their child suffer and then die if a cure is not found. For those of us who awake one morning with promises and plans for the future and then have our life suddenly to take another unanticipated, unknown course when our child is unexpectedly taken from us, is an unthinkable tragedy that only those who have experienced it can describe the lack of preparation. To lose a child – any child, by any means – is horrific. This book is a humble attempt to share my story and prayerfully to help heal others without judgment as we have endured enough. My sincere prayer is that all who touch this book will be moved to greater blessings and comfort as we overcome each day knowing that it is one day closer to being reunified with our child.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have no unusual writing habits although it did take me 16 years to complete this book. Not only was it emotionally draining, I was also attending to the needs of my children and eventually became a single parent.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have been inspired by the “Bible,” “Night” by Elie Wiesel, “Think” by Lisa Bloom, and books by Joyce Meyer, TD Jakes, and Nic Vujicic.
What are you working on now?
I am not working on any additional books right now yet I am working on my organization, Kayla’s Village, as well as providing therapy to hurting individuals. As a single parent, I strive to set a great example for my children and to provide them with a solid foundation. I do not want my challenges to impact their future negatively, but rather allow them to be propelled forward further.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I promote my book on my website and find that word-of-mouth is the best promoter.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do not get discouraged!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do not get discouraged! If your book positively impacts the life of one person — and that person might be you — you have greatly contributed to the improvement of this world.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading “SHE” by Rebecca St. James and Lynda Hunter Bjorklund.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have no immediate plans to write another book. I would like to get my current book into the hands of those who are dealing with challenges as the reviews have been phenomenal. I would like to see it be made into a movie so that its impact could be even greater.
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 definitely bring the “Bible” as well as books that offer encouragement and hope. When I read how others have overcome challenges, it allows me to know that there are blessings for me as well.
Author Websites and Profiles
Tonya M. Logan Website
Tonya M. Logan Amazon Profile
Tonya M. Logan’s Social Media Links
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