This week we’re delighted to have long-time RAWSISTAZ supporter & group favorite J. D. Mason with us as we discuss our May 2009 main book selection, You Gotta Sin to Get Saved. So, sit back, relax and jump in at any time.
BOOK DESCRIPTION
Charlotte Rodgers has always wanted too much. Too much love, too much attention, and had too many big dreams.  It was how she ended up abandoning her two daughters, Connie and Reesy to chase after a man and the promise of a dream life.   But Charlotte never anticipated how her world would be irrevocably changed. Now, twenty-seven years later, her whole world shifts yet again with a letter from one of her daughters. And the past is about to bust wide open. Â
Reesy has always been obsessed with something. Obsessed with finding her birth mother. Obsessed with her sister’s life. Obsessed with her own adopted daughter never finding out that Reesy is really her aunt. With a neglected husband, who is unknowingly drifting further and further away, a sister who is trying to escape her well-meaning clutches, and a daughter becoming more and more curious about her true parentage, finding the mother she always dreamed about seems to be an answered prayer to Reesy. That is until Reesy is brought crashing back to earth to find that her perfect life is in tattered pieces.
Connie has always expected too little. Too little from the man she’s been living with for years. Too little from her modest jewelry business. And too little from her relationships, or lack thereof, with her daughter, mother and sister. And too little from herself. Until she discovers she is pregnant again and decides that this time she is keeping her baby, sending her life and her relationship into a tailspin. And rediscovering the mother who left them behind is the last thing she wants.Â
Thrown back together again, in a maelstrom of shocking truths, Charlotte, Reesy and Connie will discover on their journey to forgiveness and redemption that you just might have to sin first in order to be saved.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
J.D. Mason is the author of several bestselling novels including, And On The Eighth Day She Rested, This Fire Down In My Soul, and You Gotta Sin To Get Saved, which has been selected as one of the best books of 2008 by Black Expressions and the RAWSISTAZ Online Bookclub, and has been nominated for The Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award in 
the African American Fiction category. She is the recipient of the Atlanta Choice Award for her novel One Day I Saw A Black King, and her novel Don’t Want No Sugar was also nominated The Romantic Times Magazine award for Best Contemporary Fiction. Her novels have consistently been selected by The Black Expressions Book Club as main selections, and her work has appeared on bestseller lists in the Dallas Morning News, Black Expressions Book Club, and on Amazon.com. Her newest novel, That Devil’s No Friend of Mine, was released in March 2009 from St. Martin’s Press and featured in the March 2009 edition of Essence Magazine. Also, look for a new release from Mason in Fall 2009, called Hot Flashes-a feisty coming of age story for the mature woman.
AUTHOR’S WEBSITE
J.D., thanks so much for joining us today. We are all so looking forward to this book chat on You Gotta Sin to Get Saved. To get us started, please tell us a little about you and why you decided to write this book. Our chat will last throughout the day and perhaps into tomorrow. I am especially interested in Connie and Reesy–how were you able to get in touch with such a wide range of emotions coming from the two sisters towards their mother?
Hey Brenda,
I’m so happy to be here, and I’m particularly excited to discuss this book because I love these characters. I started the series with a book titled “One Day I Saw a Black King”, and after I wrote it, I had no intention of continuing it with a series, but the characters in this book really just struck me, and I followed Black King up with the prequel “Don’t Want No Sugar”. After that, I really did think I was finished, and again, had no intention of revisiting these people’s lives, however, a number of readers wrote to me asking me one question in particular, “whatever happened to Charlotte?”. This book is the answer to that question.
This is one thing I loved! That you came out with a prequel, instead of a sequel. LOL. And, I really appreciate that you didn’t beat the same characters over our head. I’ve read all of the connected stories and really enjoyed them. I read the new one too and can’t wait for more of our members to read, so we can discuss.
I too love the characters in your books and I’ve been a fan for a long time. One Day I Saw a Black King was the greatest book and the characters just drew me in…made me want to know more about them. That’s
Thanks Wana. I’m glad you like them.
