Author: Marissa DeCuir

NAPLES, Fla. – In today’s global economy, effective leadership requires engaging in diverse interactions, meaning there is no singular, predefined way to lead. Instead, leaders today must be culturally agile, and they must live that awareness and adaptability each and every day.

“There Is No Box” (Nov. 8, 2022, BenBella Books) by Drs. Marisa and Simon Cleveland is a practical guide for leaders who recognize how critical it is to draw outside the lines of typical guidance in order to rethink leadership development and gain competencies that make them more inclusive, culturally aware, and empowered to facilitate collaboration. The authors draw on their combined 40 years of experience in corporate, government and higher education leadership to answer a question they’ve been getting for over two decades: How do lauded leaders live? Through anecdotes and interviews paired with actionable takeaways, the book investigates where leaders start, how they become boxed in upon entering the workforce and, finally, how they can break through those boundaries to become a culturally agile leader and a meaningful contributor to our global society.

“There Is No Box” provides established and emerging leaders everywhere with comprehensive tools to prove that leading isn’t just something you do — it’s a lifestyle.

“A great read for those just starting out, those sensing that they need to change their approach to leadership, or even those who just want to look outside the existing leadership style boxes.” — Dr. Jack Deem, academic department chair, School of Business and Information Technology, Purdue Global University

“There Is No Box”
Marisa and Simon Cleveland | Nov. 8, 2022 | BenBella Books | Nonfiction/Business
Hardcover, 9781637741948, $27.00 | Ebook, 9781637741955, $13.99

Early praise for the Clevelands and “There Is No Box”

“A critically important book, offering invaluable insights and a clear path forward to becoming a relatable leader. Professor Cleveland’s premise that leadership is more than a skill, it is a lifestyle, is exactly on point. And his conclusions are based on strategies drawn from real world experience. …
I strongly concur with his observation that the power of cross-cultural competence is essential for becoming a successful leader.” — Paul A. Russo, former U.S. ambassador

“Today we live in a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous world. The complexities organizations face everyday cry out for effective and relatable leaders to successfully navigate change. This book provides a clear roadmap on how to become a relatable leader to drive change while fulfilling your destiny.” — Timothy Mills, CSM PMP, instructor, Harvard University

“Marisa and Simon in ‘There Is No Box’ have captured the essence of leadership by bringing to light relatability as the primary driver to success with communication and compassion as central elements. Their gifted approach to leadership is grounded in established theory and re-enforced by continuous reflection exercises based on their vast experience in leading diverse teams of people. The roadmap to relatable leadership offers a synergistic right and left-brain perspective that will benefit anyone desiring a clear path to leadership success as presented through the lens of proven leaders.”
— Paul Dooley, former assistant secretary general, United Nations

“A sensible, skillfully assembled, eminently readable survey of the most important aspects of being a leader and a human being. The authors inspire you to think about leadership as a state of being that can be found throughout any level and sphere of life, not just in the workplace. Relatable leadership and cultural agility, the book’s main contributions to leadership literature, have changed the way I lead and live my life. You might feel uncomfortable, but then you’ll feel grateful to prioritize your own leadership development.” — George Moschoglou, PhD, associate professor, Georgetown University

“ ‘There Is No Box’ challenges our leaders — emerging and established — to focus on the importance of finding common ground amidst a landscape of global and digital diversification. The authors weave together a method for becoming a relatable leader and taking charge of your own life. This is the book that every leader should share with their teams so they can thrive intellectually and emotionally. … I’m impressed with the way the authors blend academic theory with real world implementation.”
— Paul Lewis, former special envoy to the U.S. Department of Defense

About the Authors

With more than two decades in the education and publishing industries, Dr. Marisa Cleveland is adamant about supporting efforts toward the betterment of the human condition. She is the executive director for The Seymour Agency, a Hodges University Board of Trustees member, and a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. In 2021, she was honored with a Distinguished Online Teaching nomination for Southern New Hampshire University, where she is an adjunct professor. Gulfshore Business and D’Latinos magazines honored Marisa with the Arts and Culture 2015 FACE Award, and in 2014, Gulfshore Business selected her as a “40 Under Forty” honoree. She holds an EdD in organizational leadership from Northeastern University, and an M.A. in educational administration and a B.S. in speech communication from George Mason University.

Dr. Simon Cleveland lectures at Johns Hopkins University and Georgetown University. He has over 20 years of experience in the fields of corporate and government leadership, higher education administration, project management, information systems and technology management, having worked in various leadership roles for organizations such as MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Homeland Security, NASA, Accenture, America Online, Georgetown University and City University of Seattle. Dr. Cleveland holds a Ph.D. in information systems from Nova Southeastern University, an M.S. in project management from The George Washington University, an M.A. in leadership from City University of Seattle and a B.S. in management and marketing from George Mason University. He is certified as a project management professional, Six Sigma Black Belt expert and Certified ScrumMaster. He is the author of over 50 peer-reviewed publications, is a Tropaia Award recipient for Outstanding Faculty at Georgetown University, and was honored with the Excellence in Teaching Award from Johns Hopkins University.

