God, didn't you tell me to start this business???

 
 
Lately I’ve learned directly or via third parties details of those that have wanted to give up on dreams because of wait for it…life circumstances:

1)      Death of someone close

2)      Broken family relationships or false accusations

3)      Hurt/pain/sickness/injury

4)      Financial loss

5)      Initial unsuccessful first or second attempts at something you believed God told you to do

photo:freedigitalphotos.net by Ambro

Brunch Lady (Real) Talk

Trust me I can relate!  I’ve found myself many a times in the recent years screaming, “God, didn’t you tell me to do this?”  Of course I had to repent later but it happens. He knows His child has issues (smile).  What you have experienced is nothing new.  It’s real, the impact is real but you have to make a decision.  Either you are going to move forward, try again or put it to rest.  Ironically, if you put it to rest you will not have “peace”. Why? It’s your calling.  If you read bios of most entrepreneurs or people who have succeeded in various industries their backstories probably read like a thrilling, nail biting, bestselling novel with series of victories, losses, ups, downs, heartaches and heartbreaks! 

Brunch Lady Instructions

I understand you may be angry, disgusted or tired.  But try again. If it’s in you, it’s not going anywhere.  Come back stronger, more committed, vested, smarter and confident.  You owe no explanations.  Think about your hard learned lessons.  Clear the clutter, recommit and realign. Remove any inapplicable excess.  Be honest with God then return to your first “purpose” love. Success is designed differently for each person.  Ask God what yours looks like. Then step back on your legacy path and hold God and yourself accountable for His gifts and success.  Start small, bite sized pieces and determine what you will do differently. Why? Your preordained audience could really use you. J

If you need more try watching...

1)      Baby Boom  with Diane Keaton – a movie about life, love, business and what really matters.  (Having it all on your own terms)

2)      The Apple Mortgage Cake (UP network) – How a business was born out of a bad situation

3)      Under the Tuscan Sun – Life interrupted turns around when we take the focus off ourselves

4)      The Devil Wears Prada – Making the best of a “temporary” assignment and using it for your good!

Or Read about my favorite motivators…

Monique Greenwood – Author, Entrepreneur and Former editor of Essence magazine; she listened to her inner voice and now owns several Bed and Breakfast venues in cities across the United States.  She exercised her faith and mastered the art of vision!

Sara Blakely – Entrepreneur who didn’t let the equivalent of failing the LSAT stop her! She is a multi-millionaire and 100% owner of her own company Spanx!

Stay tuned for more of my personal stories or read about them in my book Brunchspiration – a non-fiction devotional meets Brunch Lady book!

xoxo Norma (AKA Brunch Lady)

www.normajarrett.net

 

She read what book 8 times? Plus Lamman Rucker and South Korea...

Meet Sunday Brunch Series Super Fan and Uber Brunch Lady LaToya Williams!

 

As an author I love hearing that readers had a major connection with the characters and a storyline. As a faith based author it is just as awesome to know that my novels resonated on an inspirational level.  So I was elated, over-the-moon and awestruck at how much in love LaToya Williams was with the Sunday Brunch series.  It had to be love because she's read Sunday Brunch a total of 8 times! AND the Sequel (book 2 in the series) Sunday Brunch Diaries 5 times (And she just finished Bridal Brunch!). So when I decided to start a blog feature about readers and super fans she had to be my first choice!  So here we go!

 

 

NJ:  Tell us a little about yourself (hobbies, professions, favorite quote etc.).

LW: I currently live in the small town of Estill, SC.   I returned here three years ago after moving away for 12 years.  Currently, I am employed as the Job Coach/Afterschool Program Director in the school district I grew up in.  I love KIDS!!! I enjoy inspiring them to love the skin they are in and make good choices.  My dream is to become a much sought after Youth Motivational Speaker that promotes healthy self- esteem, social acceptance and quality decision-making.    Furthermore, I am a grant writer.  I assist small non- profits with their dreams of impacting their communities.   Lastly, I am writer for a women’s ministry blog Divine Image.  Go check it out at www.divineimage.org.  I enjoy traveling to new places.  I spent two years teaching English as a Second Language in South Korea.  I have done volunteer work with organizations for children in South Korea, Japan and the Philippines.

