Interview with Christian short story writer Chetoca Barfield

Debut short story writer Chetoca Barfield joins me today to chat about her Christian non-fiction, Welcome to Ms. Nelly’s Sunday School Class.

During her virtual book tour, Chetoca will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) gift card to a lucky randomly drawn winner. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit her other tour stops and enter there, too!

Welcome Chetoca, please tell us a little bit about yourself.
I was born and raised in a small town located in Eastern North Carolina with my parents and 2 siblings; and older brother and younger sister. My parents are retired and living their best life doing whatever it is that retired folks do. My brother resides in Virginia and my sister resides in Western North Carolina where she recently received her doctoral degree in Social Work.

Growing up I had dreams of becoming a lawyer. There wasn’t anything that sparked this interest, but I knew early on in grade school that I loved to research and explain how things came to be. Graduating from high school I knew that I would pursue criminal justice studies at Elizabeth City State University (i.e., ECSU) with hopes of having a career as a criminal prosecutor.

My freshman year in college I laid eyes on my dream guy who has been my husband for the last 19 years. I knew the moment I saw him walk out of the café I was going to marry him. I know that may sound weird, but it’s the truth. Michael (my husband) and I didn’t begin dating until one year later. It’s funny how things happen, but that is a story for another day.

In 2000, I graduated from ECSU and began working in corporate America, starting from the bottom as a customer service representative. During this time, I was studying to taking the LSAT to enter law school. In 2003 Michael and I wed. Marriage was fun, enjoyable, and I didn’t want anything to interrupt our marital bliss.

So, I made the decision to no longer pursue law school. To be honest studying has never been my strong suit and I knew law school would have demanded so much of my time that I just wasn’t ready to commit. I enjoyed working in corporate America but knew staying in a customer service role wasn’t my “forever” career choice. I wanted to move up the corporate ladder into a leadership role.

In 2006, I received my MBA degree from Strayer University. During this time my corporate career was starting to take off. I moved into a supervisory role and lead an operations team for a few years within the financial industry. In 2011, I offered a higher-level leadership opportunity with a different company, but still within the financial industry.

It was the best decision I could have made for my career goals as I have thrived promotionally ever since. Leading teams for the last 15 years led me down an unexpected path; mentoring. I’ve mentored many colleagues and peers from a career development perspective. I must say this was an un-disclose passion that I didn’t know I had until I was knee deep in it.

As time progressed, mentoring evolved into to helping individuals, groups, etc. navigate life challenges. Growing up in my household my parents had a rule for my siblings and me. If we didn’t attend church on Sunday’s, we couldn’t go anywhere for the rest of the day. Every Sunday we were in church.

While I didn’t appreciate going to the church as much as I did at that time, I’m thankful that I did. It was through my Sunday school teacher that I learned how to develop a relationship with God vs. focusing on religious affiliations rules. As I’ve grown in my walk with Christ this vital lesson has helped me through many difficult moments.

When COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, all our lives were altered. The daily routines that were once in place was replaced with social isolation, mental health challenges, social injustice, and doubting faith. The need of having a healthy support system was magnified and this need lead to the birth of Treasured Possession.

Treasured Possession is a mentoring community that I created to provide encouragement, support, and tools to equip the body of Christ to lead healthy lives in body, mind, and spirit. The name Treasured Possession comes from Deuteronomy 7:6 (ESV) “For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.”

You & I are his most Treasured Possession.

 

Excerpt from Welcome to Ms. Nelly’s Sunday School Class:
Title: Forgive others as God forgives
Pages 61 & 62

Victoria: Ms. Nelly, I have learned that forgiveness is hard to do.

Ms. Nelly: Yes, it is Victoria. Are you having a hard time forgiving someone?

Victoria: Yes, ma’am. I mean, it wasn’t even my fault.

Ms. Nelly: What wasn’t your fault?

Victoria: My sister and I argue all the time, but she has taken it too far this time.

Ms. Nelly: Ok. What happened?

Victoria: Our dad gave my sister and I a necklace. My sister loves this necklace. She wears it all the time except when she is playing sports or taking a shower.

Ms. Nelly: I see. Am I assuming your sister lost the necklace?

Victoria: No. The other day I went into my sister’s room while she was taking a shower. I saw her necklace on the dresser, and I wanted to try it on. When I picked up the necklace, I noticed it was broken.

Ms. Nelly: Oh dear, I’m guessing your sister is very upset with you?

Victoria: Yes, she is. This necklace is very special to my sister. This is the last piece of jewelry our father gave her before he passed away, but Ms. Nelly, I didn’t break the necklace; it was already broken.

Ms. Nelly: Did you explain that to your sister?

Victoria: I tried to, but she will not talk to me. When my sister walked into her room, she saw me holding the necklace and thought I broke it. She will not forgive me Ms. Nelly.

 

What do you enjoy most about writing short stories?
That they are short. You can provide a quality piece of work within a few pages that is just as captivating as lengthier stories.

Can you give us a little insight into a few of your short stories – perhaps some of your favorites?
This is my first book comprised of 6 short stories. SOOO all of them are my favorite.

What genre are you inspired to write in the most? Why?
Non-fiction. One human to another we can all learn from each other based on what we have experienced and our perception of the world around us. I believe people underestimate their story. The powerful message and experience that can be shared with others is priceless.

What exciting story are you working on next?
At the moment, I’m in the discovery phase. Discovering what’s the next exciting thing that I can share.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
When? Hmm, I don’t consider myself a writer. I was brought up during a time where being considered a writer you had to be this astute student whose vocabulary and experiences was as long as the east is from the west. Being that was ingrained in me I absolutely don’t fit those criteria. I’m just a girl who had something to share and place those thoughts on paper. If that makes me a writer, well, I’m a writer.

How do you research markets for your work, perhaps as some advice for writers?
Being that this is my first book this may come as a shock, but my process is nothing like typical writers. However, if I had to provide advice, I would say write about what is interesting to you. From there research people, places, and things to bring your story to life. Identify what you can use, scratch the rest, and begin writing.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
Spraying perfume. For some reason the air smell as to be a vibe.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Criminal Prosecutor

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
I hope you all enjoy Welcome to Ms. Nelly’s Sunday School Class as much as I enjoyed writing it. In Ms. Nelly’s simplistic way, she was able to make God relatable to her students just as she can help make God relatable to the child in your life.

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