An Interview with Yanni Ayana
Greetings Black Knight (BK) Nation,
This month, our country will be celebrating National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month. This is a special time to recognize the contributions and achievements of people with disabilities who continue to excel in all segments of society. For your educational awareness, I have uploaded a Word Search of U.S. Presidents with known disabilities to the “Fun Stuff” page on my website. Click here to access it….Enjoy!
I’d like to now introduce Ms. Yanni Ayana to BK Nation. She is a creative and talented writer and author of three amazing books. I was delighted to converse with this gifted author and I’m excited to share information about her life and how she became a self-published author.
KLR: Yanni, welcome to BK Nation. Tell us a little about yourself. Where do you hail from? Who were your favorite heroes and/or historical figures? What was your favorite TV show/s and pastime as a young adult?
YA: My name is Yanni and I love the Lord with all my heart. I desire to live my life according to His Will. I am driven to please Him and discover all the gifts and treasures He has put in me. I have a passion for everyone in my path to have an intimate loving relationship with the Lord. This passion drives me in my relationship with others. My beautiful parents are Maria Morrison and Michael Bernard. My favorite hero is Maya Angelou. My favorite historical figure is Dr. Martin Luther King. As a young adult, I favored wholesome comedy shows like the Cosby Show, A Different World, Living Single, and so much more. I love the bond of family and friendships with authenticity and laughter.
KLR: Who or What inspired you to become an author?
YA: The Holy Spirit inspired me to write from a young age. I had a hard time expressing myself vocally, I soon discovered freedom of expression in writing all my feelings and opinions about matters. The original movie the Color Purple increased my desire for writing. I loved how the character Celie, wrote to God. She would start off “Dear God,” and I then began writing with my heart to the Lord and found that He was my absolute best friend in doing that.
KLR: Do you have any unusual writing habits you’d like to share?
YA: I love to write randomly on any piece of paper I can find. I am a pen and paper writer. I use the computer to write usually in the final stages of my writing projects.
KLR: Soooo, let’s talk about your books. ‘WISDOM: for Everyday Living’ which is my favorite. What was your motivation for writing such a prolific book on wisdom?
YA: I wrote the book “Wisdom For Everyday Living” from the personal lessons in my life and the topics from my radio broadcast. I made a lot of mistakes and was always challenged by God to change my mindset and perspective about people and situations that displeased me. My desire for that book is to encourage others to stay the course. Don’t beat yourself up, you got this! And GOD GOT YOU in your everyday life!
KLR: I call your second book, ‘The Inheritance: Heirs Restored’ the supreme lesson in God’s love for humanity. You used various types of trees as a parallel to get your message across. Walk us through your experience in writing this unique book.
YA: ‘The Inheritance: Heirs Restored’ is my first Christian fiction book. It was written like a parable to explain the beautiful, life-changing message of the Kingdom of God. I used the great trees like the Sequoia, and various types of Redwoods to create characters in the story. Because I was so fascinated with the grandeur of the trees, I did a research trip to California to see the size of the mighty redwood trees for myself. This book explains to adults and children God’s original intent, and purpose for their lives and their true identity in Him. It explains how powerful, and awesome God has made each of us and makes us aware of our rights, abilities, and authority in Him. When someone reads ‘The Inheritance: Heirs Restored’ they will understand how much God loves them, why Jesus had to fulfill His assignment for humanity, and that Satan has no power over their lives when they know who they are in Christ Jesus!
KLR: ‘Wisdom for Kingdom Living’ is your latest book and from what I have read thus far, it's going to be another awesome book. What key takeaways can the reader expect after reading this book?
YA: ‘Wisdom For Kingdom Living’ is written in devotional style like my very first book ‘Wisdom For Everyday Living.’ The key takeaways from my newest book is to learn how to apply the liberating gospel of the Kingdom of God to their daily lives. The second takeaway from the book is how to love and enjoy your relationship with God, as you practice prioritizing His kingdom agenda in your everyday life.
KLR: What advice would you like to give to aspiring authors who are thinking about writing their first novel?
YA: I would tell an aspiring author- “Get the story out of you!” Don’t let the ideas and creativity go to the grave!. Share your gift with the world! We all have something God has given us to share, so be obedient and share.
KLR: Any plans on writing another book and if so, when can BK Nation expect to see it in bookstores or online?
YA: The books that are currently published will be read and distributed all over the world past my lifetime. The three books contain the life-changing message of God’s love, His kingdom, and redemption through our loving savior Jesus Christ! I want all my books to reconcile hearts back to God!
KLR: Where can BK Nation purchase your books and find out more about you?
YA: All my books are available on Amazon.com. To find out more about me, please visit my website: www.yanniayana.com
KLR: Any final words before we end the interview?
YA: Thank you Ken and BK Nation for your time! I pray God’s best for your life!
KLR: Yanni, thank you for gracing us with your presence today. As customary with our guests, you will be receiving a signed copy of my book, A Time for Courage, a coffee mug, and a pen, compliments of yours truly. May God continue to favor you with much success in your writing endeavors.