My hobbies are reading, writing, shopping (although I am currently on a spending fast, lol), traveling and spending time with my mom (she is in the early stages of dementia).

Favorite Quote: Well I have quite a few....

Believe God for HIS best; not for what others think you should settle for! LaToya Williams (Me)

Pursue purpose over money! – Me

If you limit your choices only to what seems possible or reasonable, you disconnect yourself from what you really want, and all that is left is compromise. -Robert Fritz

NJ: What made you read Sunday Brunch for the very first time? (When and where did you meet Lexi, Jermane, Jewel, Capri, and Angel and when did you become best friends – smile) 

LW: A friend of mine gave me the book Sunday Brunch back in 2004. I remember working at a job I absolutely hated in Atlanta, GA. I was consumed with getting married and like Lexi it seems as if all of my friends’ lives were progressing and mine was stagnant. My friend gave me the book because she felt I could identify with Lexi. After I finished, she said; “You realize Lexi was found by her man when she stopped looking.” Needless to say that hit home. Lol!!

NJ: How many times have you read the novels since then and why? (clapping!)

LW: I reread the novels every year since 2006/2007. Usually around Christmas time. I have read Sunday Brunch around 8 times. I came across the Sunday Brunch diaries in 2009. I have read the Sequel around 5 times. 

NJ: What made you become such fan of the Brunch series books?

LW: I like to think of it as divine intervention. Lol. The books really just fell in my lap and I have been a fan ever since. I can identify with the characters, particularly Lexi.

NJ: Why do you think other women would embrace the characters of the Brunch novels? (As if we don’t need positive women in media! But carry on)

LW: Lol. Positive black women BINGO!!! Lol Seriously, these women demonstrate the 21st Century woman. It’s like Proverbs 31 women in the modern day sense. They are career oriented women with business sense; balancing marital and family relationships as well. The characters show women that you can have it all, God, Family and Career.  

NJ: What do you think the brunch series characters teach us? (Besides how to dress fashionably and say a fierce prayer!) 

LW: The importance of friendships. These ladies really could not live with out each other. Also, they teach the work/life balance. All of them are in their careers with families and are keeping God first in the midst of it. Also, the importance of pursuing your dreams; I admire all of the women for going after what is on their heart. Even Jewel, although she needed a push. Eventually she got grounded and pursued her passion. Also, enjoy the fact that the books show the characters’ imperfections. There personal struggles to live and date God’s way. There struggles in marriage. They are real women. The characters can help us as women in our daily work with God. It helps us to realize we do not have to be perfect in order to be women of God.

NJ: What celebrities would you like to play the characters of Sunday brunch? (My list has changed so much I stopped making it – lol) 

 

LW: Lexi- Me lol (Joking) -Sanaa Lathan Capri- Nia Long Jewel- Regina Hall Jermane-Gabrielle Union Angel- Jill Scott The first four ladies are really good friends in real Life. I think they all will have excellent chemistry for a movie.  

NJ: What are you most looking forward to in the next installment of the Brunch Series (Bridal Brunch)? (Jewel coordinates million dollar wedding in LA! Can she pull off it off in good faith despite a crushing groom and approval addicted bride? More fun, faith, friendship and food…the girls are back!)

LW: Sunday Brunch Diaries ended with Lexi being pregnant or as she puts it; “I am about to be somebody’s momma.” I would like to see how they all balance mother hood along with everything else. I will like to see more of the relationship between Angel and Octavo. How did Jermane and Rex relationship evolved? Capri and Mr. Stanton in the NBA. Mainly, I am looking forward to seeing how they have grown and adjusted to their new roles. 

NJ: Are you an aspiring writer and what are you working on?

LW: Yes I am. I am currently working on a book for teens entitled Crooked Smile: A Guide to Accepting the Image Others Taught You to Hate.  Eventually I want to have a series of fiction books based on the smile. It’s all about embracing your imperfections and pursuing destiny. Accepting God’s best when others feel you are unworthy and should settle for less. I struggled with my self-esteem well into my adult life. As a result, I did not make the best choices all the time. I want to encourage young people to be strong enough to make good decisions.

