Illusions Blog Tour - Meet Author, Wanda Campbell

Today we welcome Wanda Campbell, one of my label-mates at Urban Christian Books, for the first top of her month long blog tour.

Welcome to Urban Christian Fiction Today Wanda, tell us about yourself. I am a wife of nineteen years and mother of three. I also hold the unique position of being the youngest of twelve siblings and the oldest of five siblings. I was born in Chicago, but having left the Windy City at age two, I consider myself a native Californian.

I am an ordained minister and operate in leadership capacity at my local church. Currently, I am pursing a Bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies. My favorite hobby is reading, actually, I am addicted to reading. I literally have to pray before entering a bookstore. I enjoy traveling and collecting magnets from new destinations.

My favorite musical artist is Israel Houghton & New Breed. Okay, I am more of a fanatic. I have every CD, DVD and have flown twice to see them perform. Israel, if you read this, please contact me. I would love for you to sing at my fortieth birthday party in 2010.

What type of jobs or careers have you worked in the past?
I began working on the grill at McDonald's at age sixteen. I was working fries the night I met my husband. For the past seventeen years I have worked in public heathcare. Presently, I am also a licensed real estate agent.

When did you begin to realize you wanted to write?
December 13, 2005 was the first day I picked up a pen and pad and began writing. At the time the only thing I knew about writing was the residue from my twelth grade English class. From the hundreds of books I'd read, I knew what not to do.

Tell us about your journey to publication.
My journey to publication began on a red-eye flight to Georgia in June 2006. After a four-hour writing workshop conducted by bestselling author, Kendra Norman Bellamy, I flew back home and submitted a short story for the anthology, The Midnight Clear. The short story, Mommy's Present, was accepted and received good reviews.

Armed with just the basics, in January 2007 I self published my debut novel, First Sunday in October, the story I began writing that day in December. In August of the same year, I won the Cruisin for Christ I short story contest with Illusions. The prize was the chance to turn the short story into a full novel published by a mainstream publisher. At the time I did not know the name of the publishing house, I just wanted a deal. The result is a multi-book deal with Urban Christian Books.

Are you a full-time writer? If so, describe your day?I would love to write full time. For now, I hold down a full-time job. Three, if you count family and church.

What is your biggest accomplishment to date?
I consider my entire literary career my biggest accomplishment. Daily I am amazed at the favor God has placed on my life. In three years God has opened doors I never thought possible.Wanda, we've learned quite a bit about you today.

To close out this part of your interview, do you have a favorite bible verse and or quote you wish to share?

My favorite scripture and the words I endeavor to live by is Micah 6:8

He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to to justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?

ABOUT THE BOOK Illusionsby Wanda B. Campbell

After three years of marriage, Denise Hightower discovers that her husband, Pastor Bryce Hightower, has a secret addiction that not only jeopardizes his marriage, but impairs his ability to effectively preach the gospel.

Yielding to pressure from her mother and her husband, Denise agrees to keep his addiction a secret, although her self-esteem plummets. Her life as the perfect First Lady is falling apart at the seams.

Self-centered and determined to uphold his pastoral image, Bryce is oblivious to his wife’s emotional state. He’s convinced that he can overcome his “little problem” on his own, so he rejects the spiritual help God sends him. But when his secret is discovered, will he be able to come clean with himself, God, and his congregation?

For more information about Wanda, visit her at wandabcampbell.net.

The Illusions Blog Tour Giveaway We have some great prizes for visitors. Let us know you were here by leaving your response in the comment section below. Prizes will be drawn weekly.

Week 1 - An autographed copy of The Midnight Clear
Week 2 - Valentine's Day (Celebrate Wanda's birthday!) - A Box of Sees Candies.
Week 3 - An autographed copy of First Sunday in October
Week 4/GRAND PRIZE - An autographed copy of First Sunday in October, The Midnight Clear and Illusions.

The winner from each week will also receive a coupon for a FREE print design (choose a bookmark, postcard or business card) courtesy of Tywebbin Creations. Winner(s) are responsible for printing.

Check Wanda B. Campbell's blog for the winners.