“Author SONIA LEWIS is taking her latest book, FROZEN MEMORY: THE SPLINTERED SILENCE on tour – a Virtual Book Tour, that is, with Outskirts Press! Technology has created a wide variety of ways to reach audiences all over the world. All it takes is a little thinking outside the box, and nowadays you can market a self-published book in a variety of affordable and impactful ways. Virtual book tours, for example, are a great way to connect with readers from all corners of the globe, all from the comfort of your own home. Join SONIA LEWIS and FROZEN MEMORY: THE SPLINTERED SILENCE as they appear in features and interviews (such as the one below) in the weeks and months ahead!”
Luckily for us, SONIA LEWIS was kind enough to answer a few questions as the tour was getting started so that we can give you a sneak peek into the mind of the creator of FROZEN MEMORY: THE SPLINTERED SILENCE.
OP: Tell us a little bit about FROZEN MEMORY: THE SPLINTERED SILENCE. What is it about?
Sonia: My book is Emotive, Dystopian Poetry, and is about the suppressed anger of our ancestors. They coped with songs of hope and dreams of returning to the motherland of Africa. Today we, the descendants, are fighting for change that is slow in coming, so we try to make Peace with a past that continues to invade our daily lives, and we continue to believe in GOD. We pray for acceptance and Peace in Surrender
OP: Why did you decide to write this story?
Sonia: In my own country, Jamaica, we were exposed only to British and European History in schools. The scant curriculum did not include certain facts. For example: During the middle passage from Africa, there were many warrior chiefs on board who rebelled and were labeled as “Mutinous”. The slave ships stopped in the Islands to obtain fresh supplies like citrus to prevent scurvy among the crew, and other fresh supplies. The Mutinous slaves were left on the Islands. WE are descendants of those chiefs, and although I cannot revisit the past to fight, I have a pen through which I push the inherited, (perhaps genetic) pain.
OP: What types of readers would be interested in this story?
Sonia: People who love poetry. Readers who have experienced loss and known deep sadness, and people of Faith who believe that with GOD, ALL, not some, but ALL things are possible
OP: What is special about your book?
Sonia: Much of the material on these pages was gleaned from my early years of nursing school in England, my first love affair AND heartbreak, the Ebb and Flow of recovery, and the shocking revelation that the biological imperative results in a unique struggle that, at times, is reflected as desperation i.e. “I have to meet someone to love before I am older” versus “It’s OK to be alone”. I should also point out that my ignorance of the suffering of my ancestors began to disappear when I was introduced to a series of books starting with “The Mandingo”. My hunger to learn sent me on a quest that is still in progress
OP: What differentiates it from other books in the same category?
Sonia: This book of poetry is unique. Rather than dwelling on one subject, there is a mélange of situations that runs the gamut of human emotions.
OP: Have you published any other books? Do you plan to publish more?
Sonia: Yes, I published “A Corona of Clouds”. The idea began to take shape while I was visiting the “High Atlas” mountains of Morocco. The cover photograph is emblematic. There I am standing in blazing sunlight, with a backward glance at the clouds that formed a corona (crown) on the mountain. A perfect example of how far I had come from a troubled past (the clouds), to emerge into bright sunshine. The pain was left behind.
OP: How can someone learn more about your book or purchase it?
Sonia: I firmly believe that this little book is one that can be handed down to the younger generation, and the owner of this little treasure, will return to its pages again and again. Amazon carries it in both the printed version and Kindle. The publishers, Outskirts Press will be happy to forward purchases from them. When you read the poetry, share your feelings about whatever poem has touched you, and tell others but keep your own copy for reference.
OP: Thanks for your time, Sonia! We look forward to learning more about you as you visit other bloggers!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sonia Lewis is a retired registered nurse/midwife who spends half her time with her husband in Morocco, from where she writes as she is inspired and half the year in her second city, Miami, Florida. Her first book, “A Corona of Clouds”, is available on Amazon Kindle.
For more information or to contact the author, visit www.outskirtspress.com/frozenmemory
This author purchased the Media Marketing Blitz marketing option, which allows self-publishing authors to connect with bloggers and harness the power of the blogosphere by taking their book on the “virtual road.” Learn more about this service by visiting your Publishing Center and reviewing the available marketing options.
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Enlightened by your interview, and deeply felt your poems. I have enjoyed reading your books and revisit your poems often. They stir deep emotions within me.
Thank you