NJ: Tell us anything else you’d like (I’m in love with Idris Elba or any other randomness – smile)

LW: Lol!! I am absolutely, head over heels, totally in love with God and Lamman Rucker!!!  I love God because despite of my flaws, despite of my mistakes he still loves me. He still loves me even when I felt unworthy of His love. His love was still there after I rejected his love.

I love Lamman Rucker because he is spiritual, intelligent and FINE (there I said it). Seriously, I really admire the work he does for children. He is also well balanced. If you know him please give him my number. Lol. But seriously! Just want to encourage everyone to start where they are. For years, I held back on pursuing my dreams because I thought I needed to look perfect (ie weight, braces –hence the book title). But, I finally realize that I am constantly evolving and God is always purging me and perfecting me. Perfection is an illusion that is unobtainable. Become the best version of yourself. Have a pure heart and everything else will fall in place.  Oh yeah I have the best Mom-Elizabeth Williams and two older sisters-Elaunda and Lakisha Williams in the world. They seriously are the greatest.    

 

 

Are you a Super-Fan of the Sunday Brunch novel series?  Have a great story or testimony about the books?  e-mail Norma at: brunchbooks@aol.com for consideration of the next "Super-fan" post!  

 

 

 

A Meetin' in the Ladies Room!

So, if you haven't heard by now this is my 15 year author anniversary!  Yep, I wrote and published Sunday Brunch, a novel about five African-American women lawyers that are each at different places professionally socially and spiritually in my third year of  attending Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Wasn't my plan at ALL but when God has an agenda you need to listen and line up!  So I'd thought in the light of the third book release for the Sunday Brunch Series it would be great to revisit with the original Sunday Brunch Ladies.  To help you learn more about these ladies I decided to do a meet and greet right here on my blog!  The photos are "MY VISION" (not actual likenesses - think I'd get in trouble for that!) of the ladies of Sunday Brunch.  



WHO IS LEXI?

Visit her pin board for more...

Faithful friend, perpetual shoulder to lean on, prayer partner, lawyer, seeking, praying for Mr. Right. Hopeful romantic.

 

Favorite Phrase:  "Lord, I love you but where's mine?"

Fashion Style:  Hi-low. Anything from Marshall's, TJ Maxx or from the outlet

Favorite Music: Old School, Slow Jams, Gospel

 

 

WHO IS CAPRI?
Visit her pin board for more *



Sharp, gorgeous, confident lawyer.  Graduated at the top of her law class.  No nonsense, serious and in it to win it.  Law firm rock star on a mission until she meets Anthony Stanton, a client at her firm and pro-ball player.

Why she'd make a great friend:  She will always have your back and tells you the truth even when it hurts.
Favorite song:  Empire State of Mind
Fashion Style:  Tailored suits at the firm.  Anything comfortable when she's not.
She will always love: New York, her original hometown

WHO ARE REX AND JERMANE?
Visit their pin board for more...

Uber couple: Rich, beautiful and sexy

Why we love them as a couple: They met and feel in love the first week of law school.
Why we root for them:  In spite of some of Jermane's bad judgment and vulnerabilities we know they are made for each other. Rex is a good man that works overtime in his career and to please his lady.
Jermane's Style:  Pastels, pearls, anything that swirls. Epitome of grace and charm...she's a Southern Belle personified and a lady. Simplicity but always the best.  

WHO IS ANGEL? 
Visit her pin board for more...

Sharp, corporate lawyer that excels at all except love...by choice.

Why you need her as a friend:  She's mastered the corporate game, offers  sage advice wisdom with a much needed reality check. And she has a fierce and fully stocked closet!
What about her love life?  Ahhhh, enter Octavio. Younger man, Latin, long time friend that happens to be in love with her. 
Does she have a past?  Umm, maybe.  She left her hometown Washington, D.C. and family behind and never looked back. The Sunday Brunch crew is her family.




WHO IS JEWEL?
Visit her pin board for more...

