The Jenkins Family Series

Lately I’ve been receiving a few emails and inquiries on whether or not there will be a full-length novel featuring Toni (TJ) Jenkins and Craig from the short story – Best Woman for the Job. So I decided to share a little information on how the Jenkins Family came to be and what’s coming next.

When I wrote the short story, Best Woman for the Job, I created it for several reasons:

1. I wanted to do a story with a female tradesmen (or tradesperson).

2. I wanted to see if I was capable of writing a short story (smile).

3. I wanted to not only introduce an African American family that has strong family values, but a family with dynamic women overseeing the family’s construction business.

Well, based on the wonderful feedback that I’ve received thus far regarding Best Woman for the Job, there will definitely be a Jenkins Family Series!

In Toni (TJ) and Craig’s story, I introduced the Jenkins Family (Toni’s family) and their family business – Jenkins & Sons Construction. I had no idea that the concept of a tradeswoman and the short story itself, would be so well received.

Readers have wondered (and asked):

• Will there be more on Toni & Craig (will they get their own novel)?
• What about the other cousins – will they get their own stories?
• Will there be more about Jenkins & Sons Construction?

And the answer to each of those questions is – YES!! I think the only complaint that I’ve heard so far from readers is that the story was too short  -hence short story- but from what I understand, the story left readers wanting more…much more. I also realize that I failed to mention at the end of Best Woman for the Job, that more was coming…soon!

In my other life (many, many years ago), I was a sheet metal worker. I worked in the trades for over ten years, and though it was an exciting line of work, where I learned a lot and work with some wonderful men, there were definitely some challenges of being a woman in a male dominate field. So I’ve decided to bring out some of those challenges in the Jenkins Family Series.

Also in my other life (numerous years ago), I ran our family business (one of my brothers oversees it now). Our family is not as large as the Jenkins Family, but we grew up with strong family values, understanding the importance of loyalty not only to the family, but to the family business. And like you’ll see in the Jenkins Family Series, maintaining those values are not always easy – but the love of a strong family will get you through some tough times.

Needless to say, I’m SUPER excited about this series that will be coming in 2013. So make sure you stay tuned for: Toni & Craig’s story (a full-length novel this time); Peyton (PJ) Jenkins – she’s not only an electrician, but she’s brilliant at running the family’s construction business; Martina (MJ) Jenkins – a carpenter, and the hot head of the family (she’s a trip!); Christina (CJ) Jenkins – the painter and the sweetest person in the world; and Jada (JJ) Jenkins – the sheet metal worker in the family – who is sassy…and maybe a little misunderstood. Lol! And you’ll be introduced to a host of others in the Jenkins family.

I assure you, it will be a fun series with multi-dimensional characters and enticing story lines. So stay tuned!