Deliah Lawrence's Blog
April 27, 2026
National Poetry Month’s Feature: Poet Cherrie Amour
Poet’s Bio: CherrieAmour aka Cherrie Woods is a Baltimore-based, award-winning poet known forher candid, narrative verse exploring love, identity, relationships, and thelayered complexities of belonging. Her work is featured in her poetrycollection, Free to Be Me: Poems on Love, Life and Relationships.
She is the creator of the Words,Wine & Wings Poetry and Open Mic Show and has been featured by FOX45News, The Baltimore Beacon, and Baltimore City Paper. Her poetryhas appeared in Paterson Literary Review, Understorey Magazine, Poet’sInk, The Pen Woman, The Fire Inside: Collected Poems and Storiesfrom Zora’s Den, America’s Future Anthology, Yellow Arrow Journal,and Maryland in Poetry.
She is currently submitting her newpoetry chapbook manuscript, Sit Comfortably Elsewhere, to publishers—adeeply personal collection exploring her life and perspective as a doubleimmigrant.
Deliah Lawrence: When did youfirst realize poetry was a part of your voice or purpose?
Cherrie Amour: I had always written poetry, as many people do, but Ididn’t fully recognize it as my voice until after my sister passed awayunexpectedly in the early 2000s from a chronic illness. Her loss deeplyaffected me, and poetry became my outlet for grief and healing. The words beganpouring out of me with a consistency I had never experienced before, and that’swhen I realized poetry was how I was meant to share my voice.
DL: What emotions or messages doyou hope readers walk away with after reading your work?
CA: I hope readers walk awaylooking beyond the surface. I’ve always been someone who processes life deeplyand tends to see things in layers, so that naturally finds its way into mywriting. People often tell me I’m a deep thinker, and I believe my poetry reflectsthat. Even though my language is simple and accessible, I want my poems toinvite readers to pause, reflect, and consider the deeper truths and emotionsbeneath what first appears on the page.
DL: In celebration of NationalPoetry Month, can you share one or two of your poems with us?
CA: Absolutely, here you go!
Kid Bamboo (forHoratio Woods)
By Cherrie Woods aka Cherrie Amour
My 70-year-old West Indian grandfather
Wore his tailored “shirt jacks” on Sunday afternoons,
Alternating the colors black, grey, navy blue, and brown.
One pocket, two pockets, and four pockets—
Some had fancy embroidery and others none.
All were crisp like a freshly toasted slice of bread.
His pants were brown, blue, or black,
All with two pockets
And ironed with seams as sharp as a razor.
Black or brown polished shoes
With a shine that could light a darkened room
Completed his weekly ensemble.
Every other day of the week,
My grandfather walked with his back bent
Or sat on the couch with his head in his hands.
On Sundays,
He would walk through the house several times
Straight and upright like a bamboo tree.
They called him “Kid Bamboo” when he was young.
On Sundays, we would sit on the couch watching him walk back and forth.
There was no bent back,
No slowness in his stride.
(Published by Yellow Arrow Journal Vignette/Amplify 2024)
My Poetry featured on YouTube:
DL: What projects,collections, or collaborations are you currently working on?
CA: I’m currently developinga full collection of poems and planning the next installment of my Words, Wine& Wings poetry series. I’m also submitting my chapbook manuscript topublishers and completing applications for writing retreats, both of which arehelping me deepen and expand my creative practice.
DL: Where can readers connectwith you and experience more of your poetry?
CA: Readers can connect with me here:
Website: https://cherrieamour.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poet_cherrieamour/Facebook: @poetcherrieamourBook Buy Links: https://www.amazon.com/Free-Be-Me-Poems-Relationships/dp/0615878172DL: Thank you so much for sharing your voice with us. Your words remindus of the beauty, depth, and power poetry brings to the world.
CA: Thanks for having me!
April 13, 2026
National Poetry Month’s Feature: Poet Buddah Desmond
Poet’s Bio: BuddahDesmond aka BDEZ (he / him / they / them) is an award-winning author, poet,artist, and singer based in the DMV. His writing shares lessons from adversityto triumph and offers messages of hope, love, faith, and persistence. He’sthe author of multiple poetry collections, including the most recent releases EverythingI Miss(ed) At Home (2023), Coming Up From the Downside:Finding Joy in Our Song (2024), and Exotic Shifter: 11thAnniversary Edition (2025).