Spoiled, irresistible, loves to spend other people's money, perpetual party planner! Sparkles daily

Why you love her:  She's spoiled, materialistic, shallow and self centered.  But, she finds a way to throw confetti in the midst of a crisis!  She means well. She's faithful with a big heart. She brings the drama and the fun!

Favorite Movies:  The Devil Wears Prada and Legally Blonde 

Fashion Style: Anything Designer, Anything she can't afford



*Freedigitalphoto.net Stockphotos image

So you have been formally introduced to my besties, the ladies of Sunday Brunch as we originally discovered them. Begin the journey...

 

 

                                 

Bridal Brunch - The Novel by Norma L. Jarrett - Excerpt!

Sooo excited!  As you know I'm launching my "baby" Bridal Brunch, then next novel in the Sunday Brunch series on May 29, 2014 at a fabulous event hosted by Robbins Brothers of Houston, Texas!  (Cue the cute flyer in the post below).  In the meantime here is a little "nibble" of Bridal Brunch, didn't realize I was writing my heart out so Bridal Brunch is a delicious 310 page literary meal for all my Brunch Ladies! Bon Appetit!

*EXCERPT*

(Prologue)

 Dear Jesus:
     I don’t have much time, but need to connect. I know I know…I’m working on the time management thing. Seems like gone are the days you and I’d hang out for hours, I so miss that. But I know when I’ve been neglecting my God time. Experience has taught me I can’t do a thing without You. Been there, done that…bought the t-shirt. Since so much is competing for my attention these days: family, work, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram (seriously), I need to work a little harder. And I’m enlisting Your help!
     Hubby Chris has been working second shift at the police department, keeping the streets of Houston safe. Please keep him covered. Right now, he’s sound asleep, calling major hogs. Side note: You could’ve given me the heads up about that. Little Chris has gotten out his bed and tucked his narrow self under his dad. It’s the cutest thing ever. There’re times when I wish I could freeze this moment. It’s just that good. You know, that season after all the rain, struggle, doubt, and heartache dissipate. They take their funky remnants and bounce! The dust settles. The harvest not only arrives, it’s abundant! Ahhhh, nothing like beauty for ashes!

     I’ve struggled for so long to be the woman You designed me to be. And I finally get it! I don’t have to be perfect. I just need to be consistent in my faith and trust the process. Phew! I could have saved myself years of anxiety, fear, and emotional breakdowns. You’ve been in total control but I insisted on grabbing that steering wheel. Driving us both nuts! Thank You for being such a patient and loving God.
     I always knew there was this confident woman inside of me. But You allowed the world to see it. I knew I was destined to be a wife and mother. I knew I was something greater than just everyone else’s confidante, friend, problem fixer or prayer partner. Don’t get me wrong. I truly love helping others, especially my girls–Jewel, with all her crazy, unpredictable over the top ways; Capri, my solid as a rock law partner; Angel, my mature, smart and savvy mentor; and Jermane, my classy, sweet friend who refuses to let me pay back that loan from law school. These are my ride-or-die (can you say that over thirty?) sister-friends. Through thick and thin, broken hearts, marriage, law school, business start-ups, career shifts, childbirth, and holidays; we’ve fought, argued, cried, worshiped and celebrated…together.
     Guess we have Jewel, the woman who can throw confetti in the midst of any crisis, to thank for our first “bonding” brunch back in law school. I thought it was a little over the top, because honestly who could afford Sunday Brunch back in law school? But that’s my beloved Jewel. Just like her name, she brings the sparkle and shine every time.
     My gratitude reflection for this season starts with my family−my awesome and anointed husband Chris and our son, his moniker and mini-me. I’m grateful for the good, the great, the “what in the world” and the “shut the front door” moments. I’m also grateful for the lessons. I’ve clearly learned that life is dynamic. I’ve learned to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.  Do I like it? No. My flesh HATES it. But I know if I stay with You I can ride anything out, bloom where I’m planted, and come out on top! This morning, I didn’t spend long in the Bible. I started in Proverbs. If all else fails, Proverbs has an answer. It’s saturated with wisdom. It’s my fail safe – smile. Then my daily devotional led me to John 15:30…

Greater love has no one than this that someone lay down his life for his friends.

