Full Figure Monologues was written to inspire and lend a voice to full-figured women. It focuses on real life issues and captures our hopes, worries and triumphs. The intent is to open up dialogue and encourage people to sit back and look at life from the point of view of women who are realistically the population within society. Women will be able to truly see themselves or someone they know who has dealt with the struggle to love their curves, entertaining negative thoughts, their relationship with food, letting go of the past as well as the courage to pursue their dreams. Along with our curves, we are real women with everyday struggles. The women in the book put life into perspective and open up to show others that they are never alone. Life is not always going to be easy no matter what size you are, but the journey is absolutely worth it.
Catina Sinches has always had a love for writing. Short stories and poems served as her foundation. A new chapter in her life has begun as she pursues her dream of becoming an author. Coupled with women she knew and her own life experiences motivated her to write Full Figure Monologues. ” I wanted to create something on a personal level that was not centered around losing weight nor what was going on in the fashion industry.” She hopes to inspire and encourage women through writing.
Catina currently resides in Texas. She earned her degree from Texas Southern University and she is also a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.
Full Figure Monologues
Excerpt
Now It Begins
No one can truly understand what it is to be a full figured woman
until you have worn the outfit and walked in our beautiful shoes. For many,
the outfit has been our armor – a shield of unparallel strength that we have
worn since we were cute chubby little girls. Teasing was a cruel reality that
we had to continually endure . The teasing had many faces as it came from
our own family members, friends, kids at school as well as strangers. Our
pretty faces were often covered in tears and were a source of comfort to
reveal our pain as we were too young to truly understand why people were
being so mean to us. The arms of a loving adult or older sibling was also our
refuge as they wiped our tears because we could not understand why they
called us names.
Now take a step back and look at what you have endured and the
blessing that you are still here standing tall. Despite the bumps and bruises
during our journey, we had the strength to carry on. We can’t change the
past but we can take control of the present and begin enjoying life right now
and the many years to come. I know for myself that I can never be mistaken
for anything else, other than a courageous woman. It is with a sincere heart
that I hope you wake up everyday to the sun rays caressing your beautiful
face and start living. When you take the first step and use your heart as your
guide, you will have the courage and strength to stand against anything.
Interview with Catina Sinches
How did you come up with the title Full Figure Monologues?
I honestly think the title chose me. For a long time, we were not always afforded a platform to express the way we feel as women without focusing on our size. I felt as if no one truly heard what we had to say. I wanted a title that would encourage dialogue for full-figured women. In the book, I wanted readers to feel that if they heard just one story, they would be able to see themselves or someone they know in the book. We have the same issues just as anyone else. With that, I thought the title was appropriate.
Why are you passionate about writing for full-figured women?
I have been full-figured all my life and I had to face challenges because of my size. By me writing this book, I wanted to give women a sense that they are not alone.
What advice would you give aspiring writers?
Step out on faith and pursue your dream. No one can take that away from you. Take time to research your craft and don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s okay if you make mistakes along the way, learn from them and keep moving.
Do you have time to read works by other authors when preparing your own?
I don’t have the time that I would like to read a lot when I am working on my own projects. But I do take time to read a little.
Did you always want to be a writer?
I have always had a love for writing. When I was younger, I would always write short stories or poems. At this time in my life, I decided to take it seriously and pursue it.
How do you prepare to write?
I have to be in the mood to write. I don’t force any ideas on paper if the feeling is not there. If I am not feeling my all, I don’t want that to reflect in my writing. But I make sure that I always have pen and paper around all the time so when the feeling hits, I will be prepared.
Are there other genres you are interested in writing?
I would like to continue non-fiction, but I am also interested in fiction as well.
Who has been your source of inspiration for becoming an author?
My parents have been my source for inspiration. Being that they were both educators, that encouraged me to pursue writing.
Where can readers contact you such as Facebook, website, etc.?
Facebook: Author Catina Sinches or Catina Sinches
Website: www.catinasinches.com
Twitter: @CatinaSinches
LinkedIn: Catina Sinches
What’s next for Catina Sinches?
I do plan to continue to write, I absolutely love it. But I would like to take on new projects like film and stage production. Who knows what else, the sky is the limit and you only live once.
Find Catina at: www.catinasinches.com
It is truly exhilitaring that Catina, is standing up for Beautiful Intelligent women with C-U-R-V-E-S; You will be on Monique’s Show, I will give you a year, continue with your Monologue for Beautiful women with C-U-R-V-E-S. I look the term Beautiful Intelligent women with C-U-R-V-E-S.; and the heads of men do turn.{Smile}
Rosalyn
Thanks Catina for being the voice of beautiful, bodacious, blessed, full figured Sistahs every where!! Wishing you much success and many blessings! Go Girl and keep representing!!!