His writing has appeared in CreativeCurrents, Rebel’sZeitgeist, LiquidCat Quarterly, MelaNation, Mixed Mag, and TheSound of the Collective Pen: A Poetry Anthology by Emerging Voices. Heserved as a healing leader in the DC-based arts + faith + social justiceorganization, The Sanctuaries. He’s currently a National Board of Trustees At Large Member(Beta Chapter) for the professional arts fraternity, Gamma Xi Phi.
Deliah Lawrence: When did youfirst realize poetry was a part of your voice or purpose?
Buddah Desmond: I’ve mentioned countless times how much of an influenceMaya Angelou has been on me and my work, and how hearing her poetry in the filmPoetic Justice blew my mind. I started writing poetry not long afterseeing that film. I was 12 years old. I’ve been writing poetry ever since.
I knew that poetry was part of my voice, part of my purpose when my life didn’tfeel right or complete without it. I knew each time I was awakened in themiddle of the night or jolted during random times of the day with ideas for newpoems. I knew each time I was called to the stage to recite or perform poetry.I knew when I was able to find joy and comfort with the discomfort of pushingmyself to do new things with the poetry—be it learning and trying my hand withdifferent forms, teaching workshops, or being invited to rooms / spaces /events beyond my imagination.
I know because even with the many challenges thathave come my way, my love for and commitment to the craft has never diminished.And the icing on the cake has been people who’ve messaged me or who’ve come upto me after a reading or performance and told me how much my work resonatedwith or inspired them.
DL: What does poetry allow you toexpress that other forms of writing do not?
BD: Poetry is a beacon. Itgives meaning, language, voice, power, and impact to things I’m not always ableto express in my day-to-day life. It allows me to be as vulnerable and ashonest about my experiences, human experiences, and cultural / historical /social / political matters of yesterday, today, and beyond. Being an emotional,intense artist, poetry gives me the freedom to positively channel my emotionsin uniquely creative ways. There’s a freedom to and in poetry that I liken onlyto music.
DL: In celebration of NationalPoetry Month, can you share one or two of your poems with us?
BD: Sure, here you go!
Soul Food
Oxtail
Jollof Rice
Peanut Stew
Pone
Pelau
Gumbo
Greens
Hoppin’ John
Hot Water Cornbread...
Intoxicating smells
Heavenly flavors
Sensational feelings
Treasured memories
The love in the food—
You can smell it
Taste it
Feel it
Touches so deep, you can’t help but close your eyes
as you savor each delectable bite
Moments that transcend your place intime
are like soul food
They enrich your experience
Deepen your joy
They never leave you
Same can be said for that one(or those ones)
Who captures your spirit
Holds your heart in their hands
And they caress it as if it’s the most precious thing
in the world
Always plenty to gain, even when youlose
They make it so good it’s like soul food
Though nothing can replace:
Oxtail Stew
Jollof Rice
Peach Cobbler
Lemon Pound Cake
Rum Cake
Roti
Curry Chicken
Shrimp and Grits
Étouffée
Gumbo...
You know you’ve really got something when
they make it so good it smells like
Tastes like
Feels like
Soul food
They make it so good you never wantto leave
They make it so good, you don’t feel guilty
asking for seconds
That’s some damn good soul food.
~ Everything I Miss(ed) At Home(2023)
My Poetry Reading from Black Voices Through Poetry (February2023) - https://youtu.be/I5pwYBkeosc?si=IXOkK6GybYOt7xUS&t=2981
DL: What projects,collections, or collaborations are you currently working on?
BD: I’m currently working onmy next full-length collection of poetry entitled, Running Towards Love.It’ll contain poems and not quite poems about the quest for love. I’m alsoworking on my next visual poetry series which I’m hopeful will be releasedlater this spring.
