About LaRinda Bryant
LaRinda Bryant is a wife, mother, career woman, poetess, singer, and songwriter. She now adds author to her list of titles with her debut book, Hannah’s New Little Sister.
Born in Greenville, MS and raised in Huntsville, AL LaRinda pursued a formal education in Business Administration and obtained her master’s degree in the same discipline. She currently works as an Intellectual Property Specialist and an Online Instructor teaching Career Development. Her real passion, however, can be found in the spillings of ink to a page.
At the age of 16, LaRinda found and nurtured her love for writing first with poetry and later with songwriting. Her old companion served as familiar comfort as she and her husband faced infertility and multiple miscarriages. In between blank lines and on completely empty pages, LaRinda was able to pour out her innermost thoughts on the journey to motherhood as a form of release.
Moved by her faith and a desire to sow something positive from the loss of her baby, Larinda shares the depths of her family’s experience through Hannah’s story. Hannah’s Little Sister is designed for the entire to family to share and to begin the dialogue that will help families begin to heal as they face the sobering loss of a child through miscarriage.
Interview With Winn Publications
Winn Publications: How did your journey as an author begin?
My journey started at sixteen when I wrote my first song. I’ve always told my story through my music. I wrote this story almost two years ago. My writing has always been just for God’s eyes. As I was writing my thoughts, prayers and feelings down, the Holy Spirit said, “book.” It took me a while to act on those instructions because I had my Jonah moments and ran from what I knew I was supposed to do.
Winn Publications: Was it something you always wanted to pursue?
No. I didn’t think I could actually write a book. I never saw myself as an author. It was something didn’t seem possible. For some reason, I just couldn’t see it. Now that I’ve successfully done it, I love it and I can’t stop writing!
Winn Publications: Who or what motivated you to write?
The need to heal and express myself has always been my motivation to write. When I’m in my prayer/worship time or I’m going through, I grab a pen and pour it all out on paper.
This particular book was a written after I had a total of ten miscarriages. The last two occurred just prior to my 15 month old son’s birth. Although my daughters were young, we’d discussed a new baby as a family. I was grieving and didn’t include them in the process as much as I should have. My five year old had questions and she wanted to know where the baby was and when he/she was coming home. I realized my daughters lost someone too. The healing process can and should include children. My hope is that this book will help families start the conversation and ultimately heal together.
Winn Publications: Have you published your writings into a book? If so, where can we find it/them?
Yes. My debut book, Hannah’s New Little Sister is scheduled to launch on Amazon platforms Friday, June 5, 2020. Pre-order sales (Kindle only) are available today, Monday, April 20, 2020 on Amazon.com.
I will be hosting a virtual Facebook Book Launch Event on Friday, June 5, 2020 @6:00pm (FB: LaRinda Bryant). Invitation attached.
Winn Publications: How was the publishing process?
Hard! All of this is new to me. Being an author, the publishing process, promoting, everything. This publishing process tried to take me out! LOL…. Seriously, it has been quite challenging, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I’m exhausted but equally gratified that I have this amazing opportunity and am being received so well by everyone I’ve reached out to. The support for this book has been great!
Winn Publications: Since becoming a published author, what challenges have you faced if any?
My biggest challenge has been not knowing what I don’t know. I’m making plenty of mistakes but I adjust and keep moving. I’m a perfectionist and I like to know what to expect in all situations. I’m learning to be great at the things I can control and do what I can to fix the things that are not in my control. Mistakes are inevitable and I’m just doing my best to learn and grow from them.
Winn Publications: Have you written anything outside of fiction/nonfiction?
Besides my three books, I’ve written songs. I have an EP scheduled to be released in 2021. Prior to that, I will be releasing individual songs/music videos this year.
Winn Publications: Do you have a tip that you can offer your peers (poets and writers worldwide)?
My tip would be for those that know they’re supposed to write and have something to share. Enough time has gone by. WRITE THE BOOK! Don’t let your insecurities, logic or any other hindrances continue to get in your way. We only regret the things we never attempted. You can do it!
Winn Publications: Are you currently working on any new projects? If so when can we expect them to be released?
Yes. The Hannah Experience is expected to be released in October 2020. This book is about my journey from infertility to motherhood and how that journey is closely aligned with Hannah in the Bible. [Available for Pre-Order Now]
LoLo & Sophie’s Adventures is another children’s book. LoLo starts a new school and develops a friendship with Sophie who is special needs. This book follows their many quests in daycare. I expect to release this book in Spring 2021.
Winn Publications: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself as the author of at least three bestselling books! I see myself in the financial position to work from home full-time so that I can spend more time with my family and focus on managing my businesses.
Winn Publications: What does being an author mean to you?
Honestly, in the beginning this book was something that I knew God wanted me to do, but I didn’t necessarily want to do. When I started the book, it was out of obedience. I was reluctant to give so much of myself because I’ve never been the type to be vulnerable. My feelings through most of this journey was filled with fear that the book wouldn’t be good, people wouldn’t buy it and all the other insecure thoughts one could have.
As we move closer to my launch date, I actually do feel like an accomplished author. I’m both proud and overjoyed. Being an author means the world to me. I still have to get used to saying “I’m an author.”
Winn Publications: If you could co-author with anyone – dead or alive- who would it be and why?
My choice would be Tyler Perry. His story is one of second chances. Mine is similar; and I can see one of my books being turned into a movie. The story of my journey has many twists and turns that would keep readers and viewers on edge.