Heyyyyyyyy JD and welcome everyone to our second Blog Book Chat. JD will be popping in as time allows, but let’s go ahead and get the discussion started with the members. Here are some questions to get things moving.
Who was your favorite character and why? What did you think of how the book opened? What about Reesy? Was she wrong for expecting everyone else to be happy about finding her mom? Or were they insensitive. Feel free to post your own questions, comments & observations, just as you would at a “live” meeting.
Let’s hear from ya. I’ll be back with more…
Good morning, Tee, and thanks for inviting me to participate in the blogchat. Very kewl concept! Very kewl.
Thanks, JD! I love the chatroom talks, but this seemed to be a better concept so we could eliminate the time constraints.
I’m loving this format! It’s way better than chatting.
Woo hoo! Glad you approve JD and so glad you’re here with us today. You’ll have to come hang out every Tuesday when we have our Black Book Talks/Chats. I’m cooking up some good topics for the upcoming weeks.
To answers Tee’s questions….Connie was my favorite character because of her strength. Reesy had a gentle spirit and she couldn’t move on until she found the truth and I don’t think she would have been complete for her family and herself until she did. I think if she wanted to find her birth mother and get closer that was all in good, but I think she could have handled it better and not forced it on her family.
Connie was my favorite character as well. I guess I sympathized more with her because she seemed to suffer the most after the girls were abandoned. I like Reesy’s character as well; although, I don’t think that she should have tried to stuff Charlotte and her need to find Charlotte and reconnect with her down everyone’s throat. I also don’t think Reesy took the time to explain to everyone WHY she needed to find Charlotte so badly. I think that if she had done that, they would have been a little more sympathetic/understading regarding her desire to do so.
Sharon/Hope, you’ve both expressed my sentiments regarding both women and Connie was my favorite as well. Not much more for me to add here.
I agree with Hope and Sharon’s answers. My favorite character was Connie because of her strenght and determination. Reesy kind of irritated me but well that’s me.
What they said
This read sparked alot of emotions especially how the mother treated her girls differently. How did you come up with this story?
The story was sparked by interest from readers about Charlotte and what happened to her after she abandoned her daughters. I really found it interesting that so many people wondered about her, because in the book where I introducted Charlotte (ODISABK), Charlotte was only in one chapter. But I think that the idea of a mother abandoning her children like that struck a cord with people. It took me years to actually ask the question to myself and to really contemplate what really could’ve happened with this woman. The story could’ve gone in so many different ways, but I knew that I wanted readers to really get to know this woman. Charlotte really had no redeeming qualities, but it took this reunion with her daughters for two of her daughters in particular, Reesy and Cammy, to actually see that. Connie, of course, being the oldest, knew it all along. I think that’s why Charlotte treated her the way she did.
firstly, i love JD! loved the title and loved the story. i could see myself in connie…strong, yet fragile at the same time. i found myself rooting for you all the way!
Yeah, Connie always seemed on the verge of crumbling, but deep inside, she truly was a survivor. I think there are alot of us who are like that.
Iris, me too! But, we won’t tell anyone, okay? I liked how she was strong, but real with her emotions at the same time. It showed the strength you see in a lot of women, especially in the midst of hardship.
This book fit well with our theme last month about the Mother/daughter relationships. It had me looking at my relationship with my mother. Granted she didn’t abandon us like Charlotte did her children, but I can see that controlling (although not as harsh) aspect that Charlotte displayed toward Cammy.
My favorite character was a toss up between Reesy and Connie. Reesy for the search to find her mother and trying to find answers to questions. To me Reesy was just like a lot of us, always searching for the something is missing. Connie because she was a survivor despite the hurt and pain she received from Charlotte. But she come through for Cammy in the end, recognizing she was in a bad situation.
