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© 2005-2008 Yolonda Tonette Sanders. All Rights Reserved.
All content of this Internet site (including design; information; audio; video; photographs and graphics elements) are copyrighted
by Yolonda Tonette Sanders. Information herein may not be reproduced, transmitted, rebroadcast, published, rewritten or
distributed in any form without the expressed written consent of Yolonda Tonette Sanders.
All content of this Internet site (including design; information; audio; video; photographs and graphics elements) are copyrighted
by Yolonda Tonette Sanders. Information herein may not be reproduced, transmitted, rebroadcast, published, rewritten or
distributed in any form without the expressed written consent of Yolonda Tonette Sanders.
Who has been the strongest spiritual influence in your life?
I've had several spiritual influences over the years ranging from family/friends, my pastor and others, but
undoubtedly I'd have to say my mother. She has been there from the beginning, leading a Godly life
before me. She has consistently and fervently prayed on my behalf. Believe me when I say that there is
nothing like a praying mama!
Why did you choose to write Christian fiction versus another genre?
My goal when writing is ministry. In addition to being entertained, I want readers to finish my books and be
challenged, encouraged and motivated to seek a relationship with God or become even closer to Him.
Are your stories biographical in nature?
While there are certainly some character traits and plot situations that have been loosely based on
real-life events or people, my novels are not a biographical account of my life or the life of anyone else.
Some characters have bits and pieces of my personality, others have similar behaviors of people I know,
and some are completely made up.
Do you plan to always write fiction or will you write non-fiction as well?
I would like to write something that's not fiction in the future, but I don't have any set plans as to when.
Who is your favorite author?
Hmmm . . . Good question. I do enjoy reading, but I haven't followed the work of any particular author
enough to deem anyone as my "favorite."
Are you working on another novel? If so, what is the title and when will it be released?
Besides Soul Matters and Secrets of a Sinner, I have completed another story. The title is not set in
stone so I'll wait to announce it at a later date. I don't know when it's going to be released. Currently it's not
with any publisher.
Who is your favorite character in your books and why?
In Soul Matters, I'd have to say Kim because in many ways, she is me. Her character is symbolic of my
pre-Christ years as I drew from my own experiences and guilt about having children prior to marrying.
Plus, many of her thoughts are thoughts that I had toward Christians back in the day. My heart was very
hardened against "church folk" and I was emotionally wounded and bitter, but once God got a hold of my
heart everything changed. Kim's entire story differs from mine, but her spiritual growth throughout Soul
Matters reminds me of how far the Lord has brought me.
In Secrets of a Sinner, it's a toss between Aneetra and Big Mama. Aneetra because she exemplifies
what it means to be a true friend and extend the love of Christ. I also love the fact that she's transparent
and willingly shares her testimony when witnessing to Natalie. Big Mama is also my favorite because of
her display of unconditional love.
Do you write full-time or do you also have a 9 to 5?
It depends on what month it is and what bill is due at the time. LOL! My primary job is writing, but there are
times when I must do other things to make ends meet. For instance, I'm a substitute teacher at my
children's school, but I only go in on an as-needed/as-available basis. I also travel to various high schools
in Ohio to give presentations on topics such as Sexual Harassment, Critical Thinking, Conflict Resolution,
etc. Since writing is a priority, I try to avoid doing anything that won't allow me the flexibility to write. (FYI -
I'm not interested in any home-based consultant businesses . . . been there done that, but thanks anyway.)
I have a lot of story ideas, but I'm not sure how to begin writing. What suggestions can you
give?
Not to sound like a Nike commercial, but you have to "just do it." Soul Matters was my first serious
attempt at writing a novel. I had a general idea of the beginning and I just wrote what was on my heart and
allowed the rest to unfold as I went along. (Also see "How do I overcome writer's block?" and "What
resources can you recommend for aspiring writers?")
How long does a story have to be before a publisher will consider it?
Typically anywhere from 75,000 to 90,000 words. Guidelines vary by publisher so I'd suggest that you look
at the requirements of those who publish in the genre of your interest.
How do I overcome writer's block?
