We were lucky to catch up with Yvonna Russell recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Yvonna thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
When I decided to share my creative writing, I had to choose between traditional publishing and self-publishing. This is my second career, so I have some experience with agents, auditioning, and rejection. Being an actor was entrepreneurial, so I knew I could navigate the world of creative writing with the same discipline. The big difference is my satisfaction with direct-to-consumer e-commerce. My focus is on creativity, and I am thrilled when my books and short stories are enjoyed.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I was a professional actress for twenty years. I cover good causes fashion, society, and arts for various blogs and publications. I have written five novellas: “Snatch”, “No Matter What”, “Unfinished Business”, “Vintage Women”, and “The Last Movie Star”. My short story, “Murder Mystery Weekend” made the Top 25 of the Josephson Entertainment + Roadmap Writers Short Story Competition. My latest mystery short story collection is “Big Apple Whodunit”.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
If you’re an wildly famous black female movie star and you’re looking for your next project I have a story for you. I. would love to see my stories on film and televison.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I have been writing a long time. My novella “Unfinished Business” was started over thirty years ago on a Commodore 64 computer! Whenever I was rejected, I stopped and put my work away. I learned from the great author Gloria Naylor, “That is just someone’s opinion”. Now I dust myself off and keep showing up on the page.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amazon.com/author/yvonnarussell
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yvonna_snaps/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064104210852
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/yvonna__
