Author Takenya Mims: Four Marriages Before 40

Takenya is a Memphis, Tennessee native. She now resides in Houston, Texas. She is a proud aunt of two nephews and is a Godmother to four girls and three boys. “Four Marriages Before 40,” is Takenya’s first book and memoir. After reading this book, she wishes that many lives will be touched, healing will begin, and needed conversations will be had! She values her life’s experiences and loves sharing her story with others. Takenya’s life has taught her that life is too short, nothing is promised, to keep your circle small, do not do anything you’re not ready for, and stay true to yourself. Her hobbies include organizing, reading, journaling, and watching the Golden Girls. “Broken crayons still color,” is a saying that she continues to live by.

One thing that motivates Takenya is still being alive after the horrific accident that took one of her husband’s, Stewart’s life. You will find out more about her marriage with him in “Four Marriages before 40.” Her nephews are other motivators. Takenya is a dedicated woman who wants to be remembered as the lady and author who did not let her mistakes defeat her. She wants to also be known for her tenacity, humbleness, being a loving Aunt and Godmother, someone who loves God, and someone who is always open to love again.

Takenya’s deceased Grandmother, Tereather has had a great influence on her life. She was the definition of strength. She helped her understand that it is okay to mess up, it’s all about what you do next that matters. Her Grandmother, Tereather was a devoted Christian. She was always reassuring and did not treat her granddaughter like a pew member. She always treated Takenya like a person she loved and wanted to see succeed, a person she could be transparent and empathize with. Takenya Mims’ career as a new author is truly progressing and successful. Within the next year, she will introduce her next manuscript to the world. She will also continue to have her present book relevant.

Tell us a little bit about your background and how you ended up writing a book?

A little bit about my background is that I have always been a fan of writing, more so journaling. Writing was my way of getting my feelings out because I did not talk about them verbally. I have been through four marriages and during this last one I sought out therapy to figure out what was wrong with me, motivated by my husband at the time to find someone to talk to. After going through therapy and reaching a point of healing, my sister suggested that I write a book to help others. I thought about it for months and decided to give it a real effort the closer I got to finishing grad school. That’s how it all started.

What do you hope your readers take away from this book?

I hope readers take away a sense of hope. My book shows the many struggles that I fought in silence and shouldn’t have. I hope readers pay attention to signs of their loved ones. I hope they have difficult conversations because I did not have those with my parents, and it led down an avoidable path. I hope readers take away the importance of therapy and how great the benefits can be with reaching out to someone for help and healing tools. I hope readers take away motivation and empowerment to keep living and learning, to make better choices, and to love themselves.

What is the one thing you wish you knew before publishing your first book?

One thing I wish I knew before publishing was how much I would be on my own. I did not realize that the publisher would not stay available after the publishing was complete. It taught me how to stand on my own even in something as new as becoming a published author. It taught me to keep depending on myself and to use my own resources.

Three books I would recommend to authors would be: Seeds of Hope by Felicia S., Don’t Settle for Safe by Sarah Jakes Roberts, and The Bible.

If you only had $1000 dollars to promote a new book, knowing everything you know now, how would you spend it?

If I had $1000 to promote a new book I would invest in a literary agent, which is what I am looking into now. I would also do more social media ads for promotion, like on IG and FB, etc.

What is your favorite quote?

My most recent favorite quote has been “Broken crayons still color”. It stuck with me because a lot of people, me included, tend to throw broken things away. When crayons would break in half, we don’t see the point in using it anymore and we trash it. The beauty is, just because it’s broken it’s still useful. It will still complete whatever the drawing is, you just adjust your fingers. No matter what life throws at you and how it breaks your spirit, your mood, or your confidence; you are not trash. Being broken does not diminish the fact that you are not worthy or useful. It just takes adjusting, peeling back the paper and starting over again.

When will you consider your book a success?

I already consider it a success because I have received lots of feedback, from people I did not expect to support my story. I have had testimonial text messages, emails, and phone calls from people telling me how proud they were and how they are glad that I touched on many topics. I have had spiritual leaders tell me that they perceive greatness from my transparency and how many lives my honesty and trials will touch others to heal and be better in their own individual journeys.