“Leaving the island of Jamaica as an infant with her parents, the only home that Iyana Cambell knows is the United States of America. At age sixteen, not only does Iyana lose both her parents, but she meets a law student named Bradley. Iyana feels that she has met her knight in shining armor. However, one Fourth of July, Iyana is set up on a drug charge. Iyana realizes that Florida is home to her, and according to immigration law, she is deported back to Jamaica: a culture she has never known. Iyana is forced to stay with an aunt she never knew and live in poor conditions. Determined to obtain some sense of normalcy, she tries to finish her education and enroll in the University of the West Indies. With no loans or financial aid, she must find another way to make money to pay for school and other necessities. From the pen of Ni’cola comes a tantalizing tale of lies and deceit woven into the exotic life of a dancehall queen. The island of Jamaica has many secrets and taboos to offer. Will Iyana’s naivety cause her to be overtaken by all the deceit or will her Pum Pum bring her into the light?”
That was the basis of Ni’cola Mitchell’s latest novel Pum Pum, which radiates the Jamaican culture and spirit. Ni’cola Mitchell is a Las Vegas native, but she will always call Kingston, Jamaica, home. If the synopsis of Pum Pum left you on the edge of your seat, go ahead and grab the book on August 17. Until then, here’s your chance to learn more about the author and how Iyana would change Chris Brown’s life if she were his girlfriend.
What are your top three places in the world that you would like to visit and why?
I would like to travel to Paris to be able to eat baguettes and write.
I would like to go to Jerusalem to see some of the places where Jesus fulfilled his ministry.
I would like to go to Turks and Caicos because I love tropical climates.
Think of one of your characters from your books. Now think of an infamous celebrity, past or present. How would your character feel about this not-so-good celebrity and why?
I would love to have Dionni meet Chris Brown. She is a sucker for bad boys, but has grown up so she would be able to put him in his place. He is a good guy who has made mistakes and needs a woman who would cheer him on when times are good and not give up on him when things go bad.
Which character are you most like in your recent book?
In Pum Pum, I am most like Iyana. Even though she is naive, she is someone whose kindness people often mistake for weakness and whose strength is underestimated. Also, just like Iyana, I am a Jamaican national who came to America at a young age.
What’s your favorite memory that you can recall growing up as a child?
One of my favorite memories as a child was playing outside. I was such a tomboy! You could find me racing up and down the street and fighting the bullies who tried to mess with my nephews. I can actually say I had so much fun being a kid.
What has been your favorite success story in your life?
The day when I left my Senior in college in Texas to start school at Prairie View University. That was a success story for me because I was only fifteen when I had her and everyone told me I was going to have a bunch of kids and not make it. Now my “mistake” is entering her senior year in college funded by me.
If you were an advocate for a specific cause what would it be and why?
If I were an advocate for a specific cause, it would be against rape. I was a victim of rape and I feel that so many women are scared to just admit that something like that could happen to them. I want women both young and old to know I was a victim of rape, and that life does go on.
Who are the most important people in your life?
My children, my family, and my dog Abby.
For you, what is the best thing about writing?
Writing allows me to have an outlet to touch on subjects that may be hard for me to talk about aloud. Writing allows me to tune out the world and just be me.
Do you have any books coming out soon or any future projects that you would like to share with us?
My new book Pum Pum comes out August 17. It is the story of a girl who is arrested on a false drug charge and deported back to Jamaica. She meets someone who teaches her to become self-sufficient on the island and to become a dancehall queen.
How can people get in touch with you?
You can find me on my websites www.nicolacmitchell.com and www.fromthepenofnicola.com, and Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
VIRGO GIRL 5 THINGS TO ASK:
What would you tell your 21-year-old self?
I would tell my twenty-one-year-old self to not give up, you are beautiful, and you are doing a great job.
I start my day with . . .
A prayer and a good morning motivational post.
If you could invite any woman to dinner, who would it be?
I would invite Cicely Tyson because she is so inspirational to me. I love her finesse, her beauty, and strength.
Best advice you have received?
The best advice I have received is to believe in myself. Start seeing yourself as bigger than you already do. Nothing is too small.
Life motto you live by?
If you want to be somebody, if you want to go somewhere, you better wake up and pay attention.