   I closed my Bible right then, assured I’d gotten my word for the day. I’m grateful this morning for my friends. We’ve “laid down our lives” for each other many a time. Maybe not literally, but we have each other’s backs. We take care of each other. We’re more than friends…we’re like a small gang, lol. And I’m proud of us. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, how we carry ourselves and the way we love. We know our worth. We’re leaders, business owners, wives, mothers, givers and hard workers. But even more precious than that, we are forever…

“Brunch Ladies”

xoxo…Lexi 

 

YOU ARE INVITED TO THE LAUNCH!!!

Door Prizes, Booksigning, Refreshments, Bling, Try on Rings!!!

 MAY 29, 2014

6-8 p.m.

Robbins Brothers

2101 W. Loop S.

Houston, TX

RSVP:  fanclub@robbinsbrothers.com 

5 Ways to Be a Better Friend!

Image from Freedigitalfotos.net by Stockimages

Brunch Lady and my Brunch Series books are celebrations of friendship. I’m counting down to my next book launch for my novel Bridal Brunch, with my beloved Sunday Brunch characters: Lexi, Jewel, Capri, Jermane and Angel. As well as gearing up to celebrate 15 years since the launch of Sunday Brunch, the first novel in  the series. It has truly been a special journey. During this time I also had a chance to reflect on how special my friends truly are. Some have come for a season, a reason or a lifetime. Sometimes in our superwomen quests we may take our friends for granted. So during my personal prayer time I asked God to share some ways we can all become a better friend! So here are a few of those nuggets!

1) Be sensitive to those awe inspiring, overachieving women in your circles! You know the ones that are always there for her girls. Whether organizing a birthday brunch, offering a listening ear or prayer they’re our forever faithful shoulder. But sometimes those that are strongest are the least likely to seek much needed support. Perhaps its pride or selflessness but they struggle the most with asking for help! For these stubborn sister-friends, you must be vigilant! Make sure your support, love, prayers and listening ear are reciprocal! Treat this kind of friend like the gem that she is!

Time to act: If you have a friend like this in your circle call and say, “Hey I was just thinking of you. How is everything going? You’re always giving and supporting others, just wanted you to know if you ever need me, I’m here.  What can I help with?"

2) Know your friends well enough to give the right gifts! Just because you like Tiffany’s and MAC products, doesn’t mean she does. Your bestie may need a day at the spa, a few new books to add to her “avid readers” collection, or simply a “kid free” afternoon. Be creative, thoughtful and sincere.

Time to Act: Make a gift journal for friends and family. Jot down interests, activities, and specific products they mention. So the next time your gift can be personal. This is also a great way to take the much needed focus off us!

3) Call your friend and specifically ask if there are any prayer needs. You don’t have to spend all day in the prayer closet, just keep her close to your heart during your personal prayer time. Remember when you sow seeds in prayer for others, it will bless you too.

Time to Act: Reach out to a friend you have not spoken to in a while. Ask her if she has any prayer requests and always operate in discretion. Let God know He can trust you with a prayer!

4) Celebrate her victories and encourage her during those times of disappointment. Be the refreshing spirit, the living water and the well spring of life. Always be ready to water a seed and watch it bloom. Sometimes it’s a little difficult to celebrate others in their season of harvest when we’re seemingly in the desert. But we can do all things through Christ. When we make a habit of it, our waiting time is more pleasant.

Time to Act: If you feel hints of jealousy during a friend’s season of “breakthrough and blessings” go to God with honesty and transparency. Let Him work on it! Be intentional with your sister celebrations!

