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Saturday, May 7, 2016

The Black Sheep Shadow by: Ashley Terrell w/ Interview


Title: The Black Sheep Shadow
Author: Ashley Terrell
Series: Standalone
Genre: Women’s Fiction, Fiction, Self-Help, Religious
Publisher: Ashley Terrell LLC
Release Date: April 19 2016
Edition/Formats: eBook & Print
Blurb/Synopsis:
The city lights blind your amazement. The sound of the traffic challenges you to be alive. Families ask bystanders to make magic and capture the moment with photographs. Newly engaged couples seal their union by kissing under shooting stars while loving by crossing their hearts.

But if your heart was under arrest, wouldn't you want to embrace something to feel like others?

Go insider the world of one courageous sheep as she discovers that her heart was under attack by darkness. As she travels on a spiritual journey to understanding her purpose, overcoming the undertones of low confidence, self-acceptance, and the importance of inspiration, she rose against the odds with forgiveness and strengthening her faith.

(Note from Author)
The Power of Dark Places
The Importance of Your Black Shadow
Greensboro, NC: As the media crowd airwaves with the potent details of current events, correctional surgery and fashion sales, the potential of who we "could" be is being unsympathetically sold to millions.
Men and women are mentally wounded as highly sought public figures are invested in staying relevant in the latest “dramatic” scandals. "It's always harder to see what is in front of you when you are looking everywhere else," states author of The Black Sheep Shadow, Ashley Terrell. "Everyone has an opinion, but when it is time to speak up very few do. Speak and move with a purpose - that's relevance. One act of kindness can open doors to have others to walk through."
In The Black Sheep Shadow, Terrell speaks on the undertones of what we believe holds us to the idea we cannot succeed, grow and become better. Terrell tells her courageous journey of overcoming, forgiveness and finding happiness. Acclaimed to be one of the best novels of 2016, Terrell uses her journey as a platform for others to speak their truths, testimonies and to spread awareness.
Within her inspirational memoir, you discover the motivating logical quotes:
● “Guided lights” that many overlook on their journey to self-acceptance and self-worth
● Definition of “hidden faith”
● “Change has a role call”
● “Everyone has strength - better yet, a TESTIMONY.”


Puzzled Starts and Questionable Endings
February 20, 2013
I slowly place the phone down on the bathroom vanity as I glance at my reflection in the mirror. My skin glowed under the master bathroom lighting. I turn around to look at the luxury we my husband and I worked so hard for. Jacuzzi, stand up showers, double sinks with gold bathroom railings and custom tiling we had two other bathrooms just like it. I close my eyes to take me back to when we had less materialistic distractions. Love kept us motivated and supportive of each other when there was one vehicle, little to eat, less than five dollars, God still gave us an abundance.
Tonight, it seemed more like a bill rather than an investment just as my marriage was an obligation, not a decision based on happiness.
I gathered myself as I come back to reality to assess that I had eventually slid down to spread the heat from my bathroom floors to other parts of my body. As my feet gained life and my fingers began to recognize themselves, I noticed one part of me that was no longer warm my heart.
I crawl into bed, sending text messages to the few close friends I felt were in my corner the word ‘few’ is an understatement. I silenced my phone as I laid on my back and looked at the ceiling. The feeling I possessed was one I never really paid a lot of attention to when it resurfaced. This time, it was as apparent as a ‘bad’ pair of shoes women spot in the mall. It was as obvious as a zit on prom day. It was me coming to a reality I was more lost than what I thought I was.
What did I do that was so wrong? I thought. Did I not support enough? We have this big house, cars and businesses to prove I am. Did I not service my husband enough for him to see I wanted him? I knew that was not the answer because he had begun to stop coming to bed and touching me months ago. I asked, “Did I gain weight?”
Though my weight scale told me I was getting leaner, I knew it was from stress. It is hard going to work in the morning and your husband doesn’t want to get out his recliner to wake you up with a good morning kiss, let alone make sure I had everything to complete my day and get out the house in time. I did not know when the distance began having an excuse. I did know that after our vows and our first night being husband and wife, I didn’t matter much.
My paralyzing state stems from my marriage being over. I knew it had been over. Tonight, I received my confirmation.
Normally, when two people sense that a relationship should not work, two things happen. First, they cut their ties as mature adults. They should not hate each other, they just simply move on. Second, they stay together to a point it hurts to be in the same room because they fear the unknown of who is next to claim their prize possession. We were at this point. I stayed with my husband that did not appreciate, respect, acknowledged or care about me. Countless nights I would roll over and his side of the bed was as cold as the winter air in the morning. The nights I dash home to cook a meal from scratch and he strolls through the door as if he did not get the memo. My closest friends from high school becoming distant memories due to egos and social media insecurities.
When you lose someone, it is always a hardship.
You have an emotional investment to your relationship. For it to dismantle, it is devastating. Somehow, you get back up and you begin again. For someone to lose someone in regards to marriage, I found no words. I just had thoughts.
You should marry your best friend. I married that one person that is so close to me that they complete my sentences. He has seen me in my most vulnerable state. To lose him, it seemed impossible to get back up and begin again.
In the moment, I felt lost. My all in
One is gone. I not only suffered a loss, I was also suffering from loneliness.
To lose my husband, he was my last piece. Without the one motivating and supporting me, I truly felt like I hit rock bottom. Not believing in anything.
I gaze out observing the moon glow over the
Elizabeth River. Tonight, is the last night I remain unknown to myself. I realized the more I stayed with my husband, the more I could not see myself on my own recognizance. My name became unfamiliar. My quiet time seemed more like torture and the people around me were more like extras from a movie. I was no longer aware of my surroundings and what defined me.
I called my husband. I did not tell him I heard what I recalled on my voicemail with the other woman, but it was enough for me to give him the divorce he’d been looking since we said ‘I do’.
In my gut, I knew this man was going to take me from hell and back in our divorce proceedings. I did not want much, I just wanted peace. Hell, I thought that was free.
Unfortunately, it is not that easy at least in my case.
My take on life has many pros and cons. I had noticed many people make it to the other side where happiness is on a
Hollywood sign. I failed miserably at understanding that conclusion.
The next day, I dragged myself into work. Real estate, once being known as a passion, of mine, now somehow became stale. During lunch, I had a lot on my mind and my coworker, Jack, was concerned. As I pushed my food around in my lunch container, he sat across from me in silence. I felt that he knew with a matter of time, my husband was going to show his ugly side. Jack was always that friend that real and to the point. Today, he knew I just wanted someone else’s presence even if it was for a half an hour. I was just tired of feeling alone.
“Jack, how do you find happiness?” I asked with tears falling into my food. Given that Jack was twice my age,
I listen to wisdom he passed along.
He said, “Sometimes, you have to go through a lot of what you may think is bad shit, to get to where you want to be. When you get there, all the shit you been through will make it worth it.”
Oh, Jack was never lying.











