Interview with Jeannie Franks-Belgrave

Author of 40+ Notary Public & Notary Signing Agent

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

Born at Lackland AFB, Texas. My father was an Air Force Pilot, so my family ended up moving to Venezuela, country I attended my first school years. Before returning to my country of birth, the United States of America, I had the opportunity to travel to Europe. Once back in USA, I attended college and lived most of my young adult life in Florida. Now, I reside in the Commonwealth of Virginia, a place I seem to be very much in tune with. I love it!

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

After I was born in Texas, I only went back to the state to attend a tribute concert where I had the opportunity to meet Hispanic artists such as Gloria Stefan, Thalia, and Paulina Rubio. During those days, I was involved in the “Behind the Scenes” productions of TV shows. Such position had me moving around a lot. Once I decided to try something other than TV production, I traveled a little more, spent more time with family, and finally joined the United States Air Force; another reason why I went back to Texas. After military basic training, my first post was in California. After a few months in California, I decided to join a Seminary in Kentucky, place I earned a Master’s Degree. During my time in Kentucky, I traveled to the Commonwealth of Virginia. Back then, I thought Kentucky was one of the most beautiful States in the USA, however, it did not have the ocean nearby. Once I visited Virginia, walked by the Neptune Statue in Virginia Beach and drove by places in the Hampton Roads, I knew Virginia would be the place to settled in one day. After Seminary graduation, I moved back to Florida where I had a job and a place to live. As an Air Force traditional Reservist, I began training at a base in South Florida. Met the love of my life there and married him. A few months later, we moved to Ohio so my husband could be closer to his father who, at the time, was ill. Then, due to job changes, we moved to Oklahoma. My husband and I only lived a few months in Oklahoma. Job changed again; this time, the position was located in Virginia. Now, my husband and I are honored everyday by the opportunities that the Hampton Roads offer which is helping me transition from military duty to full civilian life.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

Reading has been one of the joys of my life. More than stories, I have always appreciated writers who put together their wisdom in words for readers to learn something from. Although I always wanted to publish a book that would convey helpful knowledge, my first book was actually a Fiction Story titled “Ojos Gemelos” (Twin Eyes).

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

Whether my books are fiction or not, first time readers may find them engaging, brain teasers, non-judgmental, educational, and to the point. One of my readers told me: “ your books spark my curiosity.” As a writer, I found that comment to be a compliment. Others have told me that they have become better persons and professionals after reading my books.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

For my fiction books, storytellers, other writers, and readers who enjoy engaging in stories.
For my non-fiction books such as “40+ Commissioning as Notary Public and Notary Signing Agent”, women who are entering their 40s or have already reached that age are more likely to connect well with my books, specially my most current ones. Also people, mostly women, transitioning from military life to civilian.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

The first and probably the most unexpected thing I learned was: knowing that the only person who was serving as obstacle to publish my first book was me. Prior to publishing my first book, I had a conversation with mu brother. I shared with him: “I want to write a book and publish it.” He said: “Who is preventing you from doing it?” No one was, only I was the one who needed to commit to it. I also learned that it was not easy for the people around me. I had to isolate myself in order to finish my book.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

I would tell myself to be more organized, structured, committed, and focused. I was all over the place back then 😊 I wanted to do too many things at the same time.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

Any published writer would like to see one’s books in the bestseller list. I am no exception. I do hope that those who read my books get something out of it.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

The biggest challenge has been marketing my books more. When it comes to frustrations, I ask myself: what is it that I need to find out? What step did I miss? Am I doing too much at the same time?

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

a) I write my ideas down as soon as they come to my head.
b) I have become savvy at self publishing.
c) Each book has a specific market.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

a) I have to prepare my writing environment.
b) Sometimes, I want to publish too fast.
c) Doing everything myself.

When do you think you will write your next book?

I am in the process of writing my next book.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

I am self published.