Interview with Miranda Ifedigbo

Sexual Transgressions: A Chain of Events
Miranda Ifedigbo
AuthorHouse (2006)
ISBN 9781425956264
Reviewed by Cherie Fisher for Reader Views (2/07)

Reader Views talks with Miranda Ifedigbo, author of the African American novel, “Sexual Transgressions: A Chain of Events.” Interview conducted by Juanita Watson, Assistant Editor of Reader Views.

Juanita:        Welcome to Reader Views Miranda, and thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.  We are interested in hearing more about your new novel “Sexual Transgressions: A Chain of Events.”  Would you start by telling us the storyline of your book?

Miranda:      The story is set in Baltimore City and tells the story of a prominent, well loved pastor who has life-changing secrets that he has never revealed.  As the story progresses, his secrets are uncovered and we see the effect that his dishonesty has on his family.

Juanita:   I understand that this is your debut novel.  What led you to writing your first novel, and what inspired this particular story?

Miranda:      I’ve been writing for many years, but this is the first time I really took the time to put it all together and write a book.  As far as what inspired me to write this particular story, the idea came from the tragic events of September 11th.  I watched the awful events unfold on television and knew that so many lives would be forever changed, because of one tragic incident. 

As the hours, days, weeks and then months passed, I realized that in the aftermath of something so horrendous, something so unexpected, that someone, wives, husbands, children, friends, would be forced to settle the affairs of those who had died.  I thought for a long time about what unpleasant things, what secrets, what hidden things, could possibly be uncovered about the dead as the days went on; things that had death not come in such an untimely fashion, may never have been discovered.  And so my idea for the book; a story that deals with untimely death, secrets, hidden lifestyles and other things that we would never want revealed. 

Juanita:   Would you tell us about your main characters?  Who are they, what is their contribution to the story?

Miranda:  The character who is the catalyst for everything that happens in the story is Isaiah Owens.  He is a beloved pastor of a prominent Christian church in Baltimore City, Maryland and has many secrets.  By Chapter 3, those secrets are uncovered because of one unexpected event.  Because of his deception, so many problems arise that forces each of the other characters to deal with some pretty awful situations.  The other characters are Madison Owens, Isaiah’s sister who is thrust into the middle of every crisis that hits the family, his wife Angela Owens who lives in denial of what is happening around her, and Georgia Owens, his mother, who will do anything to protect her son and what she feels is his sparkling, unspotted reputation.  There are several other characters, but they more or less have what I would call supporting roles in the story; they are Victoria Wells, Isaiah’s other sister, Jake Ackerman, Isaiah’s attorney and friend and Daniel Matthews; for fear of giving away an important part of the storyline, I won’t tell you who Daniel Matthews is; you’ll have to read the book and find out. 

Juanita:   Why did you choose to cast Isaiah as a minister?
                    
Miranda:   Juanita, when I first began writing the story, the character wasn’t a minister; I think I cast him as an architect or an engineer, I don’t recall.  But as I began to write and certain moral and ethical issues came up in the story, I decided to assign his character an occupation that readers would expect to take the moral and ethical high ground.  So when the reader sees that he doesn’t do that and actually falls well below their expectations of someone in that type of position, they become even more shocked and perhaps angry at some of the things he does.  Also, because I grew up in a strict Pentecostal household where we went to church more than we did anything else, I can very easily identify with the expectations and responsibilities that are put upon you when you operate within a religious framework. 

Juanita:       Your first chapter begins with the well-known Sir Walter Scott quote, “O, what a tangled web we weave, When first we practise to deceive!”  People harboring secrets and being deceitful is at the core of your story, would you share your thoughts on this issue?  Do you think most people harbor some type of secret, and at what cost to them?

Miranda:      Well, in regards to people who keep secrets, I believe that some things are better left untold.  However, there are certain secrets that need to be told because if it continues to be hidden, it could very well do tremendous damage to someone’s life.  As far as your question as to whether or not most people harbor some type of secret, I believe we all have things we’d rather not have discovered.  There are things that we may not be particularly proud of, but things that don’t mean life or death for another individual; those are the types of secrets that I feel may not need to be disclosed. 

Juanita:   Do you think that ultimately, all secrets are revealed?

Miranda: Juanita, personally, I’m not sure; during my life, I’ve been privy to some things that could have been potentially disastrous for those involved; some of those things I’ve seen come to light and others have been hidden for years.   

