By Janice Malone
Entertainment journalist and media publisher Sonya Jenkins can now add the title of author to her ongoing list of professional accomplishments.
It was only a few short weeks ago when the Atlanta, Ga native released her first novel, SHAYLA’S CATCH, her debut eBook novel on Amazon Kindle. The story takes the reader on the lead character Shayla Lucas’ journey of meeting and falling in love with one of the most popular and highest–paid wide receivers in the NFL,”
In SHAYLA’S CATCH, Jenkins said Shayla Lucas, a single, willing and naive 25-year-old, falls hard for the heart-thumping enchantment of Calvin “CK” Moore. Sonya says, “In this book, I wanted to show that all that glitters isn’t gold. I also wanted to encourage young women to develop self-esteem, so that no matter if a man is in or out of your life, you will still be balanced and happy inwardly.”
Over the last few years, Sonya, who’s a graduate of Univ. of Tennessee, has an impressive career as an entertainment journalist. She’s worked for top media outlets that have included being an entertainment editor Upscale Magazine, The Atlanta Voice, The Tennessee Tribune and a reporter for Entertainment Tonight,where she covered stories on A-List celebrities and key entertainment events. Within recent years she became the editor and founder of the online publication Sonya’s Spotlight Web Magazine, which she launched in 2007.
While making a mark in the world of entertainment journalism, Sonya says she always knew there was a fiction book
within her that was just waiting to be released. But Shayla’s Catch wasn’t exactly an overnight success. In fact, the book was 15 years in the making. Sonya reveals, “Over the years I stopped and started on the book, then put it on the shelf. But af- ter watching this year’s Academy Awards show, and seeing John Ridley’s acceptance speech after winning the Oscar for the Best Adaptation of a Screenplay for 12 Years a Slave, I was really inspired. I asked myself, ‘What are you waiting on?” So within a week, Sonya pulled together a team of publishing experts, and did everything that was needed to finally get her book published and out into the marketplace.”
It seems that Sonya isn’t the only author in the family. Her brother, Lee Jenkins, penned the book “Lee Jenkins on Money: Real Solutions to Financial Challenges.” He’s also a pastor and financial consultant to many athletes. It was during her brother’s collegiate career as a standout player at the Univ. of Tennessee, and later a player in the NFL, that first laid the groundwork for Sonya’s early inspiration that would one day become a novel. “Being a part of my brother’s athletic world became the highlight of my life,” Jenkins admits.
Writing and journalism aren’t the only talents for Sonya. She has a thriving acting career. Jenkins has made appearances in numerous Tyler Perry films and several other films and television shows. She recently signed on with the Nashville based Sharon Smith Talent Agency. Jenkins has already begun planning out scenarios and characters for her next novel. But on the other hand, there’s always the possibility that Shayla’s Catch might become a screenplay for a film. “I am totally open for that possibility,” says the author.
Sonya was recently challenged by her friend, best-selling author Omar Tyree, to produce four eBooks a year. That’s a bit of a challenge for Sonya, considering her busy schedule. But who knows, the multi- talented author/actress may find the time to take on the challenge.
Readers can purchase SHAYLA’S CATCH via Amazon-Kindle or by going directly to Sonya Jenkins’ author’s page: www.amazon.com/author/sonyajenkins. Fans can also follow and interact on SHAYLA’S CATCH via FACEBOOK PAGE – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shaylas-Catch/174539432624531?ref=hl. Sonya Jenkins is also the publisher & editor of her own web magazine www.sonyasspotlight.com