Follow the Clevelands on social media:
Instagram: @thereisnobox & @simoncphd | TikTok: @themarisamethod
Twitter: @marisacleveland & @ClevelandSimon | Website: marisacleveland.com

In an interview, Marisa and Simon can discuss:

• The concept of relatable leadership and how it differs from other ideas of leadership
• Marisa’s 20+ years career as a literary agent and educator, allowing her to become an industry expert and leader in her own right
• Their extensive background in business, higher education and management and how they’ve used their expertise to build the ultimate leadership resource
• Marisa’s background as a romance and genre fiction writer and deciding to pivot to writing on leadership and business
• How everyone — not just those in a business setting or organizational leadership role — can benefit from the ideas behind relatable leadership
• How Marisa’s past life as a former gymnast emphasized the importance of balance and encouraging oneself to stay flexible — a crucial lesson for leaders

An interview with Marisa and Simon Cleveland

How did you come up with the concept of the book, and how does “There Is No Box” differ from other leadership books?

Our career paths began at the turn of the 21 century and spanned over the past 20 years, which saw the bursting of the dot-com bubble, the 9/11 attacks, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, devastation from Hurricane Katrina, the introduction of Tesla, the iPhone, the rise of social media, the first Black U.S. president, the global financial crisis, the recognition of the same-sex marriage, countless school shootings, a global pandemic and an inssurection on the U.S. Capitol. All these events shaped our thinking about the importance of relatability in a world of perpetual change. Our message differs as it takes into account the lessons learned during this tumultuous period and forces our reader to confront their own positionality in order to become an effective leader.

What exactly is relatable leadership? How does it differ from other definitions of leadership?

Relatability is what holds a leader accountable for their actions and how those actions are perceived by those around them. The relatable leader is the one who has learned to check themselves by asking, and answering, why they are doing something and for what reasons. These little self-checks help them develop a sense of place among everyone else in their life. Moreover, relatability improves a leader’s sense of common ground with others and makes it easier for others to get along with and follow the leader. For us, this leadership style is unique because it places ethics and professional conduct at the center of the decision-making process of any leader. It incorporates the characteristics of authentic, inspiring, servant and transformational leadership theories and allows the leader to move fluidly within the style and adjust to the situation or personality of the individuals they lead.

Who is the audience for this book? Will those in a business setting primarily use it as a resource, or will others also gain value from the book?

The message in this book will benefit not only leaders and managers in organizations, or faculty in universities, but anyone who is aspiring to become a leader in their community. This is because we believe that learning how to become a relatable leader will help you focus on how you can be beneficial to others rather than wonder how others can benefit you — and this will bring value to the lives of others.

Simon, you have a comprehensive background in business and academia. How have you used this expertise to expound on ideas in the book?

My education and experience in the project management field helped shape many of the concepts, examples and exercises in the book. Specifically, I ask the reader to build a project management mindset and use the concepts around projects, programs and portfolios in order to create their own leadership development plan, which will help them shape their own paths to becoming a relatable leader.

What was it like working with a partner to write a book?

Projects can be complex or simple, and for this book we co-wrote, we stuck with the basics: A schedule with a start date, an end date, an approximate word count, and a weekly word count goal. We dedicated pretty much every Sunday afternoon or evening to writing, and we soon grew excited for those hours when we would work together. It became our secret time to work on a project we really believed in. Some weeks we were off, but for the most part, we were able to stay on track because of the Gantt chart we created. The Gantt chart showed us in one visual graphic the entire project and the timeline for that project to be completed. Because we had a physical, visible schedule holding us accountable, we could see what would happen if something was delayed, and we could also see where we had wiggle room in case something came up and we didn’t quite meet our weekly goals. But we loved when we did meet our weekly goals, because that meant we would celebrate!

Marisa, you previously wrote romance and other genre fiction. Why did you decide to partner with Simon and pivot to nonfiction?

Simon and I have studied leadership since our 20s, and it really bothered us that we couldn’t name a handful of good leaders between the two of us. Why hadn’t we had the opportunity to work with more effective leaders during our careers? Fortunately, we have worked with some bosses who were also fantastic leaders, and as I embarked on my doctoral journey, our conversations expanded to include leadership and leadership development.

Why is this book and the lessons it has to offer so important to you personally?

A Gallup study showed that large organizations typically have one manager to 10 employees. This means that one individual has a chance to influence the lives of at least 10 people on a daily basis. For us, this is important because this power can result in a positive impact only if the individual cares about these people. For us, a leader’s desire to have a positive impact on the lives of others is the key to embracing relatability as the leadership competency in today’s workforce.

What do you hope readers gain from the book?