But on the other hand, for those who do read and believe the Bible, the New International translation of St. Luke 8:17 says, “For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.”  So if that is the case, then yes all secrets are eventually revealed. 

Juanita:       Why did you choose to spotlight sexual transgression?  Do you feel that this is the ultimate of betrayals with the most devastating results?

Miranda:     I chose to deal with that issue because the problems that stem from sexual missteps are so prevalent in today’s world.  So often, when we see our leaders fall, whether it’s in our government, in our churches, or even in our own families, it ultimately has something to do with sex or money; more often than not, they fall because of a sexual indiscretion or a sexual offense.  And as a result, so many other problems follow – families are destroyed, marriages fall apart, friendships dissolve, diseases are spread; there are just a myriad of problems that stem from sexual indiscretions and sex related offenses.  So I would probably say that sexual transgressions usually have some pretty severe and devastating repercussions.    

As far as a sexual transgression being the ultimate betrayal, I would think that most people would say yes to that, and in a way I would agree.  However, I think that some people can forgive those things more readily than others; some relationships can be repaired while others are forever destroyed.  And for those who keep those secrets or commit those offense, some will feel guilty others will be able to rationalize their behavior and not feel an ounce of remorse. 

Juanita:  How were you able to portray such a realistic account of the deeply emotional journey of this family?

Miranda:      Well, since this book was published I’ve told more than one person that this story is fiction and not a real-life account of my life or something I’ve experienced.  But I can say, because I have such a vivid imagination, as I was creating the story, I could put myself in the place of these characters and imagine what my response would be to a certain situation and what my reaction would be to certain things.  I wrote from that point of view.    

Juanita:   There is a shocking event that happens in the middle of your story that significantly changes the life path of everyone in your story.  What can you tell us about this?  Why is this such a prominent turning point?

Miranda:     Once again, Juanita, this event happens because of the secrets that Isaiah is keeping; and because of one unexpected event, an entire chain of events occur, hence my subtitle, A Chain of Events. 

But I believe the turning point in the story is when Isaiah’s sister discovers that Isaiah’s sexual preference is not what he has portrayed it to be; as a matter of fact, it is quite different than she expected and the choices he has made are a result of this preference.  He has lived a lie and now all of the decisions that we see he’s made were based on that preference and the fact that he has to keep that information a secret.  That one decision is the catalyst for everything else that happens in the story. 

Juanita:   Miranda, what does “Sexual Transgressions” say about family, human frailty, and forgiveness?

Miranda: Juanita, I could go on all day about the many ‘messages’ that are contained in this story, although I didn’t intentionally write this with the intent of trying to teach anyone anything; I just wanted it to be mainstream entertainment.  However there are quite a few overriding themes contained in the book.  (1)  We sometimes put people on a pedestal and forget that they are human with human failings just as we are.  And then when the person falls from grace, we want to turn our back on them, stone them and disown them.  (2) I think we have to learn that no matter what that person’s position is, the preacher, the president, the doctor, the senator, the husband, the wife, no matter who they are, they are still human and subject to make mistakes; they will disappoint us because they are mortal men with shortcomings; they are not perfect. 

There is one saying in the book that I adapted from my brother and that is, “People will disappoint you not because they mean to, but because they are human.  Sometimes they will let you down and never realize they did.” 

Regarding forgiveness, I think that some people will find the strength to forgive those who have hurt them and be able to learn from the situation and move on.  While others will carry that hurt for the rest of their lives.  But ultimately, I think we all have to realize that God forgave us, so we sometimes have to act in that same spirit of forgiveness and mercy towards those who have hurt or betrayed us; and I know it’s easier than done.  There are so many lessons in this story, but those are just a few.      

Juanita:       What is Madison’s message to readers?

Miranda:      Madison is the character that seems to have an almost supernatural strength.  She has to deal with so many issues and so many of the family’s problems that throughout the story, you can feel the weight that is on her shoulders.  I would say her unspoken message would be that when trouble comes in your family, your best bet is to get the heck out of Dodge….just kidding.  I think she would say that even when you think you can’t take anymore, when the weight is too much for you to bear, you find the strength to stand and weather the storm.  I think she would also tell us, once again, not to put our faith in man, but in the one who made man. 