My first visual poetry series, Coloring The Night,was released on my socials in February 2026. Art director / photographer /filmmaker extraordinaire Wole Ajagbehelped me bring this project to life. I’m looking forward to working with Woleon this next visual poetry series and continuing to grow, evolve, and pushmyself with this medium.
DL: Where can readers connectwith you and experience more of your poetry?
DB: Readers can connect with me here:
DL: Thank you so much forsharing your voice with us. Your words remind us of the beauty, depth, andpower poetry brings to the world.
BD: Much gratitude again for the opportunity. I truly appreciate it.
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February 28, 2026
From My Bookshelf to Yours: A Review of Let Me Touch (Book #1) by Lucia Jordan
This was my first time reading anovel by Lucia Jordan, and she definitely kept me intrigued—especially withthat ending. Her writing style is engaging, playful, and perfectly suited for aseductive, fast-paced read.
The story introduces us toChardonnay Selby, who—at the urging of her roommate Cecily—agrees to go on ablind date with Cecily’s “hot” coworker. The instructions are simple: meet atthe hotel restaurant and look for the man holding a white rose. But whenChardonnay arrives, she finds two men with white roses—one casually dressed injeans and a sport coat, the other impeccably styled in a finely tailored suit.
It turns out the sharply dressed manis Stephan Hale, and from the moment he appears, he commands the room—and thedate. Stephan is confident, dominant, and deliberate in every move he makes.Though Chardonnay promises Cecily she won’t sleep with her blind date, shefinds herself irresistibly drawn to Stephan’s magnetic presence.
When he whisks her away to Aria foran intimate tasting menu in a private wine cellar—complete with perfectlypaired wines—the night only grows more luxurious. The evening continues at aposh movie theater where Stephan has reserved two roped-off rows just for them.The teasing tension between them builds deliciously, with Stephan skillfullypushing her to the edge—only to pull back.
For a short story, this installmentdelivers plenty of intrigue and chemistry to entice readers into Book Two. Thecharacters feel vivid, the dialogue flows naturally, and the scene descriptionsare sharp and immersive. The sexual tension and witty banter add to the appeal,making it compelling to watch Chardonnay wrestle with—and ultimately break—herown rule about first dates. Stephan certainly makes it difficult for her toresist.
Without giving too much away, LuciaJordan closes this book with a surprising twist that seamlessly sets up thenext installment. If you enjoy glamorous settings, confident heroes, and irresistibletension, this one is worth the read.
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Lines That Linger:
“Stop staring at me. You stared at me all through dinner. You should havemy face memorized by now.”
“Almost. Since Dangerous Beauty hasn’t started yet, I have tosettle for looking at the one next to me.”
“I’m not dangerous,” she said in a breathy voice, finding it hard tocatch her breath with the temperature rising so quickly.
“I disagree. You are the very definition of dangerous. You’re anaddiction waiting to happen.” He leaned close to her while holding her frozenwith his intense gaze. “I know a single kiss will have me hooked, and yet I’mstill willing to do it.”
September 14, 2025
A Review of Cruise to Destiny by Jerrica Knight-Catania
This was myfirst time reading a contemporary romance novella by Jerrica Knight-Catania,and I found her writing style heartfelt and engaging as she explored the themeof love. The story follows Melanie Smith, an aspiring actress chasing herBroadway dreams while waiting tables at a diner between auditions. Her bestfriend Lisa decides she needs a break from the city, and together with theirfriend Shauna, they set sail on a six-day Bermuda cruise.
Melanie,however, worries her job may be at risk if Cliff, her boss, discovers shedoesn’t actually have a sick uncle—something Lisa concocted to secure her timeoff. On the first day aboard, the trio meets Devon Matthews, a restlessmillionaire who has taken a job as a masseuse on the ship. Intrigued byMelanie’s unhappiness, he offers the women free massage vouchers, secretlyhoping to see her again.
Devon isnervous during Melanie’s massage session, but it becomes his chance to be closeto her. When he finally asks her out, she accepts, and their date is full oflaughter, drinking pints of Guinness, dinner, a walk on the deck, dancing, anda tender kiss. But their budding romance is abruptly cut short when Devon iscaught fraternizing with a passenger, a violation of ship policy, and is firedon the spot. Sent back to New York with no way to contact Melanie, he’s leftheartbroken—especially after she later learns he is, in fact, a millionaire.
