Author Interview - Nathifa Nadine Debellotte

In August 2022, I was on a mission and started writing my memoir. I started writing all the stories I wanted to capture. I started much research about traditional and self-publishing methods, pros and cons, and researched what to include in a memoir. I couldn't stop writing and brainstorming. While writing and researching, I found a former Pre-K teacher from my Seventh-day Adventist school days. Funny enough, my teacher was an author with published memoirs and other books. I shared I was writing my memoir, and she shared some ideas and techniques with me. In December, she invited me to fill out an "Author Interview" to help get my name out there and learn more about me and my writing journey. See the original link here.

Here is the interview with some current updates.

1. Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.

   My name is Nathifa Nadine Debellotte. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, and grew up as a Seventh-Day Adventist. I graduated from the Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, MA, where I live, with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture. I currently attend the Hyde Park Seventh-day Adventist Church in Boston, where I hold multiple positions in the church. I am a project manager for an affordable housing real estate development company. After work hours, I occasionally journal and manage my small business, creating handmade clothing using textile methods such as knitting and crocheting.

   
   

2. What is the name of your latest book, and what inspired it?

   I have been a writer since 4th grade, when I wrote a few chapters of a creative writing assignment for class. From 8th grade until my freshman year of college, I had completed two fiction novels and 2-3 novels I reached halfway through. The name of the latest book I started but didn’t complete was “A New-Path.” I don’t recall the inspiration for this specific book, but all the novels I have written were romance novels. ‘A New-Path’ was a new storyline approach to the previous romantic novels I’ve written. They were all inspired by hidden desires, romance movies I’ve watched, and just creative inspiration. Besides writing novels, I have written my fair share of poetry.

   
   

3. Do you have any unusual writing habits?

   I don’t have any unusual writing habits. Still, about a year ago, I started getting journal entry inspiration from the many quotes I’ve seen online that resonated with me and my experience. When writing my novels, I used to write all day in my classes. I would finish my classwork and sometimes my homework, and write the rest of the class. I write mostly at night and in the middle of my sleep whenever a thought comes to me.

   
   

4. What authors or books have influenced you?

   Some books that have inspired me are self-evaluation books.

   - “Boundaries” by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend

   - “Spiritual Leadership” Henry & Richard Blackarby

   - “When Others Make Your Life Difficult?” Daniel E. Miller,

   - “Kingology” and “Queenology” by R.C. Blakes Jr. These books help one reflect on ourselves and how we treat others. Self-reflection has become a passion of mine for as long as I can remember, when I reflect on how I have been treating others and how I could become a better human, not only with those I interact with, but also with how I value myself.

   
   

5. What are you working on now?

   The spiritual insight I have developed over the years, resulting from a car accident in 2008 and the understanding that everything happens for a reason, has inspired me to share my story publicly. This has been an ongoing urge that I have finally been able to fulfill. I am currently working on my memoir about how the loss of a family member strengthened my character and spiritual connection with God, and I am sharing the lessons I have learned along the way.

   
   

6. Do you have any advice for new authors?

   For new authors or writers, I advise just writing what is in your heart and letting your creativity run wild. If you think you have something to say or think your sense of creativity might differ slightly from the norm, write. Don't be afraid to share your work with the world if you feel so inclined. You never know who could benefit from your words of encouragement or how talented you might be.

   
   

7. What is the best advice you have ever heard?

   "When God gives you a new beginning, it starts with an ending. Be thankful for the closed doors. They often guide us to the right one." and "When Jesus calls you to something, it's less about what He wants you to do and more about who He wants you to become. There are many reasons to fear. But there's a greater reason to be brave. Taking a step of faith brings you closer to Jesus and welcomes Him into transforming your life."

   
   

8. What are you reading now?

   I am not reading anything right now, but the last few books I have read and am still working on finishing are "Boundaries," "Queenology," and "Kingology."

   
   

9. What's next for you as a writer?

   I'm currently working on my memoir. In the meantime, I might also publish my poems and revisit the books I finished in high school.

   
   
   
   

   

   The Scars Still Hurt by Nathifa. 2nd Unpublished Book written by me