Brenda
Most people loved Connie, and hated Reesy b/c they felt she was too self righteous, especially when it came to Connie, and I suppose that maybe she was, but only because she believed that Connie could be so much more and have more than she seemed to believe she deserved.
Reesy had a very different, abeit distorted memory of Charlotte, and finding her monther was something she needed so that she could get past those childhood memories and finally see what her sister saw in Charlotte.
The difference in opinions of the sisters about their mother amazed me and I guess it’s because I’ve noticed that in real life. For some people their mother (or father) can do no wrong even though they know they have but it’s just something about what you choose to remember and/or forget and the twist you apply to it. For other people the parent can do all the things in the world for their child but they (the child never recongnizes it). I know in the story it has something to do with the age difference and what Connie remember and what Reese didn’t.
Hi JD
I’m happy that you graced us with your presence and I’m such a fan of yours. I really enjoyed reading YGSTGS because it is such an intense story. The characters and storyline are believable. My fav character is Connie because of her strength and the underlying message of the book.
Thanks so much, Sharon. You know who my favorite character was? Don’t shoot me, but I loved Uncle. He was a blast to write!
Uncle was crazy….LOL!!! Where did you come up with that name for his character?
Originally, he was going to be somebody’s Uncle and I was going to call him Uncle so-and-so (hadn’t decided on an actual name). But then, I decided that the name Uncle was perfect for him.
Uncle?…To use a phrase like my little nephew would–Uncle was a hot mess!
ROFL…ditto, ditto! And, Brenda, that’s one of my favorite sayings…
::frowning:: I freaking forgot we are doing chat this way. ANYWHO, you know I enjoyed reading this one. I’ll be back with questions. Need to run to VA trying to get re enrolled.
It’ll be alright Linda…LOL. Just come on back with your questions.
ROFL…simmer down, Ms Linda! We’ll be around when you get ready. Looking forward to hearing your comments. Hope everything is working out for you at the VA!
Im back in the system..what a relief..off to respond to stuff..LOL
J.D. I really enjoyed You Gotta Sin To Get Saved.
Connie just made me want to hug her! Not so much because of her hard life after that mammy made heifer of a mother abandon her. But rather because of her struggle to see and believe she deserved to love and be loved.
Thank you for not allowing her to abort her baby. And for bringing her and King back together.
And girl when Ressy finally saw the real Charlotte and jumped in to protect Connie, I cheered!!!
Loved this book!
As soon as I finish reading Strongholds by Vanessa Davis Griggs, I’ll be devouring That Devil’s No Friend Of Mine.
Continued blessings, Janice-NYC
Thanks so much, Janice. I’m glad you enjoyed the book.
Now that low down Uncle, just made me want to cut somebody!
Where in the world did you find him?!?!
And the way he doled out punishment was just sadistic and nasty! And to have his goons run a train on his own cousin…sadistic!
Janice-NYC
Uncle was actually modeled after “Superfly” from the movie in the 70s. I know some of y’all are too young to remember that flick, and others like it LOL-but I really wanted to pull in the energy from that era. It was funky and raw and that’s where I got the idea for Uncle.
You’re right Janice he was sadistic. And what he let that one hooker do in front of her children…just shameful!
Hi, JD. Thanks so much for participating in this chat. I am truly a fan of your work and really enjoyed YGTSTGS.
Do you think that this book will be the last book in the series? Although the mystery surrounding Charlotte has been solved, I now have other questions….:-)
Yes, there will be a follow up to You Gotta Sin To Get Saved, only because I got so much email from readers telling me that there needed to be a follow up to YGSTGS. LOL Too many readers complained that I’d left too many issues open-ended, and after giving it some thought, I could see where they were coming from. Plus, I think people have just come to love these characters, and it’s a compliment to me to know that they still wanted to know more about them.
That book is called Somebody Pick Up My Pieces and I don’t have a release date for it yet, but I’m hoping it’ll be out sometime next year.
Well, err, ummm, if you need an early readers, I think you have a few takers. I don’t normally care for sequels, but I’ll definitely be adding this to my list.