JerricaKnight-Catania delivers a clean and sweet romance about love arriving when youleast expect it. For a novella, it strikes all the right chords—instantattraction, heartbreaking separation, and the promise of love found again. Thecharacters feel authentic, the dialogue rings true, and both Melanie and Devonare changed by their connection. I’ll definitely be reaching for more of herwork. Two thumbs up!
Rating: 4stars
Some of myfavorite lines:
Devoncouldn’t stop smiling the next day. His evening with Melanie had been one ofthe greatest of his entire adult life. The dinner, the walk on the deck, thedancing…man, could that girl move. Clearly, she was born to dance.
And thegoodnight kiss was just as good as their first kiss. It was like they were madefor each other. Their lips fit perfectly together; her body molded to his justright. For the first time in his life, Devon couldn’t imagine kissing anotherwoman. He only wanted to kiss her. Melanie.
August 26, 2025
A Review of Pure Vengeance (The On the Line Series, Book 1) by Lori Ryan
Lori Ryan, and I was immediately struck by hercharacter-driven style. The story follows Detective Cal Rylan of the New HavenPD, who is paired with FBI Agent Eve Sands after one of the Bureau’s witnessesis killed by a sniper while being transported from the police station to theFBI office. The attack leaves Rylan’s partner, Jarrod, critically injured—adevastating blow that stirs up guilt from losing a former partner in the past.
With Eve now athis side, Rylan struggles to balance his instinct to protect with his respectfor her skills. He admires her sharp mind, steady composure with the press, andundeniable strength. Though he feels an instant pull toward her, he knows theirfocus has to stay on catching the sniper before more blood is shed.
As theinvestigation unfolds, the sniper strikes again—taking out men in the middle ofviolent crimes, from an attempted rape in a park to a gas station holdup. Whatbegins as a suspected mob hitman evolves into the chilling possibility of alone vigilante doling out justice on their own terms.
This fast-pacedread is packed with action, secrets, and tension, both professional andromantic. I found the characters well developed, the dialogue authentic, andthe push-and-pull between Cal and Eve full of sparks. The cat-and-mouse chasewith the sniper, always one step ahead, kept me hooked until the truth wasrevealed—and when it came, the motive made sense. While a few moments wereslightly confusing, the story’s momentum and the simmering attraction betweenthe leads more than made up for it.
Overall, LoriRyan delivers an engaging romantic suspense with plenty of twists and just the rightamount of heat. I’ll definitely be picking up more of her work. Two thumbs up!
Rating: 4stars
Some of myfavorite lines:
He didn’tintroduce himself. He had more than one reason for going on the offensive withher. The fact his witness and partner had both been shot was only the start ofit. The kick of attraction he felt for her was another. He didn’t know wherethe hell it came from, but he didn’t want it getting in the way. “Why the hellweren’t we told this guy was high value? What the hell kind of clusterfuck isthe FBI running?”
He wouldhave known she was FBI without the badge. She had it written all over herbuttoned-up suit and the way she’d twisted her hair tight to the nape of herneck.
And wherethe hell had thoughts of the nape of her neck come from? Why did he even knowthose words? Cal shook his head to clear it and focused on the anger. He hadevery damned right to be angry here. The FBI’s screw-up had just put hispartner in the hospital.
July 9, 2025
A Review of Forbidden Kiss: Billionaire Romance by Janica Cade
novella by Janica Cade, and her writing style struck me as sexy, sharp, and emotionallylayered. The story follows billionaire Ethan Wolfe, who reluctantly agrees totake over Lane Entertainment Group at the request of its owner, ChristopherLane. The catch? He has to keep Lane’s daughter, Ava—the creative force behindthe company—on board.
Ava,unaware of her father’s decision to sell, is blindsided and furious, especiallyafter learning her father is gravely ill. When he passes away the day after thedeal is finalized, her anger toward Ethan only intensifies. Despite thetension, Ethan rushes to comfort her, and the two give in to their mutualattraction in a moment charged with grief and desire.