In the book, we stress the importance that you, the reader, are the CEO of your own life. This means you own the decisions you make, the responsibility of your actions and the impact you have as a leader on people around you. Understanding this is a process, which takes learning and acceptance of the positionality of others and then making a conscious choice to accept relatability as a key trait to your behavior.

Download press kit and photos

Marissa DeCuir

A former award-winning journalist with national exposure, Marissa now oversees the day-to-day operation of the Books Forward author branding and book marketing firm, along with our indie publishing support sister company Books Fluent.

Born and bred in Louisiana, currently living in New Orleans, she has lived and developed a strong base for our company and authors in Chicago and Nashville. Her journalism work has appeared in USA Today, National Geographic and other major publications. She is now interviewed by media on best practices for book marketing.

booksforward.com/about-us/marissa-decuir/

Beloved special needs bulldog companion returns in precious series

New Orleans, LA — Children’s book author Michelle Dumont is continuing her adorable young reader’s series with Phoebe Cakes and Friends: An Alphabet Tail (Sept. 13th, 2022, Susan Schadt Press). With illustrations done by architect Jennifer Taylor, Dumont’s new release is sure to capture the attention of curious children. This is the perfect book for dog-loving children ready to learn the alphabet in an amusing way!

Come along with Phoebe and all of her tail-wagging four-legged friends and learn your ABCs one giggle at a time. This board book is especially designed and crafted to stimulate and entertain little learners as they begin their A-Z learning journey.

The previous book in the series, Phoebe Cakes: A Mardi Gras Tail, released earlier this year. Featuring search-and-find flaps for curious young readers, the story focuses on New Orleans during Mardi Gras.

“A perfect gift for your favorite young friend!”
– Amazon reviewer about Phoebe Cakes: A Mardi Gras Tail

Phoebe Cakes and Friends: An Alphabet Tail
Michelle Dumont | Sept. 13th 2022
Susan Schadt Press | Children’s book
Hardcover | 979-8985071306 | $14.95

Michelle Dumont lives in New Orleans with her family and four furry friends. A licensed Respiratory Therapist and Asthma Educator, she began writing following the advice of a friend. Like Phoebe, she loves long car rides, peanut butter and everything New Orleans.

Follow Michelle Dumont on social media:
Instagram: @phoebecakesdumont

Phoebe Cakes Dumont is a tiny special needs bulldog living the good life in New Orleans, Louisiana. She has a serious love for peanut butter and car rides. Her early life wasn’t so easy, but that all changed when she met my foster mom, Clare, at the New Orleans Bulldog Rescue. She helped Phoebe get back on her feet and on her way to finding her fur-ever home. Phoebe took her time. She sniffed, she snorted and turned up her wet nose. She’d almost given up until the day she met Michelle. Michelle was the twenty-first person to apply for Phoebe’s adoption, and Phoebe now calls her mom, but Michelle calls herself LUCKY #21.

Jennifer Zoe Taylor was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, and currently resides Uptown with her family, two mischievous feline friends, and an axolotl named Jade. A licensed Architect, artist, and filmmaker, she loves to tell stories.

Follow Jennifer Taylor on social media:
Instagram: @jenzoetaylor

In an interview, Michelle Dumont can discuss:

• The importance of reading to young children
• Writing with young readers in mind
• Crafting a series for young readers
• How she began writing children’s books
• Why she chose to center her book series around her dog, Phoebe
• How Phoebe has changed her life for the better, and the life of her family members
• The benefit of dogs specifically for those with mental health struggles

An Interview with Michelle Dumont

Why is it important that children are read to, especially at such a young age?

I think it is important to make learning fun at an early age. Your imagination can take you to great heights. A healthy imagination builds confidence and a love of learning.

Why did you decide to write a book featuring your dog, Phoebe Cakes, as the main character?

I had been researching ideas for a children’s book for a couple of years. I love Mardi Gras, so I entered Phoebe in the Barkus Parade. I dressed her up in purple, gold and green and turned a red wagon into a carnival float. Phoebe loved every minute of the parade. She was the center of attention. Kids flocked to rub and hug her. I was writing the book in my head as we walked the parade route through the French Quarter.

How did you come to adopt Phoebe? How has she changed your life?

I have another bulldog named Fritz. I wanted him to have a companion. I thought it would be pretty easy to adopt from the local bulldog rescue. Well, everyone else in New Orleans had the same idea. The adoption wait list was very long. Along with Fritz I was in need of a happiness boost.

A few years earlier my son had developed severe depression. It was a long and difficult journey in getting him help. I didn’t realize the toll it was taking on me. I’ve had a long career in healthcare. I could help everyone else but I couldn’t seem to help him.

After about a year and half of stalking the New Orleans Bulldog Rescue website, one day I came across this adorable smiling face and I thought to myself that’s my dog. I was the 21st person to apply for her adoption. That’s how I became lucky number 21. The day she came to live with us something changed. She brought an injection of happiness and fun that had been missing. Never underestimate the power of a furry friend.

