The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

IT was BettyJoe Cooper’s trials and life challenges that led her to write the words to her second published book “Who Killed Jonathan Kinkay.”

The Bahamian author is known for writing stories, and whether ordinary or fairytale, she brings the essence of true-life to her work.

She has lived some of these stories herself, drawing inspiration from the most painful moments in her own life.

Some of her work also transcends storytelling into a fairytale realm of princesses and lively sing-along books for children.

In an interview with Tribune Woman, Ms Cooper said the “heart wrenching” story in the Jonathan Kinkay book was written honestly and painfully by a young girl, turned woman, who lived the ordeals of both her brothers dying young, almost before her very eyes.

“She weathered the responsibilities shoved onto her at a young age, to become a successful woman in her own right. Her story is told without angst and self-pity, without vengefulness, and always with her eyes on God’s direction for her life,” said BettyJoe.

Putting herself in the story of the Jonathan Kinkay book, BettyJoe said she expressed the pain of losing two brothers. She said the book was showing how she has learned to embrace her sorrows and express them on paper.

BettyJoe said writing has allowed her to make a difference by sharing experiences and have others see the world through her eyes.

“I want to convey a positive message that can truly make a change, whether it be about love, family life or people, in the end I see it as contributing truth,” she said.

She said Jonathan Kinkay has a message and anyone who reads the book, will find that they can relate to it.

“It is about discovering that we should not be so quick to judge, nor point fingers. The truth is, he who feels it, knows it. A question one may ask is, who knows you better than you know yourself, or who knows your house better than you do? No one, trust me. Being on the inside looking outside, one gets a clearer picture. I would like my readers to know that you must always be aware of your surroundings, don’t be so quick to let your guard down. The role that others play in your life can leave you in an ever lasting unfortunate state,” said BettyJoe.

She said she wants people to know that being rich or poor doesn’t exempt you from life’s challenges.

“If someone is bad for you and you are told this over and repeatedly that they are bad for you, then maybe you should stop to think, because truly nine times out of 10 it goes like this: ‘checkmate,’” she said.

Over the years, BettyJoe said she has been inspired by books such as The Color Purple, The Note Book, The English Patient and Of Mice and Men.

“I’m a hopeless romantic, I love stories with justice, love, and compassion,” she said.

While she does not put a name on her writing style, BettyJoe said she has a diverse spirit and it all comes from the soul.

“I give people something to first read about, think about, cry or laugh about and sometimes sing about.  In the end, it is about sharing something that can truly make a difference in someone else’s life,” said BettyJoe.

Describing the transition from her first published book ‘Children In Motion,’ to ‘Jonathan Kinkay,’ she said: “With writing the children’s book, ‘Children In Motion,’ this book expresses the emotions of love from a parent, or family member onto a child through stories and sing-along songs, displaying happiness and laughter.

“With ‘Jonathan Kinkay,’ it is about murder, suspense, crime and conspiracy, so this book was far apart from the rest.”

BettyJoe’s drive to make it has also led her to complete a third book for the year, which is called ‘Princess Braelin.’ And it does not stop there, she is also working on another book ‘The Dogs Who Screwed the Cats.’

“Princess Braelin is a story of the yearning of a girl for her father, and it is also a story of restoring trust between animal and mankind. This charming young girl wrestles with her dreams, her longings, her love, and her ultimate destiny as she braves personal fears to find joy. And with ‘The Dogs Who Screwed the Cats,’ it’s humorous, and bold in my opinion. I think with this book, the men would be saying ‘What in the hell did she just say?’ and the women would be like ‘I know just what you mean girlfriend, now yah talkin’. All in all both parties would be leaving with something to think about,” said BettyJoe.

Available from this Thursday, ‘Who Killed Jonathan Kinkay’ is available at Lulu.com, logos Book Store, Buy the Book - book store and BettyJoe’s website www.booksbybettyjoe.com.