Theplot thickens when Ava reveals documents stating that her cousin, Jonathan, wasmeant to take over the company in the event of her father and uncle’s death.The revelation shocks Ethan, prompting him to step back and temporarily handcontrol over to Ava while the legalities are sorted out. Still, his longing forher doesn’t fade.
Overall,this was a fast-paced and steamy contemporary romance packed with tension,emotional twists, and compelling characters. The chemistry between Ethan andAva felt genuine, and while one section was a little confusing, the dialogueand scene-building were vivid and well-crafted. I’ll definitely be checking outmore from Janica Cade.
Rating:3.5 Stars
Someof my favorite lines:
Fiona’sface contorts with a grimace. “I can’t believe you ignored my warnings and wentthrough with buying that company. Have you reached out to this Jonathan guy?”
Irub the back of my neck. “No, and I don’t plan on it, either.”
“Whynot?” I look at her dead in the eye.
“BecauseI don’t care about the money or her father’s games. We’re billionaires. We canhandle any financial hit. All I want is Ava.”
July 8, 2025
A Review of Loving The Wrong Man by Mia Black
Black, and Ifound her writing style to be bold, relationship-driven, and full of heat anddeception. The story centers around Jazmine (“Jazzy”), a freelance consultantfor multimedia companies who recently ended things with her cheating boyfriend,Aaron, in Charlotte. Ready for a fresh start, she heads to New York to staywith her best friend Tami while she gets back on her feet.
On the flight, Jazzy meets Quinton (“Que”),a handsome and charming stranger who keeps her calm during turbulence. Theyexchange numbers, and a week later, he invites her to explore New YorkCity—he’s Brooklyn-born and Queens-raised, after all. Their chemistry isinstant, leading to a steamy night at the luxurious Carlyle Hotel, with windowsoverlooking Central Park.
Though Jazzy is drawn to Que, she’s hesitantto jump into a new relationship. She enjoys his company but can’t shake hercuriosity about his vague career in “sales.” Her doubts intensify when she seesa news report about a $50 million theft ring targeting Miami’s elite—completewith a photo of the suspected ringleader hiding out in New York who looksalarmingly like Que. Her suspicion leads her to snoop, only to be caught by Quehimself.
This fast-paced contemporary romance ispacked with tension, secrets, and sizzle. While it follows the familiar tropeof a good girl falling for a mysterious bad boy, the chemistry between Jazzyand Que feels fresh and exciting. The dialogue is natural, and the vividdescriptions bring New York City to life. I’m looking forward to the nextinstallment to find out if Jazzy walks away—or stands by him. Two thumbs up!
Rating:4 stars
Someof my favorite lines:
“Icould stare at you all day too, but I think the other passengers might revoltif we keep holding up takeoff,” he said, laughing. I smiled awkwardly and movedinto the aisle. He sat down in the chair next to me and buckled himself. I satback down and did the same. I completely had to maintain my composure.
BeforeI was able to close my eyes and turn on my music, he turned to me and held outhis hand. “Since we are going to be seatmates for the next three hours, Ishould introduce myself. My name is Quinton, but I go by Que for short.”
I reached out and shook his hand. “My nameis Jazmine.”
“Beautiful name for a beautiful woman.”
I felt myself blush. “Thank you for thecompliment.”
“Anything to put a smile on your face.So, are you going to New York, or is that another layover?”
May 3, 2025
A Review of The Right Wrong Number by Barbara Delinsky
BarbaraDelinsky, and I found her writing to be emphatic and easy to follow. The story centersaround Carly Kelly, the owner of Plant People, a nursery and flower shop. She'soffered a potentially life-changing opportunity to partner with Mayer’s, amajor home store chain.
Withonly four days to decide, Carly calls her friends Bibi and Hank to share thenews—but she accidentally dials the wrong number. On the other end is astranger named Charlie, whose sexy, intriguing voice catches her off guard.Instead of hanging up, Carly keeps talking. Charlie is kind, curious about hershop, and genuinely supportive. Their conversation flows effortlessly, and shefinds herself opening up to him. Just as their connection deepens, disasterstrikes—her phone drops into a bucket of water, cutting the call short.
