Interview with Author Chyvonne Thomas

Tell me about your book.
Rebound, Situations in My Life is a book that will help readers gain self perseverance.  It’s a captivating piece of work that speaks to its audience in a down to earth tone.  The book allows its readers to go on a personal journey with me and their own self being; this means readers will have the opportunity to replace my situations with theirs as the book gives them a chance to reflect on their own life and some of the struggles they are going through and/or went through.  Rebound, Situations in My Life is a powerful piece because it supplies readers with a certain energy that is KEY in success; the certain energy I am talking about called motivation and inspiration.            

When did you decide to write a book?

I decided to write Rebound, Situations in My Life in 2006 when I realized that I needed to let people hear my story.  This story is a testimony that will encourage others to never give up on their aspirations; this story is a testimony that will encourage others to have faith, to work hard, to love, to live life to the fullest, to believe, to appreciate certain moments and to be patient.  I decided to write this book when I realized that a lot of people need certain encouragements in effort to change their mindset.  If you think positive, you will get a positive result; if you think negative, you will get a negative result.

Give the readers a little background on you.

            Thomas, Chyvonne (b.1978), African American High school and college basketball star, college graduate of Rutgers University in New Jersey, youth mentor, case manager, child advocate and author.  As a writer, Chyvonne uses her creativity to relay messages to individuals about self perseverance and the meaning of success.

            Born and raised in the only projects (Potters Crossing) in Edison, New Jersey, Chyvonne grew up fighting for a way out.  As Chyvonne began to fall victim to the stereotypes of the projects, her brother William Thomas intervened by relocating her and their mother, Linda Thomas to Roselle, NJ.  There Chyvonne focused on her last year of high school basketball and academics. 

            In 1996 Chyvonne graduated high school from Abraham Clark in Roselle, NJ and went on to attend school at Centenary College, located in New Jersey.  There she studied psychology in effort to become a counselor. 

            In 1999, Chyvonne transferred from Centenary College to Rutgers University where she played basketball until her knee injuries prevented her from continuing.

            In 2002, Chyvonne Graduated from Rutgers University with a B.A. in Psychology and Criminal Justice.

            In 2003, Chyvonne landed her first position as a youth counselor working with troubled kids abandoned by their parents.

            In 2005, Chyvonne resigned from her full time position as youth counselor to take on a different position that deals with youth welfare.  

            In 2006, Chyvonne began writing her first book titled, Rebound, Situations in My Life. This is a nonfiction book that motivates, inspires and empowers people to pursue their goals and dreams.

            In 2007, Chyvonne proposed a program idea to the CEO of the Lifeline center located in Edison, NJ and was approved to run a program in the projects where she grew up in.  The program is known as H.O.S.H.A.D which stands for House of Spirit Hope and Development.  The program provides services such as college preparation, counseling, mind building groups, money management and resumes building.  Program is still in the works of re-opening 

            Besides all of that I am a real down to earth person.  I love being around friends and family, I love music; I love diversity and all kind of sports.

Describe your writing life.

Rebound, Situations in My Life is my first public work.  I like writing in journals and writing down special moments in my life.  Currently I am writing a part 2 to Rebound, Situations in My Life.  I am also in the brainstorming stage of writing a fiction book.  I can’t really elaborate on the title and the plot because I don’t want someone to steal my ideas.  Writing is a tool that I use to escape from times of stress. It’s definitely a tool I use to relax.  Writing helps me create new ideas and career goals. 

 What is a typical day for you? 

My life consists of many busy days.  My mind stays in drive.  I’m always thinking about my next move and a way to do better than yesterday.  On my way to work I brainstorm, while I’m at work I’m brainstorm and on my way home from I’m brainstorm.  I’m so focused right now! 

A lot of my days are filled with thankfulness and joy because of the line of work I do.  I work in the Social Work field as a Case Manager.  I’m constantly working hard to better the lives of kids that suffer emotionally and mentally due to past experiences that were inflicted by their parents and/or relatives.  I strongly believe that a lot of my peace stems from the fact that God gave me the gift, talent and skills to do a job such like social work. 

 After work I spend a lot of time networking and promoting my book.  When I’m through grinding for the day, I spend time with my family and friends.  I also love going out on the weekends and just taking a minute to relax, to breathe and to chill because come Sunday night, I’m thinking about the upcoming week and how I’m going to capitalize on making it to the top! 

What are your plans for the year?         

My book is beginning to gain a lot of publicity.  I will be at Wagfest 2008 in Seattle, Washington from March 14th-16th.  I plan on attending the Harlem Renaissance book fair held in New York this summer as well.  I am a member of a few book clubs where I will be making appearances at throughout the try state area.  Hopefully I get a chance to do some vacationing, I need a little getaway!  I am in the very premature stages of joining with my brother William Thomas (Bill) to open a non-profit organization for youths in urban areas.  I’m doing a lot.  Another day grants another day to do something different.  I’ve also been tapping into my spirituality and hope to attend a few conventions, you know something like Megafest!  I also plan to find a church to call home!  I plan to do a lot this year.  It’s only January/February so I have a lot of time on my side!!!

  How can readers find out more you and your book?         

Readers can find out more about me and my book by visiting my myspace page www.myspace.com/chyvonnethomas , readers can visit www.allkindsofbooks.googlepages.com, readers can visit www.aardvarkglobalpublishing.com and type in my name Chyvonne Thomas.  Readers can log onto www.rocklandworldradio.com to hear an interview between me and Dwayne from Power DVD.  My book will be available internationally in two weeks by logging on to www.AuthorsBookshop.com; readers can email me at chyvonnethomas@hotmail.com.