Why did you write a book specifically for young readers?

My daughter loved books from an early age. She would pat the seat beside her and say sit..read…now. It was very endearing and always made me laugh.

What have you learned about writing as you have crafted this series?

I started taking class through the New Orleans Writers Workshop about four years
ago. Everyone has their own style and technique they use while crafting a story. The key is to find what works for you.

Download press kit and photos

Marissa DeCuir

A former award-winning journalist with national exposure, Marissa now oversees the day-to-day operation of the Books Forward author branding and book marketing firm, along with our indie publishing support sister company Books Fluent.

Born and bred in Louisiana, currently living in New Orleans, she has lived and developed a strong base for our company and authors in Chicago and Nashville. Her journalism work has appeared in USA Today, National Geographic and other major publications. She is now interviewed by media on best practices for book marketing.

booksforward.com/about-us/marissa-decuir/

New Orleans, LA – Whether you currently have a mutt, grew up with one, or you’re a pet-free animal lover, MUTTS by Olivia Grey Pritchard is a must have for your coffee table.

MUTTS is a photographic celebration of mystery mixed breeds. If you’ve ever loved a bonafide mutt, you know that they’re some of the best, most loyal dogs ever. This stellar book features more than 100 gorgeous pups from all different origins and breeds, photographed by the award-winning talent Olivia Grey Pritchard. Each photo is accompanied by the pooch’s name, best guess of breed mix, and lists unique traits.

MUTTS aims to inspire joy and connection when readers look through these photographs. And for people who haven’t considered adopting a rescue pet before, this book shows that mutts have just as many unique, lovable, and desirable qualities as pedigreed dogs.

Pritchard’s mission with this book is to call attention to the heartbreaking fact that according to the ASPCA, over half a million dogs are euthanized in US shelters each year, and to encourage more rescue adoptions. In addition to fostering more love for mutts, a portion of the proceeds from the book are being donated to organizations that rescue and spay/neuter, including Take Paws Rescue, Animal Rescue New Orleans, Zeus’ Place, Greta’s Ark Animal Rescue, Trampled Rose Rescue, and the LASPCA.

“MUTTS”
Olivia Pritchard | September 20, 2022 | Susan Schadt Press
Coffee Table Books/Animals | Hardcover | 978-1-7336341-7-5 | $45

More about Olivia Grey Pritchard

After five years as a United Nations photographer working in combat zones, Olivia moved to New Orleans in 2012 and began serving families with her unique perspective of the visual legacy we want to create for our children (with fur and without!). Through her work behind the camera and creating her archival-quality artwork that families cherish for generations, Olivia preserves both the milestone and the everyday memories.

Olivia has owned mutts her whole life—from a border collie mix named Spike that her mom found as a puppy trying to get milk out of a carton and a husky mix named Wylie who met the school bus every afternoon, to the most loyal hound / shepherd mix named Chester who loved to sun himself in a certain spot in the front yard. So it’s no surprise that as an adult, she has a 120 pound St. Bernard / retriever / shepherd rescue named Jasper—the most patient, protective, devoted dog ever.

The subject is always the focus of her portraits, and Olivia seeks honesty and authenticity in her art.

Find out more about Olivia on her website: https://www.oliviagreypritchard.com/.

Follow Olivia on social media:
Facebook: @OliviaGreyPritchardPhotography | Instagram: @oliviagreypritchardphotography

In an interview, Olivia can discuss:

• The mutts she had growing up, and how they came into her life in strange ways, but always at the right time
• How she got into photography, specifically with dogs
• Her experience as a United Nations photographer working in combat zones
• How she is working to create a visual legacy for future generations
• The importance of adopting and how many dogs are euthanized each year
• Her donations goals with the proceeds of this book to local shelters

An Interview with Olivia Pritchard

What sparked this project? What was the first dog photo you took for it?

My sister was the one who actually suggested I do a book like this. She is my studio manager, and we photograph a lot of pets in the studio for our clients. She thought my pet client albums would translate beautifully into a coffee table book with mass appeal. And so it’s fitting that the first dog photographed for this book was my sister’s dog, Rue. She was about to start treatment for cancer, and we wanted to get her portrait in before that started. She went into remission several months later.

Can you talk about your favorite story behind one of the pictures in the book?

Honestly, 8 months out from the last dog photographed for MUTTS, there is one that really sticks in my memory: Butters. She is a pit mix who was found along a busy highway with an extension cord around her neck (we hope as a makeshift leash, but don’t know the details). She was really small for a pit, underweight still (she was just a few months out from rescue, and when they’re severely underweight they have to put it back on very slowly to do it safely), but also just a tiny frame with this huge, sweet blocky head. She had the sweetest eyes and a calm energy; just a magnetic spirit. I am 100% sure that if she had not already been adopted, I would have taken her home that day.

What did you learn about mutts in the process of this photography project?