Withno way to recover the number, Carly tries various combinations on her new phonebut can't reach Charlie again. Still, his advice sticks with her. She consultsa lawyer (also a customer) to review the Mayer’s deal, and together they makeadjustments that protect her business interests. Yet, Charlie lingers in herthoughts, and she keeps searching for him online.
Then,in a serendipitous twist, on the final night of celebrating her independence asa businesswoman, the store phone rings. The voice on the other end stops her inher tracks—it’s Charlie. He’s been trying to find her too and finally trackedher down. He asks her out to dinner... and that’s where the story ends.
Overall,this was a quick and delightful read. Though the ending felt a bit abrupt (Iwould’ve loved a glimpse of their dinner!), I enjoyed the story’s charm andsimplicity. I especially appreciated the mutual drive between Carly and Charlieto reconnect. I’d definitely read more from Barbara Delinsky.
Rating:4 Stars
Someof my favorite lines:
Thevoice on the other end held an audible smile. “I think I would love that. Whois this?”
Thatquickly, Carly went from relief that she’d said it all to mortification—becausenow that he’d spoken more than just a hello, she could hear that the man on theother end wasn’t Hank. This man’s voice was deeper. It was slower and morerelaxed. Definitely more sexy.
“Ohdear,” she said, totally mortified. “And my speech was so good.”
Helaughed. “It was great. That’s a really neat opportunity you have.”
April 30, 2025
A Review of The Billionaire’s Secret Heart (The Winters Saga Book 1) by Ivy Layne
Ivy Layne and Ifound her writing style to be both engaging and easy to get into. The storycenters around Josephine Miller, a computer science grad student at GeorgiaTech and self-proclaimed geek and Holden Winters, a charismatic alpha malebillionaire with a tragic family history.
Thestory opens with Josephine enduring a dull blind date with Stuart, heradvisor’s nephew. She’s eager to end the evening until Stuart mentions he has aVIP invitation to Mana, the exclusive club she’s been dying to visit. Sinceit’s nearly impossible to get into this club Josephine decides to continue thedate long enough to get in.
WhileStuart rambles on about his dissertation on campaign finance, Josephine’sattention wanders and lands on a handsome stranger sitting on the couch nearby– Holden. With a confident smirk, heinvites her to join him. Intrigued by his boldness, Josephine doesn’t hesitatewhen he asks her to leave with him. What follows is a sizzling one-nightstand—completely out of character for her.
Holden,unexpectedly captivated, tracks her down on campus and invites her to dinner athis place. As their chemistry intensifies, a case of miscommunication threatensto derail their budding relationship. Both are left hurt and confused,believing the other walked away. Eventually, the truth surfaces when Josephine,her roommate Emily, and Holden’s cousin Tate uncover the person responsible forstirring the drama. With everything cleared up, the story wraps with asatisfying happily-ever-after.
Overall,this was a fast-paced, steamy read with all the right ingredients for a solidromance. The characters felt believable in their roles—Holden as the commandingalpha and Josephine as the intelligent, relatable nerd. I enjoyed the wittydialogue, dramatic twists, and vivid scene-setting. A strong introduction towhat looks like an exciting series. Two thumbs up!
Rating:4 Stars
Some of myfavorite lines:
"Ilike Josephine. You look like a Josephine." He must be a mind reader.Answering the question on my lips, he said, "I'm Holden."
"Doyou usually steal women away from their dates?" I asked tartly, thenflushed at my tone. He laughed, looking down at me. I was five feet, fiveinches tall—not short, but he towered above me. He must have been at least afew inches over six feet. He grinned at me and shook his head, saying,"Never. I can honestly say that I've never stolen a girl from her date inthe VIP Room at Mana before."
"Soyou have stolen a woman from her date before? Just not there?" I asked inthe same tart tone. I didn't know what was wrong with me, but his completeself-assurance made me want to poke at him, just a little.
April 21, 2025
It’s A Screenwriting Thing Presents: An Interview with Marshall Ferrin, screenwriter, film and TV
Bio: Mr.Ferrin is a highly qualified international business professional by virtue ofexperience working with Small and Medium Enterprises, US and foreignGovernments and trade associations in international management, marketing andsales in Europe, Japan, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania. Mr. Ferrindesigned and implemented the global market entry of the long-distancetelecommunications services and VOIP computer telephony software of twostart-up U.S. technology companies.
