Magic City Momma recently spoke with Sean D. Young about her newest book, Be My Valentine.
Tell me about your book, Be My Valentine.
In Be My Valentine, Patrice McClendon is on a mission to prove that she can take the family business to the next level. She feels that if she can have a fragrance created by Valentine’s Day she’ll proved herself worthy of taking over. Valentine’s Day isn’t one of her favorite holidays. She thinks most people aren’t genuine and buy expensive gifts because they are under pressure. She always asks: What happens the day after?
Patrice doesn’t know at the time she meets Jacques Germain that he is one of the country’s best perfumers. In the middle of their working together to come up with the perfect fragrance, they start to fall in love with each other.
When Jacques finds out that Patrice hates Valentine’s Day and the reasons behind it, he sets out to show her exactly what happens the day after. But Patrice’s attention is adverted when she finds out that one of her employees is a victim of domestic violence. This situation causes tension between Patrice and the man she loves. In the end, both Patrice and Jacques realize what 1 Corinthians 13:4-13 says, Love is patient and kind, it doesn’t envy, boast or keep record or wrongs.
Why did you decide to write it?
This book is a part of a series about finding love on a holiday. I wanted to show a woman who is leery about the holiday, but discovers that everyone isn’t ungenuine. If a person loves you, it doesn’t matter what day it is. I also wanted to show the effects of what happens in a person’s childhood can affect them as an adult. We see that in the behavior and life of Patrice’s employee Nikki.
What can readers expect from this and the other books in your McClendon Holiday Series?
Readers can expect some laughter, and hopefully they will see a hint of their own families in these stories. They can expect to see that the journey to happily ever after is different for everyone. Family is really one of the most important aspects of the human experience.
Tell me about your publishing journey.
My publishing journey has been a rocky one at best. I’m grateful for this journey as I’ve had to start again several times. It’s not an easy business, and you can’t wear your heart on your sleeves.
What advice do you have for people interested in publishing a book?
My advice to anyone wanting to publish a book is to believe in yourself. That’s a big one for me, having the confidence that I could do it. The bible says that your gifts will make room for you. But you have to use the gift in order to see what the next opportunity will be. Only you can tell the story that’s in your heart, so you have to put pen to paper and get it done. Even if you are self-publishing or wanting to write for a traditional house, you have to align yourself with people that believe in your work. These people need to have a vested interest in you and your talent. I believe when you have a team working toward the same goal, you will be more successful.
What is the biggest lesson you want readers to learn from your stories?
There are so many things we have to go through in this life, but we can make it using our faith, patience, determination along with encouragement and love from others.
What advice do you have for women who are juggling raising a family while pursuing their dreams?
For me personally, I explained to my boys what I was trying to do with my life. Yes, it was a struggle, but I believe if you keep your eye on the goal you’ve set for yourself, create a schedule, stay prayerful, I know you can do it. Again, having people who are vested in you to help you, whether it’s picking your kids up from school, afterschool care or just helping with meals, can take a lot of pressure from you. It can free you to continue to work on your goals. Set aside time to spend with your loved ones and then get right back to work.
What’s next for Sean D. Young?
Hopefully, I will receive my bachelor’s degree in computing next June from DePaul University. I enrolled in college in 2012 when I enrolled my youngest son. I had to wait until after they’d graduated high school to get this one done. I’m almost there.
As for what’s next in regards to writing, I’m hoping in December 2016 A Husband for New Year’s (A McClendon Holiday Novel) will be released. I’m hoping to find a new home and continue to write stories that the readers will enjoy.
To learn more about Sean D. Young and her books, visit her online or connect with her on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest.