If you have never viewed or listened to an interview with Dr. Velma Bagby then you have missed out. It is a joy to hear her speak and it was a pleasure to be granted an interview. I am sure you will enjoy Dr. Velma Bagby as much as I do.
Tell me about your latest book.
The book began as a novel and has now turned into a 3-book series (The CATCH Series).
Book one: The CATCH No One Wants, a Christian Contemporary Fiction/Black Christian Fiction novel. It tells the story of Veronica Dawson’s obsession with getting married by her deadline, while her father, Greyson, watches in frustration, while she makes the wrong choices and how the men mistreat her.
He prays for direction, and God’s answer directs him to use what he knows. He is an expert at fishing. So he invites his daughter on a two-day fishing trip, where he presents 5 fish analogies showing the behavioral similarities between fish and men. Four stories represent the men she’s dated: the catfish who loves garbage, the salmon who hates getting caught, the sturgeon who likes to nibble, and the pufferfish who is handsome until agitated—all highlight the dating mistakes his daughter continues making even now. While the fifth story, the Goldfish, represents the husband she deserves. The man God has chosen, was standing right in front of her.
Book two: The CATCH Homework Basket, a Christian nonfiction dating help. This book captures all the tools Veronica’s father provided her during and after his intervention. He asked her to complete every task so she could apply the intentional dating principles he taught. This is perfect for self-study, book clubs, or ministry groups.
Book three: The WRONG CATCH, a Christian Contemporary Fiction/Black Christian Fiction novel, releases in 2023. The eBook is available for preorder on Amazon. Responding to readers who asked for more fish analogies, Veronica and Greyson introduce four new fish stories. This time, the stories focus on the trophy fish popular for fishing tournaments—a multi-million-dollar business.
Why did you choose to become a Christian Fiction Author?
I began my journey by writing nonfiction. As a minister/speaker, and Bible teacher, they trained us to expound the word in our speaking, teaching, or writing. I saw the resistance to accepting Christian fiction by some in the Christian community. So I wrestled with the idea of fiction until I read a blog written by a Christian author. She pointed out the over 50 parables written by Jesus. As I reflected on the message, I knew God was showing me my path. Since Jesus was a master storyteller, I sought to duplicate His style. He told fictional stories by using items that were familiar to the person(s) he was speaking with; created the stories so that the person(s) could see themselves/their problem/or issue in it; included redemption; and, left the choice to them in the end. I loved it and wanted to do the same. Most of my feedback from the first novel was comments that said, “The use of fish was genius!” or “I dated all four of the fish in the stories.” Hearing those comments left me feeling that I had accomplished my assignment. I didn’t want to write grand stories, but ones with a profound message for those who read them.
What inspired you to write it?
A few facts inspired me: after providing singles, pre-marriage, and marriage counseling for 30+ years—watching the errors and mistakes that couples brought to our attention (my pastor husband and me); the decline of successful marriages, and the high rate of divorce in the church; and using a dating process that’s a little over a hundred years old rather than use the process provided us that’s thousands of years old—I realized that the teaching around preparation for marriage, and dating with intent to marry had gotten lost.
What is your writing process?
My guiding principle is Proverbs 3:6 “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your path.” The word acknowledge means to invite in. I seek to invite God in and he sends me inspiration to write. Sometimes my instructions may lead to a delay in writing about a topic or rearranging the order of the books I’m working on. The best time for me to write is 5 AM until around 9 or 10 AM. It is peaceful in my house; the phone doesn’t ring, and it’s also quiet outside. I do not play music or have any other sound on while I’m writing. At times inspiration comes while I’m sleeping or resting or even running errands. In those moments, I pause to write the information in phone notes. Because I type faster than I write, I prefer to not use a notebook. I have a desk set up downstairs and my writing buddy, my German Shepherd Gracie, is always ready to keep me company. Along with a cup of citrus-mint tea, of course.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
I do not have a favorite, but my recent reads were by authors Rovena Braddy, Pamela Mshana, and Natasha Frazier
What book(s) are you most excited to read next?
LaQuita Parks Walking Limitations, N.D. Brennan The Perfect Love
Tell me something about you as a person. (Likes, hobbies, family anything you would like readers to know.)
My husband (also my pastor) and I have been married for 48 years and have known each other for 51. We met in 10th-grade high school. We have two adult daughters, both Registered Nurses and one son-in-love who happens to be my media specialist, and three beautiful grandchildren. My granddaughter became a first-time author at age 6 and is now an award-winning author with 3 books published at 9 years old. I was just her co-pilot.
I grew up in a singing family and love blending harmonies with my family. I sang on the church praise team, led by my eldest daughter before the pandemic closed our church building. We are now online until God moves us into another building.
I’m a retiree and have been retired for ten years as a Deputy Administrator in the State government.
It is never too late to begin writing. As an author, I began my book writing at age of 64 and at my daughters’ urging, who felt I had a lot to say in helping single Christians date for marriage.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
I have two upcoming projects: The Women Who Tear Down the House, a Christian Contemporary Fiction based on Proverbs 14:1; and an anthology project entitled All The Preachers’ Wives releasing in November.
I currently have 27 books published and look forward to hearing from you about the ones you read.
Thank you, She Nell for this opportunity.
Remain in Contact with Dr. Velma Bagby:
Email: info@drvelma.com
Website: https://drvelma.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/DrVelmaB
Instagram/Author: https://www.instagram.com/drvelmabagby_author
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/BagbyVelma
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-velma-bagby-85b476125
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18185844.Velma_Bagby
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/drvelmabagby
Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/1f26eRiJRoE
Dr. Velma Bagby.
6X Award-Winning Author / Certified Dating-Relationship Coach / Minister (Th.D.) / CEO, Adoni Publishing, LLC
She Nell is an author, blogger, and reader, always searching for a great read that draws you in but does not draw you away from the Christian Lifestyle. As a believer, she is mindful of the atmosphere she creates for herself and the messages she entertains. She admits she is mindful, not perfect. In the summer of 2017, she began a blog Shenellinc.com, where she reviewed Christian Fiction and interviewed Christian authors and readers. In the fall of 2017, she signed to Anointed Inspirations Publishing, and her debut book A Good Thing was released in October 2017.
She Nell is the author of over 14 Christian Fiction books. In 2020 she published her tenth Amazon best seller Walking Crooked with Christ and became the CEO of Light and Salt Press LLC. Her blog, Shenellinc.com, is a go-to resource for writers and readers of Christian Fiction. She holds several nominations and awards. In 2021 she was awarded the Endie Fiya Radio Show Author of the Year and Best Interview awards. She received the honor of the Path to Publishing Conference’s Author of the year in September 2021.