Juanita:        Though this is an African American novel, it is a fantastic read for a much wider audience.  Who did you have in mind as your reading audience during the writing process?  What type of response have you had since your “Sexual Transgressions” came out?

Miranda:      Well I did write it with a female African-American audience in mind.  However, since it’s been published, I find that women from different races, social classes and income levels have enjoyed it.  And so far, I’ve received nothing but wonderful responses from my readers; people have told me that they identify with the story because they know there are so many real life issues written into it.  Now more and more people are asking when my next book will come out.    

Juanita:         One fascinating and unique aspect of your book is its accompanying CD that features two songs written and performed by you.  How long have you been performing and creating music?  Please tell us more about this very interesting inclusion? 

Miranda:     I do think that the cd is a unique part of the book and although I do both, I really am more of a singer than an author.  I started singing in the Pentecostal church at the age of 3, so I’ve been doing that for most of my life.  But I have only been writing music for about 15 years.  Over the course of the past few years, I just started taking the music seriously enough to actually go into the studio and record something.  Each of my brothers and sisters are also musically inclined; they sing, play various instruments and some write music.
 
Juanita:       How do you weave the songs into the story?  The song “I Care For You,” is significantly featured in the first chapter.  Could you tell us more about this song? 

Miranda:    The readers will see this song in the first chapter.  The main character Isaiah is in his office at the church and he decides to put in a cd.  The first song that he plays is “I Care For You”; this is the song that he listens to as he thinks about the mess he’s gotten himself into and wonders how he’s going to get out of it. 

The second song entitled ‘Overcomer’ surfaces later in the book.  This is when we see Isaiah’s sister Madison struggling to make sense of her turbulent relationship with her sister.  She is also grappling with certain issues from her childhood.  But as she listens to the song, she is reminded that she is strong and resilient and able to overcome her struggles and trials. 

I wrote the song “I Care For You” about 2 years ago.  I think it’s a beautiful song that reminds people that even when it doesn’t seem like it, there is someone who cares for them.  Personally, Juanita, I think the song has Grammy Award written all over it!  As far as “Overcomer” I wrote that song when I was having some struggles with my voice.  The song just seemed to flow out of me and was really a reminder that I could overcome the issues that I was dealing with.  Also with this song, I was greatly influenced by several scriptures from the Bible, one of which is St. John 16:33; it says, “In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”  This particular scripture assures us that because Jesus overcame the world, we will also.    

Juanita:    You certainly are an artist Miranda, and we would agree, “I Care For You” truly is Grammy quality. What comes first in your creative process, the writing or the music?

Miranda:      Sometimes I’ll get both at the same time and sometimes, one will come before the other.  Many times, I’ll just start humming a tune and along with the tune, I’ll start singing words with it; eventually, it all comes together and becomes a song. 

Juanita:  Miranda, what is the underlying message of “Sexual Transgressions: A Chain of Events”?

Miranda:     Although I didn’t intentionally set out to say anything deep or instructional, I would have to say that throughout this story the underlying message is put your faith and trust in God, the one who created you.  He is the only one who is infallible, He is the only one that will never fail, disappoint or desert you in times of need.  He is the one who promised he would never leave you nor forsake you. 

Juanita:       How can readers find out more about you and your endeavors?  Where can they purchase your book?

Miranda:     They can purchase the book at my website, www.mbti3.com and pay by credit card, Paypal or by check or money order.  If they pay by check or money order, the mailing address is also listed on the site. If they have any questions, they can email me through my site and the message will be sent directly to my personal email.  I answer all emails promptly.  I will keep them posted as to what I am doing through that website also. 

Juanita:  Miranda, it has been a pleasure talking with you today.  We appreciate the opportunity to hear about your book “Sexual Transgressions: A Chain of Events,” and wish you all the best in your writing and music careers.  Do you have any last thoughts for your readers today?

Miranda:     I would first like to say thanks to everyone who has purchased and read the book.  It is an honor to have people take note of and appreciate what you’ve worked so hard to create; I greatly appreciate their supporting me with both their time and money.  Second, I would tell people to live their lives to the fullest, but live it as honest and open as possible; live it with kindness and grace.  They should live their lives so that when they leave this earth, there are no regrets; they should leave behind such a reputation that their family and friends can say they were proud to have known them and blessed to have them in their life. 

Listen to interview on Inside Scoop Live
Read Review of Sexual Transgressions
Make Comments on weblog