Happy Tuesday to you and welcome to our book discussion of In the Midst of It All by Tiffany L. Warren, which was one of our May Book of the Month selections. Feel free to join in the conversation by sharing your thoughts on the book and asking any questions you may have.
IN THE MIDST OF IT ALL by Tiffany L. Warren
Grand Central Publishing, February 2010
320 Pages, Paperback, $14.99
ISBN-10: 0446195162
ISBN-13: 978-0446195164
Book Description
For as long as she can remember, Zenovia has taken care of her schizophrenic mother, Audrey. In a single morning, their lives are changed forever when two members of a church called the “Brethren of the Sacrifice” knock on their door sharing a version of the gospel that Zenovia finds particularly strange. Despite her initial instinct, she and her mother become members.
Because Zenovia has not had much of a social life, she’s thrilled when the zealous Brethren teenagers welcome her – especially brothers Tristan and Justin. But then, Zenovia falls hard for Brethren rebel Emil, and has to quickly choose sides.
Before long, Zenovia realizes that the Brethren belief system is far from what they had made it to be. In addition to all of this, Audrey’s Brethren community has convinced her to stop taking her medication, deeming her illness as demonic possession.
Unable to watch her mother’s mental health depreciate further, Zenovia loses faith in the church and moves on to college in pursuit of her own dreams. Now married and living happily, Zenovia receives a call that her mother has committed suicide, forcing her to return to her previous life and face the demons she had left behind.
THE AUTHOR SPEAKS
“Actually, I find it surreal that people want to know about me. Not that I’m not an 
interesting person, but it’s different to be on the other side of the fence. I’m used to being the avid reader who wants to know all about her favorite author. I can’t tell you all how excited I was to meet Terry McMillan at the Miami Book Fair last year. Say what you want to about Terry, but anyone who can be pleasant and smile AND sign at least five hundred books in one setting has much character to be desired!
But I digress.
About me…Well, I’m thirty-two, married and the mother of five children. The eldest is eight and the youngest is eighteen months. My husband is an Elder at our church and an awesome minister, speaker and evangelist.
I love to read! My love of reading is what turned me into a writer. My reading list is very, very eclectic. You’ll find Octavia E. Butler and Toni Morrison mixed in with Jean Auel, Stephen King, Terry McMillan and Judy Blume. Lately, I’ve discovered a lot of authors who write inspirational fiction.”
Tiffany’s Website: http://www.tiffanylwarren.com
Welcome, welcome Tiffany and everyone to the book discussion! I’ve missed being on the site, but admit I needed the break.
Tiffany, please start off with telling us a bit about you, why you decided to write this particular story, and anything else you’d like to share. Then, we’ll jump into the discussion which is going to be led by the wonderful Angelia Menchan.
-Tee
Tee,
THANK YOU!!! I jumped straight into the questions
Let’s see, the bio from my website is OLD!! I need to update that.
I’m 36 and I have five children ages 12 to 5. I love BOOKS! I’ve been an avid reader since the age of six.
My idea of a perfect vacation is the Carribean, a drink with an umbrella in it, a beach and a BOOK! LOL.
I’ve written nine books so far, and I’m just getting started
Recently I teamed up with Rhonda McKnight and Sherri Lewis on an anthology called “A Woman’s Revenge”. It’s available exclusively on http://www.3sistersbooks.com
Umm…what else?? Oh, I plan the Faith and Fiction Retreat every year. It’s a weekend of readers meeting their favorite faith fiction authors. This year it’s in Atlanta, June 18-19. http://www.faithandfictionretreat.com.
Okay…back to the chat
Can’t wait to read A Woman’s Revenge!!! Sounds intriguing!
Welcome Tiffany
What she said.. Welcome… and I LOVED The Bishops Daughter. In The Midst was interesting ::grin:: I had big problems with the man not letting the woman take her meds…I was shaking my head at that.
Hi Linda! Yes, I had a problem with Phillip not letting Audrey take her meds too. He was definitely one of the villains of the story. But I think he was touched too!
I agree !!
