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?
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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