We recently connected with Terrene Davenport and have shared our conversation below.

Terrene, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you share a story about the kindest thing someone has done for you and why it mattered so much or was so meaningful to you?

Though there are many instances to which kindness was bestowed upon me, one story in particular stands out for a lot of reasons. Early in my writing career, after I’d published my book, I meet Henry Cavill, the inspiration of the main character, at the New York Comic Con. He was very kind but I couldn’t find the words to express that I wanted for him to have a copy of my work (admittedly not ready for that kind of notoriety but you can’t blame a girl for trying). To no avail could I voice it to the man who had me star-struck for no reason at all other than being a true gem in person.

About three months later, one of the items on my bucket list was about to become a reality, traveling to UK and raising money for a good cause. Not only were the tickets a record low, I was able to raise enough money to secure a short meet & greet with Henry again overseas. The was especially stressful, finding parking on the now over packed island of Jersey, and even smaller Durrell Zoo seemed daunting… sitting in line for almost an hour. When I raced to secure my spot for the meet & greet, Henry was already done and people were leaving. Defeated, I took the bucket list approach one of the event organizers if Henry would return or if was done for the day. She promptly stated he’d completed that part of his day, that he was preparing for the next portion of his schedule.

I looked at her and asked if it’d be POSSIBLE for him to come out one last time, praying it didn’t come off entitled. I never want to feel like I’m pressuring anyone, most certainly not for me. I fully expected a sharp and contrite NO. To my surprise, she smiled and said she would be right back. She was gone for what felt like the longest five minutes of my life. Again, I fully expected her to tell me to get lost. Instead, she sweetly said, we are about to ask everyone to leave. He will come out to see you, just let anyone who asks know I said it was okay for you to stay. I was so nervous, I don’t even recall telling her thank you.

A few more minutes pass, Henry’s family enters the room. I make very short small talk with them before he suddenly appears, happy and chipper. He wasn’t burden or annoyed by request. In fact, he stated he’d remembered me from New York. I asked if he could personalize the book he signed AND if it was okay if I gift him one. He was gracious about both as we spoke at length about my short journey up to that point. His manager has to cut us short, as he had a schedule to keep.

Out of respect, I started to turn away to grab my things before he leaned in to hug me. GENUINE hug and assured me that he would read my work. The kindness displayed to me on the island of Jersey that week has yet to be surpassed. My book, looking back, wasn’t nearly ready and I wouldn’t blame him if he never read it!

Terrene, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I absolutely love writing and have since I was kid. During my masters courses, and right after my son was born, I had a reoccurring dream that wouldn’t quit. Once I came to the belief God was trying to tell me something, I took pen to paper, or rather fingers to keyboard, and wrote a rough draft of what now embodies over a half million words! Beyond the Balance saga has slowly but surely come to fruition, earning a readers favorite award and long listed award from Book Viral. I even studied screenplay writing to enter the story into contests, receiving favorable feedback on my story.

I continue to re-invent myself, putting the book in the spotlight and allowing the book to be criticized by the best in the business. I believe I truly have something, and it’s still a work in progress. The series currently has three books available for purchase, the fourth one coming soon, and the fifth one in draft.

The Great Balance
Embracing the Balance
Balance Interrupted
The Balance Will Break

All available on Kindle Unlimited with paperbacks and hardcovers available on my website at www.tadavenport.com.

I’m proud that in the realm of fantasy and paranormal romance, my readers get to enjoy an ebony heroine that so many women can relate to on so many levels. A person of color is so rarely in the middle of a fantasy, that fans have enjoyed a fresh, unique story, that stands its ground in modern fantasy while entrancing them with romance, adventure, and the supernatural and mythological realm of angels and devils. I’m going to continue to push my fantastical stories in hopes to soon throw my own book/comic con that is more immersive than anything fans have ever enjoyed.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I first started to pitch manuscript to literary agents, I was turned down multiple times and ignored more times than I count. Worse, I couldn’t get feedback from anyone. I thought my story wasn’t good enough and there were many times I thought I should just quit and only write for myself. I prayed for strength daily, feeling deep down there had to be more. Why give me such a phenomenal dream for me to never share it? I look at where I am now, from where I started and in the blink of an eye, I realize just how deep the grit really is.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I realized really late in life that not everyone deserves your time. This is something I’ve struggled with for a very long time and still focus on regularly. It’s easy to get lost in the people who won’t equally invest in you after you’ve invested time and resources into them. The idea that your expectations of people should mirror what you give to others almost always falls short. I realized I was investing time into other peoples dreams while they took away from my own, believing the feeling was mutual. I had to pivot and put myself first again. Learn things myself and decide how to move forward alone. Best and hardest thing I’ve had to do in my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tadavenport.com
• Instagram: @t.a.davenport
• Facebook: /pasclo.tadavenport