Entrepreneur, digital media marketing consultant, and world traveler Latoya Brown is the author the recently published book, Wanted: Green Card. She also manages a companion blog and online show that both deal with marriage fraud.
Your new book, Wanted: Green Card, is inspired by a painful personal experience. Why did you decide to go public with the story?
Latoya Brown: I decided to go public with this issue because there are a lot of other women who will not. They are hiding in shame from a failed relationship; many of these ladies did indeed help their mate to their home country and they abandoned them not long after receiving the green card. Also, sharing this story is a part of the healing process to moving forward — for them and for me.
How did the process of writing help you to heal?
I am very candid in my blog and in the book — nothing is held back. In this experimental presentation, you can read the book and chuckle at me begging to stay with a person I was carrying financially, or empathize at the fact that he was plainly obvious in his goals of being a user.
As I share all the details in my blog, and the words flow from the pecking of my keyboard I hope that I am reaching other ladies in order to warn them of what could happen.
In your book blurb you point out that “marriage fraud is an international issue that is growing momentum.” Why is this problem on the rise?
The problem is on the rise because of the Internet. Most of the romances start on Facebook or somewhere online and with that technology the men can then reach across the ponds to their new targets and shower her with all kinds of faux love.
What do you hope readers take away from your book?
I hope that the readers will take away empathy and also a pocket full of awareness.
What did you learn about yourself while working on this project?
I learned I don’t like bullshit. I may be distracted, but I do recognize b.s. when I’ve said “I do” to it. And once I come out of that fog I will continue to be phenomenal and continue on track. I think during that relationship I was on track, but slowed down tremendously because of partnering with a mate with bad intentions who was trying to convince me it was sunny while it was raining.
What route did you take with publishing — traditional, small press or self publishing — and why?
Self published because my story could not wait on approval from others to get it out to the public.
What are you currently working on?
The project I am focused on right now is my organization, International Wives of African Men. It has become a support system for many ladies to showcase the negative and the positive of being in a relationship or marriage.