Mr. Ferrinprovided management and business development leadership for the MasonEnterprise Center’s international Business Accelerator, one of twomultinational incubators in the USA designed to assist both foreign companiesand USA firms forge successful business partnerships in the Americanmarketplace. Mr. Ferrin served in Afghanistan as the Senior InvestmentAdvisor/USAID, seconded to the Afghan Investment Support Agency,www.aisa.org.af Mr. Ferrin completed an assignment as Aid Coordinator, Officeof the Governor, State of Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia.
He is nowworking with the Branson Entrepreneurship Centre, advising entrepreneurs inJamaica successfully starting and growing their businesses. https://bransoncentre.co/ Marshall is currently focused on writing scripts forthe film and TV markets and working with potential investors. Please go to www.marshallferrin.comfor info on his many award-winning screenplays.
Deliah Lawrence: What isthe core premise of your most recent script, and what inspired it?
MarshallFerrin: Current script, the six-episode series LAFAYETTE, is about oneman, two revolutions. What began as a battle for liberty became a vindictivequest for power.
DL: Whatgenre does your script fall into, and how does it stand out from similar filmsor TV shows?
MF: LAFAYETTEis a historical drama that is directly related to the current struggles forLiberty, Freedom and Human Rights. The story explores how the best intentions of and effort to effect positive political change can go terribly wrong.
DL: Canyou summarize the main character(s) and their journey?
MF: The maincharacter, Lafayette, achieves great success in the American Revolution butfaces unexpected challenges when he tries to transplant it to his home country,France.
DL: Arethere any screenwriters that have influenced your style?
MF: Thewriter of “The Patriot” and the AMC TV series “TURN Washington’s Spies.”
DL: Haveyou done any market research to see how your script aligns with currentindustry trends?
MF: Yes. Iresearched many historical drama series, e.g. “The Vikings,” “TURN Washington’sSpies,” “The Tudors,” “John Adams,” and “Franklin” that are available on AmazonPrime, HBO Max, and Netflix and found that, with the exception of “Franklin”there has been over five years since we have seen a new one. We are overdue. Also,a series that espouses a heroic story, albeit with tragic results is a good fitfor the shift in political culture that we are currently experiencing in theUSA.
DL: Whatsimilar successful films or shows would you compare your script to?
MF: Again,“TURN – Washington’s Spies” and “The Patriot” come to mind as well as the film“Braveheart.”
DL: Haveyou considered independent film festivals or streaming platforms as potentialdistribution channels?
MF: Yes.Lafayette – the Series has won Best Script in 8 screenwriting competitions andnominations in 7 other competitions.
DL: Whatadvice would you give to aspiring screenwriters?
MF: Write astory that is both familiar to the audience but also contains something verynew and interesting.
DL: If youwere hosting a dinner party which three screenwriters, past or present, wouldbe your dream guests and why?
MF: DavidMamet, James Cameron, DavidFranzoni and John Logan. All have had great success in getting theirhistorical/period dramas scripts made into films.
DL: Whatare three fun facts about yourself?
MF: I had abit part as a “Hanging Judge” in my Proof-of-Concept film, for my screenplay“The Royal Executioner.” I played the comic lead in Gilbert & Sullivan’splay “HMS Pinafore.” I invented a new cocktail, The Mulberry Juice Rum Punch whileserving at the US Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan.
DL: It’s beena pleasure having you here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy gettingto know you and your work.
MF: Thankyou. Also, please note that readers that are interested in possibly investingin Lafayette, the Series and/or The Royal Executioner can obtain moreinformation by going to: https://www.gallopingentertainment.com/product/lafayette/ and https://www.gallopingentertainment.com/product/royal/
Lafayette Trailer:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tOXzhm2xeUReNZ9MaZkbMF03jn2jAeu3/view?usp=drive_web
The Royal Executioner:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iElThAI65DNwtpb6GW50_t7wc57KF7rv/view?usp=drive_web
