Spring Break
Student publishes third book
RAISA HABERSHAM
Issue date: 6/18/09 Section: News
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Her third book, "Grace and Mercy," was released June 1. The book focuses on a high school senior who becomes involved in an abusive relationship.
"I decided to write this book because it [deals with] a taboo topic and was kind of swept under the rug during discussions," Holmes said. "I really wanted to bring it out to the forefront so that teens will be aware that situations like this do occur and what they need to do if they found themselves or someone they care for dealing with it."
"Grace and Mercy" is different from Holmes' other books because it focuses on a subject most teens have not had to deal with, she said.
"They may have heard of a friend or neighbor who has had to deal with some sort of abusive relationship, but it's rare to find a teen who has dealt with it themselves," she said. "My other books touch on topics that are more commonly found amongst young adults."
Her other books involve topics including faith and abstinence.
Holmes began writing books at the age of 14 and uses God and faith as her central themes to help others.
"My inspiration for writing this book was God," she said. "He placed the topic in my heart and I simply created a story to surround the message He wanted the readers to receive."
While God is rooted in Holmes' books, her novels involve conflicts any teen goes through.
"There is only one situation in my second book, 'Testing Relationships' that is similar to a situation I personally went through," Holmes said. "While my characters may carry certain characteristics of people I know, none of them are modeled exactly after my family or friends."
Holmes' books have garnered her literary success. Her first novel, "Living Consequences," earned her an award for best children's book at the 2007 African American Literary Awards Show. Additionally, Holmes was twice named to the Essence Magazine's Bestselling List - in both February and March of this year.
Alexandria Mann, a high school friend of Holmes, said it came as no surprise that she would be successful.
"I knew she was talented and would do really well," Mann said. "She's very helpful and I go to her with all of my problems."
Holmes' words of encouragement have helped people believe in God, Mann said.
"Her first two books are very relevant to teenagers and [those] in college," she said. "It's good to know that I'm not the only one going through this. I can take my problems to God and He will help me through."
Holmes is promoting the book in Georgia, and hopes to do a book tour traveling from city to city, she said. Holmes will be at Valdosta Mall in Valdosta on Saturday June 20.
Holmes' is currently working on a sequel to "Grace and Mercy," which should be available next year, she said.
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