by Cyrus Webb
2025 was another great year for my friend bestselling author/playwright Felicia Brookins.
She was recognized not just for her writing ability; she also continued her mission to inspire and motivate others through her programs and introducing her new stage play.
Over the years I have seen her rise and thrive, getting much-deserved attention for her beloved character Sister Nadeen while also showcasing the talents of others. This year it all came together.
I was also honored to have her join me on Wed. Oct. 29 when we broke the Guinness World Record for most TV Interviews in 12 hours.
Felicia, your gift of storytelling is definitely making room for you. When did you realize that gift?
I would say I realized this wonderful gift in 2011 when I began writing the script for my very first stage play, ‘What About The Children?’
Sister Nadeen’s Ways is how many of us got to know. Where did the idea come from?
The main character came from my viewpoint as a child and my experiences as a child coming up among individuals that I now know had the ‘image’ of God but not his ‘likeness.’ Though it is a fictional piece, it has many truths woven within the pages.
You have also been able to do great things with your platform like the annual Prison to Pens event. Tell our readers about it.
Prison To Pens is truly an inspirational gift given to me from above. It is a virtual literary event that gives a voice to previously incarcerated individuals that have written books, spoken word poetry, poems and other literary pieces to help them freely express their experience and to help with their rehabilitative and restorative process as they acclimate to being outside of four walls and away from the experience of once being incarcerated. They share how writing has helped them and how it has evolved for them into community activism and community programs for improvement in their lives and the lives of others.
It gives me a feeling of well-being and accomplishment. I am happy to be a help to others and be a part of their journey to reach the goals and dreams they have set for themselves. It keeps me grounded by always reminding me that I once was that person.
I’ve personally seen what you’ve done to encourage aspiring authors, too. What advice do you normally give those starting out on their writing journey?
When it comes to aspiring authors, I normally start out by advising them to just get it all out on paper. Write all their thoughts down for the story they want to tell and then go back and begin to work on the order of your story. I also advise them to not focus so much on starting at page one, it is okay to write your ending first if you know what it is. Nothing is in stone when it comes to how you put your story down on paper. Next, I advise them to begin putting the word out about their upcoming book. This allows everyone to get excited about their upcoming book and it gives them encouragement to continue with the process.
I’m always curious about success for those I talk to. What does success mean for you today? Success for me is when someone meets me or reaches out to me and tells me that I inspire them. That means volumes to me. It says I am producing hope and encouragement and people so need that in their lives.
Thanks again for the time, Felicia. We are so proud of you.
It is always my pleasure to talk with you, Cyrus.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sis.Nadeen
Email: AuthorFeliciabrookins@gmail.com
Instagram: @authorfeliciakb
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