Melinda Robertson

Teen pregnancy is on the rise in our communities. The Review has two books that would make a great read for teens. I would like to thank author Melinda Robertson for stopping by to discuss her novels on teen mother and fatherhood.

TR – “Motherhood What You Don’t Know” I think this is a very powerful novel for this day and time. Can you please let the readers know what inspired you to write this novel?
I was inspired to write “Motherhood What You Don’t Know” because girls eleven, twelve and thirteen years old are having babies and the responsibilities associated with motherhood are too much for a child to handle. There are a lot of things these ‘babies having babies’ don’t know about being a mother, so I want to give them a little insight before they make the one mistake that will change their lives forever.

I also wrote this book to be an encouragement to teen mothers everywhere. I want them to understand the seriousness of motherhood and not take it lightly. They have an obligation to their children and must realize that every decision they make impacts their children. I share my story with them to let them know that they too can rise above their current circumstances and reach whatever goals they had in life before becoming a mother. I want them to know they can still go to college and have successful careers, but it’s all up to them. They will have to work twice as hard, but they can do it (and should want to do it) for the betterment of their children.

TR – Please provider the readers with a brief synopsis of “Motherhood What You Don’t Know”.
“ Motherhood . . . What You Don’t Know!” is the story of Nicole Washington, a fifteen year old honor roll student who loses her virginity, gets pregnant and attempts to hide her pregnancy. Once the father denies the baby, Nicole realizes she’s too young to be a mother, but it’s too late and Nicole is forced to have a baby she is clearly not ready for. Trying to juggle “motherhood” and demands of high school is far more than Nicole could have ever imagined.

Nicole’s pregnancy takes a toll on her parents’ marriage as they blame one another for Nicole’s predicament. Her father feels that since Nicole’s mother failed to talk to Nicole about sex, birth control, etc. it was her fault. And, Nicole’s mother feels that since Nicole’s father worked six days a week, twelve hours a day, he neglected Nicole and it was his fault. The story highlights the many obstacles Nicole faces throughout her pregnancy and the impact her pregnancy has on her parents, their marriage, etc. because each time a child is impregnated, the entire family is affected.

TR – Teen pregnancy seems like a cycle passed from one generation to the next. Did you interview teen moms for your novel? If so did you find that their mother too was a teen mom?
The teen pregnancy epidemic is one that has been passed down from generation to generation. I’ve interviewed many teens mothers since the release of “Motherhood What You Don’t Know”! in 2005 and I would say that 95 % of them were products of a teen mother.

TR – Teen pregnancy is on a rise in the African American community. How do you think we can reach these young ladies to provide them with information to not only protect themselves, but to practice abstinence?
I think we need to bring sex education back into the schools and teach young people that sex has consequences! Abstinence is the obvious solution for preventing teen pregnancy; however, in the event teens choose not to abstain, it’s in their best interest to be educated so they can also protect themselves against STD’s. Sadly, over 65% of youths between the ages of 14 and 19 in DC, Maryland and Virginia have been exposed to STD’s and these alarming statistics will continue to rise until they are properly educated.

TR – Children are becoming sexually active at a much earlier age. Why do you think this is happening?
Young people today are growing up in a sexually motivated society that screams sex. I think the Internet (porn sites that pop up while a child is online), cable TV and music videos all attribute to children being sexually active so much younger. Prime time TV shows and commercials today also elude to sex. I believe having cameras on cell phones also plays a part because a lot of young people are sending and receiving nude pics of each other and are sexting instead of texting.

TR - Please give readers a brief synopsis of “Fatherhood What You Ought To Know”
“ Fatherhood . . . What You Ought to Know!" is the story of two fifteen year old boys growing up without their fathers and the impact their absence has on their lives. Raynard Channing ‘aka’ Ray-Ray never knew his father, and Tommy Edwards' father abandoned him and his little brother when Tommy was ten years old. Ray-Ray, is a self-proclaimed mack-daddy, entering 10th grade in the fall. He’s at the top of his game in basketball and with the girls. Bree Morales, his latest prey, has been stringing him along and he’s given her an ultimatum, either she goes all the way or its over! When Ray-Ray is faced with the possibility of being a father.

“Fatherhood . . . What You Ought to Know!" deals with real life situations that the two friends struggle with (i.e. peer pressure, raging hormones, HIV/AIDS, violence, death, etc.) as they seek answers to questions only their absent father's can answer. This compelling story addresses many issues, including how thousands of young men are doing TWENTY to LIFE for being with the wrong crowd, or simply trying to prove a point! It's a real in your face book that shows readers how the choices they make today have a major impact on their future. It’s REAL!

TR – What type of responses have you received from readers on both Motherhood and Fatherhood?
The response from the public has been incredible. After being featured on The Life &Times with Alex Mosby and The Show Case talk shows; The Russ Parr Show, The Wendy Williams Experience, and WHUR radio shows and numerous newspaper articles written in The Washington Informer, The District Chronicles, The Prince George’s Post and The Prince Geoge’s Times, I’ve sold over 2,000 copies of my books.

TR – What’s next for Melinda Robertson?
I’m in the process of partnering with the United Black Fund to obtain a 501c3 and become a non-profit entity, which will make it possible for me to apply for grants. Government funding of this much needed project will allow me to donate my books to public schools and libraries nationwide and combat the teen pregnancy epidemic that continues to plague our communities.

TR – What would you like to leave your readers?
After reading my books I’d like for my readers to be more educated about the consequences associated with having sex; empowered with the knowledge that they have the choice to abstain from sex; and encouraged to rise above their current circumstances. I want them to recognize the power they possess within and strive to be the best they can be in life.

TR – Where can readers reach you?
My website is www.motherhoodlove.com and I can be reached via email at melinda@motherhoodlove.com, in addition to befriending me on Facebook. I also conduct teen workshops on abstinence, STD’s, teen pregnancy, etc. and am available for speaking engagements.

Again we would like to thank you for your time and look forward to more great novels from you!
Thank you for the opportunity to share my work with your readers. Its opportunities like this that have enabled me to touch so many young lives.