5) Let your friends know how much you appreciate them. Not just on birthdays or holidays. Send an e-card or text. Better yet, pick up the phone or drop a card in the mail. Handwritten notes are keepsakes and always put a smile on the receiver’s face. T

Time to Act: Go to a stationary store and find the most beautiful card you can and write a note to a special friend or family member today! Keep stamps in your purpose just for this reason!xoxo

Norma L. Jarrett
Author and Creator of Brunch Lady
Beautiful You, Beautiful Friends, Beautiful Life (w/Christ!)
www.normajarrett.net

God, I'm Confused

Photo by Ohmega1982 at Freedigitalphotos.net

Sometimes the access to information can be like a two edged sword. We are so inundated with advice from life coaches, authors, social media experts it’s no wonder we are confused. Although the Bible says, “He is not the author of confusion,” it’s okay to admit we may feel lost and overwhelmed when it comes to our gifting and purpose. Side note: He is not the author of confusion; it’s us and our need to read every post, blog, email and book! I’m guilty. I have always been a lover of information. Very early on in my life I read self-help books on just about every subject you could image. Some of my favorites include: Having What matters by Monique Greenwood, The Gospel of Good Success by KirbyJon Caldwell, You Deserve Healthy Love by Dr. Grace Cornish, Produced by Faith by Devon Franklin and many, many others (these are my throwbacks – smile). When I find something good I love to share it! However, I have found that social media has taken things to another level! When we read too much, talk to too many people and seek too much advice, we tend to lose confidence in our natural gifts; talents and instinct (stay with me).
 

We all have to grow. We all need mentors. We all need to “sharpen our toolbox” but not at the expense of our foundational wisdom such as our:
 

• Ability to hear God’s voice and listen
• Ability to give time to the study of the word of God
• Ability to recognize and acknowledge our current season
• Ability to recognize our true passion and how to translate that passion into purpose 

So, with access to all this information, how do we remain balanced and focused concerning our unique assignments? I’m so glad you asked! We need to stay plugged in to God, the Word and His voice. It’s simple…when we seek God for these answers guess what? HE ANSWERS! When we are consistent in our time with Him, He leads us to the right resources, conferences and industry experts. When we seek and depend on Him He lets us know when the time is up for a certain season. And after He’s fed us enough, He steps back and allows us to bloom where we are planted.

Recently confirmation on this issue came from watching Enjoying Everyday Life with Joyce Meyer. I have followed her teaching for many years. She is so consistent. She spoke about her call as a teacher. She said she realized she was not called to pastor. That was not her passion. She was called to teach and that’s what she does. I also recently read a wonderful blog by Heather Lindsey where she shared all the sacrifice and time spent with God to discover His will concerning her calling. I’m not saying we do not need the wisdom and resources that relate to our respective industries. That would be silly. I’m merely stating in order to decide which resources, mentors or gifts we are to use in what way in any season is a God question. He may speak through life coaches, the Holy Spirit, secular motivational speakers or any other way He can make the message and instructions relatable but it starts with the gift giver! When you spend time with God, things get clear: the gift, the plan, the season. 

 

In that same spirit, I had to recognize why I was not as passionate about the writing industry. I realized God wanted me to really pay attention to what it was I truly loved about the books I’d written and I discovered:
 

• I loved celebrating sister-friends. Why? Because my sister friends have gotten me through a lot. They are true gifts and I want other women to feel connected and loved!
• I love encouraging women. I’m not a life coach but everyone needs a dose of inspiration!
• I love exposing the “hidden gems” of the earth and helping them to understand self worth.
• I love that God wants us to have a great life, prosper and be in good health, even as our very souls prosper!
• I love writing…not just books but blogs and translating my work to other media.
• I love bringing together my sister friends to celebrate and be celebrated.
• I love encouraging other women to tell their story  

Once I was honest about my true passion, I felt free to dream bigger. So yes, I’m writing more brunch books and other novels. Yes, I’m developing my Brunch Lady brand. Yes, I’m building a brand around my true passions. Yes I'm writing non-fiction.  I also realize I’m not here to serve everybody! God has prearranged the benefactors of our gifts. So as I am led by the Spirit of God, I'm taking the limits off my thinking with increased perception to His plan.  As I executive His plan, my goal is not perfection, it's a growth process.  I will allow God to challenge me.