Thanks, Tee! Always good to have a few advance readers around
Yea I’m available to read it and stuff too…Just let me know
looking forward to the next book. Now I know what you’ve been referring to on FB.
JD, speaking of Uncle, what about the other men in YGSTGS? Were they modeled after people you know or did they sort of developed on their own as you wrote the book?
No, I try not to model any characters after any actual people that I know, but I guess I do model them after types of people. Justin, for instance, represents a kind of man who means well, but he’s only human and like most people, he makes mistakes. John is the way he is because of his background. He grew up feeling distant and separate from people and, hence, connecting on a personal level is difficult for him. At some point in time in my life, I’m sure I’ve ran across people like this, but no. No one in my immediate social circle is like any of the men in my book.
It just hit me…if this was a movie….the actor that would play Uncle would be the man who played “Red” in The Five Heartbeats. He light-skinned, freckles, and a mean personality.
He’d be a good one. I’d like Idris to play John King, though. Heck. I’d like Idris to play everybody in the dang book! LOL
LOL…I thought of Idris as King too…LOL. Moses being King’s father…why the twist?
Adam was John’s father. By the time Mattie (King’s mother) was raped by Moses, she was already showing signs of being pregnant by Adam.
Oh OK!!! You know what I would have like to read…..Charlotte finding out that Lynn set her up 2xs!!!
Hello there Ms. Colorado! I read the book and loved it. I noted that there will be a follow up. Can’t wait to read it.
Thank you, Alice.
JD,
I really enjoyed the book. How did you come up with the title and what is the meaning of the title as t relates to the story? I have my own idea but wanted to see what your thoughts were.
Tanika
Basically it means that you have to make some mistakes before you see the error of your ways. You’ve got to go through some things before you get to the other side.
Okay, I found the discussion guide which has a few questions we haven’t touched on. Let us know your thoughts and to elaborate, how do you feel about situations like this? Should the child eventually be told? Why or why not?
- After having had several abortions and allowing her sister to adopt her daughter and raise her as her own, do you feel that Connie’s decision to have and keep this baby is justified?
- Should Reesy and Connie explain the truth to Jade, that Connie is her real mother? Should they do it soon, or wait until she gets older? How do you think they can lesson the impact of this truth to this child?
Yes I think a child she eventually told. I can relate to this because my husband went through something similar to this about a year ago. It wasn’t about his mother but his biological father. It doesn’t matter how old the child is….they’re still affected by it…but the younger they are they can handle it better…I think in my husband’s case .
I think Connie is justified in keeping this baby. Just like her friend Eddie told her…she needs to grow up and stop running from herself. But when Jade is told that Connie is her mother and she asks why are you keeping this baby and you didn’t keep me….I can’t wait for that answer.
Should the child eventually be told? Why or why not? I think it all depends on the situation that the family is going through, there is no clear cut yes or no answer.
After having had several abortions and allowing her sister to adopt her daughter and raise her as her own, do you feel that Connie’s decision to have and keep this baby is justified? I think everyone should get a chance to be a mother even though they may have made what some people may think are bad decision. One has to wonder what would have happened to the other babies if she had chosen to keep them…who knows.
Should Reesy and Connie explain the truth to Jade, that Connie is her real mother? Should they do it soon, or wait until she gets older? How do you think they can lesson the impact of this truth to this child? I guess you could but would have be the benefit of telling her because then there are the why her and not me questions. How do you answer that? I guess on the other hand, it’s important to be honest about some things but again what’s the benefit.
Yes, I believe Connie deserved to have the child and I was happy with her decision. We all make mistakes in life, yet it is possible to learn from them and actually grow. I think she had made it to that point.
I would rather she had the abortions and giving up the child than to raise them and maybe turn out like her mother.
Hey JD!!!! My girl! I need to read your book so I can post a real question. I’m so slow. Sigh. Forgive me. Sending all my love to you! Mwah!
