Intimate Conversation Interview with author Robin “Robbie” Ayele
Robin “Robbie” Ayele is a novelist, poet and publisher. Her first book of poetry, “Chocolate City Chronicles” was released mid summer 2007. Her debut novel, “Broken”, which was published by Chocolate Angel Publications, was released in March 2008. “Broken In 2” will be released in spring 2009. Her literary works have been featured on the TimBookTu, Authors Den and TopCatLive web sites where she has received numerous positive reviews. She has also written articles for various publications including the Baltimore Progress magazine. A Baltimore native, she has lived in her birth home of the District of Columbia as well as New York, Philadelphia, Nashville and Norfolk. A world traveler, she has visited most of Europe, the UK and Canada. She has also resided in Ethiopia, Africa with her husband Yidnkachew.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Temple University and a Masters of Arts in Urban Planning from Morgan State University. Mrs. Ayele currently works as a Community Development Planner in Wicomico County, Maryland.
I am Powerful because God has allowed me to overcome and live to talk about it.
Ella: Where are you from? How did you start writing journey?
I was born in Washington, DC but raised in Baltimore, Maryland. I became interested in literature at a very young age. Instead of playing outside with other kids, I stayed indoors creating short stories and reading books.
Ella: Who are your two main characters and what do you like most about them?
There are three (3) characters in my novel, “Broken”. Autumn, Joy and Cole are friends who become entangled in the madness and mayhem created by a determined avenger among them. Autumn, the saavy businesswoman has the greatest influence in the book. I admire Autumn’s ability to succeed despite all the hell she endured in her past. Joy, Autumn’s closest friend, sees the best in everyone even at her own expense. Cole, the only male character and Autumn’s love interest, is a DC cop who is such a strong, sexy yet caring black man determined to be a positive force in his child’s life.
Ella: Ultimately, what do you readers to gain from your book?
I want my readers to see there are always two ways to deal with a painful past and the decision could affect the rest of a person’s life. Also, I wanted to show that faith can pull people through the worse situation no matter how difficult.
Ella: What makes your book stand out and would entice reader pick it up?
My book is unique because it is a mystery and suspense novel which is not something that you see often in terms of African American fiction these days. “Broken” leaves you guessing and on edge throughout the entire book and some have said it reminds them of watching a thriller movie playing out. It is also different because I infused humor, and drama in the book.
Ella: What would you say has been your most significant achievement as a writer?
I believe that my greatest achievement has been inspiring others. I have encouraged people to follow their dreams and not give up. I hold writer workshops and am always thrilled afterwards when attendees come back and say they were motivated to go home and pick up a pen.
For more information on my book, you can check out my website at http://www.robbieayele.org or http://www.chocolateangelpublications.com.
Robin “Robbie” Ayele
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