Welcome, Doris Jones (aka Samantha Crystal), author of A Long Journey To Home.

 

• What is your name and where do you call home?

My name is Doris Jones  and I am originally from Chicago, Illinois but am currently residing in Indianapolis, Indiana.

• Do you have a pen name?

Yes, it is Samantha Crystal.

• What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or fewer words, what would you say?

My most recent book is called ” A Long Journey To Home”- it is an inspiring book that encourages the victim/survivor to Speak UP against abuse while educating the public on what the victim/survivor had to endure after the abuse has ended.

• Is the above book part of a series?

I am planning on making it a series of self-help books that will help to continue and encourage those who have been affected by child abuse, rape and domestic violence. I am using my story and faith to encourage others along the way.

• What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing?

There was A LOT of influences that have caused me to write. My therapist had encouraged me but then there were strong women in my life who influenced me to write. I look up to the Late Dr. Maya Angelou and Oprah-those who were affected by child abuse but were able to succeed as an adult including using there life as a way to encourage others. I have been writing poems ever since I was in High school and continue to write even now as a mom.

• How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book(s)?

I originally was thinking of a long road that leads to home but the company who had helped me had given me the ideas through pictures. But this picture was taken by a photographer a long time ago and I was lucky enough to get permission to use it.

• Did you listen to any particular songs while writing your book(s)?

I was listening to a mix of songs (alternative to classic rock to country to R&B) from my list on Spotify and old school r&b songs on iheartradio.com. I just love music, it helped me to say what I really wanted to say.

• How did you come up with the title for your book(s)?

I thought of the title with the help from my aunt-I was thinking of a long journey that my aunt, cousin, & I had to endure. We had been silenced by those who had mistreated us including making sure we were broke & homeless. But with God’s help, we have come a long way by being blessed with a house, a job and each other including those who are really there for us.

• Do you have a book trailer? If so where can we watch it?

No I do not but wish I had enough money to do a book trailer. Maybe some day.

• Have you ever read a book more than once? And if so what was it?

No but if I did I would not mind reading again “Pearls of Wisdom” by Patti La Belle. It is a GREAT book, she was giving pearls of wisdom by telling her story and what she had experienced.

• What is your favorite book genre at the moment?

My favorite book genre is non-fiction poetry and biography because I believe that every person has a story behind their journey.

• If you could invite any four (4) celebrities (alive or dead) to your dinner party, who would you invite and why?

I would invite Oprah because she is such an inspiration and had survived hardships before succeeding. Dr. Maya Angelou Because she had endure hardships as well and always had words of wisdom, I would love to hear her wise words though poetry or from her opinion. Sandra Bullock because she had gone through difficult times but still looks through comedy to act. Whoopi Goldburg because she has always been funny but not afraid to speak her mind.

• What’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing?

I have always been told, “Take everything one day at a time. Rome wasn’t built in a day.”

• Do you have any hobbies that are not related to reading & writing?

My hobbies are listening to music of any kind, watching jeopardy, Steve Harvey show including shows pertaining to music, being a mom (of course), writing, spending time with family & friends.

• Where can your readers follow you?

I blog so readers can follow me: samanthacrystal.blogspot.com and samanthac1885.wordpress.com. They can get updates on book tour including book signing event that will take place in the spring of 2015 Including follow me on twitter at www.twitter.com/samanthc1885.