Meet Inez Reilly (Richmond, VA)

Meet Inez Reilly (Richmond, VA)

Inez Reilly was born in Queens, New York to a heroin-addicted mother who abandoned her when she was ten months old. She is a survivor of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, most of which was experienced during her younger years. She attributes her endurance to prayer, positive affirmations and her subsequent acceptance of Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Inez is the proud mother of three natural children, one spiritual daughter and three grandchildren … Keilah, Joshua, Seraya, Joy, Haliek, Ryan and Sidney. She currently resides in Richmond VA.

Ms. Reilly refers to herself as a scribe, a composer of written work. She is a writer at heart. She views life in storybook fashion. Through the lens of her eyes, situations are words and words become art. Writing has been in her blood from early childhood; putting pen/pencil to paper to create stories and poems. At the age of ten she began an autobiographical work, entitled How I Became Me, which she turned in to a teacher and received accolades.

Writing has afforded Inez an avenue of opportunity to express herself when verbal communication was not an option. She would write her prayers, keep a daily journal and create vision statements for her life. Now, she shares her creative imaginings with the world through her works of fiction and non-fiction inspirational books.

Inez is a counselor, teacher, mentor, minister and life coach to many. She has traveled across the United States speaking to mixed audiences, sharing her testimony of victory over the situations of her life. She utilizes the tools she has garnered under the tutelage and spiritual nurturing of Dr. Katherine Corbett, as well as the educational support in the Human Services field.

Currently, Inez Reilly has completed five books, a self-help spiritual book, ALL OTHER GROUND, and four Christian fiction novels, HOW TO TASTE IT AT THE END OF THE DAY (soon to be adapted to film), COVENANT, LIKE A ROARING LION and BEHOLDEN (all available on amazon.com). Ms. Reilly is working on several projects, including two books, EAGLE’S NEST and BLOOD-DIPPED targeted to be released in the near future, as well as her own radio show, MATTERS OF THE SOUL (check http://blogtalkradio.com/matters-of-the-soul for details and show times).

About “Beholden”



As the people of Galena go about their lives, there is a menace lurking in their town. People are vanishing, leaving families in chaos. Who or what is terrorizing the community? The townspeople are looking for answers and demanding action. Is simple faith enough to combat this darkness that has enveloped the city? Is a police force enough to put an end to the madness?

For the members of the multicultural Wisdom Outreach Center it is business, as usual. They have families, careers and ambitions. They also have secrets. Their inner battles and private longings bind them together in ways that are hidden from them all. As people begin to disappear, a terror is created throughout the community that is growing out of control. Pastor Zeke Montgomery and Chief Gavin Palmer and the police squad are under scrutiny as the people of Galena are looking for answers about the evil that lurks in the shadows.

As the citizens of Galena search themselves, they begin to wonder if they are prepared to meet their maker. There are families that begin to ponder if the missing members are finally being made to atone for their sins. Introspection creates thoughts of what would be done if they had a second chance. All the while, fear is gripping their hearts with each missing person and passing day. Are the acts the work of a lone assailant or something more sinister?

Inez Reilly takes you on a journey inside the lives of people who represent us all – people with hopes, dreams, good intentions, regrets, nightmares and ill meaning. As with all of Ms. Reilly’s fiction works, there are guaranteed thrills and surprises. You will be on the edge of your seat, guessing and having to guess again, as you try to solve the mysteries behind the disappearances.

UBAWA: When did you first decide you wanted to become an author?

Inez: I wanted to be an author since I was ten years old, when I began writing my autobiography.

UBAWA: How did you decide on the idea for your 1st book? 2nd book? 3rd book, etc?

Inez: The idea for my first book came after I endured one of the most difficult periods of my life. I could not wrap my mind around the sequence of events that had gotten me to that place. I needed some answers, some closure and a good dose of forgiveness.