Well, first of all, mutts are amazing dogs with incredible capacity to forgive, trust again, and live in the moment (but I already knew that)! I loved seeing that over and over again with each dog with a back-story. But I really feel like I learned more about the people who love mutts as opposed to the mutts themselves. The bond that you have with an animal that you rescued is sacred. I loved seeing how dedicated the owners were, willing to work through any issues like separation anxiety, resource guarding, etc. Many rescue dogs don’t come with these challenges, but for the MUTTS models that did, I loved hearing how owners and their dogs were working through them together.

What advice would you give to someone looking to adopt a dog?

When you adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue, you actually save two lives: the life of the dog you adopted, and the life of the dog who was able to have that space at the shelter. I’d say to really think about what kind of dog will suit your lifestyle. Do you want a dog that will run 5 miles with you everyday, or a dog that’s happy with a stroll around the block? What climate do you live in, and is a particular breed mix not well-suited to that climate? Can you spend a ton of time with your dog working from home, or are you gone for long periods each day? Tell all of these things to the rescue and/or shelter workers, or ask to talk to the dog’s current foster. They know the dogs’ personalities (as much as they can in a shelter environment) and can recommend one that might be a good fit to become a part of your family.

How can we help fewer dogs get euthanized each year?

Remember that you can find EVERY kind of dog, even pure breeds and doodle mixes, in rescues and shelters across the country – and when you rescue a dog, you save its life AND the life of the dog who comes into the shelter after him. And fostering a pet is a great option to save two lives at once, too, because fostering also frees up space in a shelter or rescue for another dog. But the MAIN thing we can all do is SPAY and NEUTER our pets. We need more local, state, and federal initiatives to spay and neuter pets free of cost to pet owners, more awareness of the benefits of spaying and neutering (no unwanted litters, better pet health) and more mobile spay and neuter clinics to get into communities. Finally, I would love to see a license requirement to breed any animal, requiring a safe sheltered environment, proof of established veterinary care, with stiff fines/penalties for those who breed irresponsibly. Backyard breeders operate with no oversight whatsoever, and it’s the pets who pay the price and often end up in shelters.

Download press kit and photos

Marissa DeCuir

A former award-winning journalist with national exposure, Marissa now oversees the day-to-day operation of the Books Forward author branding and book marketing firm, along with our indie publishing support sister company Books Fluent.

Born and bred in Louisiana, currently living in New Orleans, she has lived and developed a strong base for our company and authors in Chicago and Nashville. Her journalism work has appeared in USA Today, National Geographic and other major publications. She is now interviewed by media on best practices for book marketing.

booksforward.com/about-us/marissa-decuir/

“There’s a dead body in my house, and before the day is out, there will be at least two more.”

Cincinnati, OH — Acclaimed YA author Sara Bennett Wealer returns with an exciting new contemporary novel that will pull readers in from the first intriguing line. Wealer crafts a perfect concoction of romance, coming of age, and a dash of the supernatural that is absolutely to die for. Readers will want to sink their teeth into this tale that is both heartwarming and chilling–perfect for spooky season.

Elaine’s home is a bit . . . different. It’s a funeral home that has been in her family since the 1800s. Everyone assumes Elaine will take over the business someday—everybody except Elaine. When Xander, a newcomer with a passion for ghost hunting, arrives in town, Elaine feels an instant spark. He’s daring and spontaneous. With Xander, she feels herself transforming from Funeral Girl to Fun Girl. But not everyone is thrilled to see her changing, least of all her childhood best friend, Miles.

After Xander convinces Elaine to ghost hunt at the funeral home, they discover a ghostly presence from the past. And this spirit has a message—one Elaine is certain can give her the advice she craves about what to do with her life and which boy deserves her heart.

“Grave Things Like Love”
Sara Bennett Wealer | Oct. 11, 2022
Delacorte Press | Young Adult Contemporary Romance/Supernatural
Hardcover | 978-1984896288 | $18.99
Ebook | 978-1984896308 | $10.99
Audiobook | 978-0593609712

More about Sara Bennett Wealer

Sara grew up in Manhattan, Kansas (the “Little Apple”), where she sang in all the choirs and wrote for the high school newspaper. She majored in voice performance at the University of Kansas before deciding she had no business trying to make a career as an opera singer and transferred to journalism school, where no one cares if you can hit a high C or convincingly play a Valkyrie. She went on to become a reporter covering everything from house fires to Hollywood premieres.

These days, she writes event scripts and marketing copy while the sun is out. By night, she writes books for young adults. Sara lives in Cincinnati with her husband, two daughters, two dogs and four cats, and she still sings sometimes when her schedule allows. When Sara is not writing or running around doing Mom Things, you’ll find her at the ballet, or obsessively watching ballet on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok. Find out more about Sara on her website.

