Desiree D. Robinson author of Virtue: Chasing After Your Destiny
What is your favorite part of being an author?
My favorite part about being an author is self expression. I get to speak freely, uninterrupted, and speak about life as I see the world. I get to share my life, and the world gets to either take it or leave it. When you are an author, you are a creator, and a visionary. You give of yourself because you bare your soul in your work. Every word contains a little piece of you. You leave yourself open and vulnerable to the world, but in a good way. I like the fact that I get the opportunity to speak to people anywhere in the world who I may never have a chance to meet, or otherwise have a connection, or conversation with. Being an author is the best way that I can be me.
What was the inspiration behind writing this book?
The inspiration was tragedy, and learning that tragedy is a growth experience. Tragedy has the ability to transform our lives, and teach us about our strengths. My inspiration was remembering my father's legacy, and also learning that we are limited. I learned that we have to get out of our own way sometimes, and relinquish power to our higher being so that we can move into new levels of understanding.
Tell us about your recent book Virtue: Chasing After Your Destiny?
My book is about finding faith in your darkest hour. There is hope in darkness. There are some things in life that you are not able to pay your way out of. There are certain things in life that do not discriminate, therefore, we must all be wise enough to recognize that we must put our hope in something beyond this physical space that we call earth. We must learn that bad situations are not permanent unless we decide to make them that way. We have to keep our focus on "getting through," whatever is standing in our way, and sometimes this may require separation from familiar people, places, and things. This way, your spirit will become the canvas in which something new will be created; a new, and better version of yourself. My book also teaches from a biblical standpoint, but it is for anyone regardless of your belief, or religious background. This book is about how you can gain spiritual wisdom, remain in good moral standard, and keep your peace regardless of what is going on around you. Virtue is the main talking point in this book because we face so many things in life that challenge our virtue. Therefore, we must learn what it is, and why we must protect it.
Who or what inspired you to get into writing?
I was inspired by my passion to write, and I was always told that I was very good at it. I was told that I had the ability to bring my words to life, and that people felt as if they were in the room, at the same time the event was taking place, when they read my work. I always felt that I had a gift to bring a story to life, and express myself in that way. The book was inspired by my personal spiritual journey after the sudden death of my father. This book speaks to people who have experienced any type of loss in their life. Most people think of loss as a tangible thing, but loss is very powerful, and it manifests itself in many ways. You may lose a loved one, a marriage, a relationship a child, your self-esteem, your hope, your faith, a limb, your money, your house, your mind, your self worth, a car, etc. This is what inspired my book. It is ok to be sad for a season in your life, but at some point, you have to keep going. You have to learn how to fight back, and not throw yourself a pity party. Life is still waiting for you. The world needs your gift, and you need to inspire someone else by telling them how you came out of whatever it is that you may have gone through. I like to say that this book came to me in the form of spiritual downloads. It was inspired by the Holy Spirit, and my personal journey of spiritual enlightenment.
Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym?
Yes, I most definitely did consider writing under a pseudonym. However, I decided not to use a pseudonym because this book is so personal. I am writing about something near, and dear to my heart. In memory of my father (and for my family), it was extremely important for me to use my real name. He would want it no other way.
What’s your favorite under-appreciated novel?
My favorite books are all non-fiction. I love to read, “Fail Up,” by Tavis Smiley, “One Drop,” by Bliss Broyard, and “The Color Of Water,” by James McBride. I would recommend these to everyone.
What does literary success look like to you?
This book was inspired by the Holy Spirit, therefore, success is not measured monetarily. Success would be having this book reach the right person/audience, and that would be between that person, and God. I may never know if this book becomes a real success, or not. I do know that I walked in obedience to the Holy Spirit. Therefore, I feel as if anything that edifies, and pleases God is an automatic success for Him. That is what counts in my opinion. I am more concerned about what He thinks of it.
Do you view writing as a kind of spiritual practice?
Most definitely. For me, this book began as a bible study between myself, and a friend. We started out by doing prayer, and fasting at first, and then we decided to start a bible study. I was up first, and I started receiving spiritual downloads. I was always the kind of person that would write in journals, and keep my thoughts on paper. But, these sermons and verses would come to me all day long. I would get them while I was asleep, as I drove my car, anytime of the day and night. I felt as though my spirit was being elevated through Christ, and I was being convicted to write, and share. This is how this book came about. I knew that this was beyond me, therefore, I remained obedient, even when the roadblocks came, I stayed the course. I did not give up on what He placed in my spirit.
Does your family support your career as a writer?
Yes. My mother went to church, with the advanced copy, and told everyone that she could tell. She was so proud of me because she knows my journey more than anybody. I think that there is always going to be those people around you that criticize you from a distance because it was not their idea, or they felt as if you did not include them in it. However, the people who matter to me support me 100%. My immediate family is very happy for me. That is all I can ask for.
What genre are your books?
My book is Christian Life, non-fiction. I deal with a variety of topics in this book, but it is written to help anyone regardless of your religious beliefs. It is just written from a Christian perspective.
Does ego help or hurt writers?
With anything in life, it takes a lot of courage to step out and do something that is not safe. People who like to remain safe, never experience great victories. Therefore, they remain comfortable all of their lives. Being a Christian, requires that we remain humble in our human abilities, and daily life. However, I do not believe that we must remain humble when we are moving in the spirit. Living in the spirit requires being bold, and being bold requires that you have, and utilize a little bit ego with a hint of judgment. Therefore, ego is okay in the spirit, no matter what your gift is, and how you may utilize it. I think that we should boast about the goodness of Jesus, and how He brought us out of a bad situation. We need to share our trials, and tribulations, and talk about how He delivered us from things to reach other people. Therefore, we have to use a little ego to cast down fear, speak boldly in the spirit, and help someone else.
If you could tell your younger self anything, what would it be?
Be the light. Trust in God. You are enough. Stop trying to fit in. There is nothing wrong with you.
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