Welcome Ms. Tiffany former rapper-woman :} I want to say that I thouroughly enjoyed In The Midst Of It All…when I started reading I felt Zenovia’s spirit and it didnt help that my man had said the girl on the cover could have been my daughter…the fact that she had visions felt so personal to me. As a young woman ‘born with a veil over her face’ there were too many times when I could see things before they happened…and when you coupled it with Audrey, the mother figure you had me…I love reading about people with complex issues and that family had them to burn and as someone who would thrust herself in a caretaker role as a young girl, I could totally relate, though the issues were different…anyway I loved the book…
I would love to know what inspired you to write the story and why the characters with the issues of vision and depression?
Also, what inspired The Brethren, if anything…
angelia
.-= angelia´s last blog ..OOPS, UPSIDE MY HEAD~ =-.
I’m happy to be here!!! Thanks for the invite and the warm welcome. I’m ready for questions
I’ll be in and out all day. Looking forward to the discussion!
What is your summer tour schedule?
Not planning a full-fledged tour. Just doing random events. I’ve got some writing to do
I am going to the Capitol Book Festival (DC) in the fall, and the DFW Literary Soul Festival and Tulisoma in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area.
Tiffany, I also thought I saw somewhere that you will be attending the Faith and Fiction Retreat as well… is that correct? or did I read old info?
I will be, Yolanda. I’m actually the coordinator of the retreat. If you’re thinking of coming email me at info@faithandfictionretreat.com
Hi everyone:) I’m on time today! Tiffany, I’m really interested in learning about how you came up with the concept for this story. I thought it was a unique plot that addressed a couple different issues you don’t often see written about in fiction (mental illness, visions, etc.). Please share how you came up with the storyline.
I enjoyed the book and especially liked that the story did not have a traditional happy ending. More realistic, and from time to time I like to see that in the books I read.
Angelia,
LOL@former rapper woman
I’ve wanted to write about mental illness for a long time, because my mother suffers from schizophrenia. I think most people don’t envision people with mental illness getting married, loving and being parents.
The visions, I thought, were an interesting way of sharing details of the story with the reader. I also am attracted to stories about the supernatural! I love NOT putting God in a box, if you will. He can do anything, and I love stories that explore that.
The Brethren of the Sacrifice is in some ways similar to the belief system I had growing up. I was a Jehovah’s Witness. The Brethren aren’t exactly the same as Jehovah’s Witnesses, but there are certainly some parallels. When I left that religion, I found people who had suffered similiar stories to mine in other belief systems. So, I’m really passionate in letting people know that Christianity doesn’t have to be oppressive! It’s supposed to be FREEDOM. But not enough folk experience that.
WOW…I remember living in Germany in 1980 and studying with Jehovah’s Witness”…was looking for something, and wasnt sure what it was, discovered pretty quickly that wasnt it. And yes, mental illness is prevalent in all families and AA families hide so much due to pride, that often people go undiagnosed or untreated. At any rate I loved it, I had only read The Bishop’s Daughter by you, but your other books made it to my amazon cart…
I love that Not Keeping Jesus in a box comment, amen…
angelia
.-= angelia´s last blog ..OOPS, UPSIDE MY HEAD~ =-.
I find it interesting that there are SO MANY mentally ill amongst the ranks of Jehovah’s Witnesses. They are not against medication in their belief, but MANY of them are unmedicated!
I enjoyed In the Midst of it All. The story was easy to follow. I was not raised in a Jehovah’s Witness environment but I have friends who are and I do see some parallels. Also, my subdivision is adjacent to a Kingdom Hall so they are always knocking on the door to share their word. I always indulge them but they usually leave irritated with me. Their initial zeal often matches the enthusiastic way that Charlotte and Alyssa approached Audrey and Zee.
One thing that kept me wondering in the book was how Tristan, Alyssa and Justin were all so different in their commitment to the Brethren especially since their parents appeared to be high-ranking members. Of the three, it seem like Tristan was the only one that was completely brainwashed.
I think it was probably their different personality types. Some people are just more prone to being brainwashed. I believe Tristan was more of a follower than a leader in his personality type.
I absolutely knew you took references from the Jehovah’s Witnesses!
How did you know? LOL.
My daughter married into the faith. And that’s all I’m gone say.
