Hi MaRita! Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to interview you.

Hi Renee, so good to talk with you.

For those who may not have heard of you and your debut novel (yet LOL), and just as a recap for those who have, please tell me about The Taste of Good Fruit.

The Taste of Good Fruit is a story especially for those who have ever wondered why bad things sometimes happen to good people.

Three close friends, Sydney, Chanel, and Sherese, each find themselves experiencing heartbreaking loss and pain.

Sydney experiences a devastating loss that has left her questioning everything she thought she knew about her faith.

Chanel has reached so many of her goal, yet she finds herself unhappy because her relationships with her husband and mother have not lived up to her expectations. She allows temptation to creep into her marriage, threatening to ruin all she’s worked so hard to achieve.

Finally, there’s Sherese, who has decided to turn her back on God and the church. A preacher’s child, she vowed long ago that she would never live the life of sacrifice for a church filled with hypocrites-that is, until the revelation of an earth-shattering secret causes her to wonder if she’s made the right choice.

The three women take spiritual journeys, hoping to find out why God allows bad things to happen to good people.

What is your favorite part of the writing process?

Writing the opening lines of a new story is exciting for me. Then, I have to add that writing the last sentence is extremely gratifying.

How long have you been writing and do you write every day?

I would love to say that I do, but at this point, it just hasn’t happened. It’s a goal that I am reaching for though. My one year-old isn’t much on schedules yet (lol).

Who and/or what has helped and/or hindered you during your writing career?

The Lord is my help with my writing. My relationship with Him centers and grounds me, helping me to stay encouraged. I also have to say that my husband is such a loving and supportive partner-I really couldn’t do it without him.

The greatest hindrance during my writing career has been my own fear. When I put limitations on what I can do, or better yet, on what the Lord can use me to do in my writing, I can hinder myself. So, I’d like to encourage other people pursuing their passion not to allow fear of failure or rejections stop them from achieving their goals.

What is the most and least useful writing advice you have ever received?

The most practical writing advice I have received is to be an avid reader, especially in the genre you are writing in because it has been very helpful. Another important thing to do is to surround yourself as much as you can with fellow writers. My publisher Denise Stinson has reminded me of the scripture, “Iron sharpens iron.”

The least helpful advice has been to wait to write until my three children get older. I think you should try to use every free moment you have to work towards your goals.

Does your family inspire your writing?

Definitely! My husband and three sons are very huge motivators. I couldn’t do it without them. My mother has been such a source of encouragement as well.

Being a wife and mother, how difficult is it to find time to write?

Honestly, it’s hard for me to find the time. When the baby goes to bed, I’m tired too (smile). However, I try to push past the tired, at least sometimes. I believe that’s it’s a calling, so I just do it whenever I can. It can be a difficult balancing act, but it’s been worth the sacrifice.

What challenges did you face regarding bringing this novel to life?

During the writing process for The Taste of Good Fruit, I had two young preschoolers, and I was in a new city. That was only the first of many challenges though.

There were many challenges after I sent the manuscript off and got an offer. I didn’t realize that I would have to wait several years for the novel to come out, and the waiting was very difficult. I was dropped from one publisher and picked up by another. That was a major challenge. However, God’s timing is always what’s best, and it’s proven to be a character building journey for me on a personal and professional level.

Is there one story that you really want to write? If so, what would it be about and would there be any obstacles that would keep you from writing it?

Actually, I’m working on a story now that I’ve wanted to write about, but I was really reluctant about taking the issue on because it has impacted my life on a personal level. I am working on a story about a woman battling breast cancer in honor of my aunt who passed away at a relatively young age from it. I had many stops and starts with the story because I felt like it was too close to home. The biggest obstacle has been presenting the realities of the disease without it being too sad or heavy. Ultimately, I am aiming towards an uplifting story about the healing power of God and want to show that healing can take different forms.

Besides your writing and family, what else keeps you busy?

I’m normally very active in my local church. I love the music ministry and working with the youth. I enjoy doing floral arrangements and going to see my husband, Zedric, who is an awesome gospel-jazz saxophonist. I also really enjoy embarrassing my two older boys at their soccer games by yelling and coaching them from the sidelines.

What can the literary world expect next from MaRita Teague?

Readers can expect writing that will attempt to encourage and uplift them in the Lord. On a different note, I am hoping that the literary world will read a more seasoned and mature writer.
Thank you again for chatting with me on All the Buzz! I wish you continued success in all that you do.

Thank you so much for having me on All the Buzz, Renee.

Visit MaRita online:

Website: www.maritateague.net
BLOG: www.MaRitaTeague.blogspot.com
SOCIAL NETWORKS

www.Facebook.com
www.Twitter.com/MaRitaTeague
www.myspace.com/MaRitaTeague
www.Shoutlife.com