In keeping with our theme of the village, It is my pleasure to spotlight this amazing visionary, Hope T. Hollinsworth Coaxum. We met intially when she inquired about some of our design services for her second novel and have been sister-friends and business associates ever since. I am so blessed by her testimonies of overcoming and willingness to reach out and reach back and help others overcome.
Hope is really a remarkable young woman who hosts a broad range of talents and interests. She wears all of her multiple hats quite well, woman, wife, mother, activist, author, playwright, director, employer, publisher, just to name a few.
She is active in her local church and community, and spearheads many outreach initiatives in the Yonkers area.
We want to thank her for allowing us to spotlight her. I pray that her sharing will spill over into the lives of others, that they too may be inspired.
Where there's a need for hope, is where you'll find Hope.
written by: Deneen G. Matthews,
Editor-in-Chief, deeClare Publishing, LLC
Profile
Hope T. Hollingworth-Coaxum
Company: HHC Publications, LLC
Yonker, NY
Entrepreneur: 5 years
Her motto: "Create to inspire..."
Q. Who is Hope T. Hollinsworth Coaxum
A. A child of God, from the very beginning, although it took me a long time to understand that. The true essence of me did not appear until I had my first child. To be honest, I even think at that time there were slight reservations due to the day to day existence of being a young mother, a wife and a worker.
It took life, and then the loss of life to expose the true me and the love of God, realizing I was His child, resting in the comfort and intimacy of Him. Along with that came this person, this individual with the talent to express herself through words, a person enveloped with love, a believer, a soul motivated to learn, to teach and to fully give of herself.
This doesn't mean I'm complete. There are so many more facets slowly rising to the surface, and in God's time, they will fully reveal themselves. I'm excited!
Q. What's the vision behind Books by HHC?
A. My vision behind HHC Publishing is to render works that are pleasing and aligned with my God given talent, producing novels, publishing books and writing theatrical productions that speak to the moral fiber of our community. I want to nurture my community through the expression of words and experiences that provide positive reinforcements.
Q. What's your favorite title? and why?
A. To be honest with you, it's extremely difficult to narrow down one specific title as my favorite, but the title I would best describe as the one which defines reclaiming faith in humanity, without a doubt, hands down, is "A Gift of Sunshine."
A Gift of Sunshine reveals the unimaginable world of child abuse and its life shattering effects. It's a story which peels back the painful scabs revealing a raw look at society as a whole. Nevertheless, it is a story that encourages, provides a voice and a vision of hope, healing and trust.
Q. What was the motivation behind you becoming an author?
A. I do believe my God given gift of writing was always a part of me. However, it wasn't until my son, SSG Courtney A. Hollinsworth, was killed during his third tour in Iraq, that my expression for words and creating storylines was exposed. In the beginning writing provided me with an escape, but as time went on. I realized it was God's plan for me, a journey preordained.
Q. Did you initially start out with the intention of becoming a Publishing Company? Why self-publsh?
A. Initially I did not start out to build a publishing business/company. Painstakingly, I sought after various publishing companies, writing numerous letters and researching various publishing businesses with the hopes that someone would "discover me" (smile), because you really do believe you're the only one out there with an incredible story. Except that wasn't the case, and I grasped the reality of thousands upon thousands of individuals in search of being published, yes, just like me.
In my journey of unfamiliarity, there was some discouragement. There was also a light at the end of the dark "publishing tunnel", someone who would enlighten me and provide me with the necessary tools to self publishing. It was a grand opportunity and I thought, "Why not?" Who knew my books better than me? I could create the stories I wanted to tell, and produce them in a fashion that was pleasing to me, while remaining true to its integrity.
Q. What can you share with others who may be thinking about publishing a novel or poetry, etc.
A. I would tell anyone who is interested in publishing a novel to DO IT! Step out on Faith and remove fear from your vocabulary. The story or the poems that you write might be someone's saving grace. Your words may infuse someone's reason for living or empower someone's existence. Either way you'd make a difference in a life, and isn't that what God wants us to do, to be that catalyst for change, the motivating force, equipped with the gifts and talents He has instilled in us?
Q. Final question. What do you have in the works for the near and/or distant future?
A. I have quite a few endeavors in the near and not too distant future. Actually, my destined future, preordained by God has multiple endeavors.
One is an upcoming inspirational play, "Never Judge a Book By Its Cover," making its way to the stage, November 9th of this year. The storyline surrounds the Pastor of H.O.P.E. (Heavens One Purpose Exemplified) Baptist Church, his wife, their eighteen year old daughter, Dalia Devine, and two young adults, Jacob Santori and Joshua DeHaven.
One is vowing for Dalia's heart and the other for something as promising and sacred as her virtue. While the stage play focuses on a variety of today's situations, such as spiritual discernment, faith and the challenges of recognizing deception, it also lends a comedic twist and a changing of moral latitudes between a group of individuals searching to discover the pages in the book of judgment.
Another book is on the horizon is "A Perfect Place in Time, the Rebirth," a novel which takes you on the journey of a young girl who searches for a past she once lived as someone else. The eerie, yet, compelling story line exposes the truth of a life once lived, in a place of southern hospitality, racial divide, women's rights and a love so desperately searching for her, a love that spans across time.
Hope's Shout outs and Acknowledgements:
To my mother, who even through my many mishaps and uncertainties, was always there for me, supporting me and pushing me to go further in life.
To my husband, my greatest supporter, who always believes in me and loves me unconditionally.
To my daughter Nicole, who strives for excellence, yet remains humble even during her greatest triumphs.
To my sister, my mentor, who teaches me that it's not about the quantity, it's about the quality.
And to all those who have provided me with positive expressions of love and encouragement, you have truly empowered me to strive beyond as there are no limitations as long as I have faith.
Final thoughts fron the Editor:
In closing, Hope, we thank you for sharing and lending insight to the who, what and why of Hope Hollinsworth Coaxum and HHC Publications. Please keep us abreast of your up and coming venues.
For more information about HHC Publications, please visit her website at www.booksbyhhc.com