Praying your strength
…
I somewhat knew that the Bretheren were leaning along the lines of Jehova Witness when, I believe the young boy’s name is Tristian, tells Zenovia that he is not focused on college but spreading the word. I was like um this sounds like a cult already.
Melissa,
I’m glad you enjoyed the book! I usually stay away from neat, happy endings. I mean if a happy ending fits my characters and story, I’m not opposed to it, but I really like REAL endings. Sometimes everything isn’t resolved the first go round. Sometimes the girl doesn’t get the guy. Sometimes the girl gets the guy she shouldn’t have gotten!
I don’t think I’m done with Zenovia yet! I feel she has some more issues to explore.
Good…b/c Zenovia just seem like she wasn’t done…there’s more to to her.
I agree. I really liked Zenovia’s character. I really want to see more of what she is like as an adult, maybe a mother. Who knows. I just saw a very interesting person inside her.
I agree with Sharon and Melissa,
I want to hear more from Zenovia and what she is doing with her life now.
Me, too! This is good to hear, Tiffany.
I’m excited to read more about Zee! Can’t wait!
My plan is to explore Zenovia as a mother to a pre-teen exhibiting signs of mental illness, and the decisions on how, if at all, to let her Brethren Paternal grandparents be a part of her life.
ummm. So when can we expect this book? lol
No rush though. I’m just asking
Well, it’ll probably be in 2011 sometime. It’s really gonna be about me finding time to write it because I will probably self-publish it.
Self publish? Do you mind me asking why?
I’ve wanted to self-publish since I began, but since I am currently without a book deal for my adult books – it’s all the more reason for me to poop or get off the pot
I’m still under contract with Kensington for more young adult books, but I’m free as a bird for my adult fiction.
Gotcha! I’ve heard many say it has its rewards and its challenges.
Now what about the council? I did find it very preverted they wanted to know Zenovia and Emil’s exact intimate details.
Yeah, that was creepy, but nowadays not so surpising #shuddering#
angelia
.-= angelia´s last blog ..OOPS, UPSIDE MY HEAD~ =-.
CREEPY is an understatment LOL
Yeah, I think they were getting their rocks off on hearing the details. Just yuck!
Especially that nasty Bryce!
Right! Why did they need details to figure out if it was “wrong”
Unfortunately, that was pulled DIRECTLY from the practices of Jehovah’s Witnesses. I actually tamed it down a bit.
Similar to the Catholic church’s “confessions”.
I don’t know how I would’ve felt with someone wanting to know the intimate details like that. I agree, that was creepy.
Hey Tiffany and Welcome,
I enjoyed In the Midst of it All and appreciate you taking on the subject of mental illness. What was your inspiration for the characters? People from your past?
Hey Criss!!! Thanks for the welcome. My mom is schizophrenic. I grew up in a caretaker role, but I had more of a support system with my grandparents and aunts than Zenovia had.
Tiffany,
I should have been more specific
. What about the younger characters? Where did you get the inspiration from them for? You seemed to really get inside their minds.
I really have a great imagination! I think Zenovia, in a lot of ways is like me. Most if not all of my protagonists have “me” in them. Above all, I love a good story, so the supporting cast has to bring some elements of drama and excitement.
I knew Zenovia and Justin would be together from the first time they met. And I knew Justin would leave the Bretheren b/c he wasn’t consumed with it like Tristan. What are your thoughts on this?
Now I didnt think so..interesting
I knew it wouldn’t be Emil and was hoping it was Justin.
I saw that coming also…just made sense….to me…his laid back manner was appealing…
a
.-= angelia´s last blog ..OOPS, UPSIDE MY HEAD~ =-.
I knew it wasn’t Emil but I didn’t think Justin. I hoped she would find someone completely separate from The Brethern. I was happy it ended up being Justin though.
I can’t say that I saw it coming…but I wasn’t surprised. And when he explained his reasons for leaving The Bretheren, it totally made sense.
When I started writing the story, I had NO IDEA which one she’d end up with. I was leaning toward Tristan in a kind of boy meets girl, romancey kind of way.
But I ended up thinking Justin was MUCH hotter and more interesting!
LOL. Emil didn’t have a chance, with his whorish self.
Hey Tiffany!
This was a very interesting story storyline. I too have mental illness mixed in my family.
