Yolonda earned her doctorate in organizational leadership from Indiana Wesleyan University and is certified in emotional intelligence. She enjoys teaching, mentoring, consulting, and helping others discover their own voices through writing. When she’s not creating or consulting, you’ll likely find her spending time with her husband or enjoying heartfelt moments with loved ones.
Her latest book is the contemporary Christian fiction, Soul Matters.
You can visit her website at www.yoproductions.net .
Watch her YouTube channel!
Connect with her at X, Facebook, Instagram and Goodreads.
Tell us about your book! What inspired you to write it?
The story centers on the life and family of Wendy Phillips, a third-grade teacher expecting her first child
while feeling trapped in her marriage. Surrounding her are her mother, sister, and grandmother, each carrying her own set of struggles. These women are flawed, real, and relatable. Together, they embody strength, wisdom, humility, and unwavering faith.
I used to have nearly an hour-long commute to work. Sometimes, my commute was quiet time to reflect and pray. I enjoyed my job, but I didn’t feel like it fully utilized my potential. So, I was searching for purpose. Although I’d never written a novel at that time, I’d written short stories and poetry. I liked writing, and I sought a way to share my faith through creativity.
How did you choose the title for your book? Did it come to you right away, before you started writing it, or did it come later?
Oh, no, the title didn’t just come to me. In fact, I had a different title. I shared it with a co-worker, who lovingly and honestly told me how awful the original title was! Her response sobered me because I’d been excited to share. But I also listened! I went back to the drawing board, and the title Soul Matters was born. I am forever grateful for my co-worker’s honesty!
Tell us about the cover design process. Did you have a basic idea of what your book cover would be like?
This is a 20th anniversary edition of Soul Matters. I liked the original cover, but I did not have a release to use it. Plus, I wanted a new cover to represent the anniversary edition. I went on a hunt for images. I couldn’t find anything I wanted, so I described my vision to an image-generation tool that helped bring it to life. Once I found the right concept, my husband used his design skills to finalize the cover. He brought the entire book cover to life, using the same font style for the title as was used in the original design.
Who is your cover designer and how did you find him/her?
My cover designer is none other than the love of my life, my husband! He has a degree in computer-assisted drafting and an eye for detail. He doesn’t market himself as a designer, but he’s skillful and amazing! I have no intention of looking elsewhere for another designer.
What has been the readers’ response to your cover?
The response from readers to the cover has been overwhelmingly positive. As a result, there is now also an increased demand for my husband’s design services.
What tips would you give to authors who are looking for a cover designer?
Know your audience and brand! Additionally, you want to work with a designer who understands your vision. Be open to new ideas and don’t rush the process. Although we all know that we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, people do it anyhow. Your cover needs to be appealing enough that it will compel someone to crack open the pages of your book.
Anything else you’d like to say about your book?
This revised edition of Soul Matters feels like a full-circle moment for me. When I first wrote the book, I was simply surrendering to a creative nudge from God. Two decades later, revisiting it reminded me why I started writing in the first place. I strive to encourage and uplift others by incorporating faith into my work. My desire is that Soul Matters continues to touch hearts and remind readers that no matter how difficult life gets, there’s always hope.