Mwah! back atcha Pittershawn!!!
A few more…
- Connie never seemed to trust that John could commit to her for better or for worse and expected for him to walk away from their relationship at any given moment? Do you think she believed deep down that he’d change? Were you surprised when he walked out on her?
- Charlotte had her daughter Cammy convinced that she needed to be there to take care of Charlotte. Do you think Cammy’s perspective would’ve changed after she gave birth to her own child? Would you have blamed Cammy’s boyfriend, T, if he’d moved on?
- Do you believe that it’s possible for John to live up to and be the kind of man Connie dreams of? Or do you think he’ll always be the type to leave when the situation doesn’t suit him? Do you feel Connie is finally on her way to coming to terms with herself and her past?
Connie never seemed to trust that John could commit to her for better or for worse and expected for him to walk away from their relationship at any given moment? Do you think she believed deep down that he’d change? Were you surprised when he walked out on her? I don’t think she knew he wouldn’t change but couldn’t admit it herself. Nope wasn’t surprised…was actually waiting for it to happen, not that I wanted it to.
Do you believe that it’s possible for John to live up to and be the kind of man Connie dreams of? I don’t think he could have lifed up to her dreams, maybe in another life but not at that time.
I agree with Wana’s comments. I was happy he returned
JD,
I just want to commend you on writing a book that is a follow up (in a way) so well. Often related books can let the reader down but with One Day I Saw a Black King, Don’t Want No Sugar and You have to Sin to Get Saved, you have created characters and storylines that readers can keep going back to and not get tired of. I’m looking forward to the next one already.
~Criss
PS. I read your latest and enjoyed that too.
Thank you, Criss.
I have loved these characters from the beginning and writing about them is a pleasure for me.
Hey Everyone,
JD, an author I truly have come to love. Thanks for chatting with us. I enjoyed the book.
Just chiming in on a question Tee asked. Yes. I think they should tell her the truth and I think they should wait until Jade is older. She might not understand it, but if it is delovered in love, it might lesson any hurt and betrayal she will feel.
Peaches, I agree. I’ve never understood situations like this why the child isn’t told when they reach an age where they can understand it. I think they have the right to know where they came from, no matter how complicated.
My sister and I were adopted at 8 and while we reacted differently when we actually understood what that meant, I’m glad we were told. Kids are a lot more resilient than we sometimes give them credit for.
JD, while we’re waiting on our evening folks to come on through, let’s find out a bit more about you. I’ve known you about 7 years I think, before you published your first book and look at you now! I’m so proud of you. For those who haven’t followed your career, please tell us when you started writing, how you became published and your experiences thus far.
Also, what books and/or authors do you enjoy? What’s your writing schedule like? And, if you could have any mentor in the industry, who would you choose and why?
Thanks Tee. You were one of the first supporters I think I had in this business back in the day, which I am truly and forever grateful for.
I self published my first novel, And on the Eighth Day She Rested back in 2000, I believe. And then again in 2001. It was finally picked up by my current publisher, St. Martin’s Press and re-released by them in 2003.
If I’ve learned anything in this business it’s that it is not for the faint of heart. Many writers come and go because it is so challenging. Financially, you never know when or where the money is coming from and emotionally because you can’t please all the people — ever, and I don’t think you can ever have a thick enough skin to combat the negative feedback, but I’ve learned to get passed it, move and and hopefully grow from it.
Some of my favorite authors are Bernice McFadden, Walter Mosely, Tracy Price-Thompson, and if I could be mentored by anyone I think I’d have to choose Walter Mosely, because Walter writes on his terms. He doesn’t conform and is continually challenging himself and his readers with new and different types of books/writing. And he’s stood the test of time very admirably.
JD, this may seem like a wierd question, but do you read your own books after they’ve been published? If so, which book was your favorite and did you discover anything about yourself as a writer you didn’t already know?