Follow Sara Bennett Wealer on social media:
Instagram: @sbennettwealer
Twitter: @sbennettwealer

In an interview, Sara can discuss:

• How her first post-grad job as a newspaper reporter inspired her latest novel
• Why she decided to add fantasy/supernatural twists to contemporary YA in her two most recent novels
• The importance and challenges of writing a main character with anxiety
• What she hopes to model for young readers through this novel: setting healthy boundaries, learning to find your voice, experimenting with coping strategies, and charting your own future course while still honoring family tradition

Praise for Sara Bennett Wealer’s “Now and When”:

“From the meet-cute to the emotional conclusion, a breezy rom-com and poignant coming of age story in perfect balance.”
— Sara Zarr, National Book Award finalist and author of Goodbye from Nowhere

“Twisty and fun–and it hits all the best notes: love to hate, fierce friendships, and rogue technology. But most importantly, it shows the value in being present, living in the moment, and loving every second.”
— Ronni Davis, author of When the Stars Lead to You

“A witty, charming, and exceptionally heartfelt look at the tricky balance between self-control and fate, and what it means when you finally give in to what your heart’s been telling you all along.”
— Meg Leder, author of Letting Go of Gravity

An Interview with Sara Bennett Wealer

Are parts of “Grave Things Like Love” drawn from your own experiences?

Music plays a big role in the story, and that’s definitely a big part of my personal experience. Elaine plays piano for funerals and accompanies her friends in the school choir. As someone who grew up singing in church, school choirs and community musicals, I know the joy that can bring–and also the pressure! Elaine’s friends are getting ready to audition for the school musical and for college music programs, which brings back very specific memories for me.

The Midwestern, small-town setting is another aspect of life I know well. I grew up in a small college town in Kansas, so my childhood wasn’t as rural as Elaine’s, but my parents and much of my extended family are from just the kind of town that Elaine hails from. Dodson, Illinois, feels very familiar to me, and I hope it will to others who know a place like that.

What inspired you to add a supernatural element to your latest novels?

I enjoy stories that have a little “something something” extra in them–an element that isn’t full-blown paranormal or fantasy but that is still a little “out there” without being the sole focus of the story. When I sprinkle those elements into my own writing, I purposefully try not to explain too much about what is happening and why. That’s because I like the idea that the strange can be a part of everyday life. Sometimes things just are, even if we don’t understand them.

What do you want young readers to take away from “Grave Things Like Love”?

It’s very easy to think we have to have everything figured out by a certain point in our lives–especially when we have family traditions and expectations weighing in. That kind of stress is understandable and natural, but I want to show that there’s a bigger picture, and it’s OK to take a little time, explore the broader world, and not have it all set in stone according to someone else’s timeline.

While we’re talking about the big picture, I think that applies to death as well. I wanted to show that, while it’s a huge mystery and something most people fear on some level, it’s also a part of everyday life. Elaine’s dad talks about “the juxtaposition of the Universe,” which he defines as joy in the face of pain. GRAVE THINGS LIKE LOVE has a decent amount of the comic and absurd, even as it takes place in a funeral home. I like that we can hold joy, pain and more within ourselves, all at the same time. To me, that’s a big part of what makes us human.

Why was it important to you to write a main character with anxiety? What do you hope your readers will learn from Elaine?

Anxiety (along with its often-BFF depression) has always been part of my life. I live with it, as do several members of my immediate family. And when I look into the past, I can clearly see older family members who experienced it at a time when society wasn’t as open or accepting about mental health issues, which led to a lot of pain and dysfunction that could possibly have been lessened with proper treatment.

I’m fortunate that my anxiety is something I can manage with strategies like exercise, mindfulness, proper nutrition, and medication from time to time. I know others for whom anxiety is a much more disruptive part of their lives. For all of us, though, it’s something we do have to live with, and that’s what I wanted to portray in this book. The way Elaine experiences and deals with anxiety is reflective of how I experience and deal with it, and that was something my editors liked–that anxiety is simply a part of her life and not the sole focus of her story.

How do you feel like your writing has changed since your debut?

I like to think it’s improved! And I suppose it’s become a bit less autobiographical. My books have never been about my actual life, but past books were more inspired by things I’ve experienced. Now I’m more inspired by ideas than past events.

What is next for you in your writing career?

I have a dream to write a puzzle box story inspired by my favorite sci-fi series, “Dark” on Netflix. (I’m on a personal mission to get more people to experience this show! Watch it now! It is so so SOOO good!!!) I’m not sure I can pull it off–I’m working up my courage to get started. In the meantime, I’m dusting off some older projects, re-imagining them and, I hope, transforming them into something that will sell. These are stories that have stuck with me, and as my writing has evolved and improved, I’m finding that I’m able to take them to a level I might not have been able to back when I did those initial drafts. I’m also getting an itch to try short stories. All of this is a long way of saying I’m in the mood to experiment and evolve!

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Marissa DeCuir

A former award-winning journalist with national exposure, Marissa now oversees the day-to-day operation of the Books Forward author branding and book marketing firm, along with our indie publishing support sister company Books Fluent.