My favorite aunt was schizophrenic and I loved her so much. At times she seemed more
sane than the rest of our family!
The Brethen of the Sacrifice reminded me of the Jehovah’s Witness. I have a really close friend whose family does not speak or even acknowledge her existence since she left that
organization and became a born again believer.
I totally loved the incorporation of the both Zee and Audrey having the gift of visions, in this story.
Was very happy Zee and Justin got together.
I really hope this is not the last we see of Zenovia. Her story doesn’t seem like it’s been fully told yet.
And I want to know how Audry really died!
Janice-
You and me both! I think something is shady.
You know, the book club I’m a member of (SHOUT OUT to the REGAL Sisterhood) asked me that question of “What really happened to Audrey”? I hadn’t even explored foul play as a plot line until that question.
Phillip seems shady…so let’s see what unfolds!
Tiffany,
Let me first start off by saying I LOVE your other works – Farther Than I Mean to Go and The Bishop’s Daughter. You’ve hit another home run in my book.
You showed me that all Christian Fiction doesn’t have to be that preachy, holier than thou tone. I thank you for that.
I also loved what you said about not putting God into a box. I live by that. Being raised United Methodist, where there are “methodical” ways of doing things, I’ve broken out of that box and am exploring God on my own now.
As far as the book, many have said that Zee did all she could do in regards to Audrey. That was one point where I differed. I am very close to my mother, and if that was her, I would find a way. And I certainly wouldn’t leave her there to face her demons alone.
Candace, I think the issue of what more Zee could have done for Audrey is a difficult one. I too am close to my mother and I would want to do everything in my power to get her healthy, but I have also dealt with the mental illness system with a close friend who had problems. This friend didn’t have any family to turn to when she started experiencing these problems, and I became her sole support. I tried everything I could to get her the help she needed but she would call other people who didn’t understand her issues and get them to take her out of the hospital, etc. or she would just stop taking her meds. When I noticed that the toll of trying to help my friend was making me ill and depressed, I knew that I had to take a step back. Now, granted, this was just a friend and not my mother, but knowing my mother, she would never want me to sacrifice my own well-being to help her if she didn’t want to help herself. And you aren’t necessarily any good to the person you are trying to help if you are not healthy yourself. (It’s like how on airplanes they tell you to put the mask on yourself first before helping anyone else). I just think this is a difficult issue, and legally there was only so much Zenovia could do. The mental health system is a difficult one to navigate. I didn’t ever feel like Zenovia was giving up on her mother, but instead just at a loss as to what else she could do.
Melissa,
that is an excellent point…not just with mental issue but trying to resolve other’s issue to your own detriment is good for neither…there comes a time when stepping away is all that works…been there…more than once, with more than one person…
angelia
.-= angelia´s last blog ..OOPS, UPSIDE MY HEAD~ =-.
Thank you Candace!!!! I hate a preachy book and since I don’t have a preachy bone in my body, I don’t know if I could even write it
There is a feeling of helplessness in dealing with a mentally ill parent. My mother has never been medicated, nor can anyone force her to take medication. The legal system is so imperfect on this because they say they can’t force meds until they are a danger to themselves or someone else.
By danger, they mean an imminent physical threat of violence. I feel that purposely not taking medication that would keep their brains from deteriorating further is a threat to themselves. The legal system doesn’t agree.
It’s almost like having a drug addict or alcoholic as a parent. They have to make a choice to get better. But many times, mentally ill are not CAPABLE of making that choice.
It was hard for me to have Zenovia seemingly abandon her mother, but I felt that it was realistic of what kids with mentally ill parents have to face.
You can choose to live or die slowly with an unmedicated parent. Zenovia chose life.
Hi Tiff and all, as usual I’m late. I’m truly enjoying reading all the posts and witnessing your literary growth. I’ll see you next week…
Hey Pat,
I can’t wait to see you as well
We’ve got some catching up to do!
Hi, Tiffany. Thanks for joining us today! I enjoyed In The Midst of It All…I previously read Farther Than I Meant To Go, Longer Than I Meant To Stay and enjoyed that one, too.
I really liked how you began the story in Zenovia’s late childhood and followed her into adulthood. When I first began reading the story, it seemed like it was going to be a Young Adult fiction novel. But, then, all of the pieces came together by the story’s end.
