Before the Lights Go Out! 11 Keys to Achieve Real Physical Intimacy byQuiniece Sheppard

V.Richardson: Hello Quiniece! I am delighted to chat with you about your novel “”Before the Lights Go Out:11 Keys to Achieve Real Physical Intimacy.”
Interesting title! How did the concept and name come about?

Quiniece Sheppard: The concept was given to me by God a few years ago when I began writing my first book “The Seven Deadly Sexual Sins”. God instructed me to write a book about how to achieve a long lasting relationship as we’ve been looking for love in all the wrong people, so this book is a guide teaching us what to look for in a mate and how to have a fulfilling long-lasting marriage. Marriages are failing right now and it’s because people give up too easily on their marriage because it is easy to walk away and start over than it is to work things out. It’s a timely book because of what we’re dealing with right now in our relationships right. Besides, I had to release a Christian based book after Steve Harvey released his book “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man.’ Even though I did like the book, there were many parts that were not sound advice or godly principles, so I had to give people different viewpoints when it comes to relationships. People see Steve as a relationship expert when God is the best matchmaker in the world. This is a matchmaker book for those who want the ultimate ” hookup”.

V. Richardson: What do you want readers to take away from your book?

Quiniece Sheppard: I want readers to know that marriage was designed by God to last forever. There is a such thing as a soul-mate, but you have to wait on God so he can connect the right person to your soul. I also want readers to be inspired and enlightened by the messages and to work on achieving these principles in their current relationship or future mate.

If the readers really put some time and consideration into the thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter, then they will clearly see what is missing in their current relationship and what they want their future relationship to look like. I also interviewed some of my family members to apply real life situations with real people so as to make it relatable and relevant to their current situation. This was done to help married couples who were having problems in their marriage.

I want readers to know how important it is to have an emotional and spiritual connection with someone before any physical contact takes place as these are what truly the relationship is established and built on. Establishing a relationship with God and putting him first in your relationship and becoming closer with your mate emotionally are what this book is primarily about. Without these two, the relationship won’t last. Somehow, we were made to believe that sex was the most important factor in a relationship, when in fact, it is not. Yes, physical intimacy is important, but without effective communicate with your mate and a spiritual connection with him/her, the relationship won’t last. Your marriage won’t survive and this is evident in the high divorce rate in our society. People are not staying together right now and Satan is dividing the unity because he knows two strong people and God as the third strand, will not be easily broken.

V.Richardson: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

Quiniece Sheppard: I would definitely self-publish the book and not publish with a traditional publisher as I have done with the last two books. It is much better on the author if he or she self publishes because they receive far greater benefits such as monetary gain, exposure, and the fulfillment and joy of doing it themselves.

V. Richardson: How has “”Before the Lights Go Out:11 Keys to Achieve Real Physical Intimacy” been received so far?

Quiniece Sheppard: The response has been great so far. The book was just released in June 2011 and I have already received great reviews from book clubs and individuals in general. Still have a ways to go to market it, but so far, people are definitely interested as everyone wants to find true love and so they want to read something that will give them helpful, genuine advice on relationships.

V. Richardson: Who are/were your literary influences? And what books have most influenced your life most?

Quiniece Sheppard: I read all types of books and because I started a book club for African-American self-publishers, I read a lot of self published books and they are great. I read a lot of non-fiction and fiction books such as Joyce Meyers, Wes Moore, Hill Harper, Cupcake Brown and many other books. I enjoy reading.

V. Richardson: What have you discovered about yourself on your journey to publication?

Quiniece Sheppard: I discovered that I’m stronger than what I thought I was. In this industry,you have to have tough skin as you will get a lot of rejection, and I wasn’t completely prepared for it when I started out on this journey. I also learned to have faith in myself and in God because when you do something you’ve never done and don’t know how to do it, then you will need a lot of faith and I’ve been able to apply faith in everything I do. I didn’t know how much trust I had in God until I started on this journey. I admit that at time I’ve had many disappointments and moments of despair, but my faith in God is what sustains me. No way I could do this by myself. My books are a form of ministry as I have my own single women’s organization, so writing is part of my purpose that God placed on me. I actually love to write and share. I enjoy helping and motivating others. I discovered that through writing and through the ministry God birthed inside me.

V. Richardson: There is always a story behind the author’s works. How do/did you handle rejection (s)?

Quiniece Sheppard:Rejection is never easy. It is so hard hearing when people tell you no as you automatically think you’re not good enough and that really takes a toll on your self-esteem. I’ve had churches tell me no and that was extremely difficult being that a church is supposed to be a place of healing and deliverance. The only thing that keeps me pushing forward is God and I mean that literally, not speaking in any cliche. God really has given me strength to press on and continue moving forward because I know this is what he has called me to do. The book of Romans states if God be for me, then no one can be against me. He’ll stand behind you, in front of you and beside you and make it seem to others that you have a crowd, when all you really have is Him.

V. Richardson: What advice would you offer to aspiring authors?

Quiniece Sheppard: My advice to aspiring authors is to self publish your book, meaning be your own publisher. Don’t go through a traditional publisher, but do it yourself. You’ll gain so much more if you self-publish. Also, know who you are writing to and for what purpose. I knew the answer to that right away as my purpose was ministry and specifically for single people, except for my latest book which was written for men and women, single or married. Also, make sure writing is something you really, really want to do and have the passion for because you’ll be easily discouraged and give up easy if you don’t have the passion for it. If you know that it’s your heart’s desire to write a book to a specific group of people for a specific purpose, then do it. Please make sure it is professionally edited and it doesn’t look like something that’s homemade. Again, your book is a reflection of you and has your name on it, so protect your name. Make it worthwhile.

V. Richardson: Are there any up coming and/or future projects readers should be made aware of?

Quiniece Sheppard: Saturday, October 8, 2011, I will be speaking at women’s forum in Forrestville, MD. I also have several blog talk radio interviews coming up next month. Lastly, I will be going on a five state Spring Book Tour in 2012. Please continue to check my website for updates.

V. Richardson: How can readers contact you?

Quiniece Sheppard: Readers can contact me through my website at www.iamthechase.com, to read more about, I am the Chase Ministries and to schedule me for book signings, speaking engagments, etc. and also through my book club, Chasing Books Christian Book Club at www.chasingbooks.com if they need information about submitting their books or reading along with us.

Bonus Questions
From The Heart:

V. Richardson: When life can get a little hectic and you are feeling a little dismayed. How do you find peace in the storm?

Quiniece Sheppard:One answer: prayer. I pray on a regular basis because prayer sustains me, prayer gives me comfort and solace and prayer lifts me and helps me to remain humble and steadfast in God. Prayer is my communication with God and his communication back to me. In prayer, God gives me wisdom, direction and clarity on what it is I should be doing. Prayer connects me with God and is my lifeline to drawing closer to HIM.

V. Richardson: Quiniece, thank you for an awesome chat! Thank you for sharing yourself and your works with our viewing audience. Much success to you! As always in closing, continue to inspire as you aspire!

Quiniece Sheppard
I am the Chase Ministries
PO Box 320001
Alexandria, VA 22320
www.iamthechase.com
Chasing Books Book club
www.chasingbooks.com