 

I encourage you to make God your priority. I may not be the face of my brand (unless God says otherwise – smile). However I want to embody the characteristics of those things I am most passionate about. Passion and purpose do not come in a box. It is a series of actions, decisions, choices, investments and the sheer bravery that comes from being yourself and recognizing the worth in what you have to offer. Promotion comes after we master the little bit in our hand. In the meantime we must stretch and grow, but give ourselves room for imperfection and become pliable. As long as we are consistent, the doors will open, resources will flow and God will speak! Will it always be easy? Heck no! Will we need to press sometimes? Yep. Will we hurt, get tired, want to give up, feel lost, fail tests and feel alone…uh-huh. Why? Only God is perfect! But on the other side of those growth experiences we will experience: victory, success, breakthroughs and confirmation from God that we are most certainly in the right lane (s). So, hear me and here me well, when you start to feel confused and overwhelmed, take an information break. Assess what you have been “feeding on”. Power down and power up with God!

 

 

 xoxo

 

Norma L. Jarrett

Author and Chief Inspiration Office (CIO

Life God’s Life Beautifully!

Catching up! Meet a new author...

Hope all is well. Authors are creative people and we are a community. Today's post is part of an author connect hoping to give you a little update on my latest project and possibly introduce you to a new author friend :). So here it goes.

What am I working on Next?

My next project is Bridal Brunch. The 3rd fiction book in my beloved Sunday Brunch Series. You first met my besties (in my head) Lexi, Jewel, Capri, Jermane and Angel. Five women lawyers who are each at different places personally, professionally and spiritually! It has been a journey! Sunday Brunch is a celebration of friendship, faith, love, romance, fashion and all those things that ladies love. These women were inspired by some of my real life friends I met in law school circa (eh-um). In the second novel, Sunday Brunch Diaries, the women begin to mature in life with marriage and more life tests! If you are familiar with my writing you understand that it always has a dash of encouragement and inspiration. So with Bridal Brunch, the journey continues with our favorite character Jewel!

Jewel is a former lawyer turned owner and events coordinator of Fabulous Jewels Events...with Events that Sparkle like Diamonds! Jewel finally hears those words that any events planner dreams of "MONEY IS NO OBJECT" . Her infamous client is none other than her walking disaster turned diva sorority sister and college protege' McKenzie Myles. She has tapped Jewel to coordinate her LA based nuptials to her plastic surgeon fiance'. Soon Jewel gets caught up in the glamorous world of the couple, questioning her own life choices. However, she soon realizes the million dollar client she'd begged God for is a huge test. (Be careful what you ask for - smile)

Can Jewel deliver the dream wedding in spite of a groom that's clearly crushing on her and an approval addicted bride? Can she over look the A-list treatment, lavish gifts and risk the potential huge check to do the right thing? Only time will tell.

Bridal Brunch (May 2014) - The Girls are Back!

How does my work differ from others of its genre? 

I love writing about women. Positive, yet flawed women. I love celebrating friendship and I love my characters to inspire and encourage. Many of my books, especially the brunch series, are meant to be relatable. I want readers to say to themselves,  "I have so been there!" I also like to write characters that have really honest and sometimes funny conversations with God.  Because that's how I talk to Him on a regular basis!

Why do I write what I do?

I believe it's my calling. I'm still continuing to grow and listen to God for more direction. I love writing but I believe it's a catalyst for some other groundbreaking ventures I'll tap into over the next few years. I love celebrating positive women. I especially love to encourage and motivate what I call the "hidden gems" because I was one of those women. I had no idea what my purpose was and God used writing to build my confidence and help me to understand how special I was to Him. There is so much negativity in the world. Our images suffer greatly and I would hope that my books give a different picture.  Lastly, I want to bring women together to celebrate life, love and literature!  I want my books/ventures to be one big purpose party! So look out for my Brunch Lady venture!

How does my writing process work?

Hmmm. I'm kind of random but working on it. I journal...a lot. I utilize outlines and notecards. I'm led by the character or a great story idea, then I just write.

So enough about me...I want you to meet my writing sister Dr. Vivi Monroe-Congress! She has a refreshing spirit and several fabulous bold fictions reads.  My favorite is the Bankrupt Spirit but her latest release is No Conditions.

xoxo
Norma L. Jarrett
Author
www.normajarrett.net