Interview with Angelia Vernon Menchan, Wife, Mother, Mentor, Former Job Corps Counselor, Author and Publisher
by Afrika Midnight Asha Abney

Thank you Angelia Menchan for giving me the opportunity to speak with you and learn more  about your book, Is No Not Clear Enough for You.

And thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak with you.

Angelia Vernon Menchan, wife, mother, mentor,former Job Corps Counselor pens her first coming-of-age novel for emerging women. Mrs. Menchan is the author of several other books and articles.  Born and raised in Ocala Florida, she resides in Jacksonville, Florida. Mrs. Menchan is the CEO of MAMM Productions. She is available for book discussions, book signings and speaking engagements. Mrs. Menchan can be contacted at acvermen@yahoo.com or 904 714 2272.

What is your name?
My name is Angelia Vernon Menchan

Tell me something about yourself.
I am a Budget Analyst who decided to start pursuing my dream of writing when my youngest son started college in 2004. I am a wife, mother, mentor, author and publisher. I am a Ocala, Florida native and Jacksonville, Florida resident.

What are your goals for your writing career?
My current goals have been realized, to write stories that are a bit different than what is currently available while trying to deliver a message of hope.

What is your profession?
I am a Budget Analyst.

Who are some of your favorite authors?
Colin Channer, J. California Cooper, Diane McKinney Whetstone, Pearl Cleage and my all time favorite James Baldwin.

Who are you influenced by?
Ms. Cooper more than anyone, I am a short story writer at heart.

How long have you been writing?
Always, but I have been published since January 2006.

What are some of favorite books?
Just Above My Head by James Baldwin
Waiting in Vain by Colin Channer
Blues Dancing by Diane McKinney Whetstone

What genre to do like reading the most? Why?
Mainstream and Literary Fiction, the truthfulness and narration appeals to me, however, I read across genres. If words are a part of it I will read it.

Tell us something about your most recent book, Is No Not Clear Enough For You.
Is No Not Clear Enough For You will be released by MAMM Productions on December 1, 2007.
 
At the heart of the book is sixteen year old Malaaka Green, she is growing up in a time of teen pregnancy and disease and she has decided for herself as a spiritual girl that she is not going to make choices that are not appropriate for her. She is surrounded by a supporting cast who applaud her, disagree with her and try to influence her but she is a young woman who dances to her own drummer.

Excerpt

“Jerald, get you hands off me!” Jerking away from him Malaaka was incensed. They had been enjoying the movie and she felt Jerald’s hands touching her, inappropriately.
“You got to be kidding me. You’re my girlfriend. I’ve been trying to get with the no sex thing, but if I can’t even touch you what’s a man supposed to do?” He was getting tired of Malaaka’s just say no policy. He knew many girls would just say yes, even her friend Kim.
     “I’m not kidding with you. I won’t have you pawing on me like that. We’re in a movie theatre and you have no respect for me.”
      “So, are you saying that if we weren’t in a movie theatre, I could touch you?”
      “No I’m not, not like that. What I’m saying is I like you, a lot. But I’m a Christian girl and I’m not having sex with you. And I’m not going to do ‘near sex’ either. People kill me doing everything under the sun except having intercourse and saying they aren’t having sex. I will kiss you, and hold hands but we won’t do all of that other stuff. If you want or need that then I’m the wrong girlfriend.” Standing to his full height, he glared down at her.
      “I guess you are. I’m out.” Shock marred Malaaka’s face as she watched Jerald walk from the theatre. After about five minutes she realized she didn’t have a way home. Tears choked her as she sat there. “He’s not going to manipulate me. I’m not going to do that. I’m not ready for that and if I have to be to have a boyfriend then I just won’t have one.”

What inspired you to write your most recent book, Is No Not Clear Enough For You?
I am a mentor and I know young people need to get clear messages of how to own themselves.

After readers have read your most book, what you want them to walk away with?
I want them to know that fun is not tied to promiscuity or illegal activities and that there are young spiritual kids, having a blast.

Do you have a specific target audience for your most recent book, Is No Not Clear Enough For You?
Teenagers, mothers, mentors…it is ageless fiction, really.

How did you come up with your title?
It is something, I used to say to my sons.

Who designed your cover?
Maurice Menchan, my graphic designer, partner, husband.