Keep writing. I don't really suffer from writer's block because there is always some idea floating through
this head of mine. There are times, however, when I get stuck on a particular scene. What I mean by stuck
is that I have the ideas, but sometimes I have trouble connecting them together. I'm the type who doesn't
like to move on to the next scene until I tie up all the loose ends in the current one. But, I've learned that
sometimes it's best to move on when I'm stuck. Each time I've done that, I've been able to come up with a
solution about the scene I was stuck on. I either discover something that I can go back and tie in or
perhaps the scene doesn't fit with the rest of the story so I end up deleting or changing it. Whatever your
case may be, if you're stuck or just lack ideas, keep writing! Even if what you write at the time doesn't
make sense, you will still be making progress. You'll be surprised at how much material you can pull from
the stuff that may initially seem like junk.
What are some ways I can guarantee that my book will be successful?
It depends on how you are defining success. Spiritually speaking, if you feel God leading you to write then
by simply completing your assignment will make your book successful. You may/may not make it to the
New York Times Bestseller list, on Oprah or win any type of literary awards, but any time we do what the
Lord tells us then we have accomplished what it means to be successful. Financially speaking, I'd have to
say don't let money be the motive for which you write - especially if you're writing anything of a Christian
nature. Every author, including me, wants his/her book to sell and do "well" in the industry, but keep in
mind that the publishing industry continually changes and what's "in" today may not be "in" tomorrow. If
you write with the goal of trying to get rich, then you'll run the risk of watering down Biblical truths in order
to make your work "fit in." But, if you write with a pure heart under the guidance of God, you don't have to
worry about whether or not there's a place for your book because if there wasn't, He wouldn't have given
you the gift to write it (Proverbs 18:16). My advice would be to keep God first because by doing so He
guarantees that everything else will fall into place (Matthew 6:33). Let God know that He can trust your
motives and I'm sure He'll do more with your books than you ever thought possible (Ephesians 3:20).
I'm not interested in writing Christian fiction, but another genre. Do you have any ideas how I
would go about getting started and published?
The advice I gave earlier would apply to all writers no matter what genre you're interested in. (See "I have
a lot of story ideas, but I'm not sure how to begin writing. What suggestions can you give?" and
"How do I overcome writer's block?") In terms of getting published, you may want to seek advice from
someone who's already published in your genre of interest because I'm not familiar with non-Christian
publisher requirements. I suspect the requirements would change depending on the genre. (Also see
"What resources can you recommend for aspiring writers?" at the end.)
How did you get published?
For Soul Matters, I submitted a synopsis and three sample chapters to The Writer's Edge, a company
that provides screening services for various Christian publishers. After reviewing my submission, The
Writer's Edge listed information about the book and me in a report that they sent to a number of Christian
publishers, which resulted in my being offered a contract. For Secrets of a Sinner, I submitted information
directly to the publisher.
Would you recommend self-publishing?
It depends on the author's situation. Self-publishing is a very time-consuming and costly endeavor, but
self-published authors do have the final say about things such as book cover designs and edits.
Depending on the distributor, it can be difficult to get self-published books into chain stores. Personally, I
think there's much less stress involved with having a traditional publisher. However, if you have the
resources to invest in self-publishing then go for it because you'll have more control over your work.
Nowadays, it's very difficult to obtain a traditional publishing contract, but I do know of several authors who
initially self-published their books and were able to gain the attention of a traditional publisher, and were
later offered contracts. I know others who had traditional publishers initially and now desire to self publish.
I think there are pros and cons to each. Prior to doing either, I'd suggest allowing a few trustworthy family
members/friends to review your work and provide feedback.
How can I get my poems published?
It is very difficult to get a contract for poetry. Perhaps you could look at the guidelines of those publishers
who already distribute poetry.
Are you ever going to publish your poems?
Currently I have a few of my poems listed on my website. Publishing contracts for poetry are rare. I may
self-publish all of my poems in a collection one day just so I can have an official record of them.
Are your books available on audio tape or CD?
To my knowledge, not yet. I'm sure they will be at some point, but I don't know when.
Do you accept speaking engagements at churches, conferences, schools, etc.?
Yes. If you are interested in having me at one of your events, please fill out the Speaker Request Form
and submit it online or leave a message for me at 610-915-9004.
What resources can you recommend for aspiring writers?
I have provided some links that may be of interest to you below. May God bless and be with you as you go
forth!
Playwriting 101
Preditors and Editors
Readers Read
Writers Digest
The Writer's Edge
www.writerswrite.com
U.S. Census Bureau
U.S. Copyright Office