Born and bred in Louisiana, currently living in New Orleans, she has lived and developed a strong base for our company and authors in Chicago and Nashville. Her journalism work has appeared in USA Today, National Geographic and other major publications. She is now interviewed by media on best practices for book marketing.

booksforward.com/about-us/marissa-decuir/

Legendary publisher R.H. Boyd to release book of life lessons from a civil rights icon

NASHVILLE, Tennessee – On August 31, 1994, H.H. Leonards received a call from Brother Willis Edwards of the Beverly Hills NAACP. “Could Mrs. Parks please stay in your hotel until she’s healed emotionally and physically?” Rosa Parks had recently been attacked in her Detroit home—and upon her release from the hospital, she could not safely return to the site of the assault. Despite her legendary status as the Mother of the Civil Rights Movement, she was not wealthy and she needed refuge. This is how their friendship began.

On June 19, 2022, legendary publisher R.H. Boyd will release “Rosa Parks Beyond the Bus: Life, Lessons, and Leadership” – a heartfelt collection of wisdom truths and anecdotes gleaned from author H.H. Leonards’ friendship with Mrs. Parks that began with her stay at Leonards’ iconic Mansion on O Street in Washington, D.C.

“These vignettes and the gems of wisdom she deposited in the author offer us a deeply personal look into the heart of such a powerful, yet humble spirit,” said Dr. LaDonna Boyd, president and CEO of R.H. Boyd Publishing.

R.H. Boyd, now in its fifth generation of leadership and celebrating 125 years of printing and publishing, was founded by formerly enslaved Dr. Richard Henry Boyd. The Nashville-based enterprise is expanding beyond its curriculum offerings to include book publishing. The company’s progress under Dr. Boyd’s leadership has been featured in outlets including the Tennessean and The Voice Nashville.

“Rosa Parks Beyond the Bus: Life, Lessons, and Leadership”
H.H. Leonards | June 19, 2022 | R.H. Boyd Publishing
Nonfiction / Memoir

About the Author

H.H. Leonards is the founder and chair of the O Street Museum Foundation, headquartered in Washington, D.C., and the Mansion on O Street, where Mrs. Rosa Parks called her home-away-from-home for the last decade of her life. Leonards is a wife, mother of three, and friend to celebrities and everyday people alike. The Purdue University alumna established The Mansion in 1980 to provide a unique and eclectic forum where clients learn from one another and foster the development of diversity, the creative process and the human spirit.

In an interview, H.H. Leonards can discuss:

• The fateful call and earnest request that resulted in Rosa Parks staying at her home in Washington, D.C.
• Her 10-year friendship with the Mother of the Civil Rights Movement and the life lessons they learned from each other
• Learning from and finding common ground with Mrs. Parks, who on the surface was very different (Parks was an elderly, Black civil rights leader, while Leonards was a young white woman at the start of their friendship) and their mutual emphasis on faith and family
• Her partnership with R.H. Boyd Publishing and their shared goal to elevate and share unheard stories

An Interview with H.H. Leonards

This might seem like a simple question, but given the length of your friendship it seems worth asking: what do you miss most about your friend, Rosa Parks?

She is still with me. Every day, every second. There is not a moment that goes by that I do not feel her presence.

What do I miss the most? I miss holding hands with Mrs. Parks. Her hands were creator’s hands. We held hands a lot. She and I would sit silently and enjoy the moment together, without words. What I learned from these precious moments is that the beauty of great friends is that you can be quiet in their presence. I also learned that great moments, and great memories, can be channeled through a simple thing like holding hands.

I learn each time I go back to that image of us holding hands. I think about how much she channeled through her hands, straight into my thoughts and heart.

When I am most troubled or being confronted by angry people, I close my eyes and remember those moments together.

Every time I think about Mrs. Parks and I being together, I remember how strong she was, and how she was able to express herself through her hands. She often said that we became good friends because she had never met anyone else with hands like hers. I hope that as I get older my hands grow into hers.

Your book shares stories we often don’t hear about Rosa Parks — why do you think it’s important to share stories about her, specifically stories that go “beyond the bus?”

Her time is now, more than ever. The lessons she taught are more important to absorb than ever.

• “Keep it simple.”
• “Measure your words with grace.”
• “Live an exemplary life” (so no one can use the past against you).
• “Love is all that matters.”
• “Economic freedom ends racism.”
• “Education is the path to a better life. But education takes on different forms for different people.”
• “Measure your words through faith.”

How did your partnership with R.H. Boyd Publishing begin? Why did you choose to work with them to release this book?

Once I learned about the company and its rich legacy, it was the only place I looked at to publish this book. R.H. Boyd is mission driven and faith based. It is run by a woman and is a proud family business, and the oldest existing African-American publisher in the country. R.H. Boyd is a trailblazer, much like Mrs. Parks. I was just interviewed by CNBC and told them the same.

You mentioned that when you first met Rosa Parks, you didn’t know she was a civil rights icon. Do you think this would have made a difference in your relationship?