Welcome, Ashley Terrell! We are super excited to finally discuss The Black Sheep Shadow!
Thank you so much for having me!
Is The Black Sheep Shadow a single title, or part of a series?
It is a single title perhaps for now.
What were your inspirations for the story?
A: I believe the media and biased presumptions swallows the everyday person's life one way or another. Whether it consist of selling me on how Botox can cure a migraine or using it as a filler, both decisions to use the 'vice' subtracts me from who I know myself to be. That goes with misunderstandings of relationships, seasons and journeys as well as people. So I wanted to bring something to the forefront that was going to cause readers to look up from the ordinary urban novel.
What were your inspirations for the story?
My inspiration for The Black Sheep Shadow is strength MY strength. One thing I have learned about myself is that I don't give myself enough credit for being as strong as I am. Instead of bragging about making it to finding my happiness, voice and being outspoken, help others.
There were several settings in The Black Sheep Shadow. Why was it so important for you to include these settings?
There is a very important connection within every setting just as every lesson you learn on your journey is essential. I didn't want to write a cookie cutter book; I didn't want to seem naive like,
"Why did I go through this?" No, I knew exactly why I was going through [several] storms and seasons.
I wrote vividly because the title, The Black Sheep Shadow, should contain material that is just as concentrated and potent as the title. Readers need testimonies on topics such as domestic violence.
Readers need to peek into the band aid scars of tragic loss. At the end, it's how we get up and keep going.
If I want readers to understand how I reached victory, they have to understand where it all started in the shadow of a black sheep.
What inspired you to begin writing?
I began writing because I didn't have anyone to converse with. As readers turn the pages of The Black Sheep Shadow, they will understand. I discovered that writing is very cleansing for me. I can listmy thoughts, feelings and most of all, my truth.
Who are you favorite author(s)? Book or series?
One of my favorite authors [also my mentor] is life coach, Valorie Burton. She is truly an amazing woman in her purpose. Her publications and her spiritual strength inspires me to continue to thrive, strive and aspire others. I began reading her books in 2011 she has designated place on my bookshelf with every book release she announces.
If you had an author round table discussion with any authors, who would you invite? Why?
When the day COMES that I do, I would love to speak with diverse authors on topics The Black
Sheep Shadow. I would love to have K. Michelle in attendance she's outspoken and she's real. Valorie
Burton, of course, because of her spirituality and the strength found in her words. My favorite fiction author is Omar Tyree, so, that would be awesome to have him aboard. Lastly, John Maxwell I have all of his books. He has strengthen my work ethic significantly this year because of his logical on talent and passion.
I guess I would have one hell of a round table discussion, hmph?
Do you have any hobbies or special things you like to do in your spare time? What makes them special to you?
I like to participate in activities that motivate and encourage my peace. I love to cook. When I am not touring and on the road, I like to cook divine and creative meals with my food brand product,
Stella Bistro Foods. Recently, I began sharing my cooking with the world on SnapChat (StellasKitchen).
I love cooking because it is my all-in-one.
If I am missing home, I cook. If I am "emotionally moved" [or what others call angry], I cook. When I feel like negativity is at a high around me, I zone out and I cook.
What's the strangest thing you've heard or seen?
People willing to plan how to rob ones that are righteous, yet don't understand they can invest the same effort and energy into owning their own LEGIT Company. By far, not the strangest but the most lame.
Any final words?
Know the company you keep.



Ashley Terrell is the founder of Stella Bistro Foods and Black Sheep INC. Terrell is the host and co-director of Cooking with Stella (2016) and Unaverage Ash (2016). She resides East Coast where she enjoys blissful sunsets and sounds of ocean waves.
Founder & CEO
Head of Marketing
Of Terrell Enterprise
Terrell brings the sharp edge of acknowledgement in various aspects of her agency as well as awareness of client's concerns, desires and needs.
Terrell is the author of inspirational novel, Bitterness Isn't Sexy! (April 2014) and The Black Sheep Shadow (April 2016).
Terrell Enterprises is a boutique public relations agency that offers marketing, branding and advertising. For more information on A Terrell Enterprises, please visit www.aterrellenterprises.com







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