Other than during the editing process, Brenda, I have never read any of my books from cover to cover. I can’t get through any of them LOL
It’s weird, but I can’t explain it. As far as what I’ve learned about myself as a writer, well, I’ve learned that I’m lazy. I’ve discovered that I love making up stories, but I really don’t care much for the process of getting those stories out of my head and down on paper (or into my laptop). Part of the reason is that I have tons of stories stuck in my head because I can’t write fast enough to get them out as quickly as they come to me. So, I tend to feel a little frustrated.
Ideally, if there was a way to plug one end of a cord into my brain and the other end into a Kindle or something for readers, I think that would be perfect.
LOL…a Kindle for JD’s brain. Seriously though, you need to write those ideas down somewhere so WE will have access to more great stories from you.
Thanks so much for sharing that, JD. I think there are a lot of unrealistic expectations for authors starting out sometimes. And, so true on Walter Mosley! I’ve read quite of few of his books and really like his ability to write in various genres and outside of the box. 47 and The Man in My Basement were two of my favorites.
LOL @ plugging into a Kindle.
I now remember why as much as I loved the story at the same time I hated it because of issues I still carry about my birth mother. I’ll be responding shortly to some of your questions Tee
JD,
I’ve ordered my copy of YGSTGS, but it hasn’t arrived yet, so I can’t really contribute meaningfully to this discussion right now. Sorry about that. If it helps, I have all of your books (except for the one in route) and I’m definitely a fan of your writing. That’s why I couldn’t let this opportunity go by without chiming in. Okay, here goes…
“Don’t Want No Sugar” was an excellent book! I loved it from beginning to end and I’ve probably read it twice, not counting the first time. It was one of those books that I checked out of the library and then had to go buy for myself, because I wanted to be able to visit with the characters whenever I felt like it. Again, loved it! Hated what happened to Fool and Mattie, and I wanted to throttle Roberta, wanted to cry my eyes out (think I did once or twice), wanted to go back in time, wanted to do all kinds of stuff…want to go find the book right now and read it again right now…LOL
“One I Day I Saw A Black King”…OMG, I was so satisfied with King finally getting some closure. This was a great story, too, and, yes, it’s on my “keeper” shelf…along with all your other titles.
So…I’ll shut up now, but, girl, you rock! Keep ‘em coming!
Thank you so much, Terra. After reading both of the previous books in the series, I’m hoping that YGSTGS will help tie it all together for you.
What happened to Lynn..Im a bit tired and dont remember
Whew! What a discussion, ladies. We’re going to wrap things up this morning with any final questions or comments. JD, you were a pro with keeping up with things and we appreciate the opportunity.
I’ll be back in a few hours to close things out, but want to thank you all VERY MUCH for your participation. Please take a minute and click Reply (in this response), so we can do a roll call of sorts, to let JD know where we all are.
- Tee C. Royal
Suburbs of Atlanta, GA
Thanks JD for joining us and I’m looking forward to your next masterpiece!!
Sharon in Cincinnati, OH
iris celeste all the way from a little town called macon, georgia! i had a great time chatting and reading everyone’s responses. thanks j.d. and thanks to you tee for all that you do!
Thanks for chatting with us JD. Looking forward to your next book.
Brenda in Bishopville, SC
Thanks JS. I look forward to reading many more of your books.
~Criss
Northern Va.
Pittershawn in Long Pond, PA (The Poconos)
This was great.
Monique – Oklahoma City, OK
Thanks so much for this opportunity, ladies. I truly had a great time doing this, and really think that Tee is on to something big! LOL
Take care, and hopefully, I’m crossing my fingers that I’ll be invited back to attend another blogchat event. Meanwhile, I’m going to drop in from time to time and enjoy some of your other chats going forward.
Enjoy the rest of your week!
JD Mason
This is your gurl checking in from Columbus, Ohio !!
Sorry I’m late! Thanks for chatting with us JD. I look forward to reading the next installment in the series and anything else you pen, too!
Hope
Raleigh, NC
Oops. That should have said JD.
Blame it on the meds.