Absolutely! I would have been afraid of her. I would have kept my distance, thinking she was too important for me to talk with. God works in mysterious ways.

How did you eventually come to realize who she was? Did it change anything about your relationship?

One of our guests at the Mansion on O Street told me what she had done, not her friends or staff. I was very embarrassed. It took me a while to get up the nerve to tell her how sorry I was. What she said in response was glorious: “Now you can travel with me!” And so our journey together expanded beyond the safety of the Mansion and O Museum.

About the Publisher

As president and CEO of R.H. Boyd Publishing, Dr. LaDonna Boyd is shaping and leading R.H. Boyd’s efforts to broaden its scope and offerings for modern needs. With a targeted focus on product development, technology, commercial (non-religious) printing opportunities and author resources, Dr. Boyd has been preparing for a number of years to take the reins as a CEO—cultivating a wide range of skills necessary to lead the R. H. Boyd through a new generation.

Dr. Boyd completed her doctoral studies at Pepperdine University, where she received the Doctor of Education degree in Organizational Leadership. She is also a graduate of Spelman College, earning a bachelor’s degree in economics, and Tennessee State University, where she completed a Master of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Finance. She is committed to continued professional development, including earning a certificate in Digital Marketing Strategy from Harvard University’s Extension School. Dr. Boyd has traveled extensively around the globe and earned recognition for community engagement and service, and she is a proud, active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She also serves on various boards, including Citizens Bank, the National Museum of African American Music, the Nashville Ballet, and the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association.

In an interview, Dr. LaDonna Boyd can discuss:

• The importance of elevating Black voices and preserving Black stories, and honoring the integral role of Black ancestors who built the country with their strength and perseverance
• The company’s long-term vision and its position to help alleviate social concerns and injustices, and their expansion efforts under Dr. Boyd’s leadership
• The importance of filling in the gaps in Rosa Parks’ story that are missing from popular narratives and history books
• Her experience running one of the oldest publishing companies in the U.S.

An Interview with Dr. LaDonna Boyd

R.H. Boyd Publishing is celebrating 125 years in the publishing world. What does it mean to carry on this meaningful legacy?

There are not many businesses that make it for five generations within the same family. We have been fortunate to have this level of success, and I believe that it comes from being mission oriented. We focus on the importance of telling stories. Even though there are constant changes in mediums and technology, adaptability and consistency are key. We represent what it means to create generational legacy and wealth, and I hope that our story can be an example to other families and entrepreneurs.

How did you prepare to take the reins as the fifth-generation leader of R.H. Boyd?

I was fortunate enough to work with my father for many years before his retirement to receive on-the-job training and industry connections. Additionally, I have excelled in academic programs focused on economics, finance, and leadership, as well as possess impeccable grammar and writing skills, which are very important in the publishing world.

Additionally, our company has a strong team that takes pride in their work individually and collectively. Without the entire organization working cohesively, we would not be able to carry on the legacy accordingly.

Tell us how “Rosa Parks Beyond the Bus: Life, Lessons, and Leadership” came together. What intrigued you about this book?

This is such an interesting story at a very relevant and troubling time in history. Most of us are very familiar with the instance of Mrs. Parks not giving up her seat, but most are not familiar with how that impacted her journey for the rest of her life. Getting this type of first-hand experience from someone that had a close bond with her later in life, we can glean from her wisdom and ensure that her legacy lives on for future generations.

What important changes and trends are you seeing in the book industry right now, and how is R.H. Boyd Publishing adapting to these developments?

Technology is ever-changing, and the way that people consume content is constantly evolving. We must stay on top of different ways to deliver content and make sure that we are telling stories that consumers find interesting. We want to be able to impact people’s lives for the better, preferably on a consistent basis.

Additionally, with supply chain issues and environmental considerations, we reduce our waste and carbon footprint as much as possible. We also forecast production needs and secure enough inventory for at least a year to maintain workflow. Many companies in our industry are experiencing paper shortages, etc. We have been fortunate to not have many of those concerns (at least not in a disruptive manner), and I am confident in our ability to stay ahead in these areas.

What’s next for R.H. Boyd?

We have several new titles coming out within the next year. We are also launching multimedia platforms, including a podcast, enhancing our YouTube offerings, and hosting in-person events, such as our leadership training conference, the Vision Conference, June 16-18, 2022, in Nashville, TN.

Download press kit and photos

Marissa DeCuir

A former award-winning journalist with national exposure, Marissa now oversees the day-to-day operation of the Books Forward author branding and book marketing firm, along with our indie publishing support sister company Books Fluent.

Born and bred in Louisiana, currently living in New Orleans, she has lived and developed a strong base for our company and authors in Chicago and Nashville. Her journalism work has appeared in USA Today, National Geographic and other major publications. She is now interviewed by media on best practices for book marketing.

booksforward.com/about-us/marissa-decuir/