Author Imani has a story to tell. In the page-turner titled, When I was Broken, attorney Angela Bennett is at the peak of her game. She’s living her dream and basking in the spotlight of her newfound success as a new associate at a prestigious law firm. She’s approaching her fifth year of marriage to Marcus, who has a mental breakdown.
As she works to pick up the pieces, Angela finds herself on a journey from heartache to healing while standing in her truth.
“I was drawn to write because of my passion for working with others, especially women,” Imani offers. “My purpose is to inspire others and empower them with the life lessons that I’ve learned from my challenges with death, disease, divorce, the search for purpose and love, and the quest for something more.”
A practicing attorney and author, Imani is also the key facilitator of the You Are Not Alone Women’s Empowerment Retreat taking place in Splendor Mountain in Tiger, Ga. on Nov. 8–10, 2013.
Here, Imani shares her book’s backstory.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
I want to educate readers about the importance of seeking help for mental health issues, but as importantly, I want readers to finish my book knowing that no matter what life throws their way, they can make it.
What inspired you to write this book?
Having dealt with a loved one with mental health challenges, I wrote When I Was Broken for the countless families whose stories have not been told. That being said, this is a love story so it will resonate with anyone who has had love take an unexpected turn then found the strength to love again.
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
The hardest part of writing this book was finding the time. As a full-time practicing attorney, as well as an inspirational speaker, retreat facilitator, life coach, and film producer, my schedule is packed. But inspiring women is my passion, so my characters woke me up at 4 and 5 a.m. and kept pulling on me until I finished.
Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
Writing this book taught me how important it is that we share stories of how we made it through. Every time a reader emails me to tell me how my story touched them, it reaffirms not only that this story needed to be told, but also that sometimes the reason for our struggle is so that we can tell someone else going through that they can too.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
No matter what you are going through, you are not alone.
What are your current projects?
I am currently working on my next novel, Bittersweet, as well as producing a short film and co-hosting a women’s retreat.
