Charmaine was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio. Writing has been her passion and a positive emotional outlet since middle school. As a teen, writing in her journal allowed her to escape the negativity of her world. Around that time she also began writing her first fiction novel. She finds joy in creating unique and awe inspiring story-lines for the characters in her stories. Ingenuity and imagination is a mainstay and compass in her work.
Charmaine has a Bachelor of Arts in Family Life Education and an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. Charmaine, being the wearer of many proverbial ‘hats’, is an independent self-publisher and the founder of Charming Gal Publications. She is the CEO and jewelry designer for Forever Divas Fashionable Jewelry, her online jewelry boutique and a Pre-Kindergarten Teacher.
Charmaine is currently working on new projects so keep a look out for her upcoming releases.
A&RBC: Thank you so much for this interview, Charmaine! Can you tell us where you are from?
I was born and raised in Toledo Ohio
A&RBC: How did you come up with your title?
I came up with my title Girlfriends Secrets about ten years ago. I loved watching the sitcom Girlfriends; I enjoyed the actors and the roles they portrayed. One day as I was watching the show, I thought to myself that I could write a book about the trials and triumphs of three women lives and make it a reality- based story adapted to Christian fiction
A&RBC: They say you can judge a book by its cover. Can you tell us a little about your cover and who designed it?
The book cover was designed my Author Age Lavelle he is from my home town. I fall in love with this cover the first time he showed it to me. It really represents my characters in the book; black, beautiful and sexy women who lives are not perfect and they are keeping secrets from each other.
A&RBC: Can you tell us something about your book that would make me run out and buy it?
Alisha, Brittany and Tyra have been best friends since high school, sharing everything from clothes to their most intimate thoughts. But when the secrets they all kept pulled them farther and farther apart, the friendship that once meant so much to them took a backseat to pain, anguish and betrayal of the worst kind. Now the abused woman, the kept woman, and the holier than thou Christian are each on a dangerous path that promises to destroy life as they know it and ultimately take each one of them out in the process.
A&RBC: Are there any messages in this book that you want the reader to know about?
· God will keep you sane in your darkest hours if you seek Him.
· Don’t take the people that you love and care about for granted because you can lose them in a blink of eye
· If you are being mentally, physically or emotional abused, get help as soon as possible
A&RBC: What was your most favorite chapter to write and why?
The most favorite chapter I wrote was the last chapter. It was a very inspirational and daring chapter for all the characters.
A&RBC: Why did you feel you had to write this book?
This book is focused on real life situations that needs to be discussed in your community. I wrote this book to inspire others and to inform others that God will be your strength when you are weak if you have faith and believe in His word.
A&RBC: Now, some fun questions – What deep dark secret would you like to share with us?
I am a very shy person.
A&RBC: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Africa because I would love to witness the culture and the beautiful landmarks.
A&RBC: Are you a morning person or a night person?
I am a night owl, I am up all times of the night thinking and writing.
A&RBC: Are there any members in your family who also like to write?
No
A&RBC: As a child, were you a dreamer?
No. I can remember any of the dreams I had as a child.
A&RBC: Last but not least, the magic genie has granted you one wish. What would that be?
To be able to take care of my family needs without working seven days a week.
A&RBC: Thank you so much for this interview! Do you have any final words?
I would like to thank A&RBC for this interview. I would like to thank my readers for supporting me and giving my work a chance. I am just getting started, I have a lot more to come. Please visit me at www.charmainegalloway.com.
Girlfriends. Secrets. A novel.
Alisha, Brittany and Tyra have been best friends since high school, sharing everything from clothes to their most intimate thoughts. But when the secrets they all kept pulled them farther and farther apart, the friendship that once meant so much to them took a backseat to pain, anguish and betrayal of the worst kind.
Tyra Bell is a single mother, who has had her share of heartbreaks and disappointments from the pathetic men in her past relationships. While becoming accustomed to her walk as a Christian, Tyra’s faith is shaken to its core when she receives devastating news.
Brittany Parker is the epitome of a “kept” woman. This self-centered house wife of a successful medical doctor lives her life under the premise that life (hers at least) is too perfect to have a care in the world. That is until she runs across someone who shatters the life she once thought to be so perfect.
Alisha Wright is a struggling mother of two. She would go to any measure to stay in a relationship with her son’s father which results in putting both her and her children in harm’s way.
These three women are each on a dangerous path that promises to destroy life as they know it and ultimately take each one of them out in the process.