Ladies, what did you think about Emil’s mother….and ultimately Emil’s decision to end the relationship with Zenovia? He claimed to reject the teachings of The Brethren, but…he seemed to buy into them more than others.
I think he really liked Zenovia but also knew she was straddling the fence with the Bretheren…but leaning more toward them and felt he wouldn’t have a fair chance to have her b/c of that.
I personally think that Emil was more concerned with his mother’s approval than that of the Brethren.
Plus he was somewhat whorish! He needed to exit!
Hi everyone…speaking about mental illness when do you think the African American community will open up the discussion in this area? I’m so glad there are more books taking this subject on.
I hope soon!!!
Tiffany, In the Midst of It All does a great job bringing awareness, in the tradition of greats like 72 Hour Hold and A Quiet Storm by Rachel Howzell Hall.
Big kudos!
Thank you Candace! I loved 72 Hour hold. I haven’t read the other title! I shall be picking it up.
I am on my way to get Quiet Storm also…(bookjunkie) I have really enjoyed this chat, enlightning and fun…Thanks Tiffany…
angelia
.-= angelia´s last blog ..OOPS, UPSIDE MY HEAD~ =-.
Thank you
Thank you for joining us. I love your work and the fact that you write Christian fiction without preaching to the choir.
I haven’t finished reading In the Midst of It All, what I have read I am enjoying. Keep up the good work.
Hi Peaches!!! Thank you
Most readers who like Christian Fiction don’t need to be preached to! LOL.
Amen!!!!
Hi Tiffany!! I understand you’re hosting a retreat in Atalanta. Will you talk about your book there?
Hi Kym! Yes, we’ll be holding a book discussion for “In the Midst of it All” on Saturday, June 18th. If anyone is in the ATL area, come on out! It’s only $50 for all the sessions on Saturday. I’d love to meet you in person, and sign your book.
It’s how much?? Whew… ROFL! I will be there with one of our other members on Saturday and look forward to chatting about the book.
Thank you SO MUCH for taking the time to hang out with RAWSISTAZ yesterday. It looks like everyone had a great time. I’ll be catching up on what I missed soon!
-Tee
The $50 folk don’t get to eat
Tiffany, please tell me how you find the time to write while raising 5 children all under
the age of ten.
Hi Janice!
My bio needs refreshing
My children are 12, 11, 8, 6, and 5. They are very, very wonderful and self sufficient kids. They do laundry, fix lunches, comb each other’s hair (four girls) and do light chores.
I do have to learn how to tune out noise.
PLUS, the most important part is that I have a very supportive husband. He takes them away so I can get quiet.
I enjoyed the book. As I was reading, I thought about Reed on Criminal Minds and his mother. There is a theory that mental illness sometimes skips a generation and effect the next one, then with each generations it becomes stronger.
Any way, got off topic. Have you ever thought of doing a book on just the brethen as you called them in the book? Did the veteran community infleunce you in any way to write about men with this mental illness and how they don’t want to get the help that they need?
Regina
Hi Regina. So glad you enjoyed the book! Hmmm…interesting theory about mental illness, I may explore that in upcoming books.
That might be interesting to do a book about the inner workings of a cult-like church. A friend of mine actually wrote a very compelling manuscript about one. I hope he gets a book deal.
I didn’t think specifically about veterans getting the help that they need although that is a HUGE issue. I work for the Department of Homeland Security (FEMA), so I see a lot of this.
Great conversation from what I’ve read so far. I also feel that Zee’s story isn’t over so Tiffany I’m glad to hear she’s still in your head and talking to you. I enjoyed the story as much as one can but there is no love loss for the Brethren…it’s people like them in fiction and in real life that confuse people but I’m not going to out off on that tangent.
I was so glad that Zee and Justin finally got together. I loved that scene at the church with the what are you doing here I could be asking you the same thing scene.
I’m off to read more comments and I really hate I missed most of it
Ladies, thank you ALL so much for joining in the chat and showing Tiffany the RAWSISTAZ love of black books and authors!
And a special thanks to Angelia and others who kept things moving in my absence.
-Tee
Thank y’all for chatting with me
And the support!!! I appreciate y’all!