My second book came soon after, when I realized that very few people were truly grateful for the lives they had and the love they shared. We take so much for granted, while so many deal with loss in ways some of us never experience.

For my third book, I had a deep desire to let my children know that broken relationships were not something they had to look forward to in their lives. I wanted them to have a testament of staying power; whether it be friendships, families or love relationships.

My fourth book, I wanted people to choose to look deeper before judging the actions of those around them. People are complex and our response to situations and circumstances often derive from past experiences. Too often are we quick to judge without having walked (or even inquired) the path of the accused.

My fifth book was birthed after a conversation with a group of young people. However, the book took on a life of its own and became one of the best that I have written. How far would you go to obtain what you THINK you want?

UBAWA: How long did it take you to complete your first book? What was the process like?

Inez: My first book was written in phases. It was a growing process for me, which started off as a journal. I had been going through a particularly rough time and I needed a way to express myself, fully. It was a healing journey for me which I knew would be a help to others. I would say it took me several months to complete, All Other Ground.

UBAWA: What’s so rewarding about writing books and being an author?

Inez: The most rewarding aspect of writing and being an author has to be the readers’ response and receptivity to the deeper meaning of the book.

UBAWA: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up?

Inez: No. Writing is my passion and I would never give that up. I have, however, gotten discouraged at the lack of readers who are willing to try out new/unknown authors.

UBAWA: There’s more to being an author than writing a book. How do you manage to handle the business side of things?

Inez: I have a very capable Media Relations Agent, Cassandra Allen of Bullhorn Gypsy. She affords me the time and space to be a writer while handling the business side of things.

UBAWA: Do you have an editor or do you edit your own books?

Inez: I have several editors. I have one who reads the books for continuity. I have another who reads the books for meaning. And still another, who edits the book for grammatical and tense purposes. Editing is one of the most important aspects of the writing process.

UBAWA: Who does the cover art for your book(s)?

Inez: C. Allen Design does my cover art, and Justin Finch.

UBAWA: Do you ever encounter writer’s block? How do you get past it?

Inez: Yes. I begin to read over what I have already written, then close my eyes and let my fingers get to going!

UBAWA: How often do you write?

Inez: I write almost always. I write books when the mood strikes.

UBAWA: Tell us about your last book signing.

Inez: I cannot remember the name of the bookstore, as it was some time ago. I would say it was a moderate success, for the traffic.

UBAWA: Beside social media, what other methods are you using to get the word out about your book(s)?

Inez: Email blasts, blogs and author interviews

UBAWA: As a Woman of Color, what inspires you the most?

Inez: The idea of being an example to other AA women who are looking to follow their dreams, is what inspires me the most.

UBAWA: Who is your biggest influence?

Inez: I would have to say, Bishop T.D. Jakes.

UBAWA: Have you ever done something in the past you regret? How did you get through it?

Inez: This is a difficult question to answer as I try to live my life without regrets. Any disappointments are dealt with head on and without fear or judging. My focus is on myself and what I could have done better in the situation. I do not place blame because it keeps us held in place, rather than moving forward.

UBAWA: How do you get through the tough times in life when life throws what it throws at you?

Inez: Prayer and meditation. I take stock of what I have to be grateful for and I begin to verbalize thanksgiving. Sometimes, I may have to cry, shout or get away to myself, but I summon the courage to look ahead with a positive outlook.

UBAWA: What is one goal you want to accomplish for yourself in 2013?

Inez: One goal - to complete the sequel to two of my books.

UBAWA: What do you have planned next?

Inez: Continue promoting Beholden, just released 12/19/12, and to complete the sequel to Covenant.

UBAWA: How can readers and others in the literary community reach you?

Inez: My books can be reviewed and purchased @ http://www.amazon.com/Inez-R-Reilly/e/B00A82Q5JU

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inez.reilly

Twitter: https://twitter.com/IAMSPROPERTY

Email: [email protected]

About Me: http://about.me/inez.reilly

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