M.T.: Please share the inspiration for this beautiful tale of family love.

A.W.: The inspiration to The Circle of Love is my mother, as well as the main character; Angela Upshur who has been in the presence of the Lord since November 24, 1990.

M.T.: Your book reminded me of my mother, Artie Mae Vann. She was called home on December 1, 1993, and I found your novel was very restorative. I was touched by your book, because as I said in the introduction, I am one of your target audience in that I am a "Motherless Daughter." Had you ever written anything prior to writing The Circle Of Love? How long did it take to complete your manuscript, then how long did it take to have the book printed?

A.W.: 'The Circle' was my first novel, however I've been writing songs and journals as long as I can remember. I am an extrovert and can out talk most people, so when I discovered this avenue of putting the best of both words together I was thrilled. I was just stunned to find that other's could be blessed by what I had to say. It took a month and three days to complete the first draft, and another year of transcribing before the manuscript was ready to go to press. After the camera ready copy was delivered to the printer it took approximately six weeks before my babies were in my possession.

M.T.: Tell us about your singing career and how it relates to your writing career.

A.W.: Funny, no one has ever asked me that before. There is definitely a direct link between singing and writing. God has blessed me with a family music ministry (that I share with my husband of twelve years Le'Roy and my older sister Sharon). We have been called to revisit or should I say reintroduce the jewel that lies within the family structure. As we take family reunions center stage, we discuss relationship issues and how we can live in the promises of God through His Son, Jesus. That's what "The Circle of Love" is about as well. There is nothing more important to me than family. We all go through trials and tribulations but something powerful happens when we decide to go through them TOGETHER.

M.T.: Do you plan to write any more books?

A.W.: I've written a number of children picture books, greeting cards and a screen play which I haven't yet published. However, I plan to do the will of God; if my senior partner says let's do it again, I'll do it again.

M.T.: Have you ever taken a writing course?

A.W.: No. I am a perfectionist when it comes to matters of the heart, so once I realized that I was indeed summoned to write a book, I began reading books on writing formats, and joined writer's groups for feed back. Yes, God place a woman right into my lap when I desperately needed an unbiased pair of eyes. The CEO and President of She Ink Magazine (www.sheink.com) and my sister/friend Linda Mitchell reviewed my naked baby and helped me properly dress her. My cover designer, John Melton created the cover after a brief conversation on the type of first impression I wanted the circle to have. When I saw it, I was floored. He'd created exactly what I saw through my mind's eye.

M.T.: Tell us about your experience as a "Literary Entrepreneur?" How did you go about self-publishing?

A.W.: My Literary Entrepreneurship has been an unfamiliar but rewarding experience. Initially I thought the hardest part would be to publish the book. But, had I known then, what I know now I would have never chosen to be a Literary Entrepreneur. I just expected to tell people about my book, autograph a copy and sell it. That reality pill was difficult to swallow; I thought, "All of the marketing, promotion, advertising, selling, shipping stuff is on me?!!!" I needed help! I purchased a book called "The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing by Tom and Marilyn Ross. I began reading this book, scratching my head, questioning my motives, praying, then it hit me. "Hey, I can do this! I may make mistakes, and I may not sell them as fast as I thought, and I'll have to become a walking brochure, and get help from others, but I can do this!" So I followed the guidelines in the book, established Little Light Publishing Company, took some business courses, created a business plan, selected a small business clique of professionals for support and began selling, promoting and blessing others one book at a time.

M.T.: Do you have an agent for your book now?

A.W.: Jesus!

M.T.: I like that answer. What are some of the marketing steps you’ve taken with your book?

A.W.: Well, my demographics are motherless daughters between the ages of 18 and 55 as well as family based counseling communities, and Christian organizations. 'The Circle' has also been used as required reading at a private college in Westchester. But because I have another family based ministry, I introduce and sell my books at our performances. The Circle of Love has a theme song entitled "When I see you again" so when I'm singing, I'm sharing a musical brochure with them and painting a picture that remains with the audience in a way that a flyer never could. In my spirit, I feel it's now time to go the next level, I'm just waiting for directions from my Senior Partner.

I'll close by saying, I never expected to be a writer (or professional singer/songwriter) I wanted to be a Social Worker and help people with everyday issues. I had no idea that my platform would be of this magnitude. I often tell people "if I can do it -- you can do it. Just remember that people are drawn to the sincerity quality, if you have a passion for it -- be true to your expression and others will embrace it." To God Be the Glory!

M.T.: Angela J. Williams, thank you for your inspiring interview. You can order the book from